MANILA, Philippines — Politicians and members of the business community on Sunday joined the mourning for tycoon John Gokongwei Jr., who passed away Saturday evening.
Gokongwei, who built a thriving consumer business across the Asia Pacific, passed away peacefully on Saturday evening. He was 93.
READ: John Gokongwei, 93
Senator Panfilo Lacson recalled an encounter with Gokongwei when he was still a lieutenant colonel in the Philippine Constabulary Metropolitan Command in 1981.
At that time, Gokongwei’s daughter Robina was kidnapped.
“In 1981, I instructed him not to sound intimidated while negotiating for Robina’s ransom snapped at her kidnappers, ‘10M? Do you know how long it’ll take me to count that much money? You can have my daughter!” I said, not too bold either Mr John.
“Rest In Peace, John Gokongwei Jr.” Lacson said in a Twitter post.
In 1981, I instructed him not to sound intimidated while negotiating for Robina’s ransom snapped at her kidnappers, “10M? Do you know how long it’ll take me to count that much money? You can have my daughter!” I said, not too bold either Mr John.
Rest In Peace, John Gokongwei Jr.— PING LACSON (@iampinglacson) November 10, 2019
“We rescued Robina just before the ransom payment, so no ransom was paid. Afterwards, John offered P400K as reward money which I politely declined. He officially donated 10 mobile cars to the PC Metrocom instead thru then Chief PC Fidel V. Ramos,” he continued in another post.
We rescued Robina just before the ransom payment, so no ransom was paid. Afterwards, John offered P400K as reward money which I politely declined. He officially donated 10 mobile cars to the PC Metrocom instead thru then Chief PC Fidel V. Ramos.
— PING LACSON (@iampinglacson) November 10, 2019
Meanwhile, Senator Sonny Angara described Gokongwei as “a man who always tried to provide value to Philippine consumers.”
RIP John Gokongwei, a man who always tried to provide value to Philippine consumers
— Sonny Angara (@sonnyangara) November 10, 2019
De La Salle University (DLSU) also said it “deeply mourns” the passing of Gokongwei and described him as “an exemplary industry leader” among others.
“De La Salle University deeply mourns the passing of an exemplary industry leader, selfless philanthropist, and outstanding Lasallian John Gokongwei, Jr. (Master of Business Administration ‘77),” the DLSU said in a Twitter post.
De La Salle University deeply mourns the passing of an exemplary industry leader, selfless philanthropist, and outstanding Lasallian John Gokongwei, Jr. (Master of Business Administration ‘77). pic.twitter.com/8pZqa5PF3v
— DLSU (@DLSUManila) November 10, 2019
Meanwhile, Kamuning Bakery Cafe owner Wilson Lee Flores remembered Gokongwei’s contributions and said his death is “very sad news” for the Philippines.
“This photo was taken 3 years ago, when he was age 90. It is very sad news for the #Philippines that one of our greatest self-made industrialists, a generous philanthropist & respected business leader John #Gokongwei, Jr. has died. Born in #Fujian, South #China & who grew up in #Cebu, he was a visionary who had helped build up the #Philippines economically,” Flores wrote in an Instagram post.
According to Gokongwei’ son, Lance, the tycoon passed away “peacefully” while “surrounded by his loved ones.” /je