Palace condoles with Arroyo, family on death of brother

Malacañang on Tuesday expressed sympathies to the Macapagal family following the death of Arturo Macapagal, brother of detained Pampanga representative and former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

“The nation lost an outstanding Olympian and a respected business leader with the passing of Arturo D. Macapagal this morning,” Communications Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma said in a statement.

The 72-year-old former athlete died at 6:40 a.m. on Tuesday at the Makati Medical Center where he has been confined for Stage 4 prostate cancer.

READ: Arroyo’s cancer-stricken brother dies

Coloma said Macapagal represented the Philippines in the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich and in 1976 in Montreal.

“[He] held the national record in Olympic free pistol shooting for more than 21 years,” the Secretary said.

Coloma added that Macapagal is also a “recognized leader in the automotive industry and is a staunch supporter of various socio-civic organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and Scholarship Foundation for the Filipino Youth, where he served as Chairman.”

“We extend our condolences to the bereaved family of Mr. Macapagal,” he said.

Arroyo, who is under hospital arrest at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center, on Tuesday asked the Sandiganbayan to allow her to visit her brother’s wake and burial.

READ: Arroyo seeks furlough to attend brother’s wake, burial