Category Archives: death

Mitt Romney, Sarah Palin on Margaret Thatcher’s death

Margaret Thatcher, British prime minister from 1979 to 1990, died Monday of lingering illness. She was 87. Mitt Romney, Sarah Palin, and Condoleezza Rica, three leading American conservative politicians, expressed their tributes to the “Iron Lady” via Facebook.

Mitt Romney, 2012 United States presidential candidate and former Massachusetts governor

History will enshrine Margaret Thatcher as a transformational leader who helped defeat communism, promote freedom, and bring hope to the oppressed. Her penetrating words and compelling vision will last for generations.

Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher

Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, 1925 to 2013 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Sarah Palin, 2008 United States vice presidential candidate and former Alaska governor

We’re deeply saddened at the loss of Margaret Thatcher. While the Iron Lady is sadly gone, her iron will, her unfailing trust in what is right and just, and her lessons to all of us will live on forever. She was a trailblazer like no other. We lost an icon, but her legacy, as solid as iron, will live on in perpetuity.

Condoleezza Rice, United States secretary of state, 2005 to 2009

I am deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Baroness Thatcher. There was no more potent force in the defense of freedom than this remarkable woman. Her unshakable belief in the universal appeal of liberty helped to steer the free world through treacherous times until communism was defeated and Europe emerged whole, free and a peace. I was honored to know her and to be inspired by her. Baroness Thatcher will be missed but generations will draw strength from the memory of her passion for freedom.

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To PhilStar: Malabon’s Vice Mayor is actually a MAN

Tito Oreta, Malabon Mayor, dies at 73

Malabon City Mayor Canuto “Tito” Oreta died of lung cancer Monday morning at the St. Luke’s Medical Center. Oreta, 73, has battled the disease since 2007. He is on his third and last term as mayor. His nephew, Vice Mayor Antolin “Len-len” Oreta III, will officially succeed him in the coming days.

The younger Oreta, who will turn 41 on September 16, has served as the acting mayor of the flood-prone city since his now-deceased uncle went on a medical leave early this year. He is the son of former Senator (and presidential aunt) Tessie Aquino-Oreta.

Philippine Star’s epic fail

The Philippine Star published the story of Oreta’s death at 10:50 AM, 37 minutes ahead of GMA News Online did and over an hour ahead of its rival Philippine Daily Inquirer. However, the Philippine Star’s article carries at least three factual inaccuracies. Curiously, the writer of the brief article is not identified.  (Corrections had not been made even after three hours. – TFS)

First, they initially misspelled the late mayor’s surname as “Ureta” before belatedly correcting it.

The PhilStar initially misspelled the surname of Mayor Tito Oreta (click image to enlarge)

Secondly, the story says that the Vice Mayor is a woman and that he is a daughter of the elder Oreta. If the article writer and his or her editor bothered to check out the website of the Malabon city government, they would have found out that the Vice Mayor is actually a man (despite his ‘feminine’ nickname) and that he is a nephew of the deceased mayor.

philippine star tito oreta

To PhilStar: Vice Mayor Lenlen Oreta is a man, and he is not a “daughter” of the late mayor. (click to enlarge)

It is a given that media outlets will do all they can to get ahead of others in running a story (e.g. “You got it here first!”). The competition had become fiercer nowadays because of the social media, where sites such as Twitter are used extensively for disseminating breaking news.

Nevertheless, a very brief article with three glaring factual lapses as in this case is unforgivable especially since information verification can easily be done online. As humor blogger Professional Heckler once wrote, “Naimbento na po ang Google. Libre po ito. Gamitin n’yo.”

 

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Jesse Robredo, Luis Villafuerte, and Jejomar Binay

Prior to serving in the cabinet of President Benigno Aquino III, the late interior secretary Jesse Robredo earned national and international recognition for his leadership of Naga City, the capital of Camarines Sur province. Robredo served as mayor for six non-consecutive terms, or a total of 19 years. His stint in public office, however, has not been free from controversy.

Two weeks before the May 2007 elections, elements identified with the camp of Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Villafuerte tried to have then-Naga City Mayor Jesse Robredo disqualified from seeking reelection because of citizenship issues. Tributes for the late secretary will certainly dominate the headlines in the days to come, but this is one event that should not be forgotten.

Villafuerte served as president of Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (KAMPI) until it merged with LAKAS-CMD (the other dominant administration party at that time) in May 2009.  Then-Senator Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo formed KAMPI in 1997 as a launching pad for a potential 1998 presidential bid (she ran and won as the running made of LAKAS-NUCD standard-bearer Jose de Venecia instead).

Jesse Robredo Naga City Mayor

Then-Naga City Mayor Jesse Robredo (Credits: Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism)

Robredo was so convinced that the Commission on Elections will rule against him that he persuaded his wife to run for mayor as well. The other candidate for the position is Jojo Villafuerte, a nephew of the elder Villafuerte. The move to have Robredo disqualified from the race gained greater national attention after former president Corazon Aquino and erstwhile members of the Arroyo cabinet announced their support for him.

Aquino went on to describe Robredo as “one of the best mayors (the Philippines) has ever had,” adding that all mayors should be like him. Despite the citizenship issue, Robredo handily won reelection that year, winning by more than 40000 votes. Same as in 1998 when he first became term-limited, Robredo did not field a relative to succeed him as mayor.

In 2007, Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism’s Alecks Pabico quoted Robredo to have said: “Not a relative, not my wife, not anyone who has blood relations with us (will take over my post).” At age 42, Robredo received the coveted Ramon Magsaysay Award for government service in August 2000.

Robredo was awarded Asia’s Nobel Prize for “giving credence to the promise of democracy by demonstrating that effective city management is compatible with yielding power to the people.” Robredo, the citation also states, “demonstrated that democratic government can also be good government.” Looking back now, the attempt to engage an outstanding public servant like Robredo in political trickery definitely looks silly. The ones behind it should be ashamed of themselves.

jejomar binay funny picture

Jesse Robredo and Vice President Jejomar Binay had a minor dispute in 2010 over the interior secretary post

Robredo vs. Binay

Robredo got embroiled in another controversy in 2010. Shortly after being proclaimed as the Vice President, Jejomar Binay expressed his interest to be the interior secretary. Several individuals, most notably Solita “Mareng Winnie” Monsod, publicly dissuaded Aquino from appointing Binay.

The outgoing Naga City mayor eventually landed the job, while Binay largely settled for the positions previously handled by Noli de Castro, his predecessor. Robredo is affiliated with the Liberal Party (or the Balay faction) while Binay is supported by the Samar group.

Robredo and Binay have been able to co-exist peacefully the past two years. However, sometime last year, a public word war erupted between the secretary and Binay’s son Junjun (who succeeded his father as Makati Mayor) after the violent demolition of slums in Guadalupe Viejo, Makati.

Noynoy Aquino on Dolphy’s death

President Benigno Aquino III has made the following statement regarding the death of Comedy King Dolphy, or Rodolfo Vera Quizon Sr. in real life:

Dolphy was a good man who embodied the common Filipino: he loved deeply, knew the value of humor, respected his fellowmen, and was always ready to face any challenge life threw at him. He came from a generation that went through a lot of trials—and the struggle taught him to be humble, honest, and helpful. He never turned his back on his peers; he never turned his back on the people who had propelled him toward success.

Throughout his life, Dolphy showed that hope and happiness always lie at the other side of adversity; he knew that any problem can be overcome through a positive outlook. He did not only revolutionize the entertainment industry; he also changed our national consciousness for the better: through his art, he extended our worldviews, and gave us the ability to reflect on, value, and find joy in the daily realities of Filipino life.

dolphy for manny villar

Dolphy endorsed Manny Villar, Aquino’s main rival during the 2010 presidential elections

I, along with my family and the rest of our administration, join the Quizon family in mourning. The passing of Rodolfo Quizon Sr.—our King of Comedy—is a truly sorrowful moment for a nation that, for so long, found happiness in his work.

(Originally posted in www.Gov.PH)

PS: President Aquino and Dolphy have had an interesting relationship the past two years. In 2010, Dolphy endorsed Senator Manny Villar, Aquino’s main rival for the presidency. The former even appeared in two television campaign ads for Villar. A few months after assuming office, Aquino bestowed on the Comedy King the Order of the Golden Heart.

As Dolphy’s condition worsened in recent weeks, many personalities publicly called on Aquino to give the former the National Artist Awards, but presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda emphasized that it cannot be done because of the pending TRO against the conferment of such awards (this will be discussed at length in a future post).

 

Dolphy dead at 83

Fidel Jimenez, Amanda Fernandez, and Amanda Lago filed this report for GMA News Online:

Comedy King Dolphy dies, 83.

Dolphy, or Rodolfo Vera Quizon Sr., passed away Tuesday at 8:40 p.m., at the Makati Medical Center, thus ending one of the longest and most colorful lives and careers in Philippine show business history. He was 83 and about to turn 84 on July 25.

 
This was confirmed by a close family member Tuesday evening. Dolphy died of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. He also suffered from kidney ailments.

 
Dolphy was rushed to the Intensive Care Unit on Saturday, June 9, after complaining of difficulty in breathing.  His potassium level had also dropped.

 

Dolphy did this commercial for Dolfenal back in 2005. 

 
The Philippines’ Comedy King underwent several dialysis treatments while in the hospital. He also had at least two bouts of pneumonia, with the last one occurring only recently.

In an earlier report GMA News’ “24 Oras,” a son of the actor-comedian, Ronnie Quizon, said his father was suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a condition which limits the amount of air that enters the lungs.

“Simple phlegm can kill him. Kasi nga, nagbabara sa lungs niya. Basically that’s what COPD does to you,” he explained.

Angelo Castro Jr., veteran journalist, dies at 67

*Another journalism icon dies. I’ll always remember him and Tina Monzon-Palma doing the late night news during the mid 90s, back when I was still in elementary. They delivered the news with class. No shouting, side comments, and sensationalized items. I will always miss those days.

Tributes from his friends, colleagues, and his avid viewers are now all over Twitter. Angelo Castro’s death reminds me of Peter Jennings, who anchored ABC World News in the US from 1979 to 2005. He also died of lung cancer.

From ABS-CBNNews.com:

Angelo Castro (1944-2012), dies of lung cancer. He was the long time host of The World Tonight

MANILA, Philippines – A pillar of broadcast journalism, Angelo Castro Jr., has succumbed to cancer.

The 67-year-old Castro passed away on Thursday at the St. Luke’s Medical Center in Quezon City. He had a long and courageous fight against lung cancer.

He is survived by his wife June Keithley and son Diego.

Castro is known for being the main man of “The World Tonight” since it returned on air on ABS-CBN in 1986 and moved to ANC in 1999.

He took a break only for two years until his return in 2011 due to illness.

His health, however, continued to deteriorate, forcing him to leave anew the show.

His wife, June Keithley Castro, recently appeared on ANC revealing both their fight against cancer. Keithley was diagnosed with cancer of the breast in 2009.

“No, he’s not well… My husband has always been a very handsome, macho, control freak… So I had to tell his doctors, ‘You know it’s very difficult for him now because it’s out of his hands, di ba? He can’t control it,’” Keithley revealed.

“I went to him and I said, ‘Okay, you can’t do this to the kids, ha.’ I told him, ‘You better fight.’”

Statement from Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda:

We mourn the passing of Angelo Castro Jr. For many years he was a calm and reassuring presence in the late evening news. His passing marks the closing of an era of gentlemanly broadcasting, where erudition and dignity were the hallmarks of news and current affairs.

Isagani Yambot, Inquirer publisher, dies of heart attack

According to reports by Rappler.com and GMA News Online, Yambot died of heart attack Friday night. His death came a week after he went a heart bypass surgery last week. He was 77. A lifelong journalist, Yambot served as the Executive Editor of Malaya before being tapped to be the publisher of the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

Isagani Yambot, 1934-2012 (photo from Rappler.com)

Here are some reactions to his death via Twitter:

Manolo Quezon (former Inquirer columnist) – “Mourns the passing of Isagani Yambot. Was first and foremost a journalist’s journalist, never jaded, always a perfectionist and a gentleman.”

Jing Reyes (head, ABS-CBN News) – Our condolences. He will be missed..

Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel – So sad abt d death of Isagani Yambot. :( condolences to his family, friends & colleagues. Prayers for his peace & consolation for all

Meanwhile, the Inquirer has released this brief statement:

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our publisher Isagani Yambot. Gani as he was fondly called was instrumental in the success of the Inquirer. We are very grateful to all of his contributions and we applaud his passion and commitment to his work. We request that you join us in prayer for the eternal repose of his soul.

Statement from the Palace

In a statement, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte described Yambot as a “calm, cheerful presence not only in the newsroom and boardroom of his paper, but in every gathering of note among journalists and between media, civil society, and government.”

Valte noted that Yambot “was one of the links with the pre-martial law press who mentored a new generation of journalists to understand just how much a free press matters.” “The loss of his presence will be felt deeply by a nation that knows all a newsman can ask for, in the end, is this simple epitaph: he wrote it, as he saw it, with honest words and with his only master, the truth,” Valte concluded.

Ignacio “Iggy” Arroyo dies of cardiac arrest abroad

UPDATE (8:00 PM)

Quoting former First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo, ABS-CBN’s RG Cruz reported that Negros Occidental Rep. Ignacio Arroyo has died after the life – support systems were removed from his body. “Support systems were pulled out already thirty minutes ago. My brother passed away already. I’m so sad,” the elder Arroyo said.

UPDATE (1:40 PM):

ABS-CBN’ RG Cruz reports that according to the former First Gentleman, “Iggy is brain dead or clinically dead but has not been pronounced as dead by doctors.” Iggy is still on life support, but it “could be taken out anytime.” The older Arroyo said’d he’ll issue an official statement at the proper time.

***

Philippine Daily Inquirer’s Isa Avendano reports that Negros Occidental 5th District Rep. Ignacio “Iggy” Arroyo has “succumbed to cardiac arrest while undergoing treatment abroad.” He was 60. His remains would be brought to the country any day from now, his brother former First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo said in an interview with DZIQ.

Rep. Ignacio "Iggy" Arroyo has died of cardiac arrest while undergoing treatment abroad

He was on his third and final term in Congress. He was first elected in 2004, a year after he gained nationwide prominence when he went public to claim ownership of the mysterious Jose Pidal bank accounts. In a series of Senate inquiries held from August to September 2003, Senator Panfilo Lacson repeatedly stressed that the First Gentleman is the real owner of the bank accounts. He also scored the younger Arroyo for acting as a “fall guy.”

In an interview with ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau’s Rose Eclarinal last December from the United Kingdom, the younger Arroyo stated that he will not be able to return to country until January of this year upon the recommendation of his doctor, Professor Roger Williams of The London Clinic. He refused to elaborate on his medical condition, but he insisted that he is not running away from charges stemming from his alleged involvement in the sale of second-hand helicopters to PNP.

During the 14th Congress (from 2007-2010), when members of the ruling Lakas-Kampi CMD still dominated the House of Representatives, Iggy Arroyo chaired the House Committee on Natural Resources. He was also the vice chair of the Committee on Government Reorganization. At the same time, he was a member of the following congressional committees:

Appropriations
Agriculture
Agrarian Reform
Public Works and Highways
Foreign Affairs
Trade and Industry
Higher Education
National Defense

He earned his degree in Business Administration (major in finance) from the University of San Francisco in 1974. He is survived by his three daughters Bianca Marie, Dina, and Alelu.

Related news:

Mike’s Brod: I am Jose Pidal (Philippine Star, September 2, 2003)

Curriculum Vitae of Rep. Ignacio “Iggy” Arroyo

Lessons on leadership from Steve Jobs – a tribute

What a shock to know about Steve Jobs’ sudden death just this morning (Philippine time). Tributes poured in from the world’s who’s who: from United States President Barack Obama (“The world has lost a visionary. And there may be no greater tribute to Steve’s success than the fact that much of the world learned of his passing on a device he invented.”), Microsoft Corp. Chair Bill Gates (“For those of us lucky enough to get to work with him, it’s been an insanely great honor. I will miss Steve immensely.”), HP CEO Meg Whitman (“He will be remembered for the innovation he brought to market and the inspiration he brought to the world.”), Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg (“Steve, thank you for being a mentor and a friend. Thanks for showing that what you build can change the world. I will miss you.”), and many others.

Steve Jobs (1955-2011) - screenshot from Apple.com

Late last August, Jobs resigned as Apple CEO. Here’s his brief resignation letter:

To the Apple Board of Directors and the Apple Community:

I have always said if there ever came a day when I could no longer meet my duties and expectations as Apple’s CEO, I would be the first to let you know. Unfortunately, that day has come.

I hereby resign as CEO of Apple. I would like to serve, if the Board sees fit, as Chairman of the Board, director and Apple employee. As far as my successor goes, I strongly recommend that we execute our succession plan and name Tim Cook as CEO of Apple.

I believe Apple’s brightest and most innovative days are ahead of it. And I look forward to watching and contributing to its success in a new role. I have made some of the best friends of my life at Apple, and I thank you all for the many years of being able to work alongside you.

Steve

Tribute to Steve Jobs from Apple.com

For all his leadership acumen and innovativeness, Jobs is totally aware of his limitations. In this letter, he indirectly acknowledged that his declining health (without dwelling on the specifics) has adversely affected his capability to meet his duties and responsibilities as Apple’s CEO. Just like any good leader, he not only thought about his legacy – he also made it perfectly clear that the company he founded will be able to march on even without him by nurturing potential leaders within his organization. All leaders must not only know when to relinquish power – he/she must also be able to guarantee continuity. This is another lesson we can learn from Steve Jobs.

Tribute from Apple, Inc: http://www.apple.com/stevejobs/

Obituary from CNN:

http://edition.cnn.com/2011/10/05/us/obit-steve-jobs/index.html?hpt=T1

Obituary from Wall Street Journal:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424053111904875404576528981250892702.html