Former Representative Benhur Salimbangon (Photo courtesy of Francis Salimbangon)
CEBU CITY –– Former Representative Benhur Salimbangon of Cebu’s fourth district passed away on Thursday, Dec. 24, after a long bout with lung cancer.
He was 75 years old.
In a post on Facebook, his son Francis said Benhur died peacefully around 3 p.m. with his family by his side.
“Up until his last breath, Congressman Benhur fought a good fight, but now God has him back in his kingdom as His warrior,” he said.
Francis described Benhur as a “loving brother, doting husband, guiding father, and caring lolo.”
“He was also the father of the 4th district, the visionary of the north, and a true champion of public service – the epitome of commitment, integrity, and character,” Francis said.
“His memories will be forever etched in our hearts, and his legacy will live on in the lives he had touched,” he added.
The Salimbangon family, he said, was grateful for all the prayers, support, and love for Benhur.
“We ask that you respect the privacy of our family during this difficult time,” he said.
Benhur was a member of the Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (Kampi) and the One Cebu party.
He was first elected to the House of Representatives of the Philippines from 2007 to 2010 and from 2010 to 2019.
In 2019, his wife Janice succeeded him.