MANILA, Philippines — The lawmaker-wife of former Camarines Sur congressman and budget secretary Rolando Andaya Jr. died over the weekend from cancer.
Marissa Andaya, who inherited her husband’s post as representative of the first district of their home province, is a member of the current 18th Congress.
She had been battling cancer for seven years.
“The love of my life has passed on into eternal life. Her people lost their leader, our children their caring mother, and I, my best friend,” Rolando, or “Nonoy” to most of his colleagues, wrote in a statement sent to journalists yesterday.
“Marissa was a cancer warrior, staving off the ravages of that cruel disease for seven years. Always cheerful, she never allowed her sickness infect the people around her with despair,” he added.