By APD writer Melo M. Acuna

MANILA, Dec. 3 (APD) – A respected business leader Donald G. Dee passed away last Saturday, December 1 at age 72. He was president of the influential Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) and honorary chairman and chief operating officer of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

In a statement, the ECOP said “the business community lost a passionate champion and leader, a stalwart in the industry, and a staunch advocate of and for employers.” Meanwhile the PCCI said Dee was a “well-respected leader, stalwart and champion of the business community.”

Even Atty. Sonny Matula, president of the Federation of Free Workers said the late businessman was “a passionate leader of the employers but at the same time with a kind heart for the worker.”

Both the late Dee and Matula served as Commissioners of the Social Security System from 2001 to 2010.

Mr. Dee was a special envoy for Trade Negotiations from 2004 to 2010 under the leadership of former President and now Speaker of the House Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. He was also chairman of the PCCI affiliate think-tank Universal Access to Competitiveness and Trade.

Among the various positions he held were being chair of the Confederation of Garments Exporters of the Philippines, vice-chair of Philippine Exporters Confederation and member of the Export Development Council executive committee and co-champion of for Educational and Human Resource at the National Competitiveness Council.

His wake began yesterday at the Capilla del Señor of the Santuario de San Antonio in Makati City and inurnment on Wednesday, December 5.

He is survived by his wife Ophelia M. Dee, his children and grandchildren.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)