MAYNILA — Binuksan na sa publiko ang burol ng dating Trade secretary at founder ng National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL) na si Jose Concepcion Jr., o mas kilalang Joecon, sa Taguig City nitong Huwebes.

Dagsa ang mga bumisita sa burol sa The Heritage Memorial Park Chapel, kabilang ang mga election watchdog, miyembro business community, at mga politiko.

Ilan mga personalidad na bumisita ay si dating pangulo at Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Interior Sec. Benhur Abalos, dating Trade Sec. Ramon Lopez, musikerong si Jose Mari Chan, at iba pa. 

Pumanaw si Concepcion sa edad na 92 noong Miyerkoles.

Naulila niya ang asawang si Maria Victoria Araneta at walong anak, kabilang si Presidential Adviser for Jobs at Go Negosyo Founder na si Joey Concepcion.

“We’re very fortunate that my father reached the age of 92 and I think it was his time to go and be with the Lord. As children here, we will continue his legacy and I thank my father for really mentoring me,” ani Concepcion.

Bukas ang public viewing hanggang sa Linggo, ayon kay Concepcion.

Isasagawa naman ang ang Requiem Mass sa Marso 11, Lunes, ng 1:30 p.m. sa Santuario de San Antonio Parish Church, Forbes Park, Makati City at susundan ng libing sa The Heritage Memorial Park sa Taguig City.

“He had diabetes before but basically, [he died of] old age. I mean at 92, what more can you ask for? He died peacefully in his sleep,” ani Concepcion. “I’m happy; that’s a death that everybody wishes to have.”

Nagsibiling kalihim ng Department of Trade and Industry si Joecon noong termino ni dating Pangulong Corazon Aquino.

Itinatag niya naman ang election watchdog na NAMFREL noong 1983.

Namfrel founder Jose Concepcion Jr passes away