Attorney Cornelio 'Kune' Panes passes away
Ilonggo lawyer-writer Cornelio “Kune” Panes passed away on Saturday after a two-year battle against Nasophareangeal Cancer. He was 55.
His last weeks were spent in confinement at the Iloilo Doctors Hospital (IDH).
“Attorney Kune” was under the care of a medical team he then called “excellent... only the best.” This, as he submitted himself to a long-term cancer treatment of his personal choice and kept a daily journal of his “cancer journey.”
Up to the last days until he was rendered incapacitated, Attorney Kune kept up a brave fight as he turned over his legal practice to associate, lawyer Joviel Edama. Together it was a successful partnership as cases after cases were won including the February Sandiganbayan acquittal of a Guimaras town budget officer. While then in and out of IDH, Attorney Kune personally shared that victory with media friends as he has generously done in the past.
Attorney Kune worked with numerous “power politicians” and trusted by key figures in the business industry. He once worked closely and served as legal officer of then Guimaras Governor Emily Lopez. He was also among the legal minds of then Iloilo First District Congressman Oca Garin. He likewise served and was retained counsel of Secretary Augusto Boboy Syjuco. He aided then Iloilo Vice Governor Obet Armada during the Capitol siege legal crisis. He fought for the longest time and won the case of sugar trader Margarita Sia. He was counsel to the Zayco family and surviving children of murdered Filipino-Chinese businessman Bobby Tan and wife Cindy Zayco.
His practice was his life and passion alongside his discovered and developed love for the media (and the media personalities). In between years of lawyering, Attorney Kune found time to write a novel, a work of fiction with real characters. It was his dream to have the book published with a well-planned launching in mind. Unfortunately, the cancer put the plans on hold.
His last wishes were to fight his ailment yet if failed, “to go with dignity.” He once shared how he still felt blessed to have had “advance notice” with the cancer diagnosis. He has always been concerned that he will just have to go and die while crossing the street. Or as bad luck and timing will have it, be in some kind of accident.
“A full life” was how Attorney Kune summed up his years though he was also banking on a miracle and cure for his kind of cancer. A nurse at IDH who was part of the medical team in the course of his chemotherapy sessions remembers the kindness and generosity distinct to Attorney Kune. He would come back after the sessions with a cake to personally thank the team.
Attorney Kune’s remains lie in state at the Gegato-Abecia Funeral Home at Balabago – Coastal Road, Jaro, Iloilo City. Interment has yet to be finalized.