Business leader Donald Dee passes away

MANILA, Philippines— Business leader Donald Dee passed away on Saturday. He was 72.

The Employers Confederation of the Philippines announced his passing  on its social media page. Dee was the president of ECOP.

The business leader also served as the president of Phoenix Resource and Management Corporation, director of the Manila Exposition Complex, Inc. and president of Pan Pacific Airways.

Dee was also an honorary chairman and chief operating officer of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and founding trustee of the Philippine Business for Education.

He was also a former council member of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ABAC)-Philippines and a member of the Beacheads – South East Asia New Zealand Trade & Enterprise.

Dee served as special envoy for trade negotiations under President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and as commissioner of the Social Security System from 2001 to 2010.

Also included in Dee’s long list of service in the business industry is his tenure as director of PLDT.

Dee is survived by his wife Ophelia Dee, children, stepchildren and grandchildren.

“The business community lost a passionate champion and leader, a stalwart in the industry, and a staunch advocate of and for employers,” ECOP said in a statement.

Dee’s wake will be held at the Capilla del Señor of Santuario de San Antonio, Makati City.

ECOP said there will be a daily celebration of mass every 7 p.m. and Dee’s inurnment will be held on Wednesday morning. —Rosette Adel