Barangay Captain Ronnie Distrito of Brgy. Singcang-Airport, Bacolod City passed away Thursday due to complications from diabetes and tuberculosis was declared dead upon his arrival at the Bacolod Adventist Medical Center (formerly Sanitarium Hospital).

Distrito, 49, is survived by his wife Simplicia “Simple” and five children Cesar, Stephen, Ronnie Jr., Kagawad Rosini and Ron Paul.

His eldest son, Cesar Distrito, told the DAILY Star yesterday, that their father could have turned 50 on May 17.

The late barangay captain is the twin brother of former Philippine Basketball Association star Rudy Distrito, who is serving a life sentence in Nevada, U.S.A. for the murder of a Mexican immigrant.

Ronnie Distrito was barangay kagawad of Brgy. Singcang-Airport from 1989-1994 and barangay captain from 1994-1997. He was reelected and served again in 1997-2002.

Cesar recalled that he lost to former Barangay Captain Teodoro Espuerta in the 2002 elections because it was a three-cornered fight.

However, he won again in 2007 and garnered about 5,200 votes, the highest among the 61 barangay captains in Bacolod, he said. Six of his kagawads, who include his brother, Rosini, also won, as well as, his Sangguniang Kabataan candidate, he added.

Cesar said his father had delivered his first 100 days accomplishment report on March 31 and had given awards to the outstanding citizens of his barangay, in the presence of Mayor Evelio Leonardia.

He had also conducted medical and dental missions and helped in the feeding program of his barangay, Cesar said.

In his first 100 days in office, Cesar said, his father had distributed P65,000 worth of scholarships to his constituents, had constructed 1,000 footwalks, and put up 45 water pumps in the barangay. He had also many other plans and projects for his barangay.

He had 50 college and 200 high school scholars because their grandfather had instilled in him the value of education, Cesar said.  

Meanwhile, Leonardia said “Ronnie who was one of the longest-serving barangay officials dating back to the 1990’s, is a big loss to the city.”

“He was the epitome of fighting spirit because even when he suffered a setback in his political career, he was able to make a comeback,” Leonardia also said.

His family, especially Cesar, his eldest son, who is one of the recognized political leaders of their barangay, are very proud of him, he added.

Leonardia said he was told that hundreds, or maybe thousands of people lined up the streets to pay their respects when “Ronnie” was brought back to his house Thursday, which indicates how much he is appreciated and loved by his people.*CGS

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