By Ansbert B. Joaquin
Olongapo City – Former Zambales Governor Vicente P. Magsaysay passed away on April 13 (Monday) at the Baypointe Hospital inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, his family confirmed. He was 80 years old.
Magsaysay served as Zambales governor for 22 straight years (1968-1986), which was ended only by the appointment of Amor Deloso by former President Corazon Aquino, who unseated dictator Ferdinand Marcos in 1986 following the People Power Revolt.
At the time of his death, was is the chairman of the board of the Philippine Postal Savings Bank, a post he held since January 22, 2009.
“No words but thank you for everything,” Magsaysay’s daughter-in-law, former Zambales First District Rep. Mitos Magsaysay, said in her Facebook post at 8:30 p.m.
Mitos is married to Magsaysay’s eldest son, Jesus Vicente (JV) Magsaysay.
Reports said that the former governor, known to many as “Govic” or “Vicmag,” was in his residence at Cubi Point inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone when he suffered a heart attack. He was immediately brought to Baypointe Hospital, where he was pronounced dead a little past 6 p.m.
Before this, he was undergoing dialysis treatment for several months at the same hospital.
Magsaysay reclaimed his seat in 1998 and finished three straight terms as Zambales governor until 2007.
The Magsaysays are one of the oldest political families in Castillejos, Zambales, going as far back as 1953 when Ramon Magsaysay, Vicmag’s uncle, won the presidency.
His family said his remains were brought to one of the family properties in Castillejos, locally known as the White House. He is survived by his children JV, Angel, and Mary Rose.
