Jose Santiago Sta. Romana Cause Of Death, Obituary, Wife, Children

The Philippines’ ambassador to China, Jose Santiago “Chito” Sta. Romana, has died at the age of 74.

Sta. Romana was among a small group of Filipinos who visited China during the rule of Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos and were subsequently barred from returning home.

As a result, Sta. Romana remained in China from 1971 until Marcos’ toppling in 1986.

Sta. Romana was appointed ambassador to China in 2016 “in recognition of his deep knowledge of China’s history and people,” the Phillipine Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

“Under his distinguished tenure, Philippine-China relations flourished despite differences; indeed they flowered all the more in maturity and were deeply strengthened. We honor his important legacy of selfless service to the Filipino in the most challenging foreign post,” the department said.

No cause of death was given for Sta. Romana’s death. However, Sta. Romana died while in quarantine for COVID-19 on Tuesday, April 19, 2022.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said Sta. Romana was “well known for his profound knowledge of China.”

Wang Wenbin said:

“He worked and lived in China for many years and was our old friend and good friend. After assuming the post of the Philippine ambassador to China in 2017, he worked actively and industriously, making important contributions to promoting bilateral relations and friendship between our two peoples.”

Sta. Romana is survived by his wife and two sons.