Former Batangas Vice Governor Ricky Recto, the brother of House Deputy Speaker Ralph Recto, died on Tuesday, December 6, 2022. He was 59 years old. According to Rappler, Ricky was found dead with a gunshot wound in his house in Pasig City.
A Colorful Life and Career
Ricky Recto was a member of the influential Recto clan in Batangas. He was the grandson of the late nationalist senator Claro M. Recto and the son of former assemblyman Rafael Recto. He was also the older brother of Plinky Recto, a former actress.
Ricky served as the vice governor of Batangas from 2007 to 2010. He ran for governor in the May 2022 elections, but withdrew his candidacy a few weeks before the polls. He announced his support for his rival, incumbent Governor Hermilando Mandanas, “whether he likes it or not, whether he needs it or not.”
Ricky had a few brushes with the law in his life. In July 2022, he was arrested in his Pasig residence for charges of violence against women and violating the Cybercrime Prevention Act. He was also accused of illegal possession of firearms and direct assault against a person in authority.
In 2006, he was among the suspects in the bombing of the Batangas provincial capitol that injured then-governor Armando Sanchez and killed his driver and bodyguard. He went into hiding after a warrant for his arrest was issued, but he was cleared of the charges by the Department of Justice in 2014.
Family Mourns His Loss
Deputy Speaker Ralph Recto confirmed his brother’s death in a statement. He said that words are hard to come by to express the sorrow of losing him, but they take comfort in their fond memories of him to overcome the pain they feel.
He did not disclose the cause of death and asked for time and space for the family to grieve in private. He said that they are preparing a simple memorial for Ricky, the details of which will be announced soon.
He also recognized Ricky’s contributions as a national athlete and as an elected official. Ricky was a former basketball player who represented the country in international competitions.
“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,” Ralph said.
The Recto family thanked those who have expressed their condolences and sympathies. They also asked for prayers for Ricky’s eternal repose.
