Former senator Ernesto Maceda. FILE PHOTO
Malacañang has extended its sympathies to the family of former Senate President Ernesto Maceda, who died on Monday evening after undergoing gallbladder surgery at the age of 81.
“The late former Senate President Ernesto Maceda distinguished himself as a legislator, Cabinet member and ambassador through more than five decades of dedicated public service,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said in a text message on Tuesday.
“We extend our condolences to his bereaved family and join his bereaved family in fervent prayers for his eternal repose,” he said.
In a separate statement, Vice President Jejomar Binay said he was “deeply saddened” by Maceda’s death.
“Manong Ernie served the nation in various capacities and lived through historic moments in our nation’s history, mostly as an active participant but never as a spectator,” Binay said. “Manong Ernie will be sorely missed by his family, his friends in government and politics, and those who valued and appreciated his work for the nation.”
It was Maceda’s son Edmond who announced that the former legislator had passed away due to multiple organ failure.
READ: Ernesto Maceda, 81
Earlier reports said Maceda first fell into a comatose state. It was also erroneously reported by his former chief of staff that Maceda died on Monday morning. Edmond clarified that his father was still on life support although his chances of survival were “very slim.”
Maceda first became a senator in 1971 during the Marcos administration. He was Senate President from 1996 to 1998 and was Philippine ambassador to the United States from 1998 to 2001. IDL/rga
READ: Ex-Senator Maceda dies after gall bladder surgery