Zobel to get the highest honor in Makati

It was life well-lived for business tycoon and philanthropist Don Enrique Zobel.

Makati City, which he had helped developed into what is now the country’s financial capital, is set to award him the Lakan Tagkan citation, the highest honor given to individuals, who had great contributions to the development of the city.

The award, which was institutionalized only three years ago, is given not only to residents of the city but to anyone who meets the criteria set by the local government.

Malacañang has also agreed that Zobel deserves such an award.

According to Lito Anzures, spokesman of newly elected Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay, they are also coordinating with the Ayala Group of Companies to pay tribute to Zobel during the celebration of the city’s foundation day on June 1.

"He had a major contribution to Makati City," said Anzures, who recognized Zobel’s title as the "architect of the central business district" in the city, where most foreign and domestic investments were built.

Anzures also noted the tycoon’s role in city governance as Binay’s adviser. "They have corresponded with each other through calls and writings. And Don Zobel has visited the mayor in his office several times," he said.

According to him, Zobel had admired Binay for his management and leadership skills that have maintained the competence of the city.

Zobel, who founded the Makati Business Club 23 years ago, envisioned an organization of large-scale investors who have a social responsibility to fulfill.

He died Monday at the intensive care unit of the Asian Hospital in Muntinlupa City due to complications brought about by a horseback-riding accident 13 years ago that had left him paralyzed from the neck down.

Zobel Guard Killed

Meanwhile, an active member of the Philippine Marines who was the personal bodyguard and driver of Don Enrique’s son Iñigo was killed near the wake.

The victim, Rommel Cejas, 27, was waiting for his boss in front of the Sanctuario de San Antonio in Forbes Park when two unidentified suspects approched him and shot him pointblank, police said.

The suspects immediately fled on foot towards EDSA.

Cejas was rushed to the Makati Medical Center where he died while undergoing treatment.

Police are puzzled over the killing. "The motive was not clear. The only thing we are certain about is that the killing was intentional," said Police Senior Inspector Florante Jose, who had discounted the possibility that it was a case of mistaken identity or the attack was meant for Zobel.