MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang Saturday expressed its condolences to the family of businessman and former ambassador to Laos Antonio Cabangon-Chua.
"Former Ambassador Antonio Cabangon Chua was an exemplary business and social entrepreneur who unfailingly manifested his commitment to Philippine progress in diverse fields of endeavor," Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said.
Coloma said Chua has established print and broadcast media organizations which gained broad-based patronage and recognition.
“We extend our condolences to his bereaved family," he added.
Chua passed away on Friday. He was 81.
Among the media entities Chua has established include Philippines Graphic, Business Mirror, Pilipino Mirror and Aliw Broadcasting Corp.
He also founded other companies engaged in insurance protection, real estate and banking and finance such as Citystate Savings Bank, Fortune Life Insurance Co., Inc., Eternal Plans Inc., Citystate Properties and Management Corp., among others.
Chua represented the country as ambassador to Laos during the administration of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. - Kristine Daguno-Bersamina