Socrates, Palawan environmentalist, dies

DR. JOSE Antonio Socrates with his grandson Ethan. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY—Dr. Jose Antonio Socrates, a multiawarded a leader of the anticorruption and environmental campaign in Palawan, was found dead on Sunday afternoon at a public beach in an apparent case of drowning.

Police were still investigating the incident, but the 64-year-old orthopedic surgeon and environmental activist appeared to have died while swimming.

Senior Superintendent Abad Osit, city police chief, cited initial investigation reports which noted “no external injury” on the body.

Socrates, a rural doctor and recipient of several local and international awards, including the 2007 Sasakawa Health prize for his pioneering work on rural medicine, was also a vocal anticorruption activist. He was known to friends simply as “Doc Soc.”

At the time of his death, Socrates was the main complainant in a corruption case lodged against public works officials who implemented infrastructure projects funded by Palawan’s share from the Malampaya natural gas royalty.

Cesar Ventura, former provincial budget officer and head of the Kilusang Love Malampaya, was saddened by Socrates’ death and vowed to continue the group’s advocacy despite the loss of their main stalwarts, including broadcaster Dr. Gerry Ortega who was murdered in 2011.

Osit said Socrates was last seen early Sunday when he was preparing to take a swim at BM Beach on the outskirts of the city proper. His body was found floating late afternoon by fishermen who alerted the police.

An autopsy conducted by Dr. Perla Palao showed that the victim died of heart failure, according to his wife Cecil Socrates.