Former Cebu lawmaker and governor Pablo Garcia has died at the age of 95, his family said Thursday.
The elder Garcia died on Wednesday, according to his granddaughter, Liloan Mayor Christina Garcia-Frasco. She did not disclose the cause of death.
He is the father of incumbent Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, former GSIS president and general manager Winston Garcia, Cebu 3rd District Rep. Pablo John Garcia, and their siblings Deirdra, Byron, and Farla.
Garcia served as governor of Cebu for three terms, from 1995 to 2004, and represented the province's 3rd legislative district from 1987 to 1995.
He also served as congressman of the 2nd district of Cebu from 2007 to 2013, during which he was also a deputy speaker at the House of Representatives.
A lawyer by profession, Garcia placed third in 1951 Bar Examinations and became a trial lawyer, law professor, and constitutionalist.
The House of Representatives mourned Garcia's passing, saying his public service record is "an extraordinary feat worthy of emulation."
"Cebu and the entire nation lost an exceptional public servant admired for his diligence, intelligence and integrity. He will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him and working with him," said Speaker Lord Allan Velasco.
Frasco said the wake and interment services for the late governor would be limited only to family members due to current quarantine restrictions.
"The family requests prayers for his eternal repose, and privacy in this difficult time of profound grief," she added.
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