Businessman, sportsman Lucio ‘Bong’ Tan Jr. passes away at 53
Lucio “Bong” Tan Jr., the newly appointed President of PAL Holdings, Inc. and the son of taipan Lucio Tan, passed away on Monday at the age of 53 after being hospitalized when he fell unconscious during a basketball game last Saturday.
In a statement, his sister Vivienne K. Tan said: “It is with deep sorrow that I announce the passing of my brother, Lucio “Bong” Tan, Jr. this morning, November 11, 2019. He was 53.”
“His untimely passing leaves a big void in our hearts and our Group’s management team which would be very hard to fill. Bong was a son, husband, father, friend and, most importantly, our elder brother whom we all relied on for advice, counsel, and leadership,” she added.
He is survived by his wife Julie and sons Hun hun (Lucio Tan III) and Kyle Tan.
“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. We ask for your prayers for the eternal repose of his soul. Wake details will be announced soon,” she said.
The younger Tan was appointed as President and Chief Operating Officer of PAL Holdings, Inc., the Philippine Stock Exchange-listed owner of flag carrier Philippine Airlines, late last month. He also served as director and vice chairman of PAL.
On top of that, he was also President and COO of other members of the Lucio Tan Group of Companies, including Tanduay Distillers, Inc. and Eton Properties Philippines, Inc.
He was also Treasurer and Chairman of the Mining Committee of MacroAsia Corporation and a member of the Executive Committee of Foremost Farms, Inc.
Tan also served on the Board of Directors of the following corporations: Airport Specialist Services Corporation (since June 2000); Allied Bankers Insurance Corporation (since 1992); Air Philippines Corporation (since 2004), LT Group, Inc. (since February 21, 2013); MacroAsia Catering Services, Inc. (since June 2006); MacroAsia Airport Services, Inc. (since September 1997); MacroAsia Mining Corporation (since September 2000); Philippine National Bank (since 2007); PMFTC, Inc. (since 2010); and Watergy Business Corporation (since
May 2014).
Palace offers sympathies
Malacañang has offered its deep sympathies following the passing of the young Tan,
remembering him as a good and humble person.
“The Palace has been informed of the passing of Mr. Lucio “Bong” Tan Jr., President and Chief Operating Officer of PAL Holdings, Inc., this morning, November 11, following his admission to a hospital after he collapsed while playing basketball, a sport he dearly loved, during the weekend,” Presidential apokesman Salvador Panelo said.
“The Office of the President expresses its deep condolences and heartfelt sympathies to the Tan family, especially to Mr. Lucio Tan, his wife and his children, on the untimely demise of Mr. Bong Tan at the age of 53,” he added.
Panelo remembered Tan as a humble person “with a serious mien but with a ready smile to whom so ever he met in social events and official functions.” He added that Tan never threw his weight around and offered help to anyone in need.
“He was a good friend, a kindhearted brother to his siblings, a loving and dutiful son to his parents, and an efficient and competent corporate man,” Panelo said.
“As family, friends, and colleagues pay tribute to the life of Mr. Bong Tan, we fervently ask the Almighty to grant him eternal repose and pray that perpetual light shine upon him as he rests in happiness and peace,” he added. (With a report from Genalyn D. Kabiling)