NPC, House leaders honor Danding

MANILA, Philippines — Leaders of the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) yesterday paid tribute to their chairman emeritus Danding Cojuangco, who passed away last June 16.

Meanwhile, the House leadership also paid tribute to the influential businessman.

In a statement issued by spokesman Quezon Rep. Mark Enverga, the NPC mourned the passing of Cojuangco, whom they called “Boss” and honored as “party patriarch, friend and loving, kindhearted leader.”

“For almost three decades, he led the party to greater heights to become an institutionalized party whose members truly represent the interest of the people and whose membership is made up of political leaders who value their affiliation to the party and are working together to ensure the enactment of a program of government both practical, enforceable and, more importantly, pro-Filipino,” the NPC said.

“A true nationalist, kind, thoughtful and just person eager to share his thoughts, skills and abilities with his peers, friends and even to others who need his wise advice and counsel,” the party stressed.

The NPC bloc in the House, which had 36 members at the start of the 18th Congress last year, said Cojuangco’s “works, contributions and legacy will always be remembered and he will greatly be missed by his partymates.”

Majority Leader and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez cited the huge contribution to the country’s socio-economic development of the late chairman and CEO of San Miguel Corp., who was also a “philanthropist, a renowned business leader and an outstanding Filipino.”

“The unparalleled success of Boss Danding in the business sector contributed immensely to our economy, employment and nation-building. His compassion to help and serve deeply inspired and taught us the value of generosity, perseverance and hard work,” Romualdez said in a separate statement.