Former Commission on Elections Chairman and noted election lawyer Sixto Brillantes has passed away, the poll body said Tuesday. His family said last week that he had been diagnosed with COVID-19. He was 80.
Brillantes is a go-to lawyer for high profile cases, including the protest of movie legend Fernando Poe Jr., who lost to former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in 2004. He also represented former President Joseph Estrada.
The immediate cause of death was not immediately known. He expired three days before his 81st birthday. "He will be fondly remembered by his grateful COMELEC family," poll body spokesman James Jimenez said on Twitter.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque also extended his condolences. "He served the nation well," the palace spokesman said.
Brillantes was named Comelec chairman in 2011 until 2015. In late July, he was diagnosed with COVID-19 and was intubated, his daughter and staff were quoted in news reports.
