MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Atty. Augusto “Jake” Almeda Lopez, a war veteran and vice chairman of ABS-CBN, passed away at 95, as confirmed by the media company on Sunday, February 4.
In an official announcement, Lopez was recognized as a key figure in ABS-CBN, contributing to the reconstruction of the media conglomerate alongside its founder, Eugenio Lopez Jr. The statement did not provide details regarding the cause of his death.
“ABS-CBN mourns the loss of our esteemed Vice Chairman and pillar, Atty. Jake Almeda Lopez. A decorated war veteran, he dedicated many years to building and rebuilding ABS-CBN alongside our founder, Kapitan Geny Lopez, who described him as the ‘soul’ of our organization,” the statement read.
READ: STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF ABS-CBN VICE CHAIR JAKE ALMEDA LOPEZ pic.twitter.com/PfAWpfMRyR
— ABS-CBN PR (@ABSCBNpr) February 4, 2024
Throughout his life, Lopez was acknowledged as a foundational figure for ABS-CBN, having played a pioneering role within the network.
“His life was a testament to service, both on the battlefield and as a Kapamilya leader, serving his country and contributing greatly to ABS-CBN’s success. As we bid farewell to our pioneers, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family during this difficult time. We are forever grateful, Atty. Jake. Rest in peace, Kapamilya,” the media giant stated.
Lopez is recognized as a pivotal figure in the founding of ABS-CBN, having played a crucial role in the company’s name change from Bolinao Electronics Corporation to ABS-CBN in February 1967, according to reports.
He played a significant role as one of the foundational figures during the construction of the ABS-CBN Broadcast Center in 1967. Lopez held the position of the network’s vice chairman until 1989 and remained a member of the Lopez Group until he declared his retirement in 2008.
The attorney and entrepreneur was among the individuals who provided testimony in support of the renewal of ABS-CBN’s franchise during a House hearing in June 2020.
Among his statements included: “We deserve the renewal of [ABS-CBN’s] franchise, and that if you don’t renew our franchise you’re going to deprive the public of so much entertainment, news, and more or less the building of culture.”
Keep Reading: Actor Carl Weathers dies at 76
Leave a Reply