Former Senator Heherson Alvarez Has Died Due to COVID-19

Heherson "Sonny" Alvarez, who served as a member of the House of Representatives of the Philippines and the Senate of the Philippines, has died at 80. The news was confirmed by Senate President Tito Sotto.

On March 31, it was reported that the former senator and his wife Cecile Guidote were both in critical condition after a coronavirus diagnosis. The couple was admitted to a Manila hospital on March 25 and was intubated.

Cecile Guidote is a known supporter of the arts. She founded the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) and developed a national program for theater arts, which earned her a Ramon Magsaysay Award.

"It grieves me to learn of that news. He was a fighter! It was an honor for me to have served with him in the 9th Congress. Marami din akong natutunan sa kanya," Sotto said in a statement.

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect people all over the world. Early last week, the global count for cases surpassed the two million mark, with over 165,000 deaths.