I am profoundly saddened to learn of the death of Professor Haydee Yorac, a brilliant lawyer and educator, an incomparable public servant and a staunch defender of freedom, democracy and the rule of law.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and I join the entire nation in mourning the loss of an esteemed colleague.

In life, she demonstrated keen intelligence, exceptional courage and dedication, and unquestionable integrity.

As a young law instructor, she was an outspoken critic of martial law and was among those who invigorated the legal fight to restore democracy in our country.  As COMELEC Chair, she was a proven vanguard of the people’s voice and contributed to restoring the integrity of the electoral process.  As chair of the National Unification Commission, she was an ardent listener of the marginalized and helped provide a venue for meaningful dialogue and concerted action.  As chair of the PCGG, she was an unflagging force that motivated the Commission towards several significant victories in reclaiming ill-gotten wealth.

Despite poor health, Haydee Yorac nonetheless worked resolutely with the DFA on the recovery of ill-gotten assets in Switzerland and Liechtenstein.  It was during her term that Swiss deposits, which were transferred to and held in escrow at the Philippine National Bank, were forfeited in favor of the Republic of the Philippines.  She had also worked closely with the Department, particularly its young foreign service officers, on matters relating to international law and policy, particularly on the law of the sea.

Her achievements in public service are truly admirable and her contributions to nation building continue to strengthen the democratic institutions and processes we hold dear and enjoy today.

In death, Haydee Yorac leaves behind a legacy of committed, honest and principled public service that will continue to inspire generations of Filipinos.