MANILA (October 19) – Eduardo Ermita, a respected military leader and public servant who held key roles in both government and defense, passed away at his home in Batangas province on Saturday. He was 90 years old.
“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 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 Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City this weekend before being transferred to Heritage Memorial Park. His interment is scheduled for October 23 at 11 a.m., also at Libingan.
In separate statements, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Department of National Defense (DND) paid tribute to Ermita, describing him as a “distinguished soldier, peacemaker, statesman, and leader” whose decades of service helped shape both the military and the civilian bureaucracy.
“He embodied the highest ideals of honor, service, and patriotism, guiding generations of soldiers with wisdom and integrity,” the AFP said.
The DND also highlighted his legacy beyond military service, recognizing his contributions to the national peace process and the professionalization of the armed forces. “His instrumental role in advancing the peace process and strengthening the professionalism of our soldiers remain deeply remembered,” the agency said.
Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. described Ermita as “a true officer and gentleman, a statesman and a peacemaker.”
“He was instrumental in laying and solidifying the very foundations of peace in our country. Having witnessed the horrors of war firsthand, he developed a profound and unwavering yearning for peace. This conviction propelled him to carve out a unique niche within the military establishment and make the peaceful resolution of conflict the central focus of his service to the government and the Filipino people,” Galvez said.
Throughout his distinguished career, Ermita held several key positions. He served as AFP deputy chief of staff (1986–1988); Batangas First District representative for nine years (1992–2001); Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process in 2001; acting Defense Secretary (2003–2004); and Executive Secretary (2004–2010) during the administration of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Ermita was a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1957.
In a poignant turn of events, just hours after his passing, his elder brother, Dr. Crisogono Ermita, former AFP surgeon, also passed away at the age of 92.
