Former Senator Ernesto Maceda passes away

MANILA -- Former Senate president Ernesto Maceda passed away at 8:58 p.m. Monday due to multiple organ failure at St. Luke’s Medical Center. He was 81.The announcement was made to the media by his son and namesake Ernesto Meceda Jr.Maceda, who served as Senate president from 1996 to 1998, suffered a stroke last week and underwent a gall bladder operation two days ago but suffered multiple organ failure.The remains of the former senator will be brought to Mt. Carmel Shrine in Quezon City for the funeral.Maceda, dubbed as Mr. Expose , has an outstanding record of public service spanning 43 years in high government positions.His career has been marked by numerous outstanding achievements starting fom his election at the age of 23 as the No. 1 councilor of Manila in 1959. Because of his achievements in the City Council, Maceda was named Outstanding Councilor of Manila.”A columnist for the Philippine STAR, Maceda served as Philippine ambassador to the United States from 1998 to 2001.He also served as the secretary of Commerce and Industry from 1970 to 1971 and executive secretary 1969 to 1970 under the late President Ferdinand Marcos.Maceda earned his Bachelor of Laws degree from the Ateneo de Manila University where he graduated cum laude in 1956.He was born in Pagsanjan, Laguna on March 26, 1935 and married to Marichu Vere-Perez. The couple was blessed with four children. (PNA)