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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Bong Revilla mourns loss of long-time staffer who died of COVID-19

Bong Revilla mourns loss of long-time staffer who died of COVID-19

Published Mar 29, 2020 12:00 am
By Hannah Torregoza A staffer and friend of Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Jr. succumbed to COVID-19 this afternoon, the senator confirmed. Senator Ramon Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. (Photo from Ramon Bong Revilla, Jr. / Facebook / MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO) In a statement, Revilla sought for prayers especially for the family and loved ones of the deceased who was at the Senate last March 16 to claim his salary and was reportedly hospitalized on March 19. “I lost my staff and friend of almost 30 years to this COVID-19 this afternoon. I ask everyone for prayers especially para sa kanyang iniwang mga mahal sa buhay (for his loved ones that he left),” Revilla said in a statement. “Everything was so fast and sudden. He has been with me mula sa pag-aartista (since I started acting) - through the ups and downs, the thick and thin - tapos ngayon wala na siya (now he is gone),” the senator lamented. Revilla admitted his friend’s passing was painful and difficult to bear. “Salamat sa pagmamahal, hindi lang sa akin kundi pati sa aking pamilya - asawa, mga anak, at mga apo - lalo na sa mga panahon ng matinding pagsubok, hindi mo ako iniwan," Revilla said. (Thank you for the love, not only for me but also for my whole family—my wife, children, and even grandchildren—especially during the times I struggled, you did not leave me.) “Pero ngayon, napakabilis ka namang kinuha sa amin, at 'ni huling pamamaalam, hindi namin pwedeng ibigay sa'yo. Napakasakit," he said. (But now you were taken away from us so suddenly, we were not able to even say goodbye to you. It is very painful.) “We had a good run. I will miss you. It will not be the same,” he added. At the same time, Revilla reminded the public to be aware of the risks of being exposed to the coronavirus and advised people to stay indoors as much as possible. “Please, please - stay at home. Bantayan ninyo ang inyong mga sarili at mga mahal sa buhay. Sa awa ng Panginoon, nawa ay matapos na ang pinagdadaanan nating ito," Revilla said. (Protect yourself and your loved ones. By God’s mercy, we will overcome this trial.) Revilla said.
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