Former QC Mayor Ismael Mathay Jr. passes away

(Updated 9:05 a.m., Dec. 26) Former Quezon City Mayor Ismael Mathay Jr., 81, has passed away, incumbent city Mayor Herbert Bautista said Wednesday.

 

Citing information from Mathay's nephew, Bautista told GMA News Online that the late mayor's remains will be brought to the Christ the King Parish in Quezon City on Wednesday afternoon.

Actress Ara Mina, Mathay's granddaughter, also confirmed the news on her Instagram account.

"Today heaven has gained another angel. I will treasure the memories I have of you. You were one in a million, a great leader and most importantly the greatest loving, and caring grandfather to all of us. Thank you for all the love. We love you lolo! We will truly miss you," Ara Mina posted.

 

Mathay was Quezon City's fourth district representative from 1987 to 1992. After that, he served as Quezon City mayor from 1992 to 2001.

Previously, he served as vice mayor from 1968 to 1971. He was also an assemblyman for Quezon City at the Batasan Pambansa from 1984 to 1986.

He tried to reclaim the mayoral position in 2010 but lost to former actor and then-vice mayor Herbert Bautista.

Mathay was vice governor of the Metro Manila Commission from 1979 to 1986, director of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System from 1979 to 1987, and chairman of the Metro Manila Authority from 1993 to 1994.

Mathay just wed his long-time partner Vilma Valera early this year. — Andreo Calonzo and Marc Jayson Cayabyab/RSJ/BM/KG, GMA News