Remulla patriarch dies at 81

MANILA, Philippines – Former Cavite governor Juanito Remulla died early Monday, December 29. He was 81.

Cavite Governor Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla confirmed in a text message to Rappler that his father passed away at 9 am that day but did not provide details.

The Remulla family is expected to release an official statement later on Monday.

Former Cavite Representative Gilbert Remulla first announced on his Facebook wall the death of his father, but later removed it.

The elder Remulla is the patriarch of a political clan in Cavite, which includes his  sons Jesus Crispin “Boying,” former representative and provincial board member; Gilbert; and Jonvic, a former vice governor and board member before his current position. Jonvic is also a spokesperson of Vice President Jejomar Binay.

Remulla was the longest-serving governor of the province – from1979 to 1986, and again from 1987 to 1995. He was also appointed acting governor in 1964 and 1965.

He ran for re-election in the 1995 elections but lost. He fielded his son Jonvic in the 1998 vice gubernatorial race in an attempt to reclaim the capitol. (READ: Remulla’s sweet revenge)

Remulla, a lawyer by profession, obtained his  degree from the University of the Philippines College of Law where he was among the top 10 students. He placed 4th in the 1956 Bar examinations, and served as senior partner in the Remulla, Estrella & Associates Law Office.

At the age of 38, he was elected to the 1971 Constitutional Convention, and was named chairman of the Committee on Local Governments.

Remulla was born on April 14, 1933, in Imus, Cavite, to farmer parents. A consistent honor student, he was the class valedictorian in elementary school and first honorable mention in high school. – Rappler.com