Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Former Land Transportation Office (LTO) chief Virginia “Virgie” Torres died on Saturday (January 2) after suffering from cardiac arrest. She was 63.
On Saturday, Malacañang extended its condolences to the family of Torres.
“We extend our sympathy and condolences to the family of former Assistant Secretary (ASec.) Virginia Torres,” Presidential Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr said.
The former assistant secretary was in public service for 33 years, and retired last October 2013.
She began her career in government as a cashier at the Tarlac LTO in 1980. After that, she served in different positions at the agency.
The official’s brother, Ruben, told radio program DZMM that Torres was brought to the hospital on New Year’s eve due to dizziness. After that she went into cardiac arrest, he said.
Torres’ brother added that his sister did not complain of any health problems or stress despite being implicated in a smuggling complaint.
The Bureau of Customs (BoC) last December said that its Intelligence Group has recommended the filing of charges against the official, but did not detail if it’s related to the smuggling complaint.
Related: BOC: Charges recommended vs former LTO chief
In August last year, Torres was seen visiting the BoC to follow up the release of 50 containers of alleged smuggled sugar from Thailand, and dropped the name of President Benigno Aquino III.
The former LTO chief, however, denied that she mentioned the president’s name.
CNN Philippines’ Patricia de Leon and Yumi Lugod contributed to this report.
