Marinduque political matriarch Carmencita Reyes dies

SAN PEDRO CITY – Marinduque governor and former representative Carmencita Ongsiako Reyes passed away, her relatives confirmed.

She was 87.

Reyes’ son-in-law and Batangas governor Hermilando Mandanas said Reyes died Monday.

In a text message, Mandanas said Reyes suffered from “an aneurysm in the stomach.” The family provided no other details regarding the governor’s prior condition.

Reyes’ grandson Lorenzo Vega, in a Facebook post, said: “Nanay Carmencita will always be remembered for her dedicated and untiring service to the people of Marinduque.”

Reyes served twice as Marinduque’s lone representative from 1987 to 1998 and from 2007 to 2010. She was governor from 1998 to 2007 and from 2010 to 2019.

Her late husband, Edmundo Reyes Sr., was a former Immigration Commissioner.

Her remains lie in state at the Heritage Park in Taguig City until January 9 and would be flown to Marinduque on January 10.

The funeral mass is set on January 11 at the Sanctuario de San Antonio Church in Makati City.