Former Senator John Henry ‘Sonny’ Osmeña. CDN Digital file photo | Gerard Vincent Francisco
CEBU CITY, Philippines – Former Senator John Henry ‘Sonny’ Osmeña has passed away on Tuesday, February 2, his sister Annie Osmeña – Aboitiz confirmed in a statement.
Annie said her brother passed away inside his residence in Cebu City at 2:45 p.m. on Tuesday. She added that his remains were immediately cremated.
“Schedule of Holy Masses through Zoom will be announced soon,” Annie added.
Sonny’s cause of death, however, was not mentioned.
In 2020, the former Senator revealed that he has recovered after being infected with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Sonny belonged to one of Cebu’s most influential political families, being a grandson of the late President Sergio Osmeña Sr., and considered as a seasoned politician.
He was also the brother of former Cebu Governor Emilio Mario “Lito” Osmeña, Jr., and cousins to former Senator Sergio “Serge” Osmeña III and former Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña.
Sonny served as a senator for three terms, that spanned from 1971 up to 2004. He started his political career as a councilor for Cebu City in 1963 and was also elected as the city’s vice mayor from 1965 to 1969.
Sonny also served in the lower chamber of Congress from 1969 to 1971, and from 1995 to 1998.
His recent stint was serving as mayor of Toledo City, a third-class city located 47 kilometers southwest of the capital, from 2013 to 2019.
The late politician was reported, twice, as the wealthiest local chief executive Cebu. /rcg
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