In a tweet, Sen. Joel Villanueva confirmed the death of his sister.
Her death was also confirmed by the Jesus is Lord (JIL) Church founded by her congressman and evangelist father, Bro. Eddie Villanueva. She served as executive director of the Christian movement.
Villanueva died at 5:08 p.m. due to “sepsis secondary to bacterial pneumonia,” according to JIL.
“Today Bocaue lost its finest public servant. Mayor Joni was relentlessly serving Bocaueños during this lockdown despite her medical condition, which eventually caused her life,” said the senator.
In a statement posted on Facebook, JIL described the mayor as an “exemplary leader, a pioneer, a trailblazer, and woman of vision and action.”
“She dreamed big dreams for God and the ministry and worked day and night to bring those to fruition,” it said.
“While we grieve her passing, let us also not forget to keep praying for the whole Villanueva and Tugna families as they go through this emotional ordeal,” the church added.
The late mayor is also the sister of former Bocaue mayor Jon-Jon Villanueva and Jovi Villanueva-Binalla. Their mother died in March due to “arrhythmia secondary to septic shock.”
Joni Villanueva is also the wife of former congressman Sherwin Tugna.
Several politicians have posted online messages of sympathy to the bereaved family.
Ron Munsayac, executive director of Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan (PDP–Laban), wrote on Twitter: “The @PDPLABAN offers its condolences, sympathies, and prayers for our beloved partymate Mayor Joni Villanueva-Tugna. She has always been one of our exemplar local chief executives as evidenced by her dynamic leadership in Bocaue, Bulacan.”
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 28) — Bocaue, Bulacan Mayor Eleanor “Joni” Villanueva-Tugna passed away on Thursday.
The @PDPLABAN offers its condolences, sympathies, and prayers for our beloved partymate Mayor Joni Villanueva-Tugna. She has always been one of our exemplar local chief executives as evidenced by her dynamic leadership in Bocaue, Bulacan. pic.twitter.com/3hoKjj7OAy
— Ron Munsayac (@RonMunsayac) May 28, 2020
Today Bocaue lost its finest public servant. Mayor Joni was relentlessly serving Bocaueños during this lockdown despite her medical condition, which eventually caused her life. She’s more than a public servant to me, she’s my role model. Will terribly miss her 💔 #gonetoosoon
— Joel Villanueva (@senatorjoelv) May 28, 2020
