Former Iloilo governor Tupas dies

MANILA, Philippines (3rd UPDATE) – Former Iloilo governor Niel Tupas Sr died early Tuesday morning, November 24, at the Philippine Heart Center in Quezon City.

Iloilo 5th District Representative Niel Tupas Jr announced his father’s death in a post on his official Facebook account.

“At 1:35am this morning November 24, 2015, our dearest tatay, Niel D. Tupas Sr, returned to his Creator. He is now at peace with God. Thank you for all your love, prayers, and support. We love you, tatay. You will always live in our hearts,” the lawmaker said.

Tupas, 82, died after battling prostate cancer, just days away from his 83rd birthday. He was reportedly hospitalized twice before his death.

“He had multiple organ failure due to prostate cancer,” the younger Tupas told Rappler in a text message. 

“His remains will stay for 3 days at Loyola Commonwealth then will be brought home to Iloilo for the funeral,” he added. 

Malacañang expressed sympathy to the long-time public official’s family.

“We extend our sympathy and condolences to the bereaved family of the late Governor Niel Tupas Sr. His record of public service is distinctive: as governor, representative and mayor in Iloilo,” Palace Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr said in a statement.

“His loss is mourned by his province mates and the Filipino people who value his dedication as a public servant,” Coloma added.

Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr, on behalf of the members of the legislative body, also extended condolences to his colleague’s family. 

“We thank him for dedicating his life to the service of our country. We offer our prayers for his eternal rest as well as for comfort to those he has left behind, especially his son Niel Jr. who is our colleague at the House of Representatives,” Belmonte said.

Prior to his gubernatorial post, the clan patriarch of one of Iloilo’s most prominent families served as mayor of Barotac Viejo, assemblyman at Region VI Batasang Pambansa, and 5th District Iloilo representative.

The former governor faced graft charges before the anti-graft court Sandiganbayan’s Fifth Division over the Iloilo provincial government’s alleged overpayment of electricity amounting to P4 million in 2007.– Rappler.com