Party-list Rep. Ernesto Gidaya passes away

Party-list Rep. Ernesto Gidaya of the Veterans Freedom Party has passed away Monday night at the Philippine Heart Center. He was 80.

Gidaya, also a former ambassador, suffered a heart attack on November 28 and was in the hospital's Intensive Care Unit until his death.

Gidaya was a former ambassador to Israel and South Korea. He also served as defense undersecretary during the Ramos administration.

His family said the wake will be at the Multi-Purpose Hall of Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City from December 5-7. The family did not disclose information on interment plans.

Gidaya was a decorated combat officer and a member of Philippine Military Academy Class of 1951. The class was the first post-war batch to graduate from the country's premier military institution.

Gidaya later served as PMA superintendent and eventually headed the Association of Generals and Flag Officers upon retirement from the service.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryId=58363