MMDA’s Lim dies of heart attack

MANILA, Philippines — Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Danilo Lim passed away after suffering a heart attack yesterday, over a week after contracting COVID-19.

Malacañang mourned the death of Lim and lauded him for his service to the Duterte administration.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said Lim died before 8 a.m. Lim was 65.

Lim tested positive for COVID-19 on Dec. 29. He said his symptoms were mild.

Chief presidential legal counsel Salvador Panelo said Lim was “fearless in fighting for what he believed in, especially with respect to political abuses and related issues.”

Senate President Vicente Sotto III and Sen. Francis Tolentino, a former MMDA chief, said the demise of Lim would “create a vacuum in the corridors of noble men.”

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana also offered his condolences to Lim’s family.

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte and other mayors in Metro Manila also mourned the passing of Lim.

“He was hardworking, humble and compassionate,” Belmonte said.

San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora said he was honored to have been able to work with Lim.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque also extended his condolences to Lim’s family.

President Duterte appointed Lim, a retired military officer, to the MMDA in 2017.

Lim served as deputy commissioner of the Bureau of Customs during the presidency of Benigno Aquino III. He resigned in July 2013 due to alleged corruption in the BOC. – Ghio Ong, Janvic Mateo, Cecille Suerte Felipe, Neil Jayson Servallos, Christian Imperio, Romina Cabrera, Michael Punongbayan, Sheila Crisostomo, Marc Jayson Cayabyab