Boncodin passed away at 55
Posted on March 14th, 2010
Emilia Boncodin, the former budget Secretary, was reported to dead on Monday due to cardiac arrest at the National Kidney and Transplant Institute. NKTI executive director Enrique Ona signed on the medical bulleting that Boncodin, 55, passed away at 2:05 p.m. “She was admitted on March 10 for difficulty of breathing and anemia and was diagnosed to be on end-stage renal disease,” the bulletin read.
Leah Navarro, convenor of the Black and White Movement, said in a radio interview that Boncodin had been undergoing dialysis for months. In February 2005, Boncodin underwent kidney transplant. Unfortunately her body rejected the kidney from her sister that is why it failed to function.
Teresita Deles, former presidential adviser on the peace process, said that Boncodin had been confined in the NKI since last week. Deles described Boncodin as an “outstanding” public servant and a brilliant professor. “She was an outstanding public servant, someone who grew up in public service. She showed us that it is about serving the country and not for personal gain or prestige,” she said. Deles added that Boncodin entered the Department of Budget and Management at the young age of 18.
The late budget secretary served the DBM’s office as Direct, Assistant Director, Chief Fiscal Planning Specialist, Senior Fiscal Planning Specialist, and Fiscal Planning Specialist prior to becoming the budget secretary. She was also a professor at the National College of Public Administration and Governance of the University of the Philippines.
Boncodin was one of the public officials who resigned from their post at the height of the Hello Garci scandal over charges over charges of electoral fraud against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Together with six other cabinet official and three government executives, the group were collectively known as the “Hyatt 10.”
There is still no announcement on the burial plans. The hospital’s public information office said the family asked for private time and that the P10 has no information as to the family’s plans for Boncodin’s remains.
Meanwhile, Malacañang sent its condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of Boncodin.
