UID 101: Manila Mayors

Group 4: Gemiliano "Mel" Campos Lopez Jr.

Members:
Gutierrez, Joanna Mae T.
Lejarde, Jhannel D.
Pintor, Blydriey S.
Radoc, Shamara Ariza T.
Santos, John Andrei B.
Villapaña, Maricel G.
Villar, Jersey Paula F.
 Gemiliano "Mel" Campos Lopez Jr. was born in Manila on September 1,
1935, to Carmen Campos from Bulacan and Lt. Col. Gemiliano Lopez Sr.
from Manila. Raised under the influence of his ancestors, Mel particularly
looked up to Col. Honorio Lopez, renowned as the Hero of Manila. Col.
Honorio Lopez made significant contributions as a Philippine Revolutionary,
writer, and publisher. The impactful legacy of his family, along with the
notable achievements of Col. Honorio Lopez, has undoubtedly played a
pivotal role in shaping Mel's upbringing and values, reflecting a heritage
deeply rooted in historical importance and intellectual pursuits.

Gemiliano "Mel" Campos Lopez Jr. (September 1, 1935 – January 1,

2017) was a Filipino politician who served as the Mayor of Manila from 1986 to 1987 and 1988 to
1992 and an assemblyman of the Batasang Pambansa of the Philippines from 1984 to 1986. He was
also a former chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission.

Lopez served as the chairman of the Philippine National Oil Co. and also held the chairmanship of
Pacific Concrete Products, Inc., overseeing operations in various quarry areas and concrete
manufacturing plants nationwide. He played a pivotal role as one of the founding signatories of Lakas
ng Bayan (Laban). During his tenure as a Manila councilor in the 1960s, he organized opposition
against the Marcos regime. Mel Lopez was among the 92 individuals wounded in the Plaza Miranda
bombing during a Liberal Party rally on August 21, 1971. Appointed as officer-in-charge of Manila
by former president Corazon Aquino in 1986, he later became the city's 14th mayor, serving until
June 30, 1992.

While holding the position of Manila mayor, Mel Lopez dedicated efforts to revive Manila Boy’s
Town, securing crucial technical and financial assistance from the private sector. This initiative led to
the rehabilitation and enhancement of facilities, creating a nurturing space for impoverished and
underprivileged children in Manila. The renovated institution aimed not only to provide shelter but
also to offer educational, livelihood, and career opportunities to its young residents. Following his
mayoral term, Lopez continued his public service by accepting the appointment as chairman of the
Philippine Sports Commission, a role he held from 1993 to 1995. This transition demonstrated his
commitment to contributing to diverse sectors, furthering his impact beyond city governance into
sports management at the national level.
Education

He graduated from the Jose Rizal University (formerly Jose Rizal College) with a degree in Bachelor
of Science in Commercial Science in the year 1957. He played for the JRC high school basketball
team from 1952-53 to 53-54 season. Also, during the 1952 season, he was part of the JRC junior
swim team.

In 2015, the late and former Manila Mayor Gemiliano "Mel" Campos Lopez Jr., (Bachelor of
Commercial Science, 1957) funded a multi-purpose conference room on the second floor, Building A,
or the GCL room. Last November 2016, the Board of Trustees approved the construction of an
auditorium, strategically located in the middle of the University.

Death

The Chairman of the Board of Directors, Gemiliano "Mel"Campos Lopez, Jr. He was 81. Lopez
served as Chairman from 2010 until his passing on New Year's Day, 1 January 2017. He is survived
by his wife Concepcion, his children Alex, Carnita, Manny, Vicky, Rosanna, Philip, Gino, Mike, and
Rina, grandchildren, and great grandchild. Lopez was interred on 6 January 2017 at the Heritage Park
in Taguig City.

History in Political Life

Baptism of Fire

The Plaza Miranda Bombings of 1971 cast a dark shadow over Philippine politics. On August 21, a
Liberal Party rally was violently disrupted, resulting in nine fatalities and injuring 92 individuals,
including Mel, then a young Manila councilor. Exploiting the chaos, President Ferdinand Marcos
seized the opportunity to suspend the writ of habeas corpus, escalate government militarization, and,
shortly thereafter, enact Proclamation 1081, ushering in martial law. Subsequently, a new constitution,
endorsed by a constitutional convention, granted Marcos decree powers, enabling him to rule
unilaterally and, significantly, abolish local legislative bodies. This pivotal event marked a turning
point in Philippine history, leading to an era of authoritarian rule.
During the final session of the Manila City Council, only three councilors, namely Gonzalo Puyat,
Chito Lucero, and Mel Lopez, exhibited courage by speaking out against the dictatorship. They
voiced their support for the people's right to govern themselves through duly elected representatives,
standing firm in their opposition to the authoritative regime. In a climate dominated by political
constraints, these individuals demonstrated resilience by openly advocating for democratic principles
and the empowerment of the citizenry in the face of an encroaching dictatorship.

Martial Law

The martial law government, ostensibly established to "reform society," was evolving into not merely
an authoritarian regime but also assuming characteristics of a totalitarian system. In a departure from
the constitutional constraints that restricted the declaration of martial law to addressing rebellion,
insurrection, invasion, or imminent danger, it began overstepping those boundaries. This
transformation indicated a significant shift towards an all-encompassing control, exceeding the
original intent and scope outlined by the Constitution. The martial law regime, initially presented as a
response to specific threats, now manifested broader and more pervasive powers, raising concerns
about the erosion of democratic principles and civil liberties

While fulfilling his responsibilities as a Councilor, Mel Lopez took the initiative to orchestrate a
dynamic opposition against the regime with the aim of ultimately dismantling it and reinstating
democracy in the country. Engaging in clandestine activities, he convened confidential gatherings
with labor and student leaders, along with community and political figures. These meetings served as
forums for brainstorming and strategizing, exploring innovative ideas on how to effectively mobilize
opposition against the martial law regime. Mel's efforts reflected a commitment to fostering unity
among various sectors, laying the groundwork for a coordinated and resilient movement against the
authoritarian governance.

Laban

Mel Lopez played a pivotal role as one of the founding signatories of Laban, an acronym for "Lakas
ng Bayan," translating to People's Power. As Marcos declared an election for the Interim Batasang
Pambansa on April 7, 1978, Mel assumed the role of campaign manager in Manila. Diligently leading
the charge, he orchestrated a series of sorties and meetings, strategically mobilizing citizens to join the
collective effort against the dictatorship. In this capacity, Mel demonstrated unwavering commitment,
actively engaging in the democratic process and rallying support for Laban, contributing significantly
to the movement against the authoritarian regime.

Batasang Pambansa

In recognition of Lopez’ proven leadership in Manila, some 20 prospective candidates of United

Nationalists Democratic Organizations (UNIDO) for the 1984 Batasang Pambansa elections signed a
resolution giving him blanket authority to select the five other candidates for the six assembly seats
assigned to Manila based on voting population.

Facing a setback, the administration ticket incurred significant losses, with UNIDO candidates,
including Mel and four others, emerging victorious in Manila. Undeterred, Mel promptly introduced
the inaugural bill in the National Assembly. This proposal advocated for the separate taxation of
compensation income for spouses who are both employees, with the intent of reducing tax burdens.
Additionally, he championed several substantial bills, seeking the abolition of the Metro Manila
Commission, the establishment of the Philippine National Language Commission, and the
synchronization of national and local elections in 1986. Mel's legislative initiatives reflected his
proactive approach towards addressing key issues and advancing progressive reforms.

Outside Batasan: Street Fighting

Mel Lopez navigated a dual strategy in his opposition to the Marcos regime. Within the Batasang
Pambansa, he actively voiced dissent, challenging the regime's policies. Simultaneously, on the streets
of Manila, he orchestrated dynamic sorties, passionately detailing the Marcoses' wrongdoings and
rallying citizens around the cause of reclaiming lost rights and liberties. Through strategic lightning
rallies, Mel contributed significantly to the momentum that culminated in the EDSA revolution,
marking the pivotal turning point that led to Marcos's ouster. His multifaceted approach exemplified a
comprehensive commitment to both legislative resistance and grassroots mobilization in the pursuit of
democracy.

EDSA I

The globally renowned EDSA Revolution stands as a powerful testament to the heroism and
resilience of Filipinos, underscoring their unwavering commitment to freedom and democracy. A
diverse array of individuals, representing all walks of life, converged on EDSA in a collective effort
to dismantle a dictatorship. In a remarkable display, Filipinos showcased to the international
community that, through a peaceful revolution, a unified nation possesses the capacity to reshape
history. This bloodless uprising exemplified the potency of a determined Filipino populace in
effecting transformative change, ultimately reclaiming freedom and democracy for the nation and
inspiring a global narrative of peaceful resistance.

Mayor of Manila

When Mel Lopez assumed the role of Manila's Mayor in 1986, he confronted significant challenges in
revitalizing a city burdened by the aftermath of Martial Law. His tenure saw notable accomplishments
that garnered attention from a vigilant press. These achievements included sound fiscal policies,
efficient infrastructure development, effective social management, the clearance and removal of
squatter areas, improved garbage collection, and the relocation of sidewalk vendors. Lopez also
prioritized enhancing the city's youth and education programs, upgrading peace and order measures,
and promoting sports development. His leadership showcased a comprehensive approach to
rebuilding, fostering renewal, and addressing the multifaceted needs of Manila's residents.

Pagcor Issue – Legal and Illegal Gambling

For Mel Lopez, gambling, whether legal or illegal, is perceived as a vice that corrodes morality,
disrupts family well-being, and destabilizes communities by fostering crime and social instability.
Recognizing its negative impact, he took decisive action during his tenure as mayor. Lopez shut down
illegal gambling joints, specifically targeting the widespread presence of jueteng and illicit street-level
gambling. To underscore his commitment, he resisted powerful pressures to reopen jai-alai, a move
that conveyed his resolute stance against gambling's detrimental effects. By addressing both
clandestine and sanctioned forms, Lopez sought to curb the social and economic implications
associated with gambling activities in Manila.

In January 1990, Mel Lopez took a decisive stance against the negative effects of gambling by closing
two Manila casinos operated by the influential Philippine Amusement Gaming Corporation (Pagcor).
He contended that the substantial profits gained by Pagcor could not outweigh the moral harm
inflicted, especially on the youth. This action resulted in graft charges filed against him in 1990 at the
Sandiganbayan. The case remained unresolved for twelve years and was eventually dropped in June
2002. This extended legal battle highlighted Lopez's steadfast dedication to addressing the societal
repercussions associated with gambling, emphasizing the clash between ethical concerns and financial
gains.

Manila Boy's Town

The Boys’ Town Haven, a haven for homeless boys in Manila, embodies a heartening chapter in Mel
Lopez's story. Originally established by prior administrations and later relocated to Parang, Marikina,
the institution faced challenging times. Financial neglect led to the deterioration of its facilities and
buildings, underscoring the pressing need for revitalization. Despite the hardships, the Boys' Town
Haven stands as a testament to Lopez's commitment to providing a nurturing space for shelterless
waifs, showcasing his dedication to uplifting the lives of disadvantaged youth in Manila.

Upon taking office as the Mayor of Manila, Lopez embarked on the rejuvenation of the institution,
now renamed "Boys Town." Leveraging his leadership, he sought technical and financial backing
from the private sector, enlisting support from benevolent and civic-minded entrepreneurs, affluent
Manila residents, and even international friends. Through this collaborative effort, the facilities
underwent rehabilitation and refurbishment, transforming into a haven for the city's impoverished and
underprivileged children. This initiative not only provided a nurturing environment but also opened
avenues for education, livelihood, and career opportunities, reflecting Lopez's commitment to
enhancing the prospects and well-being of Manila's youth.

Gemiliano "Mel" Campos Lopez Jr. Timeline

Chairman of the Philippine National Oil Corporation

In office

September 2010 – January 1, 2017

3rd Chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission

 In office

1993–1996

President Fidel V. Ramos

Preceded by Aparicio Mequi

Succeeded by Philip Ella Juico

20th and 22nd Mayor of Manila

In office

February 2, 1988 – June 30, 1992

Vice Mayor Danny Lacuna (1988-1992)

Ernesto V.P. Maceda, Jr. (1992)

Preceded by Gregorio Ejercito (Acting City Mayor)

Succeeded by Alfredo Lim

 In office

March 26, 1986 – December 1, 1987

Vice Mayor Bambi Ocampo (1986-1987)

Ernesto Nieva (1987-1988)

Preceded by Ramon Bagatsing

Succeeded by Gregorio Ejercito (Acting Mayor)

Mambabatas Pambansa (Assemblyman) from Manila

In office

June 30, 1984 – March 25, 1986

Serving with Lito Atienza, Eva Estrada-Kalaw, Carlos Fernando, Gonzalo Puyat II, and Arturo
Tolentino

President Pro-Tempore of the Manila Municipal Board

In office
 1972–1975

Vice Mayor of Manila

Acting

In office

May 1, 1971 – December 31, 1971

Mayor Antonio Villegas

Preceded by Danny Lacuna

Succeeded by Martin Isidro Sr.

Member of the Manila Municipal Board from the 1stDistrict

In office

December 30, 1967 – December 31, 1975

Personal details
 Born Gemiliano Campos Lopez

September 1, 1935

Manila, Philippine Islands

Died January 1, 2017 (aged 81)[1]

Quezon City, Philippines

Cause of death Heart attack

Resting place The Heritage Park, Taguig

Political party Liberal (1967–1978, 2009–2017)

Other political Lakas-CMD (1999–2009)

affiliations PRP (1991–1999)

LDP (1988–1991)

PDP–Laban (1986–1988)
 Spouse Concepcion Tantoco

Children 9, including Manny

Occupation Politician