Remulla orders Cavite flags flown at half-staff for rival Maliksi

LUCENA CITY—Cavite Gov. Jonvic Remulla has ordered flags at the capitol and other provincial government offices flown at half-staff in mourning for ex-governor Erineo “Ayong” Maliksi, former political rival of Remulla.

“On behalf of the people serving the capitol, the Remulla family and the province of Cavite, I would like to extend my condolences to the Maliksi family for the loss of their beloved patriarch,” Remulla said in a message posted on his Facebook page on Thursday (Feb. 25).

“Our flags fly at half mast (sic) to honor his service,” the governor said.

Maliksi died on Wednesday (Feb. 24), his family announced. He was 82. The cause of death was not announced.

Remulla said he saluted Maliksi, whom he defeated in a hotly-contested race for governor in 2019.

“Although our relationship was never perfect, I regard him as a gentleman, a leader, and a steadfast Caviteño. These are times when politics end and civility begins,” the governor said.

Remulla said Maliksi “was part of my father’s journey in transforming our province and his contributions should never be forgotten”.

“He was a giant in his generation and a loving father to a grieving family. We are all the better because of his service and his friendship,” he said.

Maliksi used to be a friend and ally of Remulla’s father, Juanito “Johnny” Remulla, a governor of Cavite for 14 years.

In the 2019 elections, Remulla defeated Maliksi in a rematch of a political battle reminiscent of the 2010 race.

Days before the election, a petition for disqualification was lodged against Remulla for alleged vote-buying.

TSB