By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The provincial government of Negros Occidental is currently mourning the passing of former 4th district congressman and incumbent Tarlac 1st district Congressman Carlos “Charlie” Cojuangco.

Cojuangco’s wife, Czarina Maria Jocson-Cojuangco, made the official announcement via social media yesterday morning. He was 58 years old.

Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, Cojuangco’s partymate in the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), extended his condolences to the Cojuangco family, especially to his children.

Lacson lauded the legacy left behind by Cojuangco for Negros Occidental.

“Although we are not always in touch, the few times we were together he always thought about progress,” Lacson said.

Even when Cojuangco had become a congressman for Tarlac, Lacson said the former Negros Occidental solon would still actively talk about Negros Occidental.

As a sign of mourning, Lacson instructed to place the Philippine flag at the Provincial Capitol Lagoon at half mast.

Cojuangco is the youngest son of NPC figurehead Danding Cojuangco.

In October of 2021, Cojuangco suffered an aneurysm while participating in a drive circuit race. He subsequently underwent surgery.

Cojuangco had been vying for a third term as Tarlac 1st district congressman in the upcoming May 9 polls. He has now been substituted by his son, Jaime.

Cojuangco has previously served as 4th district congressman in Negros Occidental from 1998 to 2007.

He also previously served as mayor of Pontevedra in Negros Occidental from 1992 to 1998./DGB, WDJ