MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang yesterday expressed its condolences to the family of retired Land Transportation Office (LTO) chief Virgie Torres, a close friend of President Aquino who succumbed to cardiac arrest over the weekend.
“We extend our condolences and sympathy to the family of former assistant secretary Virginia Torres,” Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said.
Coloma noted Torres rose from the ranks and started her LTO career in the 1980s where she first served as cashier in her hometown in Tarlac.
Coloma said Malacañang recognized the 33 years of service by Torres.
Torres’ brother Ruben confirmed her demise over radio station dzMM on Saturday, where she died at The Medical City in Clark Field, Pampanga.
Torres was rushed there on New Year’s Eve after she collapsed in her home in Paniqui, Tarlac while on her way to the toilet.
“She had cardiac arrest, she suddenly felt dizzy and could not stand up, and then her breathing stopped,” Ruben said.
Torres’ body lies in state at the family residence in Paniqui.
Ruben said his sister had complained of chest and back pains. She underwent surgery in 2015 for cervical cancer. But Ruben clarified Torres did not die because of the cancer, contrary to reports.
He said she was taking maintenance medicine for her hypertension, but did not show signs of an impending heart attack. “We were so happy in the past few days,” he said.
Torres served in the government for more than 30 years. She was appointed LTO chief by Aquino in July 2010 and retired from government service in October 2013.
Torres was forced to retire early after figuring in a controversy where she was seen in a casino playing slot machine in 2013.
She resurfaced in the news anew in 2015 after she appeared before the Bureau of Customs on Aug. 20 allegedly to negotiate the release of smuggled Thai sugar worth over P100 million.
Torres had denied the allegations.
Torres’ brother said she was unperturbed by allegations raised against her and that she sought strength from the support of family and friends.
LTO chief Alfonso Tan has resigned and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) executive director Roberto Cabrera will take his place starting today. Tan was appointed after Torres retired in 2013.
An LTO official said Torres was a very “down to earth” person. He said Torres knew all the problems at the LTO as she rose from the ranks.