Zambales Congressman Diaz passes away

MANILA, Philippines - Rep. Antonio Diaz of the second district of Zambales passed away yesterday morning due to complications from pneumonia. He was 83.

A statement issued by the House of Representatives said Diaz died of multiple organ failure secondary to sepsis and pneumonia at 6:20 a.m. at the St. Luke’s Medical Center in Quezon City.

Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr., who visited Diaz at the SLMC on Tuesday, offered his condolences to the family and loved ones of the veteran lawmaker on behalf of the House of Representatives.

Belmonte said Diaz “was one of those who served longest the people of Zambales, who have all the confidence in him.”

A necrological service is set at 10 a.m. today at the Batasang Pambansa session hall, he said.

Diaz was survived by his four children, Ramon Victor, Roderick Albert, Roberto Carlos and Rica Victoria, daughters-in-law Anna, Carla and Maria, son-in-law Ronald Arambulo and grandchildren Regina, Marianna Antonia, Bianca Alberta, Ricardo, Rafael, Sabrina Victoria and Sidney Louise.

“His demise is a great loss to the people of Zambales, whom he faithfully represented and served during his extensive years of service at the House of Representatives,” a statement from his family said.

“The Diazes are honored to have enjoyed a memorable and loving connection with their patriarch. They will be proud to continue commemorating the fruitful life, achievements and legacies of Rep. Antonio Diaz,” it said.

A lawyer by profession, Diaz started his career in government as deputy customs commissioner (1963-1964), and as head of the legal department of land reform commission (1964-1965). He was elected vice governor of Zambales (1967-1969) before bagging his first of many congressional terms in 1969.

At the time of his death, he was chairman of the House committee on inter-parliamentary relations and diplomacy. He was also vice chairman of the House committees on games and amusement, and on veterans affairs and welfare.