MANILA-- Malacañang has extended its condolences to the family of former House Speaker Prospero "Boy" Nograles, who died at the age of 71 on Saturday.
"The Palace is saddened by the demise of former Speaker Prospero C. Nograles and wishes to express its deepest sympathies and condolences to his bereaved wife, Rhodora, and son, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, as well as his siblings and their families," Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a statement.
Panelo described the late Speaker as a "pride of Mindanao" and one of the leading lights of the political leaders in the region.
"He made history when he became the first elected Mindanaoan who assumed the leadership of the House of Representatives, an august body where he also served for five terms representing the 1st District of Davao City," he said.
"Former Speaker Nograles will certainly be missed by his loved ones, friends and constituents. May eternal rest grant unto him and perpetual light shine upon him," he added.
Cabinet Secretary Nograles on Saturday announced the passing of his father.
"Papa passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family. We kindly request prayers for the eternal repose of his soul, and extend our gratitude to all those who were a part of my Papa Boy Nogie's meaningful life and journey," he said.
The former Speaker was a lawyer who graduated from the Ateneo School of Law and placed second in the 1971 Bar Examinations.
He later joined the campaign of the late President Corazon Aquino for the 1986 snap elections.
In 1989, Nograles served his first term as Representative of the First District of Davao City, a post he again won in 1995 and held for three consecutive terms from 2001 to 2010. (PNA)
