Former customs chief Bert Lina dies at 76

Former Customs Commissioner Alberto Lina. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO/RICHARD A. REYES

MANILA, Philippines — Former Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Alberto “Bert” David Lina has died at the age of 76, the Lina Group of Companies (LGC) announced on Tuesday, February 25.

The LGC did not disclose the date or cause of his death.

Lina, who chaired the LGC, served as the BOC Commissioner twice — first in 2005, and again from 2015 to 2016.

READ: Alberto Lina is new Customs chief

He was also the founding chairperson of logistics company Air21, which is now part of the Ayala Group of Companies.

READ: Ayala unit acquires controlling stake in AIR21

“A visionary entrepreneur, Bert transformed Philippine logistics through his unwavering dedication and innovative spirit,” the LGC said in a statement.

“As we mourn his passing, we celebrate a life dedicated to service, “pakikisama,” (camaraderie) and compassion,” the company noted.

“We are forever grateful to our Lord Jesus Christ for blessing us with such an extraordinary leader and mentor,” the statement added.

The LGC remembered Lina as a “tireless champion of Philippine sports,” particularly basketball, cycling and golf.

He was also a patron of the arts, supporting the Manila Symphony Orchestra and the Philippine theater community, it added.

“As the son and son-in-law of World War II veterans, he was an advocate for the country’s veterans. He received the Papal Award Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice from the Archdiocese of Manila,” the LGC also noted.

READ: What Went Before: Alberto Lina’s previous ties to BOC

The company announced that a funeral mass and inurnment will be held on Thursday, February 27 at 2:30 p.m. at the St. James the Great Parish in Ayala Alabang Village, Muntinlupa.

A series of daily Novena Masses will also be held starting Friday, February 28.

Further details will follow.

The LGC requested that instead of flowers, donations be made to causes important to Lina, specifically the Guiding Light Ministries of Aklan, Inc. and the Philippine Red Cross.