DIPOLOG CITY, Philippines (DAILY SUN) โ Romeo โNonongโ Garcia Jalosjos Sr., a television producer who helped launch one of the Philippinesโ longest-running noontime shows and a former congressman whose career was marked by both political influence in Zamboanga del Norte and a high-profile controversy, has died. He was 85.
His son, Seth Frederick โBulletโ Jalosjos, a former mayor of Dapitan City and former congressman, announced his father’s death Sunday, Aug. 2, in a social media post. The family did not disclose the cause of death.
His family scheduled a wake and viewing services at The Heritage Park in Taguig City from Aug. 3 to 5. It was followed by services at the family-owned Gloria de Dapitan Complex in Dapitan City from Aug. 6 to 12.
Born Nov. 24, 1940, Jalosjos built a career spanning television, business and politics. He worked as a television producer for ABC and ABS-CBN before martial law forced the closure of ABS-CBN in 1972.
In 1981, he co-founded Television and Production Exponents Inc. (TAPE Inc.) with producer Tony Tuviera and the comedy trio Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon, collectively known as TVJ. TAPE produced Eat Bulaga!, which became the country’s longest-running noontime variety show and one of Philippine television’s most enduring entertainment brands.
Outside broadcasting, Jalosjos expanded into tourism and real estate, developing Dakak Park and Beach Resort in Dapitan City, one of Mindanao’s best-known resort destinations. He also pioneered a Disneyland-themed Gloria de Dapitan.
He entered politics in 1984, representing Zamboanga del Norte in the Regular Batasang Pambansa during the Ferdinand Marcos administration. His term ended after the abolition of the legislature following the 1986 People Power Revolution.
Jalosjos returned to public office in 1995 after winning an election to represent Zamboanga del Norte’s 1st District in the House of Representatives. He later won reelection and served until 2002.
Controversy, however, overshadowed his political career. Criminal charges were filed in 1996 accusing him of two counts of statutory rape and multiple counts of acts of lasciviousness involving an 11-year-old girl. Prosecutors alleged the child had been brought to his Makati condominium by her adoptive father in exchange for money. Jalosjos denied the allegations.
A Makati Regional Trial Court convicted him, and the Supreme Court upheld the conviction in separate rulings in 2001 and 2002. A court sentenced him to reclusion perpetua and removed him from the House roster. His sister, Cecilia G. Jalosjos-Carreon, later succeeded him in Congress.
Despite his conviction, his constituents reelected Jalosjos while he was in detention. Then-President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo later commuted his sentence. Prison authorities recommended his release from New Bilibid Prison in March 2009 after he had served part of his sentence, citing good conduct time allowances. His conviction permanently disqualified him from holding public office.
Following his release, Jalosjos remained an influential figure in Zamboanga del Norte through his family’s political dynasty. Several of his children and relatives held elected positions, including sons Seth “Bullet” Jalosjos and Romeo “Jon-jon” Jalosjos Jr., who both served as congressmen, Rommel Jalosjos, who served as governor of Zamboanga Sibugay, and local officials.
Jalosjos married Lourna Pal, a singer. His children, including Seth Frederick, Romeo Jr., Rommel, and Lana, as well as other relatives active in politics and business, survived him.
In a statement, former Congressman Romeo “Jon-jon” Jalosjos Jr. said his father’s legacy extended beyond politics. “He taught us what it means to be a public servant,” he said.
“He was not perfect; nobody is. But his heart was for the people, serving and helping them as much as he could,” Jalosjos, Jr, who served the Philippine Congress as representative of the second congressional district of Zamboanga Sibugay and first congressional district of Zamboanga del Norte, said.
In separate statements, his family and relatives described Jalosjos as a media pioneer, businessman and public servant whose work shaped Philippine television while leaving a lasting imprint on the political and economic landscape of Zamboanga del Norte.
His life reflected the complex intersection of media influence, regional political power and legal controversy that defined one of the Philippines’ most polarizing public figures.
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