A statement from the Forbes’ immediate family addressed to family and friends and shared to the Manila Bulletin stated that "he was very happy to live out his days receiving excellent care in the Philippines, a country that he loved deeply and dedicated most of his professional life to.”
The family also expressed appreciation to all his friends, the relationships they built together over his lifetime, and the support that brought him great joy.
Details including whether the service will be broadcast online and will be shared as soon as possible, the statement added.
John Forbes, Philippine advocate, passes away
Sep 3, 2023 04:16 PM
At a glance
John Forbes, a passionate advocate for the Philippines, senior adviser of the Arangkada Philippines Project of the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (AmCham) and chairman of its legislative committee, passed away on Sept. 2, 2023. He was 80.
A statement from Forbes’ immediate family addressed to family and friends and shared to the Manila Bulletin stated that "he was very happy to live out his days receiving excellent care in the Philippines, a country that he loved deeply and dedicated most of his professional life to.”
The family also expressed appreciation to all his friends, the relationships they built together over his lifetime, and the support that brought him great joy.
Viewing will be held on Friday, Sept. 8 between 4-10 pm and Saturday, Sept. 9, at 9:30 am to 2 pm at Santuario de San Antonio, Forbes Park, Makati. There will be masses at 6:30 pm Friday, and 10:30 am Saturday. Interment at 2 pm Saturday.
AmCham Executive Director Ebb Hinchliffe told Manila Bulletin, “Sad day, just lost my best friend.”
A passionate advocate for the Philippines, Forbes is one of the most knowledgeable expats about the country, especially with respect to the business and political environment facing foreign investors.
He has long experience in government relations and in assisting companies to pursue trade and investment opportunities in the Philippines.
According to the Arangkada Philippines website, Forbes also authored two of AmCham Roadmaps to More Foreign Investments in the Philippines.
Arangkada Philippines is the major advocacy—launched in 2010—of the Joint Foreign Chambers (JFC) to increase investment and employment in the Philippines.
Forbes received his education from the renowned academic institutions Georgetown University, Princeton University, and Harvard University. He served as an American diplomat for 25 years, beginning in Vietnam and the Philippines.
Forbes’ consultancy expertise assists clients with major trade and investment projects in the Philippines. He has also helped large multinational firms and several international development agencies.