Alcoy VM passes away

CEBU, Philippines - Alcoy Vice Mayor Antonio Plando did not make it up to the last month of his term after he succumbed to colon cancer at the age of 66 last Saturday afternoon.

Plando’s wake is at St. Peter Funeral Homes in Imus Road, Cebu City and is set to be brought to his hometown on Friday.

Members of the Provincial Board yesterday expressed their sympathy and condolences to the bereaved family of Plando by passing a resolution sponsored by PB Member Peter John Calderon.

“During his terms as mayor and vice mayor, with able political will, the Hon. Antonio Plando has contributed significantly for the development of the municipality,” the resolution read.

Mayor Nicomedes delos Santos said that Plando was last seen at the town hall last Tuesday.

From being energetic, delos Santos described Plando as being so weak and pale when he was last seen alive.

Delos Santos said that on the same day, Plando was brought to Cebu Doctors Hospital in Cebu City for medication until they learned about his death last at 3p.m. Saturday.

Plando’s sister also died of the same illness in April this year.

Delos Santos said that he and Plando were together in politics since 1980s.

In 1992, Plando was elected vice mayor of Alcoy until 2001 while delos Santos was the mayor.

When delos Santos term expired, he became vice mayor while Plando became mayor until 2010.  Delos Santos said that it was Plando who asked him to run again for mayor in 2010.

Plando did not seek reelection while delos Santos was again elected last May 13 elections.  —/MBG (FREEMAN)