Philippines extends solidarity with Singapore, pays tribute to Lee Kuan Yew

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - The Philippines expressed solidarity with Singapore following the passing of Singapore's founding father Lee Kuan Yew, deputy presidential spokeswoman Abigail Valte said today.

Valte said President Aquino has sent his personal condolences to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong who has always extended every official and personal courtesy to the president in his visits to Singapore and their official interactions in the ASEAN community.

"As the Singaporean people mourn the passing of Lee Kuan Yew, the Filipino people join them in honoring a statesman who can justifiably be called the Founding Father of the Republic of Singapore," she said.

Valte said that throughout the elder Lee's long life, as prime minister and senior minister, he demonstrated an unswerving devotion to his country and turned it into a state that has become an exemplar of efficient, modern, and honest governance.

"The development of Singapore has earned it the respect of nations and peoples, including the tens of thousands of Filipinos who work there and visit the country ... An era has passed, one upon which Singaporeans can look back on with deep pride and a sense of accomplishment," she added.