Palace Extends Condolences for the Passing of Former President Arroyo’s Elder Brother

(PNA) — The Palace on Tuesday offered its condolences to the family of Arturo Macapagal, the elder brother of former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

“We extend our condolences to the bereaved family of Mr. Macapagal,” Communication Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said in a statement.

Secretary Coloma noted that “the nation lost an outstanding Olympian and a respected business leader with the passing of (Art) Macapagal.”

“He is a recognized leader in the automotive industry and is a staunch supporter of various socio-civic organizations, such as Habitat for Humanity and Scholarship Foundation for the Filipino Youth, where he served as chairman,” he said.

Macapagal, 72, died at the Makati Medical Center early Tuesday due to prostate cancer.

Macapagal, the son of former president Diosdado Macapagal and his first wife Purita de la Rosa, and half-brother of former president Arroyo, had represented the country in the 1972 Munich and the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games. He also held the national record in Olympic free pistol shooting for more than 21 years. (PNA) FFC/PND/SSC