Malacañang joined the nation in grieving for philanthropist Elizabeth Gokongwei, who passed away a week after the death of her husband, industrialist John Gokongwei Jr.
Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo described the late Gokongwei matriarch, who died on Saturday at the age of 85, as “the heart and soul of the Gokongwei family.”
‘Selfless human being’
“A gentle, loving, kind, caring and selfless human being Mrs. Elizabeth was. She will be dearly missed,” Panelo said in a statement on Sunday.
He described Elizabeth, who was married to John for 61 years, as “the other half who helped in realizing the vision and dream of one of the greatest business leaders of our time.”
Panelo extended Malacañang’s deepest condolences to the Gokongwei children, friends and employees.—JULIE M. AURELIO