Ricky Recto found dead

Former Batangas vice governor Richard "Ricky" Recto has passed away at 59, his brother, House Deputy Speaker and Batangas Rep. Ralph Recto announced on Tuesday.

"With sadness, we share the news that our brother Ricky has passed away," the lawmaker said in a statement sent to the media. "Words are hard to come by to express the sorrow of losing him, but we take comfort in our fond memories of him to overcome the pain we feel."

The lawmaker, who did not yet disclose the cause of Ricky's passing, thanked those who extended condolences to their family during the difficult time.

"We are touched by your kind words and prayers, but in the meantime, we ask for the time and space to grieve in private," he said.

Ricky was found dead and in a decomposing state inside his room around 6 p.m. on Monday in Barangay Ugong, Pasig City.

His daughter, Raina Recto-Galang, sought assistance from authorities to accompany her representative, Rosario de la Cruz, to check on his father's condition because she couldn't reach him via phone or other means of communication.

Sub-station personnel, along with elements of the barangay security force and security personnel from Valle Verde 6, proceeded to the place.

The police said they found Recto's body inside the house, in a seated position in a lazy boy chair, with a pillow on his chest and a pistol in his right hand.

The deceased previously declared his intention to run for Batangas governor in the 2022 polls but withdrew his candidacy without providing an explanation.