MANILA, Philippines — Many government officials as well as those from the private and business sectors expressed sadness over the passing of The Manila Times Chairman Emeritus Dante Arevalo Ang (DAA).
Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) chief Persida Rueda-Acosta said that she could not help break down in tears after learning about the death of DAA “who would be a great loss to me and the PAO.”
“He is like a father to me...my adviser and ardent supporter. He let me be a legal columnist of The Manila Times for more than two decades in full support of PAO's mission for justice and rule of law,” the chief public attorney said.
Condoling with his loved ones, Presidential Adviser on Poverty Alleviation Larry Gadon said that DAA was a long-time and ever-reliable friend.
“He is a great man who had helped shape the destiny of our country by his vision and passion for truthful public information which is an important tool for governance and national development,” the anti-poverty presidential adviser said.
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte extended her “heartfelt condolences” to the family and loved ones of DAA.
“Mr. Ang was a fixture in Philippine public life for decades, with a career that spanned journalism and government service,” Belmonte said.
“Under his stewardship, The Manila Times helped define the national conversation for many years, and in his passing, it is our hope that it will continue to uphold integrity in truth-telling,” she added.
Navotas City Mayor John Rey Tiangco and Rep. Toby Tiangco conveyed their “deepest sympathies and condolences to the family and loved ones of Dr. Dante Ang Sr.”
Malabon City Mayor Jeannie Sandoval and husband, Rep. Ricky Sandoval, likewise said that they were deeply devastated upon learning the sad news over DAA’s death.
Offering their deepest condolences, the Sandovals described him as “the genuine pillar of journalism, a truly respected publisher and undeniably, a worth-emulating public servant.”
“Ang kanyang dedikasyon sa pagbibigay ng tapat at makabuluhang balita ay nag-iwan ng malalim na ambag sa ating lipunan at sa patuloy na pagpapalakas ng ating demokrasya,” the Sandovals said.
Victor Lim, Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) president, said in a statement that they mourned the passing of a true titan of Philippine journalism, and “a dear friend to our organization—Dante Arevalo Ang, DBA, Chairman Emeritus of The Manila Times.”
“Our nation lost a pillar, and we also lost a brother,” Lim said.
“Dante was more than an accomplished newspaperman, he was a guardian of truth. But his greatness was not confined to newsprint,” he said.
“He was the embodiment of the self-made man. Starting from humble beginnings who had lost his father in his youth, he built businesses on sweat, high intellect, resourcefulness, and an unshakable work ethic,” the FFCCCII head said.
An outstanding Filipino of Chinese heritage, DAA never forgot what truly mattered: country, Lim said.
“More than an advocate of Philippine progress, he was its active exponent—using his influence, his resources, and his voice to champion economic development, social harmony, and good governance,” he stressed.
“To us at FFCCCII, Dante was more than a respected media figure. He was a confidant, a partner in economic and civic causes, and a genuine friend,” Lim added.
The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) said Ang Sr. would be "remembered for his excellence, spirit, and dedication to uplifting the lives of Filipinos across the globe."
Ang served as CFO chairman from 2005 to 2010 under the administration of then president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and as Special Envoy for International Public Relations from 2017 to 2020 under former president Rodrigo Duterte.
“Under his stewardship, the CFO took on the challenge of establishing a secure and accessible overseas licensure for Filipino Nurses through the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) testing center in the Philippines. Through tireless negotiation with the U.S. National Council of State Boards of Nursing, coordination with Philippine agencies, and unwavering advocacy, Executive Order 550 was signed and Manila became an official NCLEX testing site in 2007, significantly lowering costs, improving access, and enhancing the global competitiveness of Filipino nurses,” the CFO said.
The commission is currently headed by his son, Dante Ang II, who was previously chairman and CEO of the Times.
