Ex-assemblyman Recto, 76, dies

Lipa City – Former Batangas board member and assemblyman Rafael Reyes Recto, father of former senator Ralph Recto, died of a lingering illness at the age of 76 Monday night.

Former Batangas vice governor Ricky Recto said his father passed away at around 8:45 p.m. Monday at their residence at Greenmeadows Subdivision in Quezon City. 

Recto said doctors had diagnosed his father with aortic aneurysm since 1994.

The remains of the elder Recto, son of nationalist and father of the Philippine Constitution Claro M. Recto, were cremated yesterday after a private Mass for the Recto family at the Loyola Memorial Chapel in Guadalupe, Makati City. The remains now lie in state at Sanctuario de San Antonio in Forbes Park, Makati City. 

The elder Recto is survived by his wife Carmen Gonzalez Recto, and children Ralph, Ricky, Ramon, Rafaelito, Marissa, Pixie, Caloy and Plinky.    – Arnell Ozaeta