ILOILO – Former governor Simplicio “Sim” Griño has died. He was 85.
Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. ordered local government units to fly their Philippine national flags at half-mast as a sign of mourning.
Griño, a resident of Barangay Poblacion, Leganes, was a one-term governor (1988 to 1992) succeeded by Defensor’s father, Arthur Defensor Sr.
Yesterday afternoon, Griño’s remains were brought to the Casa Real de Iloilo (old provincial capitol where he held office) for an overnight wake, a Mass and necrological service.
“This is customary,” said Defensor.
Today, the remains would be brought to St. Joseph the Worker Mortuary in Jaro district.
Griño died on Monday night, Aug. 5. He had been suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.
“Ginatawag sia nga Mr. Clean kay honest and sincere,” said former Sangguniang Panlalawigan member Demetrio “Demy” Sonza, a party-mate of Griño in Lakas ng Bansa in 1988.
Sonza was then running for provincial board member.
Prior to his election as governor, Griño, a successful agri-businessman, was Iloilo’s OIC governor from April 1, 1987 to Nov. 30, 1987 and the designated vice governor from Dec. 22, 1986 to March 1987. He was a provincial board member from May 5, 1986 to Dec. 21, 1986./PN
