Elly Pamatong dies at 78 –spokesperson

Former presidential candidate Elly Velez Pamatong died at the age of 78, spokesperson Rameses Javier Casten said on Thursday.

In a statement, Casten said Pamatong passed away on July 24 from cardiac arrest.

“It is with profound sorrow and regret that I have to announce the passing of Atty. Elly V. Pamatong, Esq., last July 24, 2021, due to a cardiac arrest. He was 78,” he said.

“This is contrary to the circulating speculation that he died of COVID-19, which we categorically and vehemently oppose and deny,” he added.

On August 1, the ashes of Pamatong were inurned in the chapel of his group in Bitas, Arayat, Pampanga, in the same place where he died.

Casten said Pamatong’s family wanted to mourn in silence and privacy, thus they had avoided sharing information and media coverage on his death.

“I am of the conviction that despite the recent incidents and political activity, Atty. Pamatong became one of the active participants in the rich history of the politics in our country,” he said.

“It is wished, therefore, that we carry on his legacy with courage and resilience, and that his death be conveyed in an orderly manner worthy of his dignity and person.”

Pamatong was a critic of President Rodrigo Duterte.

He ran for the presidency in 2004 and 2010. — DVM, GMA News