MANILA (UPDATE) - Veteran broadcaster and former Press secretary Ricardo "Dong" Puno, Jr. passed away Tuesday at the age of 76, his family said.

Puno succumbed to a lingering illness at 12:15 p.m., according to his sons Ricky and Donnie.

Puno, who was also a lawyer, previously served as senior vice president of ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs.

He was a known television host in ABS-CBN through his shows Dong Puno Live, Viewpoints, and Insider.

In 2000, Puno was appointed by former President Joseph Estrada as press secretary before running for the Senate the following year. He lost the senatorial race and went back to ABS-CBN.

He is the son of former Justice Minister and Court of Appeals Associate Justice Ricardo Puno Sr., who co-founded with him the Puno & Puno Law Offices.

• READ: DOJ holds necrological rites for ex-Justice Ricardo Puno Sr.

Officials of the Duterte administration paid tribute to Puno and condoled with his family, loved ones, friends and colleagues.

"Known for his intelligent, insightful interviews, Sec. Puno received numerous distinctions for his work in public affairs programs that helped provide the public with a better understanding of the issues of the day," said Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, acting Malacañang spokesman.

"As a private professional, he devoted his life to journalism, law, and education to which he fulfilled managerial responsibilities, initiating actions that have contributed to the expansion of his affiliations," Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said for his part.

"Our thoughts are with the loved ones of Sec. Puno as we join them in praying for his eternal repose," said Nograles.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

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