Business Mogul Eduardo 'Danding' Cojuangco Passes Away at 85
Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco Jr. passed away yesterday, June 16, 2020, at 85 years old. A well-known businessman and politician, Cojuangco sat as the chairman of San Miguel Corporation and chairman emeritus of the National People’s Coalition political party until his death.
Just last week, the business mogul celebrated his 85th birthday.
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At the time of his death, Cojuangco’s was the world’s 2,048th richest man and the Philippines 15th richest individual. His estimated net worth was around $1.1 billion or P55.3 billion.
It was Cojuangco who brought San Miguel’s current COO Ramon Ang into the fold, discovering him through his son Mark Cojuangco and making him his protege. Aside from the food and beverage industry, Danding also dabbled in construction through his privately owned cement-manufacturing business. He also holds investments in orchards, stud farms, and wineries in Australia.
Also known as "Boss," Danding was the longtime top benefactor of the De La Salle Green Archers men’s basketball team to the University Athletic Association of the Philippines. He also owned three teams in the Philippine Basketball Association: San Miguel Beermen, Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, and Star Hotshots.
Outside of business and sports, Cojuangco’s political pursuits led him to form the Nationalist People’s Coalition in 1992, which currently has two sitting senators: Vicente “Tito” Sotto III and Sherwin “Win” Gatchalian. Cojuangco ran for president in 1992, but lost to Fidel Ramos. He tried again in 2004 only to withdraw.
Prior to this, Cojuangco served as an ambassador to the U.S.A. and former governor of Tarlac. He was also an adviser and friend to the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, and cousin to Marcos’ successor Corazon Aquino.
