Domingo 'Menggie' Cobarrubias dies of pneumonia while awaiting COVID-19 test results

Veteran actor Domingo "Menggie" Cobarrubias died on Thursday morning, March 26, due to pneumonia. He was 68 years old.

His son Gino Cobbarrubias confirmed the heartbreaking news to GMA News Online in a Facebook private message.

"My father passed away 8:20 am as per my mother," he said.

"He died due to pneumonia complications. We are still awaiting his test results for COVID-19," he added. 

A day before he died, Menggie wrote on Facebook, "Good bye."

His friend Lui Quiambao Manansala wrote a Facebook post on Thursday morning asking prayers for his friend Menggie, who was then in "critical condition" while waiting for COVID-19 test results.

Menggie last starred in the GMA Network series Beautiful Justice as President Ricardo San Jose.

The entertainment industry has not been spared from the threat of COVID-19. Actor Christopher de Leon, who first tested positive last week, has been discharged from the hospital after being confined for COVID-19.

Actress Iza Calzado meanwhile is currently in the hospital due to pneumonia and is awaiting for her COVID-19 test results.

As of Wednesday, the number of COVID-19 cases in the Philippines continued to rise after DOH confirmed 84 new infections, bringing the total to 636. — Jannielyn Ann Bigtas/LA, GMA News