By Helen Castaño | 09:43 PM July 26, 2024
On Friday, Bohol said its final goodbyes to Vice Gov. Dionisio Victor Balite who most people would consider as one of Bohol’s statesmen.
Balite was buried beside his mother Lilia, who died on Oct. 14, 2021.
Balite was given a 21-gun salute by the police.
The Philippine flag used for Balite’s funeral was turned over to the late leader’s wife, Russell Valmores-Balite.
‘A great family man‘
A Requiem Mass was held at Saint Joseph the Worker Cathedral Shrine officiated by Boholano Bishop Crispin Varquez of the Diocese of Tagbilaran in Eastern Samar.
The funeral mass was attended by suspended governor Aris Aumentado and colleagues at Sangguniang Panlalawigan.
Reps. Vanessa Aumentado and Alexie Tutor also attended the funeral.
Acting governor Tita Baja also attended the funeral mass.
The late vice governor’s son Dedjay expressed gratitude to his doctors, friends, supporters, and volunteers during the mass.
“He is a great family man… Dili ka kadungog ni Papa nga masuko. Soft-hearted, mapaubsanon si Papa,” Rev. Fr. Dindin Balite said during the homily.
Balite died on July 17 while confined in a hospital in Tagbilaran. He was 52.
He served two terms as a board member and was elected vice governor in 2022.
He also served as acting governor in May 2024 when Aumentado and other officials were suspended because of the Captain’s Peak Garden and Resort controversies.
The SP, for its part, passed a resolution citing Balite’s invaluable contribution to Bohol. A copy of the resolution was given to widow Rusell.
