PHILIPPINES. The Moodie Davitt Report is deeply sorry to report the passing of PAL Holdings President Lucio ‘Bong’ Tan Junior, aged just 53. PAL Holdings owns national flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL).
Tan Jr. was godfather to The Moodie Davitt Report Fashion, Beauty and Social Media Editor, Hannah Tan-Gillies. She said: “This is devastating news for me personally and Lucio’s family. It is also sad news for Philippine aviation – he was to be the future of PAL.”
Tan Jr, whose appointment was approved by the PAL Holdings board just two weeks ago, died due a brain herniation, according to the Philippines’ News5 television channel. He had collapsed during a basketball game in Mandaluyong City on Saturday and was later declared to be in a stable condition after being admitted to hospital.
Philippine Airlines has recorded heavy recent losses but Tan Jr. had pledged to help return it to profitability next year.
Tan Jr. also served as a vice-chairman of PAL Holdings and was the head coach of the University of the East basketball team.
In a statement published on Twitter, Tan Jr.’s sister, Vivienne, said: “His untimely passing leaves a big void in our hearts and our Group’s management team which would be very hard to fill.”
She described him as “the elder brother whom we all relied on for advice, counsel and leadership”.
The Moodie Davitt Report expresses its deep sorrow at Mr Tan’s passsing and sends its condolences to his family and team.
