THE ILONGGO MEDIA MOGULS

(By: DinggolAranetaDivinagracia - May 7, 2018)

“The pioneers in Philippine fourth estate history, who excelled in Television, Print Media and Broadcast industry included some prominent Ilonggo families.” -dinggol.d~~~

I- In TELEVISION - The ABS-CBN NETWORK of the Lopez Family from Iloilo City.

This was initiated in the late 1920’s by the family of Iloilo Governor Benito Lopez with his wife Presentacion Hofileña who founded “The Times” or “El Tiempo” in Calle Ortiz, Iloilo City. This became the most popular newspaper in Western Visayas during the 1930‘s..

The Lopez family print media venture blossomed into national prominence when in the year 1947 the family acquired the Chronicle Group. Later, when the mother company Benpres Holdings, Inc. was established, they expanded into power generation and distribution, road and water infrastructure, etc..

When the new phenomenon, called "Tele-vision" came into the picture, the inherent business acumen and foresight of Don Eugenio “Eñing” Lopez, proved his worth and the family owned and controlled television giant was born.

That was the era when foreign dignitaries and visiting Head of States and even European Royalties were amazed by the champagne flowing and wealth flaunting parties hosted by extravagant modern day Sugar Barons, led by “Don Eñing” who controls Philippine economy and his brother Vice-President Fernando “Toto Nanding” Lopez who holds the reign in the political arena. Yes! even Malacañang tiptoed and was cautious not to offend the powerful Ilonggo dominated Sugar Block of Panay and Negros.

When martial law was declared by President Ferdinand E. Marcos on September 21, 1972, the Lopez family business interests; that included MERALCO and ABS-CBN Network were confiscated by the government.

In 1986, however, thousands of Metro Manilans' staged a relatively peaceful "People's Power Revolution" led by the business elite, supported by Uncle Sam and under the guidance of the Catholic Church hierarchy -they succeeded. Thus, Oligarchy was restored.

Thereafter, the newly installed President, Madam Corazon Cojuangco Aquino returned to the Lopez'es their business empires under a sweetheart deal, while the Lady President's very own “Kamag-anak, Inc.” enjoyed the fruits of the EDSA-I revolt.

With the advent of modern technology and cyberspace wireless communication, even the Filipinos abroad could now easily view and enjoy Pinoy Channels spearheaded by the Lopez family from Iloilo City.

II- In PRINT MEDIA -The PHILIPPINE FREE PRESS of the Locsin Family from Bacolod City in Negros Occidental.

In September 1960, Philippine Free Press pioneer Robert McCulloch Dick passed away. Thereafter, the prewar staffer from Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, Teodoro M. Locsin, Sr. took over the helm, and as it's publisher and editor, the PHILIPPINE FREE PRESS continued to remain as the fightingiest publication in the country.

Mr. Teodoro M. Locsin, Sr. (married to Rosario Lopez) was among the most respected crusading journalist of his time; a liberal thinker, a staunch proponent of free thought, a dedicated literary artist and a committed educator.

The Philippine Free Press has contributed significantly to the reform of Philippine politics and the development of the Philippine literature.

His son Enrique Locsin once remarked: “Since 1946, our father has exposed the corruption of Philippine politics through every administration. Having defied the moves of Marcos to impose martial law, he was, upon the declaration of martial law in 1972, arrested and detained. The Philippines Free Press was shut down, and its assets were sold to a Marcos crony. In 1985, however, our father resumed the publication of the Philippines Free Press to support the candidacy of Corazon Cojuangco Aquino - even in the teeth of military censorship".

Enrique is president and general manager of the Philippines Free Press and LR Publications, publisher of the Free Press.

Another son Teodoro “Teddy Boy” Locsin, Jr. was once upon a time Congressman of Makati City in Metro Manila. He was also the Publisher and Editor-in-chief of "Today" and "Globe" newspaper and Executive director of the Philippine Free Press magazine. Presently, Teodoro Lopez Locsin, Jr. serves as the new Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the United Nations with the rank of Ambassador.

III- In BROADCAST -The BOMBO RADYO PHILIPPINES of the Florete Family from Iloilo City.

It is common knowledge among Ilonggos, that is was the late Don Marcelino Florete, Sr. (married to Salome Mirasol) -the patriarch of the Florete-Mirasol clan who first ventured into this family broadcast media business in Iloilo.

"Tioy Marceling” as he was fondly and vividly called by all employees in his various agri- business and commercial enterprises, was ably assisted by his trusted legal adviser and corporate “guro”, the late Atty. Santiago "Tagoy" Cabangal Divinagracia, who eventually became Executive Vice-President of Bombo Radio Philippines with substantial shares of stock.

With foresight, trend forecasting talent, and innovative ideas injected by the eldest Florete son, Dr. Rogelio “Roger” Mirasol Florete, Phd - President and CEO; under his stewardship, Bombo Radyo Philippines, Inc. became the undisputed “Numero Uno” Radio Network in the country.

Needless to say, Bombo Radyo! reputed as a hard hitting, no holds-barred and no-nonsense radio station, has gained the confidence and preference of the populace as venue to air their grievances --”Ipa Bombo kita!” ---BASTA RADYO, BOMBO!!!

It is regrettable, indeed, that several fearless Radio Bombo Broadcasters, offered their lives in the altar of journalism; their young lives cut short by cowardly assassins.

Even top Bombo honcho Roger M. Florete, was not spared. He was kidnapped for ransom some years ago in Iloilo City, allegedly by the break-away group of the NDF-CPA-NPA but released from captivity in Bacolod City after paying the ransom as reported.

Some hecklers in Iloilo spread the rumor, that the ransom demanded by the kidnappers was only P10-Million. But Roger insisted to pay P15-million with the assurance of no second time around; but knowing amigo Roger, I personally doubt as to its veracity.

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