Julius Fortuna writes 30

MANILA, Philippines - Veteran journalist and political analyst Julius Fortuna, 61, died yesterday of cardiac arrest at the Capitol Medical Center in Quezon City.

Fortuna, a native of Udiongan, Romblon, is survived by his wife Sabina, son Amilkar and daughter Jillian, as well as brother Edmund, sister Ma. Victoria Tobari and brother-in-law Chizuka Tobari.

His wake will be at the Paz Memorial Chapels , Araneta Avenue , Quezon City. Interment details will be announced later.

“We rushed him to the Capitol Medical Center after he complained of chest pain but he was declared dead upon arrival at the hospital,” Sabina told The STAR in a telephone interview.

She said her husband died about 4:30 a.m.

Sabina said Julius has undergone heart surgery in 2003 and was scheduled to undergo another operation after he showed signs of heart ailment.

At the time of his death he wrote a regular column, “East and West,” at The Manila Times and hosted the weekly news forum Kapihan Sa Sulo Hotel every Saturday in Quezon City. He was also a regular at the Ciudad Fernandina forum hosted by the late Ambassador Noel Cabrera.

Samahang Plaridel said in a statement it condoles with the family and relatives of Fortuna, its vice president and charter member. His demise is a loss to Philippine journalism, the group said. – Perseus Echeminada