Ex-Manila congressman passes away

MANILA, Philippines - Former Manila second district congressman Jaime Lopez, the older brother of former Manila mayor Mel Lopez, died Thursday night. He was 77.

A radio report said the elder Lopez died at the Asian Hospital and Medical Center in Muntinlupa City at around 7 p.m. from complications after undergoing heart surgery.

The former mayor said his brother’s remains were brought to the Sentro ng Karunungan School in Tondo, Manila and will be cremated at the Arlington Funeral Homes in Quezon City. The tentative schedule for the cremation is Wednesday.

Mel said they are still waiting for two of his brother’s children to fly in from the United States. Jaime left behind his wife, Amelia, and five children.

The late congressman co-authored the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2001.