MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Justice’s flag is at half-staff as a tribute to former Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez who passed away Sunday from lingering illness.
Gonzalez has served as Justice Secretary during the Arroyo administration.
“We wish to offer our prayers in the time of sorrow for an astute lawyer and a dedicated family man. He lived a long and fruitful life and may he rest in God’s peaceful presence,” Justice Secretary Leila De Lima said in a statement.
As a Justice Secretary, among the high profile cases during his stint included the plunder case against former President, now Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada, Jaime Dichavez, Atong Ang and Jinggoy Estrada, coup d’ etat case against now Senator Antonio Trillanes, murder case against Rod Strunk, Nur Misuari for rebellion, syndicated estafa against Mayor Celso De Los Angeles.
Based on a statement by his family, the former Justice chief died peacefully surrounded by his wife Dr. Pacita Trinidad Gonzalez and their children after they pray the holy rosary.
The wake will be at Chapel 6 Heritage memorial Park in Taguig. Interment will be in Heritage Park, Taguig on Sept. 14.
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