Duterte visits wake of ex-Speaker Nograles

President Rodrigo Duterte visits the wake of former House Speaker Prospero Nograles in Taguig City. (Photo: Friends of Karlo Nograles/Facebook via Office of the Cabinet Secretary)

MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday night paid his last respects to the late former House Speaker Prospero Nograles.

Duterte visited Nograles’ wake at the Heritage Memorial Park in Taguig City, where he met with the late House Speaker’s family. Aside from Duterte, other guests present at the wake are former Commission on Elections (Comelec) commissioner Gregorio Larrazabal, Supreme Court Administrator Midas Marquez, Senate President Tito Sotto III, Senator Aquilino ‘Koko’ Pimentel III, House Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, and Pubic Works Secretary Mark Villar among others.

Earlier, Duterte said other politicians and leaders would continue to be inspired by the former House Speaker’s legacy despite his passing.

“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.

Duterte, who said he was “deeply saddened” by Nograles’ demise, offered condolences and prayers to Nograles’ family.

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

Nograles, 71, succumbed to respiratory failure on Saturday (May 4).

He served as congressman of the first district of Davao City for 15 years and was elected House Speaker during the term of former President now House Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.