答中方对罗马纳大使不幸病逝深表哀痛。罗马纳大使是菲律宾著名“中国通”，曾长期在华工作生活，是我们的老朋友，也是好朋友。2017年出任驻华大使后，积极勤勉工作，为推动双边关系发展和中菲人民友谊作出了重要贡献。中方对他的辞世表示深切哀悼和惋惜，向他的亲属表示诚挚同情和慰问。我们将会同大使的亲属和菲律宾驻华使馆处理好后续事宜并尽可能提供便利。

A We are deeply saddened by the passing of Ambassador Jose Santiago L. Sta. Romana due to an illness. Ambassador Jose Santiago L. Sta. Romana is well known for his profound knowledge of China. 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. We are deeply grieved by the loss of a good friend and extend our heartfelt condolences to his loved ones. We will work together with his family and the Philippine Embassy in China to properly handle follow-up matters and provide every convenience possible.