Lawyer Bruce Rivera answer questions from the media in this file photo taken on May 2, 2017.
INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / JOAN BONDOC
MANILA, Philippines — Lawyer and social media influencer Bruce Rivera passed away on Sunday, his sister confirmed.
Rivera, suffered from an aneurysm in July 2022. He went into a coma and eventually woke up. Rivera then underwent a brain surgery and was on recovery mode.
Just over a month ago, Rivera posted a Facebook reel thanking Vice President Sara Duterte for visiting him.
He was seen sitting in a wheelchair next to Duterte.
READ: Social media influencer Atty. Bruce Rivera in ‘coma’ due to aneurysm
“Thank you Dodong Bruce for being my brother and for always having my back. I want the world and you to know that I love you more than you’ll ever know. You are an irreplaceable part of my life. Though this farewell weighs heavy in my heart, I find solace in knowing that you will find eternal rest and serenity,” said Elaine Rivera Vergara in a Facebook post.
Rivera’s friend, Atty. Nick Nañgit also posted a message online about Rivera’s passing.
READ: Revered Inquirer columnist, women’s rights fighter Rina Jimenez-David dies
“He used to invite me to his Teleradyo program on TV5, Boljak, on several occasions. We immediately clicked. Later, after he left that program, he invited me to his home. It was my first, only, and longest time to be with him from brunch till evening,” Nañgit said.
“I am deeply saddened by his demise, not only because our country lost a very brilliant, honest, and patriotic mind, but more so because I lost a true friend,” he added.
Rivera is a known supporter of former President Rodrigo Duterte. He was also known to be close to the younger Duterte.