CAVITE -- Cavite Governor Jonvic C. Remulla expressed on Thursday (Feb. 25) his condolences to the family of longtime political rival, former Cavite Governor Erineo “Ayong“ Maliksi, who has died.
"Our flags fly in half mast to honor his service. He served the City of Imus, the former second District of Cavite, and the Province with distinction for almost 40 years," Remulla wrote in a Facebook post. "He was part of my Father's journey in transforming our province and his contributions should never be forgotten."
"Although our relationship was never perfect, I regard him as a gentleman, a leader, and a steadfast Caviteño. These are times when politics end, and civility begins," Remulla added.
Maliksi was a protégé of Jonvic's father, former Governor Juanito “Johnny” R. Remulla. In 2005, then Vice Governor Jonvic Remulla filed graft complaints against then Governor Maliksi, citing alleged irregularities in a medical supplies purchase in 2002.
The two Cavite political clan giants went head to head in the 2013 and 2019 gubernatorial races, with Remulla winning both elections.