Tarlac congressman Enrique Cojuangco dies

MANILA, Philippines (2nd UPDATE) – Tarlac First District Representative Enrique Cojuangco died on Tuesday, May 12.

House Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales II told reporters that Cojuangco, 74, died early Tuesday morning after suffering from an aneurysm.

Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr also confirmed the news. “We’re sorry about his untimely demise,” Belmonte told reporters. 

Cojuangco is the younger brother of business magnate Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco Jr, and the maternal uncle of President Benigno Aquino III.

As the chairperson of the House committee on economic affairs, Cojuangco pushed for the passage of the Philippine fair competition act.

In honor of Cojuangco, Belmonte gave assurances Tuesday that the measure would be passed in the 16th Congress. 

In a statement, Malacañang conveyed its sympathies to the lawmaker’s family.

“We convey our deepest condolences to his bereaved family. Representative Cojuangco served for two terms and was known and admired for his professionalism and dedication to public service,” Malacañang said.

Belmonte also expressed his condolences. 

“Henry has been a staunch advocate and author of the Fair Competition Bill and will always be remembered for his dedication and very pleasant demeanor. We, his colleagues, hope to keep his memory alive by taking on his significant legislative advocacies,” the Speaker said in a statement. 

He added: “In behalf of my colleagues, the officials of the Secretariat and the entire House of Representatives as well as of my family, our prayers and sympathies to Violeta, his widow, and their four children as well as to His Excellency, President Benigno S. Aquino III, Henry’s nephew.” – Angela Casauay/Rappler.com