Former Philippine Prime Minister and finance chief Cesar E.A. Virata passed away on Friday, October 2, at the age of 95.

“It is with deep sorrow that the Bank announces the passing of Mr. Cesar E.A. Virata, our Corporate Vice Chairperson/Director, today, October 2, 2026,” the Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) announced.

“Mr. Virata was a valuable part of the organization being a Director of the Bank since 1995 and has been the Board’s Corporate Vice Chairperson for 26 years,” it added.

Virata, who was the Philippines’ prime minister under President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. from 1981 to 1986, is also the country’s longest-serving finance chief. Moreover, Virata served as the country’s governor to the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

Before he held government positions, Virata was a professor and dean of Business Administration at the University of the Philippines (UP).

In a social media post, the Department of Finance (DOF) mourned the passing of the former finance secretary.

“We honor his service to the nation and extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. May he rest in peace,” the DOF wrote.