The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in the Philippines held a solemn ceremony on October 6, 2025, at Century Seafood Restaurant in Manila to present the Presidential Commendation to the late Ambassador Domingo Y. Lee for his lifelong dedication to deepening friendship and understanding between Taiwan and the Philippines.
Ambassador Wallace Minn-Gan Chow, representing the government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), conferred the award to Mr. Rexford Lee, son of the late ambassador. In his remarks, Ambassador Chow lauded Lee’s pivotal role in restoring and strengthening Taiwan–Philippines relations following the diplomatic break in 1979.
“Ambassador Lee was a bridge between our nations—a man whose vision and perseverance helped keep the spirit of Taiwan–Philippines friendship alive during challenging times,” Ambassador Chow said.
Ambassador Lee was instrumental in reestablishing air links between Manila and Taipei and in defending Taiwan’s dignity and international presence. Beyond diplomacy, he served as an adviser to former President Corazon Aquino, where he promoted the Philippines–Taiwan Friendship Act in Congress to bolster bilateral ties.
A respected business and community leader, Ambassador Lee also served twice as president of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII), where he championed community unity, philanthropy, and Mandarin education in the Philippines.
Family members, diplomats, and Filipino-Chinese community leaders attended the ceremony, offering heartfelt tributes to Ambassador Lee’s decades of public service and unwavering dedication to fostering friendship and cooperation between Taiwan and the Philippines.
His legacy, they said, continues to inspire future generations to uphold the same values of service, goodwill, and bridge-building between nations.