Judy Araneta-Roxas, the mother of former Interior Secretary and presidential candidate Mar Roxas, passed away on Tuesday morning at the age of 91, her family confirmed.
Roxas announced his mother’s passing through a heartfelt social media post. “We are very sad to share that our mother Judy Araneta-Roxas passed away peacefully this morning, surrounded by family and loved ones. Please include her in your prayers. Wake details to follow,” he wrote.
Araneta-Roxas was a respected figure in both business and public service circles. She served as vice chairperson of the Araneta Centre Corporation, which manages the family-owned Araneta business empire. She was also president of the J. Amado Araneta Foundation and the Gerry Roxas Foundation, organizations focused on philanthropy, education, and community development. In addition, she was vice-chairperson of the Araneta Group Management.
Her influence extended into politics, where she was regarded as a guiding figure in the Liberal Party. She was the widow of the late Senator Gerry Roxas, who played a significant role in Philippine politics during the post-war era.
The couple survived the infamous Plaza Miranda bombing in 1971, a violent political attack that left many politicians injured. Despite the ordeal, both Gerry and Judy continued to dedicate their lives to public service and nation-building.
Judy Araneta-Roxas is remembered not only for her leadership and philanthropy but also for her steadfast support of her family. She and Gerry Roxas had three children: Maria Lourdes, Gerardo Jr., and Mar, who would later become one of the country’s prominent political figures.
Tributes from political allies, family friends, and the business community are expected to pour in as the nation mourns the loss of a woman who left an indelible mark on both public life and private service.