Former Olongapo mayor passes away
A FLAG lawyer, an advocate of human rights and a known Cory Aquino supporter, former Olongapo City Mayor Teddy C. Macapagal passed away early morning of Sept. 1.
The body lies in state at the Olongapo City Memorial Chapels and Funereal Services. It will be brought to city hall for memorial services on Friday.
Interment will be held the following Tuesday at the Olongapo City Memorial Park.
A member of the Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG), Macapagal defended political prisoners during martial law. At that time no other lawyer in the city and the nearby provinces of Zambales and Bataan would take cases of those who ran afoul of the military and the police and the dreaded Philippine Constabulary.
His exploits as the lone voice of dissent in that part of the country did not go unnoticed. When Cory Aquino rose to challenge Marcos in the snap election, she drafted Macapagal to help run her campaign. She subsequently named him OIC Mayor of the city.
After he lost in the Congressional fight for the First District of Zambales, Macapagal resumed his law practice, this time taking the cudgels for the poor, abused children, and battered women.
Macapagal was born on Sept. 15, 1946. He earned his law degree from the University of the Philippines, class of 1970. He was an Upsilonian.
His last political act was to campaign for the election of President Benigno Simeon Aquino III.
He is survived by his wife, Teresita Macapagal, nee Rementilla, and children Michael Ted, Melanie Joy, Marvin Ted, and Teddy Jr. MTM
(Fomer Olongapo Mayor Teddy Macapagal is seen here at the back of his son Micheal Macapagal in an interview with media during the campaign sortie of now President Noynoy Aquino in Olongapo city. Photo by David Bayarong)
Rest In Peace TEDMAC
He ain’t heavy—TED MAC–he’s our only brother.
The beauty of life well-lived becomes a legacy that stays behind and warms the heart with every memory.
Tho’ gone too soon–it happens for a reason that only the Creator knows. We know you’re very happy and peaceful up there now!
The sadness of the present days is locked and set in time and moving to the future is a slow and painful and climb for us your family…
No wound so deep will ever go entirely away;
Yet every hurt becomes a little less from day to day!
What a beautiful person. We thank God for the gift of Teddy Macapagal. May he rest in peace and enjoy his rewards with the Almighty.
We will always remember him with gratitude, and will pray for him. I am just sorry I did not get the chance to meet him in person and thank him for all the help he gave my sister. He was truly special.
A big loss to many, but especially to his family. Our deepest sympathies to his wife and children.
Fran of New York
great…