Ex-Defense Chief, Executive Secretary, Congressman, and Peace Adviser dies at the age of 90

EDUARDO ERMITA, a former Defense Secretary, Executive Secretary, congressman, peace adviser, and Deputy Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, passed away peacefully at his home in Batangas province on Saturday. He was 90.

“It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we, the Ermita family, announce the passing of our beloved father, General Eduardo Ramos Ermita (retired), a dedicated public servant and our guiding light,” Balayan Mayor Lisa Ermita-Abad, the late general’s daughter, said in a Facebook post.

“Our father lived a full life in steadfast service to the Filipino people. As a soldier, he served with honor and dedication during some of the nation’s most challenging times,” she added.

Ermita’s wake will be held at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City this weekend before being transferred to the Heritage Memorial Park. His interment is scheduled for October 23 at 11 a.m. at the Libingan.

In separate statements, both the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Department of National Defense (DND) paid tribute to Ermita, hailing him as a “distinguished soldier, peacemaker, statesman, and leader” whose long and storied career left a lasting mark on the military and the government.

“He embodied the highest ideals of honor, service, and patriotism, guiding generations of soldiers with wisdom and integrity,” the AFP said.

The DND also lauded Ermita’s influence beyond his military service, noting his key role in advancing the peace process and strengthening the professionalism of the armed forces.

“His instrumental role in promoting peace and building a more professional military will always be remembered,” the department said.

Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. likewise honored Ermita, describing him as “a true officer and gentleman” whose experiences in war deepened his passion for peace.

“He was instrumental in laying the foundations of peace in our country. Having witnessed the horrors of war firsthand, he developed an unwavering yearning for peace, a conviction that defined his service to the government and the Filipino people,” Galvez said.

Batangas Governor Vilma Santos-Recto and the provincial government also expressed their condolences, calling Ermita “a proud Batangueño soldier and statesman whose life was devoted to public service.”

Ermita’s decades-long career in government included his service as Deputy AFP Chief of Staff (1986 to 1988), Congressman of Batangas’ First District (1992 to 2001), Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (2001), Acting Defense Secretary (2003 to 2004), and Executive Secretary (2004 to 2010) under the administration of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

A proud member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1957, Ermita will be remembered as a soldier, leader, and peacemaker who dedicated his life to the nation he so deeply loved.