PAL Holdings, Inc. president Lucio Tan, Jr. passed away on the morning of November 11 due to brain herniation.
Tan, Jr., 53, was hospitalized last November 9 after collapsing during a basketball match.
“His untimely passing leaves a big void in our hearts and our Group’s management team which would be hard to fill, Bong was a son, husband, father, friend, and most importantly, our elder brother whom we relied on for advice, counsel and leadership,” Vivienne K. Tan, sister of Tan, Jr. and PAL Holdings executive vice president for treasury, treasurer, and chief administrative officer, said in a statement.
“Our sincerest thanks to all who offered prayers and shared words of comfort during this hour of grief. Our family continues to request everyone to respect our wish for privacy as we go through this very difficult time,” she added.
Tan, Jr. is survived by his wife Julie and sons Lucio Tan III and Kyle.
He was appointed as president of PAL Holdings on October 28, replacing Gilbert Santa Maria who remains president of the operating company, flag carrier Philippine Airlines.
He also served as director and handled various executive roles for companies under the LT Group of Companies, which is headed by his father and namesake Lucio Tan, Sr.
A known basketball enthusiast, Tan, Jr. last September was named coach of Red Warriors, the basketball team of family-owned University of the East.