Business tycoon and basketball patron Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco has passed away on Tuesday due to lung cancer at the age of 85.

Cojuangco, the chairman and chief executive officer of San Miguel Corporation, the largest food and beverage conglomerate in the country, was a former ambassador to the United States.

His influence also spread over to politics, being the chairman of the Nationalist People’s Coalition party. He ran for president in 1992 but lost to Fidel Ramos.

He was a huge supporter of basketball in the Philippines, and even owned 3 teams in the PBA: San Miguel Beermen, Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, and Star Hotshots. He was also a key benefactor of the La Salle Green Archers men's basketball team.

The Philippine Basketball Association paid tribute to Cojuangco in a tweet for his “countless contribution” to Philippine sports.

Chairman and CEO of San Miguel Corp., politician, diplomat, businessman, team owner, sports patron...

Thank you for your countless contribution to the PBA and 🇵🇭 sports!

Our prayers and condolences to his family and loved ones.

Requiescat in pace! pic.twitter.com/J1UzU5fVzC

— PBA (@pbaconnect) June 16, 2020

“Thank you for your countless contribution to PBA and sports. Our prayers and condolences to his family and loved ones,” PBA said.

Also, Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque on Wednesday expressed sadness over the death of Cojuangco.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Mr. Eduardo ‘Danding’ Cojuangco, Jr.,” said Roque in a statement.