Phillip Lazaro, a comedian and director, passed away yesterday, July 11, 2022, due to multiple organ failure.

Therese Alinell, a niece of Phillip, released the family’s formal statement regarding the 52-year-old comedian’s passing on Tuesday morning, July 12.

Additionally, it gives specifics about the hill and the interment of Phillip’s remains:

“Our family wishes to thank everyone for extending their condolences for the passing of our uncle, Felicisimo ‘Phillip’ Saavedra Lazaro.

“We also appreciate those who have provided us privacy during the initial hours of his passing.

“For those who wish to pay their last respects, his remains will lie in state at Chapel 103, St. Peter’s Chapel, La Loma, Caloocan City starting today, July 12, 2022.

“Funeral rites will be on Sunday, July 17, 2022. Mass will start by 10AM at Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Morning Breeze Subdivision, Caloocan City.

“Interment to follow at the Lazaro family plot, Eternal Gardens Memorial Park, Baesa, Caloocan City.

“We request that we continue to pray for the soul of our dear uncle.”

Therese describes Phillip as loving but stern.

Therese shared, “He’s the spoiler. Always excited for holidays. He loves us so much.

“Every after ng lock-in tapings niya, may nakaabang agad na vacation. He’s a spoiler and also strict at the same time.

“I remember in one of our trips in Puerto Galera, sabi niya, ang hirap daw kapag kasama kami kasi hindi siya makapag-enjoy. Bantay siya nang bantay which is true even if we’re all adults, he still treats us like a child.”

The last two GMA-7 programs Phillip appeared in were Prima Donnas and Widows’ Web, both of which terminated production.

Veteran actors Gina Alajar and Chanda Romero, who were close friends with Phillip, are deeply saddened by his passing.

Gina said, “I love you Phi…alam mo ‘yan. I lost another good friend in you. Wala nang mang-iinggit sa akin at wala na akong iinggitin.

“Salamat sa iyong pagmamahal na damang-dama ko kahit sandali pa lang tayo nagkasama. Rest in peace my dear friend.”

Chanda paid tribute to Phillip before he passed away on May 24 because he appreciated the comedian’s talent for delivering his sassy and catchy lines as Lady Prima in Prima Donnas.

“Puwede ko nang i-reveal, ngayong tapos na ang Prima Donnas. Sa taping ng Prima Donnas, bilang Lady Prima, lagi kaming naghahanap ng mga adlib na bagay sa tapang at taray ng karakter ko.

“Ang source nito? Si Direk Phillip Lazaro!!! Siya ang mas scathing, mas catty, mas cutting at mas classy.

“Ang totoo: siya talaga ang Lady Prima. Double lang ako. Labyu, Direk,” Chanda’s account of Phillip during their time in Prima Donnas together.