Panelo mourns death of ex-Olongapo mayor James Gordon

MANILA – Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo on Saturday offered his condolences to the family of former Olongapo City mayor James Gordon Jr. who died of cardiac arrest.

 

“We are saddened by the untimely passing of former Olongapo City congressman and mayor James ‘Bong’ Gordon Jr. on Feb. 9, 2021 due to cardiac arrest,” Panelo said in a press statement.

Gordon, 73, died at the St. Luke’s Medical Center.

He served as mayor of Olongapo City from 2004 to 2013.

Gordon also represented the first district of Zambales from 1995 to 2004 and was governor of the Board of Directors of the Philippine Red Cross - Olongapo chapter.

 

He was the brother of Senator Richard Gordon.

 

Panelo recounted that the elder Gordon’s storied political career began when the latter served as a Subic Bay volunteer and Olongapo City councilor.

 

“His strength and fortitude then led him to, later on, become the congressman of the 1st District of Zambales from 1995 to 2004 and mayor of Olongapo City from 2004 to 2013. He was also a stalwart volunteer during the Pinatubo eruption,” he said.

 

Panelo said the late mayor would be remembered for his dedication to serving the people.

 

“The passing of a kind and dedicated public servant, who had established standards of excellence in – and devotion to – public service is a great loss to the province of Zambales,” he said.

 

Panelo also prayed for the repose of the former lawmaker.

“As we honor the life of former Mayor Bong Gordon, we express our sincerest condolences to his family, relatives, friends, and loved ones. May his soul rest in happiness and peace,” he said. (PNA)