A Thomasian and Manila mayor during Martial Law passed away last Feb. 14 morning due to cardiac arrest. He was 89.
Before he began his career as Manila mayor, then lawyer Ramon Bagatsing obtained his Master of Laws degree in 1971 from the UST Graduate school (GS) and finished his Doctor of Civil Law degree in 1977 during his 14-year term.
Bagatsing used to sit as panelist in Doctor of Civil Law dissertations from the 1970’s to 1980’s, GS faculty secretary Dr. Michael Vasco said.
The former mayor and three-time Manila third district congressman was an active member of the UST GS Alumni Association, said organization president Dr. Mercedes Luterio.
“In the 1980’s Bagatsing supported the association’s projects such as scholarship programs and annual awarding ceremonies through his regular donations,” Luterio said.
Before entering politics, Bagatsing first served as a Manila patrolman in 1939 and a World War II soldier in 1941.
Bagatsing was one of the survivors of the Plaza Miranda bombing. The tragic incident caused the amputation of his right leg. Using a prosthetic limb, the former Liberal party member pursued political life in spite of the disability.
Over 500 awards and citations proved his prowess not only in politics but also in social services, the military, and business.
The Manila policeman-turned-statesman built an influential political clan in Manila, which dwindled upon the defeat of his son Manuel, and grandson Don Ramon, in the 2004 local elections.
Bagatsing’s remains were laid to rest last Feb. 17 at the South Cemetery after a necrological service at the Manila City Hall and at the Lepanto Church. Edsel Van T. Dura and Marlene H. Elmenzo
