President Duterte yesterday mourned the death of former House Speaker Prospero C. Nograles.
Duterte extended his condolences to the bereaved family of the late House Speaker who died Saturday. Nograles’ son, Karlo, is Duterte’s Cabinet Secretary.
“I would like to extend my deep sympathies and condolences to the family of former House Speaker Prospero Nograles. I am deeply saddened to hear his demise,” Duterte said.
“His legacy as a leader who used his voice to speak on behalf of the Filipino people will continue to inspire other politicians and leaders who are committed to serving their countrymen,” he added.
“May he find eternal peace and repose in the arms of our loving Father in heaven. It is also my prayer that the Lord Almighty ease your pain and that you will find solace and strength during this difficult time.”
House Speaker and former Ppresident Gloria M. Arroyo paid sweet tribute yesterday to the late Speaker Nograles whom she described as a person who was much loved by those he had worked with.
“It was my honor that he was Speaker of the House of Representatives from 2008 to 2010 during my Presidency. I recall how much he was loved, not only by his fellow congressmen but, just as important, by the staff of the House whose welfare he cared so much about,” Arroyo said.
“We will miss him,” added Arroyo, who attended the flag-draping ceremony on Nograles’ remains at the Heritage Park in Taguig City yesterday. Also witnessing the rites was House Secretary General Dante Roberto Maling.
PBA party-list Rep. Jericho Nograles said the former House leader succumbed to respiratory failure, secondary to pneumonia. He was 71.
Cabinet Secretay Nograles said that their father spent his final moments with his loved ones.
The Cabinet Secretary said the wake will be held at Chapel 1 at Heritage Park, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig. Viewing started yesterday and ends today before the remains of the former House Speaker are flown to Davao City tomorrow. (Argyll Geducos and Ellson Quismorio)
