Jake Almeda Lopez, war veteran and ex-ABS-CBN vice chairman, dies at 95

Jake Almeda Lopez. Image: First Philippine Holdings’s official website

Atty. Augusto “Jake” Almeda Lopez, a war veteran who served as ABS-CBN’s vice chairman, has died, the media giant confirmed on Sunday, Feb. 4. He was 95.

In an official statement, Lopez was noted as one of the pillars of ABS-CBN as he rebuilt the media conglomerate along with its founder Eugenio Lopez Jr. No cause of death was mentioned.

“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,” its 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

Lopez was said to be one of the pillars of ABS-CBN throughout his life, as he served as one of the network’s pioneers.

“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 considered one of the key individuals behind the establishment of ABS-CBN as he was also behind the change of the company’s name from Bolinao Electronics Corporation to ABS-CBN in February 1967, per reports.

He was also one of the pillars of the network when the ABS-CBN Broadcast Center was built in 1967.

Lopez served as the network’s vice chairman until 1989, and was a member of the Lopez Group until he announced his retirement in 2008.

The lawyer and businessman was also among those who testified for the renewal of ABS-CBN’s franchise at 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.”