Cruz, ex-POC president, 85

MANILA, Philippines - Former Philippine Olympic Committee president Rene Cruz died of heart attack Wednesday morning. He was 85.

Cruz served as the head of the local Olympic body from 1993 to 1997 and as president of the Philippine Badminton Association during the same period.

The country’s last Olympic medal came during Cruz’s term – a silver medal won by Mansueto “Onyok” Velasco Jr. in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.

“He (Cruz) will be best remembered for that. It’s his legacy,” said POC secretary-general Steve Hontiveros.

Cruz’s remains lie in state at the Loyola Memorial Chapels in Sucat, Parañaque. Cremation is set on Oct. 3.