Former senator Gonzales dies

Former Senate President Neptali Gonzales, one of the country’s most prolific maker of laws, died of heart failure at the Makati Medical Center in Makati City yesterday afternoon. He was 78.

House Majority Leader Rep. Neptali Gonzales II of Mandaluyong said his father was taken to the hospital last week where he had spent the last few days at the intensive care unit.

The elder Gonzales died peacefully at 4:03 p.m. His body now lies at the family residence on 539 San Joaquin street in Barangay Plainview, Mandaluyong City.

He is survived by wife Candida, children Myrna Cuejilo, Sorohayda Mendoza, Rhodora Beleno and the congressman.

The lawmaker from Mandaluyong said his father had been a very good provider and a great inspiration.

"He has been a very good father. We thank God for his life, and we thank our father for the public service that he has given the country," the younger Gonzales said.

Gonzales, president of the Manila Bulletin, was known for the various bills he sponsored that were eventually turned into law, including the Witness Protection Law, which is now called the Gonzales Law.

Born July 10, 1923, Gonzales was thrice president of the chamber from 1987 to 1996. He was justice secretary from 1986 to 1987 under the Aquino administration.