In this file photo taken in 2014, Sen. Bong Revilla hugs his father Ramon Revilla, Sr., after delivering a privilege speech at the Senate session hall. (Photo by GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE / Philippine Daily Inquirer)
MANILA, Philippines — Former Sen. Ramon Revilla Sr. passed away Friday afternoon. He was 93.
His son Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. confirmed the news in a short Facebook video.
“Wala na po tatay ko. Wala na po tatay ko (My father is gone). Please pray for him,” a teary Bong said.
According to the senator, his father succumbed to heart failure.
“He is now free from physical pain and is in the loving arms of our Creator,” Bong said in a statement.
“Thank you very much for the love and prayers, as we ask for continuous prayers for the eternal repose of his soul,” he added.
The younger Revilla recently asked the public to pray for his father, who he said was “going through a rough time,” days after his angiogram procedure indicated that his heart was “okay” and that he did not need to undergo heart surgery.
Late last month, the Revilla patriarch, a former actor who became popular playing amulet-carrying movie characters, was rushed to the hospital, where he was hooked to a ventilator.
The older Revilla served as a senator from 1992 to 2004. He was also an award-winning actor best known for his movie roles Nardong Putik and Pepeng Agimat.