Corazon Abalos, wife of former Commission on Elections (COMELEC) chairman Benjamin Abalos Sr. and mother of Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Benhur Abalos, has passed away.
In an official statement of the Abalos family released by the MMDA, she died of severe sepsis, secondary to pneumonia due to COVID-19.
The Abalos family disclosed that the night before her passing, she tested positive for COVID-19.
Corazon and husband Benjamin were first reported to have COVID-19 back in July, 2020.
“Some of our family members have been exposed and immediately subjected to testing pursuant to IATF protocols. Upon receiving the results, all the tests turned out to be NEGATIVE,” they said.
As a precautionary measure, the family members said they will still undergo another five-day quarantine and another swabbing in accordance with the health guidelines.
“The family decided that instead, there will be a service and mass on the 2nd of February, should everything and everyone be cleared,” the Abalos family said.
“The Abalos family appreciates all the sympathies and prayers for our beloved Mama Cora.”
Mandaluyong City Councilor Charisse Marie Abalos-Vargas confirmed her grandmother’s passing on Facebook Monday night.
“Today you fought your last and final battle. The most courageous woman I know. Rest now, Mama. We will never be ready, I will never be prepared for you to leave us. But I know you’re there with Ciara now. No more hurt. No more pain. I love you,” Vargas wrote.
Vargas also remembered her grandmother as her “idol” and “role model.”
“Mama Cora, you were strength personified. Wala ang KKM (Kababaihang Kakaiba ng Mandaluyong), wala ang Mandaluyong Girl Scouts, if you didn’t build its foundations. Maraming nagmamahal sa inyo dahil alam nila na minahal mo din sila (Mama Cora, you were strength personified. There would be no KKM and Mandaluyong Girl Scouts if you didn’t build their foundations. There are a lot of people who love you because they know you loved them as well),” Vargas wrote.
The remains of Mrs. Abalos were reportedly cremated on Monday night.