Duterte mourns death of ex-Speaker Nograles

FILE: President Rodrigo Roa Duterte delivers his speech during the 25th National Federation of the Motorcycle Clubs of the Philippines Annual National Convention at the Iloilo Convention Center in Iloilo City on April 6, 2019. SIMEON CELI JR./PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte mourned the death of former House Speaker Prospero Nograles, describing him as a leader who spoke on behalf of Filipinos.

In his condolence message, Duterte said despite Nograles’ demise, other politicians and leaders would continue to be inspired by the former House Speaker’s legacy.

“His legacy as a leader who used his voice to speak on behalf of the Filipino people will continue to inspire other politicians and leaders who are committed to serving their countrymen,’ Duterte said in his message released on Saturday night (May 4).

Nograles, 71, succumbed to respiratory failure, secondary to pneumonia on May 4.

Duterte also offered condolences and prayers to Nograles’ family, saying he was “deeply saddened” to hear of his demise.

“I would like to extend my deep sympathies and condolences to the family of former House Speaker Prospero Nograles,” Duterte said.

“May he find eternal peace and repose in the arms of our loving Father in heaven. It is also my prayer that the Lord Almighty ease your pain and that you will find solace and strength during this difficult time,” he added.

Nograles served the first district of Davao City from 1989 to 1992; in 1995 and for three consecutive terms from 2001 to 2010.

He was elected House Speaker during the term of former President and now House Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Nograles lost his mayoral bid three times against then-mayor Rodrigo Duterte in 1992, Duterte-backed Benjamin de Guzman in 1998, and Duterte’s daughter, now Mayor Sara Duterte in 2010. He also lost his congressional bid against Duterte in 1998.

The late House Speaker ended the political rivalry and supported then mayor Duterte’s presidential bid in 2016.

His son, Karlo, was appointed by Duterte as Cabinet Secretary in 2018.

The former Speaker graduated from the Ateneo School of Law and placed second in the 1971 Bar Examinations.

 (With reports from Lilian Mellejor/PNA)