Josephine “Jo” Ramos dies of lung cancer at the age of 54 on Monday at around 1 A.M. in the morning at The Medical City in Ortigas, Pasig City. The remains of former President Ramos daughter now lie in state at Funeraria Paz in Paranaque City.
Lloyd Samartino the former husband of Jo Ramos was shocked upon hearing the news of the death of his wife whom he had a 17-year-old son before separating last 2004. Their son, Sergio stayed with her mom Jo Ramos.
The actor Lloyd Samartino was quoted as saying in an interview of one of the local daily in the Philippines as “Neither I nor her family knew how advanced the cancer was until last week,”
He further adds that “We all knew she was being treated, and thought she was getting better. I guess she meant to finish the battle on her own, and wanted us to stop worrying.” Lloyd Samartino stated.
According to former President Ramos, Jo had kept her struggle against lung cancer as a secret to her family. He was quoted as saying that “Jo was a victim of a very vicious lung cancer na hindi naagapan ng modern medicine.” Ramos said.
Jo Ramos was a former singer of the Gary Valenciano group and the Mon Faustino Powerplay Band. She was also a champion water skier. Represented the Philippines in international events such as the South-East Asian Games.
Prominent personalities in politics and showbiz had visited the wake of Jo Ramos to take a last glimpse of the singer and athlethe who had been added to the growing number of lung cancer victims in the country today.
Philippine President Noynoy Aquino had already expressed his condolences to the family of Jo Ramos. The internment will be held on Friday at noon.
