Danding Cojuangco

Danding Cojuangco

Eduardo "Danding" Murphy Cojuangco Jr. (June 10, 1935 – June 16, 2020) was a prominent Filipino businessman and politician. He was a key figure in the Philippines' business and political landscape, known for his significant influence in various industries and his role in the country's political affairs.

Early Life and Education

Danding Cojuangco was born on June 10, 1935, in Paniqui, Tarlac, Philippines. He was a member of the influential Cojuangco family, which has been prominent in Philippine business and politics for generations. He attended De La Salle University in Manila for his primary and secondary education and later pursued higher education at the California Polytechnic State University in the United States.

Business Career

Cojuangco was best known for his leadership of San Miguel Corporation (SMC), one of the largest and most diversified conglomerates in the Philippines. He served as the chairman and CEO of SMC, overseeing its expansion into various industries, including food and beverage, packaging, energy, and infrastructure.

San Miguel Corporation

Under Cojuangco's leadership, San Miguel Corporation grew significantly, becoming a major player in the Southeast Asian market. He was instrumental in diversifying the company's portfolio and expanding its operations beyond the Philippines.

Other Business Ventures

Apart from his role in SMC, Cojuangco had interests in various other businesses, including agriculture, real estate, and banking. He was also involved in the coconut industry, where he played a controversial role due to his association with the Coconut Levy Fund.

Political Career

Cojuangco was a prominent figure in Philippine politics. He was a close associate of Ferdinand Marcos, the 10th President of the Philippines, and was a member of the Kilusang Bagong Lipunan (KBL) party. During the Martial Law era, he held several key positions in the government and was known for his influence in political circles.

1986 Presidential Election

In 1986, Cojuangco ran for president under the KBL party but was defeated by Corazon Aquino, the widow of Benigno Aquino Jr. and a key figure in the People Power Revolution that led to the ousting of Ferdinand Marcos.

Later Political Involvement

After the fall of the Marcos regime, Cojuangco went into exile but later returned to the Philippines. He continued to be active in politics and was a member of the Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC), a political party he founded.

Personal Life

Cojuangco was married to Soledad "Gretchen" Oppen-Cojuangco, and they had four children. He was known for his philanthropic activities, particularly in the fields of education and sports. He was a patron of Philippine basketball and supported various sports programs in the country.

Death

Danding Cojuangco passed away on June 16, 2020, at the age of 85. His death marked the end of an era for one of the most influential figures in Philippine business and politics.

Legacy

Cojuangco's legacy is marked by his significant contributions to the Philippine economy through his leadership of San Miguel Corporation and his involvement in various industries. His political career, while controversial, also left a lasting impact on the country's political landscape.

See Also

• San Miguel Corporation
• Cojuangco family
• Ferdinand Marcos
• Corazon Aquino
• Nationalist People's Coalition