PNoy's uncle dies

Enrique Cojuangco. Photo from the House of representatives website

MANILA (3rd UPDATE) - Incumbent Tarlac 1st District Rep. Enrique Cojuangco succumbed to aneurysm Tuesday morning.

This was confirmed to reporters by House Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales II and House Speaker Sonny Belmonte.

In a press conference, Belmonte revealed Cojuangco experienced stomach pains early this morning.

"The House of Representatives early this morning learned of the untimely demise of our colleague Cong. Enrique Henry Cojuangco. This happened in the wee hours of the morning. He was at home, felt pain in the stomach, and rushed him to hospital. [He] probably expired in the hospital or on the way," Belmonte said.

Cojuangco was the leader of the Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC) in the House of Representatives.

He was on his 2nd term in Congress.

"Cong. Henry is in effect leader of NPC contingent in majority, along with Cong. Mendoza who is the secretary general of the NPC. He was also chairman of committee on economic affairs. Their principal bill that is awaiting final passage in the HOR is the fair competition law or anti-trust law, and really, it was through the efforts of Henry that that bill -- remember that's one of the longest bills pending in Congress. It was first filed in the 8th Congress and has remained unpassed up to this time in this current Congress, it's been passed in the Senate," said Belmonte.

"We will do our best [to pass the bill]. It's almost in period of amendments. In memory of Henry who stuck with it, we resolve to push that bill until it's passed. Yung fair competition bill, perhaps it can be called the Cojuangco bill... We're very sorry about this because up to last night we were here 'til 7 or 8 p.m. and we were discussing matters with group of leaders of House and Henry talked to majority leader and asked him about the scheduling of fair competition act. That's one of his last concerns in the HOR. We want to make a real effort to pass it -- something he had worked for so hard. This was his second term. We all miss him. He was very friendly with every member of Congress," he added.

The NPC also released a statement for the family of Cojuangco.

"The Family of the late Congressman Henry Cojuangco wishes to thank all those who have sent words of encouragement and those that sent prayers for the late Congressman. Though the family is in deep sorrow because of the sudden demise of the Congressman, they are at peace knowing that the Congressman is now with his creator," NPC spokesman Rex Gatchalian said.

He said the entire NPC is also saddened by the passing away of one of its "party pillars."

"Congressman Henry served not only as party leader, but more importantly friend to the individual NPC members. The party members will see to it that the ideals the late Congressman championed in Congress are carried forward by its members," he said.

Cojuangco was the younger brother of San Miguel Corporation chairman, former Ambassador Eduardo 'Danding' Cojuangco.

He was an uncle of President Aquino.

"We convey our deepest condolences to his bereaved family. Representative Cojuangco served for two terms and was known and admired for his professionalism and dedication to public service," Communications Secretary Sonny Coloma said.

Cojuangco's district used to be represented by former Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro and wife Nikki.

Cojuangco's remains will be brought to La Salle Greenhills Chapel. Viewing will be from Tuesday evening to Friday, according to the NPC.

The interment will be held at Mt. Carmel Church New Manila.  -- With a report from Willard Cheng, ABS-CBN News