Former city mayor dies

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City lost one of the political leaders who served during the early 60s after former mayor Mario Ortiz passed away early morning yesterday at the age of 93.

Born on April 9, 1922, Ortiz was a native of Sibonga town, Cebu.

The fourth of his five children, Edwin Ortiz, said it was a shock to the family when he died since he was still doing well, even in his office work.

“It was a surprise to us. He was still okay. He even attended to his law firm (lawyer Mario Ortiz and associates). He was still all smiles,” he said in a telephone interview yesterday.

He recalled that his father experienced a mild stroke three years ago but eventually recovered.

“He woke up 4 a.m. and had hard time breathing. We were about to bring him to the hospital… the ERUF was already about to respond but it was too late,” Edwin said.

Ortiz died in his house in Beverly Hills, Barangay Lahug, Cebu City

“Probably, he died due to heart attack or maybe cardiac arrest since there is still no official cause of death,” Edwin said.

Before he was elected mayor Ortiz served as secretary to then mayor “Serging” Osmeña. He was also elected councilor under Osmeña and then vice mayor.

Ortiz was elected mayor in 1963. He would also serve as commissioner of the Commission on Elections in 1986. He would serve a few more years in public service before engaging in private law practice in Cebu City.

He was married to Dr. Julita Villacorta-Ortiz, who also passed away early this year. She was an assistant regional director of the Department of Education.

His wake is at the Imperial Room of Cosmopolitan Nivel Hills in Barangay Lahug. His interment is on August 7 at the Cebu Memorial Park in Barangay Banilad.. — (FREEMAN)