MANILA, Philippines — A respected leader of Manila who served as Representative of Tondo’s 2nd District for three consecutive terms in the 8th, 9th, and 10th Congresses (1987-1998) and again, after a break pursuant to constitutional term limitation, in the 12th, 13th, and 14th Congresses (2001-2010) passed away on Thursday, July 14, 2011, leaving a legacy of service not only to his constituents but to the nation at large.

Born on January 28, 1934, as the first child of Gemiliano C. Lopez Sr. and Carmen Campos, Representative Jaime C. Lopez studied  at the Magat Salamat Elementary School and Torres High School, both in Tondo, went on to the University of the Philippines where he graduated with a Bachelor of Laws degree in 1958, then proceeded to New York University where he obtained his Master of Laws in 1961.

Venturing into politics, he was elected Representative of the 2nd District of Manila which, at that time, comprised half of Tondo. He proceeded to carry out projects that transformed the area from a place of squalor and criminality into what it is today. His projects included scholarships and free vocational courses, health care, fire trucks, ambulances and patrol cars, medical-dental services, day-care centers hospitalization and burial assistance.

In Congress, Representative Lopez, in all of his terms, was chosen as one of the Most Outstanding Congressmen for the many laws of national importance that he authored.

Among these were Republic Act (RA) 6648, rationalizing the compensation of the Integrated National Police; RA 7104, integrating the teaching of drug abuse prevention and control in the curricula of all schools; RA 7743, establishing congressional, city, and municipal libraries and barangay centers throughout the country;  and RA 8042, establishing higher standards of protection and promotion of the welfare of migrant workers and their families.

As Chairman of the House Committee on Banks and Financial Intermediaries, he authored and steered the approval of laws to strengthen financial institutions in the country. Foremost among these were RA 160 and RA 9194 on money laundering.

Representative Lopez carried on a long tradition of service that has been the hallmark of his family. His grandfather was Honorio Lopez who fought in defense of the country against three foreign forces – Spanish, American, and Japanese.

His father Gemiliano Lopez  was a colonel in the Philippine Army in World War II. His brother Gemiliano Jr. served as Mayor of Manila. Today his son, now Congressman, Representative Carlo V. Lopez, carries on that tradition of service.

We extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to the family of Representative Atty. Jaime C. Lopez,  his widow Amelia and their five children and relatives. Let us pray for the repose of his soul. May he rest in peace.