Before joining Aquino's administration, Siytangco was a journalist. According to her column in the Manila Bulletin in 2018, she was offered a role as an assistant secretary for media.
"I took a cut in pay and had no representation funds. All goodwill. I survived mainly because my idol, President Cory, was a joy to work with. She was honest, disciplined, and a no-frills leader. I did not have to lie for her, ever. When talking in her behalf, I vetted everything to her and the hardest thing I had to do was politely turn down numerous requests for interviews, especially from foreign media. My lady boss would tell me, 'We are not running for public office.' And that meant, no more interviews. But she also understood how important her pronouncements meant to the people and she would give in and meet the press when I would literally beg."
According to a statement by her daughter, Sandee Siytangco Masigan, on her Facebook account, Siytangco succumbed to septic shock due to pneumonia. She was also suffering from urothelial cancer, hypertension, and hypothyroidism.
Sandee appealed to those who wish to express their condolences, asking them to make a donation to the Contemplative Brothers of Mary Mother for the Poor instead, or if they wish to send flowers, to send sunflowers, which were her mother's favorite.
Siytangco's remains will be at the Heritage Memorial Park in Taguig City until Tuesday, October 3, at 10:00 a.m.
Siytangco will be laid to rest at Our Lady of Dela Strada Parish in Quezon City following a Mass on Tuesday.
(Photo by Sandee Masigan's FB account)
