Elizabeth Gokongwei with husband, John. FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte condoled Sunday night with the family of Elizabeth Gokongwei who passed away Saturday, a week after her husband died.
Gokongwei was the wife of JG Summit Holdings founding chair John Gokongwei Jr.
Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea accompanied Duterte when he visited the wake of the late Gokongwei matriarch in Taguig City.
Malacanañg on Sunday said it mourned the death of the Gokongwei matriarch, calling her as the “other half who helped in realizing the vision and dream of one of the greatest business leaders of our time.”
Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said Elizabeth was “a gentle, loving, kind, caring and selfless human being.”
Quoting Elizabeth’s son, Lance, from his book “Lessons from Dad,” Panelo said she was “the heart and soul of the Gokongwei family.”
“Describing her mother, the Gokongwei heir added, ‘She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, friend. She was an optimist. She always had a smile on her face, and looked at the brighter side of life,’” he said.
Gokongwei matriarch Elizabeth dies at 85