Former MTRCB, PCSO chair Manoling Morato dies

Manuel "Manoling" Morato, former chairman of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, has passed away, according to the MTRCB.

He was 87.

In a Facebook post, the MTRCB expressed grief over his passing.

"The whole of the MTRCB family joins in mourning the loss of Manuel 'Manoling' Morato, Former Chairperson and legend of the Philippine entertainment industry. Your contributions to history, the national discourse and the lives of the Filipino people will remain ever large in our hearts. You will be missed Sir!" it said.

Senator Imee Marcos also conveyed condolences to Morato's family via Facebook.

Senator Ramon Bong Revilla Jr. likewise condoled with Morato's family via Facebook, saying the former MTRCB chair contributed a lot to the growth of the film industry.

"Ang aming taus-pusong pakikiramay sa pamilya, mga kaibigan, at mga naiwan ni Chairman Manoling Morato. Ang kaniyang kontribusyon sa Industriya ng pelikula at sining ay hindi matatawaran, gayundin ang kanyang naging ambag para iangat ang antas ng pamumuhay ng ating mga nangangailangang kababayan. May he find eternal peace with our creator," he said.

Morato was MTRCB chairman from 1986 to 1992.

He also ran for the 1992 and 2001 senatorial elections but lost.

Morato also ran for President in the 1998 elections but lost to Joseph Estrada.

He also served as co-host of the PCSO-funded television program "Dial M" with former actress Maggie dela Riva, where he also aired his commentaries on politics. —With a report from Jamil Santos/KG, GMA News