Former Las Piñas mayor Vergel “Nene” Aguilar passed away due to a heart ailment on Friday morning, August 20, his family confirmed later that day.

“At the age of 74, Nene joined our beloved Creator today, August 20, 2021, at 4:12 am, succumbing to a heart ailment after being confined at St. Luke’s Medical Center – Global City,” his wife, current Las Piñas mayor Imelda Aguilar, said in a statement.

“Nene, it pains all of us that you are no longer with us, but we know that you have accomplished your mission in this world, not only to your family and loved ones, but to the hundreds of families you have served and supported throughout your years in service,” his wife added.

The city government said details of Nene’s wake would follow.

Aguilar served as mayor of Las Piñas for 18 years, first from 1995 to 2004, then from 2007 to 2016. Las Piñas became a city in 1997, under his leadership.

He joined public office in 1992 to follow in the footsteps of his father, former Las Piñas mayor and congressman, Dr. Filemon Aguilar.

Before he became mayor, Aguilar was a property developer and businessman. – Rappler.com