Ex-Batangas vice gov Ricky Recto dies

Former Batangas vice governor Ricky Recto has died, his brother and House Deputy Speaker Ralph Recto of Batangas said on Tuesday.

"With sadness, we share the news that our brother Ricky has passed away," the lawmaker said in a statement.

"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," he added.

The Batangas lawmaker, however, did not discuss his brother's cause of death.

Instead, he thanked those who extended condolences to the family.

"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.

"But we do recognize that Ricky had served as a national athlete and as an elected official, so a simple memorial is being discussed, the details of which may be announced soon," he added.

The late Ricky was arrested by authorities last July after his ex-girlfriend filed a Violence Against Women and Children complaint against him. —KG, GMA Integrated News