Former Tacloban City Mayor Alfredo “Bejo” Romualdez, a longtime political figure and member of the influential Romualdez family of Leyte, passed away on Oct. 17 at the age of 91 after a lingering illness, the Inquirer confirmed from sources on Tuesday, October 21, 2025.

Former Tacloban City Mayor Alfredo “Bejo” Romualdez, a longtime political figure and member of the influential Romualdez family of Leyte, passed away on Oct. 17 at the age of 91 after a lingering illness, the Inquirer confirmed from sources on Tuesday.

While the cause of death was not disclosed, sources said Romualdez had been confined in a Manila hospital for several months before his passing.

His son, Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez, and grandson, Vice Mayor Raymund Romualdez, have yet to issue a formal statement as of Tuesday. They were reported to be in Manila now.

The news of Romualdez’s passing was confirmed by his younger son, Resty Romualdez, who posted a tribute on social media on October 19.

“With profound sadness, we share that our beloved father, Mayor Bejo Romualdez, has passed away peacefully. A man of deep faith and strength, his wisdom, laughter, and presence were a blessing to all who knew him,” Resty wrote.

“As a former mayor of Tacloban City, he served with integrity, compassion, and tireless dedication to the people he cared so deeply for. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the city he helped shape.”

An online obituary stated that his remains lie in state at the Heritage Memorial Park in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

Alfredo “Bejo” Romualdez, uncle of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and younger brother of former First Lady Imelda Marcos, served as mayor of Tacloban City from 1988 to 2007.

During his nine years in office, he was credited with opening the city to new investors, leading to the establishment of shopping malls, food chains, and major infrastructure projects such as the Tacloban City Convention Center (Astrodome) and the modernization of public markets.

Tributes poured in from city officials, former colleagues, and residents who remembered him as a visionary and compassionate leader.

Former vice mayor Jerry Yaokasin said Romualdez would always be remembered for his commitment to public service.

“He served our city with dedication for nine years, and his leadership will always be remembered with respect — especially his ‘Barangayan’ outreach program, which brought essential city services directly to the barangays,” Yaokasin said.

Former city population officer Ceilito Esquibel, who served under his administration, expressed sadness over his passing.

“It saddened me when I saw the post, and my sister called me about your passing. I cried while recalling all the memories I had with you. Not all had the chance of really knowing you, but I was so blessed I had that chance,” she said.