PGMA deeply saddened by Soliven's death
Quezon City (24 November) -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo expressed today deep sadness over the untimely death of Philippine Star publisher-columnist Max Soliven, whom she hailed as an "icon of freedom."
In a tribute to Soliven, the President said the Philippines is "deeply saddened by the passage of an icon of freedom."
"The post-war march could not have been as vibrant without Max Soliven, who fought beside the forces of enlightenment in the struggle against despotism and wrong," she added.
As she grieved over Soliven's sudden passing, the President said she was one with the people in prayer for "his eternal peace in the palms of the Lord."
Soliven, whose last column, datelined Tokyo appeared in today's issue of the "Star," was officially pronounced dead at 11:26 a.m. (Tokyo time) of cardiac arrest at Narita Cross Hospital, reports quoting Consul Gina Jamoralin of the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo said.
Jamoralin said Soliven was at the Narita airport when he was stricken and was rushed to the Red Cross Hospital.
The Philippine Embassy was helping in the arrangements for the repatriation of Soliven's remains to Manila, she added.
One of the country's well-known journalists, Soliven had won numerous awards, both local and international, the latest of which was when he was made an officer of the Legion d'Honneur by the French government last month. (PIA) [top]
