Marcos pays tribute to late US president Jimmy Carter
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. joined international leaders in paying tribute to former United States President Jimmy Carter, who died peacefully at his home on Monday, December 30, at the age of 100.
In a statement released Monday, Marcos honored Carter's lifelong commitment to humanitarian causes and public service.
"Jimmy Carter was a humanitarian who practiced what he preached: Houses for the homeless and human rights for the oppressed," Marcos said. "Guided by his faith, he was a servant leader who pursued peace in places torn by war and prosperity in societies broken by want."
The president emphasized how Carter's values were universal and resonated with Filipinos, describing these as "the cornerstone of a better, kinder society." Marcos also praised Carter's dedication to public service both during and after his presidency, noting that he was driven "not by politics nor personal gain, but by pure love to one's fellowmen."
Carter, the longest-lived US president in history, passed away "peacefully" surrounded by his family at his home in Plains, Georgia, according to the Carter Center.
The former president, who led the United States from 1977 to 1981, was renowned for his diplomatic achievements, including the Camp David Accords between Israel and Egypt. After his presidency, he founded the Carter Center in 1982, focusing on humanitarian work and conflict resolution.
Carter's engagement with the Philippines was marked by both strategic military alliances and human rights advocacy. Writing to ousted dictator and the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. on April 2, 1977 — four years into martial law in the Philippines — Carter sidestepped direct criticism of mounting human rights violations under Marcos' watch.
The US leader wrote: "I personally attach major importance to the advancement of human rights, particularly personal liberty and due process. I intend to improve our record in the United States, and I hope that you will give your personal consideration to what might be done in the Philippines in this area as well."
Carter kept US military interests paramount, telling the elder Marcos that "the United States has no older or more loyal friend in the Pacific region than the Philippines."
The late US president's dedication to promoting social and economic justice earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.
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