Malacañang extended its condolences to the family and followers of televangelist and "Ang Dating Daan" founder Bro. Eli Soriano who passed away at the age of 73 on Thursday.
Presidential spokesman Harry Roque made after the Members Church of God International (MCGI) confirmed Soriano's death in a Facebook post early Friday, February 12.
The religious group, however, did not disclose the cause of Soriano's death.
"We extend our condolences to the bereaved family, friends, loved ones, and followers of Bro. Eliseo 'Eli' Soriano who passed away at the age of 73," Roque said.
"Our prayers go to Bro Eli as he may rest in eternal peace and happiness," he added.
According to Roque, Soriano will be remembered as a person who touched the lives of many people.
"Bro. Eli was a beloved preacher of Ang Dating Daan whose teachings touched the lives and served as guide to many," he said.
"His dedication to propagate the words of God in the Bible was a clear testament of his steadfast love to serve his brethren and the Almighty," he added.
Soriano was baptized in the former Church of God in Christ Jesus, Pillar and Support of the Truth in 1964 and took over the organization in 1977. The group was renamed the MCGI three years later.
The late preacher established the radio program "Ang Dating Daan" in 1980 to preach the gospel. It, later on, became a TV program in 1983.
Soriano likewise hosted gospel-preaching shows "Itanong Mo Kay Soriano" and "Truth in Focus" which air at UNTV.