(CNN Philippines) — Tarlac Rep. Enrique M. Cojuangco Sr., an uncle of President Benigno Aquino III, died of an aneurysm early morning on Tuesday (May 12). He was 74.
House Majority Floor Leader Neptali Gonzales II confirmed the death of lawmaker, a second-term representative of the first district of Tarlac, the home province of the Cojuangcos.
Malacañan Palace, through Presidential Communication Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr., issued a statement on Cojuangco’s death: “We convey our deepest condolences to his bereaved family. Representative Cojuangco served for two terms and was known and admired for his professionalism and dedication to public service.”
Cojuangco was the younger brother of Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco, chairman and chief executive officer of San Miguel Corp. and founder of the Nationalist People’s Coaliltion (NPC).
The younger Cojuangco was also an NPC member, once serving as its president.
His son, Enrique “Kit” Cojuangco Jr., is the incumbent vice governor of Tarlac.
He was also a first cousin of the president’s mother, former President Corazon Aquino.
Cojuangco served as the chairman of the board and president of Optimum Development Corporation.
He also served as the chairman of Filsov Shipping Co., Inc., president of the Agricultural Investors Inc., executive vice President of Northern Cement Corp., and director of J&E Development Corp. and Jewelmer International Corp. Mr. Cojuangco served as vice chairman of Ginebra San Miguel Inc.
CNN Philippines’ Anjo Alimario contributed to this report.
