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Lawmakers, business community mourn passing of industrialist John Gokongwei Jr.
Lawmakers, politicians and members of the business community on Sunday mourned the passing of industrialist John Gokongwei Jr.
Gokongwei, founder and chairman emeritus of JG Summit Holdings, Inc. died on Saturday night at the age of 93.
"RIP John Gokongwei, a man who always tried to provide value to Philippine consumers," Senator Sonny Angara posted on Twitter.
RIP John Gokongwei, a man who always tried to provide value to Philippine consumers
— Sonny Angara (@sonnyangara) November 10, 2019
Senator Panfilo "Ping" Lacson, who, as a former lieutenant colonel in the Philippine Constabulary-Metrocom at the time Gokongwei's daughter Robina was kidnapped, remembered the industrialist's gesture to his team.
"In 1981, I instructed him not to sound intimidated while negotiating for Robina's ransom snapped at her kidnappers, 'P10M? Do you know how long it'll take me to count that much money? You can have my daughter!' I said, not too bold either Mr. John. Rest In Peace, John Gokongwei Jr.," Lacson posted on Twitter.
In 1981, I instructed him not to sound intimidated while negotiating for Robina’s ransom snapped at her kidnappers, “10M? Do you know how long it’ll take me to count that much money? You can have my daughter!” I said, not too bold either Mr John.
— PING LACSON (@iampinglacson) November 10, 2019
Rest In Peace, John Gokongwei Jr.
Responding to a netizen's question, Lacson provided more details:
"We rescued Robina just before the ransom payment, so no ransom was paid. Afterwards, John offered P400K as reward money which I politely declined. He officially donated 10 mobile cars to the PC Metrocom instead thru then Chief PC Fidel V. Ramos," he wrote.
We rescued Robina just before the ransom payment, so no ransom was paid. Afterwards, John offered P400K as reward money which I politely declined. He officially donated 10 mobile cars to the PC Metrocom instead thru then Chief PC Fidel V. Ramos.
— PING LACSON (@iampinglacson) November 10, 2019
Kamuning Bakery Cafe owner Wilson Lee Flores said Gokongwei's death is very sad news for the Philippines.
"This photo was taken 3 years ago, when he was age 90. It is very sad news for the #Philippines that one of our greatest self-made industrialists, a generous philanthropist & respected business leader John #Gokongwei, Jr. has died. Born in #Fujian, South #China & who grew up in #Cebu, he was a visionary who had helped build up the #Philippines economically. #picoftheday #nofilter #rip #potd #death #entrepreneur #leader #instaphoto #instapic #instalike," he posted on Instagram.
De La Salle University also said it is mourning the passing of Gokongwei, who was "an exemplary industry leader, selfless philanthropist, and outstanding Lasallian."
De La Salle University deeply mourns the passing of an exemplary industry leader, selfless philanthropist, and outstanding Lasallian John Gokongwei, Jr. (Master of Business Administration ‘77). pic.twitter.com/8pZqa5PF3v
— DLSU (@DLSUManila) November 10, 2019
Gokongwei had a master's degree in business administration from De La Salle University and attended Harvard Business School's Advanced Management Program, according to JG Summit Holdings Inc. —KG, GMA News
