Gloria Arroyo's cancer-stricken brother passes away

Published August 11, 2015 10:04am

(Updated 12:38 p.m.) The cancer-stricken brother of former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has passed away, radio dzBB reported Tuesday morning.

Radio dzBB's Allan Gatus reported that Arturo Macapagal was declared dead at 6:40 a.m., according to lawyer Larry Gadon.

UPDATE: Ayon kay Atty. Larry Gadon, miyembro ng legal team ni CGMA, pumanaw si Arturo Macapagal kaninang 6:40 am. | via @allangatus
— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) August 11, 2015

Mrs. Arroyo was supposed to visit her brother this afternoon. Macapagal was confined at the Makati Medical Center's intensive care unit for stage four prostate cancer.

The Sandiganbayan on Monday granted Mrs. Arroyo's request to leave detention from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. today to visit Macapagal.

On Tuesday morning, the House of Representatives observed a moment of silence for Macapagal before the budget hearing.

Palace extends condolences

In Malacañang, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. extended condolences to Macapagal’s bereaved family.

Coloma described Macapagal as “an outstanding Olympian” who represented the Philippines in the 1972 (Munich) and 1976 (Montreal) Olympic Games.

The Palace official added that Macapagal had held the national record in Olympic free pistol shooting for more than 21 years.

Coloma further said that Macapagal was a “respected business leader” and a “recognized leader in the automotive industry.”

He also remembered former President Arroyo’s late brother for his socio-civic work, including his support for Habitat for Humanity and the Scholarship Foundation for the Filipino Youth. — with Andreo Calonzo/ALG/KG/RSJ/NB, GMA News

Tags: gloriaarroyo, arturomacapagal