Former Cebu governor Pablo ‘Pabling’ Garcia passes away at 95

The capitol building of the Cebu provincial government CDN FILE PHOTO

CEBU CITY – Former Cebu governor Pablo “Pabling” Garcia passed away on Wednesday, August 18.

He was 95.

His son and incumbent Cebu 3rd District Rep. Pablo John Garcia confirmed his father’ death in a social media post on Thursday.

“It is with deep sorrow that the family of Pablo ‘Pabling’ Paras Garcia announces his passing last night,” Pablo John said.

The cause of death was not revealed yet.

While the wake and interment services are open to immediate family members only, the family said they may hold necrological services once the quarantine restrictions are eased.

Garcia served as Cebu governor from 1995 to 2004. He was succeeded by his daughter and incumbent governor Gwendolyn.

He previously served as the vice-governor of Cebu from 1969 to 1971.

Pablo has been elected as a member of the House of Representatives of the Philippines for several terms.

He served as representative of the third district of Cebu from 1987 to 1995, and the second district of Cebu from 2007 to 2013.

A graduate of the University of San Carlos, Pablo ranked third in the 1951 Bar Examinations.

In 2007, the Garcia family established the One Cebu political party.

The Garcia patriarch was elected chairman of the Committee on Revision of Laws on August 7, 2007 and was consequently appointed deputy speaker in May 2008.

Pablo joined his wife, former judge Esperanza Garcia who died in 2016; and his two sons Nelson and Marlon who both died last year.

Pablo is survived by his children Gwendolyn, Diedra, Winston, Byron, Farla, and Pablo John as well as his 27 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.

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