Press Secretary Cerge Remonde died after suffering a major heart attack at 11:51 am Tuesday.

Remonde was found unconscious on the bathroom floor at the second floor of his house in Bel-Air Village by his aide, Emmanuel Arcena at 9:30 am. He informed Remonde’s secretary, Lilibeth Velasco, of the incident and called an ambulance to rush his boss at the Makati Medical Center where the doctor tried but failed to revive the press secretary.

“Cerge Remonde was brought at Makati Medical Center at 11:20 a.m. He was unconscious, not breathing. He expired at 11:51 a.m,” said Doctor Eric Nubla,the doctor who attended Remonde on the Emergency room of the hospital.

Arcena said Remonde granted radio interviews early in the morning and had a smoke before he went to the bathroom.

Mrs. Arroyo deeply shocked and saddened

“He is a very big loss to the Arroyo administration and to the entire country. You know how good Cerge is as press secretary. It’s so sad. He’s a very close confidant of the President.” Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita told reporters.

“The President is deeply shocked and saddened by the untimely passing of Press Secretary Cerge Remonde this morning,” Ermita added.

PGMA will visit the wake of the press secretary at 2 a.m. this morning.

“As one of the Cabinet officials who worked directly and closely with the President, Secretary Remonde was one of this administration’s most competent, faithful, and loyal stalwarts. His demise is indeed greatly felt.He was a man who was greatly loved and respected by many, especially by his colleagues in government and in media where he dedicated a greater part of his life,” Palace official stated.

Last post in Facebook account

Remonde posted a prayer in his facebook account at 6:51 pm Monday written as follows:

“Lord, thank You for the infinite love that meets our every need and provides all the beautiful and wonderful things we experience in life. Release our hearts and minds from fear and worry. Fill us with Your peace as we learn to fully trust in your providence. Help us to do all that we are capable of and the rest we entrust unto You. Amen.”

Some people who was close to the press secretary treated this prayer as a sign of premonition.

Media organizations expressed sympathy

Media organizations extends their deepest sympathy to the family of the press secretary.

“KBP mourns with deep sorrow the demise of Secretary Remonde, who had distinguished himself as the only KBP chair who had served for six consecutive terms. His death is not only a big loss to the broadcast industry but to the country whom he has really served with utmost dedication.”Herman Bastaño, incumbent president of KBP, said in his statement.

Akbayan party list described Remonde as a man who can stand for his convictions despite criticisms and objections.

“That he stood up for convictions that more often than not clashed with our campaign for progressive reforms, he was a formidable adversary in the court of public opinion,” the party list said.

“We would like to extend our most heartfelt sympathy and deepest condolences to his wife, Marit Stinus-Remonde, and their family, loved ones, and friends,” the group added.

- Jenny Villareal