MANILA, Philippines — Former Senator Vicente Paterno passed away in his sleep on Friday morning. He was 89.
“His health had deteriorated as he advanced into his late eighties, but he took these setbacks in stride and continued to work on his various advocacies as best he could. His final effort was the publication of his autobiography, On My Terms, which he wrote for his grandchildren,” a statement from his family read.
He is survived by his wife Baby, his children Judy, Mailin, Maite, Victor and Tina, and his eight grandchildren.
Paterno served as chairman of the Board of Investments (BOI) from 1970 to 1974, Minister of Industry from 1974 to 1979, and Minister of Public Highways until 1980.
He was elected as a representative to the Batasang Pambansa following his resignation from the late stronghold former President Ferdinand Marcos’ Kilusang Bagong Lipunan. At the time, he criticized the administration’s response to the assassination of opposition Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr.
He then became chairman of the National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel) in Metro Manila during the 1986 presidential elections.
Afterwards, Paterno, a graduate of the Harvard Business School, was appointed Deputy Executive Secretary for Energy from April 1986 to February 1987, and Chairman of the Philippine National Oil Company from March 1986 to February 1987.
Then President Corazon Aquino convinced him to run for senator. He succeeded and served from 1987 to 1992.
He is known for becoming the first general manager of Phinma and the first Filipino treasurer of Manila Electric Company (Meralco).
Paterno started Philippine Seven Corporation in 1982. Popularly known as 7-Eleven, the convenience store has over 1,200 branches in the country.
He served as independent director for different companies such as City Resources Phil Corp., Benpres Holdings Corp., Metro Pacific Tollways Corp., Cityland Development Corp. and of First Philippine Holdings. He eventually resigned as his health failed.
Paterno won several awards – the 1982 MAP Management Man of the Year, the Order of the Sacred Treasure from the Emperor of Japan, and the 2013 Ramon V. del Rosario Award.
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