Former House Speaker Prospero Nograles (Photo from his Facebook account)
Updated @ 12:05 a.m., May 6, 2019
DAVAO CITY, Davao del Sur, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday condoled with the family of the late former House Speaker Prospero “Boy” Nograles, whom he called “a leader who used his voice to speak on behalf of the Filipino people.”
“I would like to extend my deep sympathies and condolences to the family of former House Speaker Prospero Nograles. I am deeply saddened to hear his demise,” the President said in a statement.
“His legacy as a leader who used his voice to speak on behalf of the Filipino people will continue to inspire other politicians and leaders who are committed to serving their countrymen,” the President said.
Nograles, the representative of the first district of Davao City who led the 14th Congress from February 2008 to June 2010 after Pangasinan Rep. Jose de Venecia was ousted, passed away “peacefully and surrounded by family,” his son, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, announced on Saturday.
Nograles died at the age of 71 after succumbing to “respiratory failure, secondary to pneumonia,” his son, Puwersa ng Bayaning Atleta party-list Rep. Jericho Nograles, said.
The Cabinet secretary said the wake would be held at Chapel 1 of Heritage Park, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig.
Viewing will be until Monday, after which the former Speaker’s remains will be flown to Davao City on May 7.
The Nograleses were erstwhile rivals of the Dutertes in Davao politics.
The late lawmaker mounted several attempts against the Dutertes or their anointed allies for the city’s top elective post.
In 1992, Prospero ran against but lost to then reelectionist mayor and now President Duterte.
Six years later, he was also soundly defeated by Duterte’s protege, Benjamin de Guzman.
Prospero last fought against a Duterte during the 2010 mayoralty race that was won by the President’s daughter Sara.
During the 2016 elections, the Nograleses supported President Duterte’s candidacy, virtually ending the bitter rivalry between the two political clans.
The President wished that the late former solon “may find eternal peace and repose in the arms of our loving Father in heaven.”
“It is also my prayer that the Lord Almighty ease your pain and that you will find solace and strength during this difficult time,” the Chief Executive said.
A lawyer by profession, Prospero graduated at Ateneo de Manila Law School in 1971, placing second in the bar examinations that same year. /cbb