Arroyo’s cancer-stricken brother dies

Pampanga representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was supposed to visit brother Arturo Macapagal Tuesday afternoon. He died Tuesday morning after a bout with prostate cancer. TONETTE T. OREJAS/INQUIRER CENTRAL LUZON FILE PHOTO

Two-time Olympian Arturo “Art” Macapagal, brother of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, died on Tuesday after a long bout with prostate cancer.

Macapagal, 72, passed away at 6:40 a.m. at the Makati Medical Center, according to the Philippine Sports Commission.

Macapagal has been confined in the hospital since July 2 because of Stage 4 prostate cancer.

Son of former President Diosdado Macapagal, Art competed in shooting (men’s free pistol event) during the 1972 Munich and 1976 Montreal
Olympics.

READ: Who is Arturo Macapagal?

“I’ve known Art for many years. He had many accomplishments during his time as an athlete and officer in shooting,” said PSC chair Richie Garcia.

Macapagal served the Philippine National Shooting Association for eight years and ran for the presidency of the Philippine Olympic Committee in 2008 but lost, 19-21, against incumbent POC president Jose Cojuangco Jr.

“He loved sports. He used to call and give advice. Those are deeply appreciated,’’ said Garcia. “I just extend my condolences to the family.”

Macapagal is the eldest son with Diosdado’s first wife Purita dela Rosa. He’s the half-brother of former President Macapagal-Arroyo, daughter of former First Lady Evangelina Macaraeg, Macapagal’s second wife.

Arroyo, who is in hospital arrest at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center, was granted by Sandiganbayan a five-hour furlough to visit Macapagal on Tuesday afternoon.

READ: Arroyo gets 5-hour furlough to visit cancer-stricken brother

Her camp is expected to file another motion following the death of Macapagal.

Honored as the Most Outstanding Shooter for the Decade by the POC in the 80s, Macapagal became the president of the Philippine Olympians Association and part-owner and president of Toyota Pasong Tamo.

Macapagal held the national record in the Olympic free pistol for 21 years and a top awardee of the Philippine Sportswriters Association in 1973 and 1974. With a report from Erwin Aguilon

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