(UPDATED) Tycoon and Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) founder Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco Jr. has passed away at 85.
His demise was confirmed in a disclosure Wednesday, June 17, 2020, by food and beverage giant San Miguel Corporation, which he led as chairman and chief executive officer.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the Palace was saddened by his passing.
“Mr. Cojuangco, through his San Miguel Corporation (SMC), where he served as its Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), had immense contribution to the socioeconomic development of the Philippines through the company’s operations in food, beverages, energy, power, oil refining, and infrastructure,” Roque said in a statement.
“SMC has provided livelihood opportunities to tens of thousands of our countrymen as direct workforce, and creation of additional jobs as suppliers, distributors, retailers, and the like. In these trying times, Mr. Cojuangco’s SMC has been a reliable partner of the government in mitigating the impact of the Covid-19 by providing support and assistance to frontliners and vulnerable sectors,” he added.
Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, a member of the NPC, said the passing of Cojuangco “leaves a big hole in our hearts”.
“He lived an extraordinary life, a successful man who wore many hats as he made waves in the business sector and splashes in public service. The vast ocean of entrepreneurship and political leadership will never drift as suavely and smoothly without his engaging presence,” Sotto said in his statement.
“The legacy and vision of NPC’s big boss will continue with all its members, friends and especially, among his family. The Sotto clan mourns the loss of a mentor and beloved friend. Salamat sa lahat lahat, Boss Danding,” he added.
Senator Grace Poe, who first ran under the NPC banner, said Cojuangco always looked for ways to empower communities.
“He opened up opportunities for pervasive success as he believed deeply in the capabilities of Filipinos,” she said in a separate statement.
“We are saddened by his passing, but we celebrate a legacy, too, of the man behind iconic Filipino brands who in so many ways gave his share to make our country better,” she added.
Cojuangco had been chairman of the board and CEO of San Miguel since July 7, 1998. He was also the chairman of the executive committee of the company.
Other positions he held in other companies were: chairman and CEO of Ginebra San Miguel Inc.; and chairman of San Miguel Food and Beverage, Inc. Petron Corporation, ECJ & Sons Agricultural Enterprises, Inc., Eduardo Cojuangco, Jr. Foundation, Inc., San Miguel Northern Cement, Inc., and Northern Cement Corporation,
He was a director of Caiñaman Farms, Inc.
Cojuangco had served as ambassador as well as governor of Tarlac.
He ran for president under the NPC banner in the 1992 elections, the first presidential election under the multiparty system, and lost to then Defense Secretary Fidel V. Ramos who was anointed by the late President Corazon C. Aquino. (Marites Villamor-Ilano/SunStar Philippines)