(Image courtesy of the House of Representatives) BACOLOD CITY - Top officials of Negros Occidental and this capital city led Negrenses in paying tribute to Tarlac 1st District Rep. Carlos "Charlie" Cojuangco, who passed away on Tuesday. Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and Mayor Evelio Leonardia issued separate statements late Tuesday, extending their deepest condolences to the Cojuangco family. "We can always just remember what he has done for Negros Occidental when he was the representative of the fourth district. We mourn the passing of the late congressman Charlie Cojuangco," Lacson said. The governor added that although they were not always in touch, during the few times they were together, Cojuangco, who also served as mayor of Pontevedra town in southern Negros, would always talk about progress. "Even though he was already congressman of Tarlac, he would still talk about Negros Occidental," he added. Meanwhile, Leonardia said it is with "great sadness and a heavy heart" that he received the news about the demise of Cojuangco, whom he described as "a dedicated public servant and close friend". "Let me and (my wife) Elsa express our deepest sympathies to Congressman Charlie's wife, China Jocson, children Claudia and Jaime, and to the rest of the Cojuangco family," he added. On Tuesday, Cojuangco's spouse confirmed his passing in an announcement posted on Facebook. Before he returned to Tarlac, where he was elected representative for two terms from 2016 to 2022, Cojuangco had also served as congressman of Negros Occidental's 4th District for three terms from 1998 to 2007. Cojuangco was also once elected president of the Negros Occidental Football Association. "He became a very visible political figure and sports leader during his stay in Negros. He will certainly be missed by his family and peers," Leonardia said. Charlie is the youngest son of the late Ambassador Eduardo "Danding" Cojuangco Jr., businessman and chairman of the Nationalist People's Coalition. (PNA) }