Monico welcomes Bing at wake of late wife

Former Bacolod City mayor Monico Puentevella welcomed his former political nemesis, former Bacolod City mayor Evelio “Bing” Leonardia, at the wake of his wife, the late Josefa "Patching" Puentevella, on Friday, September 15, 2023, at Rolling Hills Memorial Chapels in Lacson Street, Bacolod City.

Leonardia was with his wife, Elsa, when they paid their last respects to Mrs. Puentevella, with whom they are relatives.

In the Facebook post of Puentevella's son, Nicky, he said, "Your last wish has been granted, Mommy. Only you make things happen. Thank you."

The late Mrs. Puentevella was supposed to celebrate her 76th birthday on September 18.

Before her death, she celebrated her birthday in advance at St. Vincent's Home for the Aged on September 1.

It was the nuns and Damas Dela Claridad who hosted a surprise birthday party for her, and she was very happy to spend her birthday there.

But the following day, she was hospitalized until her death.

‘BLESSING FROM GOD’

Meanwhile, former mayor Puentevella has considered his wife a blessing from God.

He said this during the first mass offered to his wife, with his son, Monico Jr., standing beside him.

Puentevella said, “God has blessed me so much by giving her to me as my wife, who is loving, caring, and understanding. She always wants me to always succeed in life. I am not always around because of my work in sports, as a politician, and as a businessman. But she never complains or has spoken badly of anyone.”

"She is an angel who is now with the Lord. Now that you're gone, I am taking full responsibility for our family,” he added.

He also said that it is "painful to lose her. She had all the best doctors, but once the Lord called anyone home, no medicine could stop it."

The family is praying for her eternal repose, the former mayor said.*