NEWLY appointed president of airline operator PAL Holdings Inc. Lucio Tan Jr. passed away Monday, Nov. 11, 2019.

Fondly called “Bong,” he was one of the children of business tycoon Lucio Tan. He held various key positions in family-controlled LT Group, Tanduay and Philippine National Bank.

“It is with deep sorrow that I announce the passing of my brother, Lucio “Bong” Tan Jr. this morning, Nov. 11, 2019. He was 53. His untimely passing leaves a big void in our hearts and our Group’s management team which would be very hard to fill,” Vivienne Tan, his sister, said in a statement.

Tan was recently appointed as the president of the country’s flagship carrier on Oct. 28, two weeks before he died in a hospital after a basketball match. Tan is survived by his wife Julie and sons Hun hun (Lucio Tan III) and Kyle Tan.

“Our sincerest thanks to all who offered prayers and shared words of comfort during this hour of grief. Our family continues to request everyone to respect our wish for privacy as we go through this very difficult time. We ask for your prayers for the eternal repose of his soul. Wake details will be announced soon,” the statement read. JOB