Senator, broadcaster Eddie Ilarde, 85

MANILA, Philippines — Former senator Eddie Ilarde, who became famous for his stint as a host of a noontime show in the ’80s, died yesterday at the age of 85.

Although no details were immediately available, Ilarde’s family clarified that the former senator’s death was not related to COVID-19.

Ilarde was a radio and television host who was elected to one term in the Senate. He also served one term each as a congressman and as an assemblyman of the Interim Batasang Pambansa.

On radio and television, he hosted such programs as Kahapon Lamang, Student Canteen and Darigold Jamboree. His first office as a public servant was being a councilor of Pasay City in the early ’60s.

Ilarde was one of the victims of the bombing of a political rally at Plaza Miranda on Aug. 21, 1971. He was connected with dzBB radio prior to his death.

He had a TV and radio drama program, Dear Kuya Eddie, that popularized the catchphrase “napakasakit Kuya Eddie” which was also used in a popular song inspired by an unfortunate story of an overseas Filipino worker who was cuckolded by his wife while working abroad.