Former Zamboanga del Norte Rep. Romeo Jalosjos dies aged 85
Former Zamboanga del Norte Rep. Romeo Jalosjos has passed away at age 85, his son announced.
In a Facebook post, Jalosjos' son, former Dapitan City Mayor Seth Jalosjos, wrote, "It is with profound sorrow and heavy hearts that our family announces the passing of our beloved father, Romeo 'Nonong' Garcia Jalosjos."
The former mayor described his father as a "distinguished media man, statesman, visionary, and pioneer [who] dedicated his life to serving others with unwavering courage, compassion, and purpose."
Before he entered politics, Jalosjos had a career in media. In 1981, he co-founded television production company TAPE Inc. with Tony Tuviera and comedy trio Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey de Leon.
In 1984, he won a seat in Congress as representative of Zamboanga del Norte, though the People Power Revolution in 1986 cut his term short. By 1995, Jalosjos was back as the representative of the 1st District of Zamboanga del Norte.
Jalosjos was arrested in 1996 for statutory rape of an 11-year-old girl. He was convicted by a Makati court in 1997 on two counts of statutory rape and six counts of acts of lasciviousness and was sentenced to double life imprisonment.
In 1998 and again in 2001, Jalosjos ran for reelection while in prison and won both times. However, in 2002, the Supreme Court upheld his conviction and confirmed his sentence, which led to Jalosjos being removed from the House of Representatives.
He stayed at the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa until former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo commuted his sentence in 2007 to 16 years. Jalosjos was released from prison in March 2009, owing to computed time allowances and good behavior.
According to his son, Jalosjos' remains may be viewed at the Heritage Park in Taguig City from Aug. 3 to 5. Jalosjos will then lie in state at the Gloria de Dapitan Complex in Dapitan City from Aug. 6 to 12.
The cause of his death was not disclosed.
