Hilario Davide Sr. dies of heart failure

The father of former Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr., and namesake, Hilario Davide Sr. succumbed to heart failure yesterday, Father's Day, at the age of 101.

Davide Sr. was known to be a simple man from Colawin, Argao, and a public school teacher throughout his adult life. He married another public school teacher, the late Josefa Gelbolingo.

He became the principal of Argao Elementary School and president of the Civil Affairs Committee that first restored the historically-rich façade of the now Argao Hall of Justice.

The former chief justice recalled his father to have been denied of a dance by a lady during his time, as he was a "bukidnon" (of the mountains) while his brother Romulo said his father had accomplished all he meant to do in this lifetime.

"His will has been done," Romulo said.

Among those who came to his wake at the Cosmopolitan Funeral Homes in Lahug last night were Supreme Court Chief Justice Artemio Panganiban, Papal Nuncio to Papua New Guinea Archbishop Osbaldo Padilla and Government Mass Media Group Secretary Cerge Remonde. President Gloria Arroyo earlier relayed her condolences to former chief justice Hilario Jr.

The Papal Nuncio to Papua New Guinea celebrated as Mass at his wake last night assisted by Fr. Carmelo Diola.

Davide Sr. and his late wife, Josefa, are survived by their seven children. - Ferliza C. Contratista