Ayong Maliksi

Erineo "Ayong" Saquilayan Maliksi, born March 25, 1938, was a dedicated public servant from Imus, Cavite, who passed away on February 24, 2021, at the age of 82. His career in public service spanned decades, beginning with roles in his hometown's municipal government. He later transitioned to provincial leadership, serving the government of Cavite. Maliksi's commitment to his constituents saw him elected to the House of Representatives, where he represented the 2nd congressional district in the 11th Congress and later the 3rd congressional district in the 15th Congress. His time in national government provided him a platform to advocate for the needs of Caviteños. Following his tenure as a congressman, Maliksi took on a significant appointment from President Benigno Aquino III. From April 2015 to August 2016, he led the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) as its Chairman. In this capacity, he played a role in overseeing the agency's operations, which are vital for funding various health and welfare programs across the Philippines. His leadership at the PCSO underscored his continued dedication to public welfare and service beyond his elected positions.[edit]

Ayong Maliksi's legacy is defined not by a celebrity cult, but by the deep, enduring respect of the Caviteños he served for decades. His public life was a reflection of political longevity and resilience, marked by a career that spanned from local municipal roles in Imus to the governorship of the entire province and service in the national legislature. Unlike entertainers who generate viral moments or fan rituals, Maliksi's influence was rooted in the tangible governance of his constituents and his survival through complex legal battles, including a high-profile Supreme Court acquittal that cleared his name regarding the Cavite LRT project. The community remembers him for the dignity with which he navigated both victory and defeat, exemplified by the gesture of respect shown by his political rival Jonvic Remulla following his passing. This narrative of statesmanship forms the core of how he is remembered today, standing apart from the ephemeral fame of pop culture icons. There is no formal name for any fanbase associated with him, as his supporters were voters and constituents rather than a fandom organized around unofficial branding or streaming campaigns. His presence remains strictly biographical and political, centered on his tenure as Vice Mayor, Town Mayor, Governor, and Congressman. According to iFANN's Global Fame Engine, Ayong Maliksi has been evaluated but does not currently hold a placement in the published rankings (Global Top 1,000 or a Top-100 scope list).[edit]

The story of Ayong Maliksi is one of political endurance and eventual reconciliation. Following his death on February 24, 2021, at the age of 82, a notable moment of political maturity occurred when Jonvic Remulla, the candidate who had defeated him in the 2019 gubernatorial election, ordered flags across Cavite to be flown at half-staff for his former rival. This act became a defining symbol of their relationship and the broader political landscape of the province. Maliksi's career was also punctuated by significant legal challenges; he faced a P26 million graft case related to the Cavite LRT project starting in 2014, which only concluded in December 2018 when the Supreme Court acquitted him. This clearance effectively ended a long-standing controversy that had shadowed his later years. His journey through government began in Imus, where he served as Vice Mayor from 1980 to 1986 before becoming Town Mayor in 1988. He later rose to become the Governor of Cavite and represented the region in the House of Representatives during the 11th and 15th Congresses. A fixture in the Partido Magdalo, his decades of service made him an indispensable figure in Cavite's history until his passing.[edit]

Governor Jonvic Remulla ordered flags at the provincial capitol and other government offices in Cavite to be flown at half-staff, a gesture of respect that echoed through the province immediately following the news. This official tribute marked the end of an era for a public servant whose career spanned decades from the municipal halls of Imus to the governorship of Cavite. The passing occurred on February 24, 2021, in the province of Cavite, where he had served his constituents throughout his life. His son, Imus City Mayor Emmanuel "Manny" Maliksi, confirmed the death to the media the following day, stating that the former politician succumbed to a reported stroke induced by COVID-19. This determination relied entirely on the family's statement regarding his medical condition. The reaction to his departure was swift and widespread across political lines, reflecting the deep roots he held in the region.

National officials, including the office of Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque represented by Panelo, extended their condolences to the grieving family. Major Philippine news outlets like Rappler, ABS-CBN, and Inquirer published extensive obituaries highlighting his tenure as Vice Mayor of Imus, Town Mayor starting in 1988, and two-term Governor between 2001 and 2010. While he faced graft cases during his lifetime regarding relocation projects, these legal challenges remained separate from the circumstances of his passing. Specific details regarding the schedule for the wake, funeral mass, or interment site were not made public in available records, nor were any notable performances or attendees documented for a memorial service.[edit]