Junie Martinez passes away at 81

CEBU, Philippines — Celestino “Junie” Espinosa Martinez, Jr., former 4th district congressman and father of the City of Bogo, passed away Tuesday, June 19, 2023. He was 81 years old.

The public information office of the City of Bogo announced the former mayor’s passing through a post on Facebook.

“With great sadness, the family of former Congressman Celestino “Junie” Martinez Jr. of the Fourth District of Cebu and former Mayor of the City of Bogo, announces his peaceful passing on June 19, 2023. Memorial services will be held in Cebu and Bogo City. Details of the interment schedule will be released soon.”

Junie was a known political figure in Cebu and had been holding public offices in various capacities. He was mayor of Bogo from 1971 to 1987 and had been 4th district congressman from 1987 to 1998. He was also appointed undersecretary of the Department of Agriculture by then president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

He was co-author of the Local Government Code of 1991 with the late Senator Aquilino Pimentel, Jr. as the primary author. As congressman, Junie sponsored the charter of the City of Bogo where he later became mayor from 2007 to 2016.  He was also the founder of the City of Bogo Science and Arts Academy.

As of last night, there was no official announcement from the immediate family on the details of his wake as well as the cause of his death. Junie left his wife, former congresswoman Clavel Asas- Martinez, and children former Bogo City Mayor and currently ex-officio PB Member Celestino "Tining" Martinez, III; Bogo City Mayor Carlo Jose Asas Martinez; Bogo City Vice Mayor Maria Cielo "Mayel" Martinez; DYCM general manager Maia Martinez Herrera; and businesswoman Maricel Martinez-Maniquis.

Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Commissioner Ramon Fernandez remembered Junie as a precious friend.

“In this lifetime, it is rare to meet a person who can keep a friendship ever so deep from the time it is forged until his last breath,” he said.

“So long, Boss Junie! You will be missed. Rest in peace,” Fernandez added.

The Bogo-Medellin Sugarcane Planters Association, Inc. is also mourning the passing of their vice president.

The group said Junie’s contribution to the sugar industry in the north will never be forgotten.

The City of Bogo Science and Arts Academy was also grateful for Junie.

“The great man behind the founding of the school which he built with so much dream and genuine vision. The City High honors his accomplishments and memory to ensure his legacy continues to inspire and guide the school in the future. The school faculty, students and staffs are one in offering prayers with the passing of this great leader. We will forever be in debt with your sincerity and leadership,” read the school’s post on Facebook. — (FREEMAN)