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 Jose Tiongco Vitug, a veteran of World War II, a Philanthropist, a
Journalist, to name a few. The family name Tiongco is somehow related
to the De La Rosa family from Lubao, Pampanga, to wit, the late actors
Rogelio and Jaime Dela Rosa.
Joe as his close friends called him was also a
distant relative and good
friend of the late President Diosdado Macapagal, together with Rogelio de
la Rosa who was related to President Macapagal through his first
marriage with Rogelio’s sister Purita. They all grew up together and
became performers in a Sarsuela as stage actors. When President Macapagal entered the candidacy to run for President of the
Philippines, Rogelio de la Rosa also entered his candidacy to run for
president in 1961. Joe on the other hand was acting Adviser of the two
candidates. So much was involved during the campaign which eventually
had led to the withdrawal of Rogelio de la Rosa’s candidacy. Mr. De La
Rosa withdrew from the presidential race , which retraction was carried
out by the authoritative decision of Joe Vitug who was one of the
instrument for the major decision. .
There were no other parties involved with the
decision but these three individual from Lubao, Pampanga made the major
decision and perhaps may have changed the history. Mr. De La Rosa’s
reasons behind his retraction remained unknown to us, however, it had
given a big chance for President Macapagal to win the seat for
presidency and history started there.
In his early journey in Manila he landed a job as
Photo Journalist at Manila Times and then later in the Evening News. He
became a very close friend of Arsenio H. Lacson who at that time was a
news reporter, then became a very famous mayor of Manila. Joe was a
very active member of the Philippine National Press Club during his
prime.
Joe attempted to run for Congressman in the 3rd
district of Manila but in the early part of the campaign he gave way to
another friend Ramon D. Bagatsing who then became a Congressman and then
Manila Mayor.
His conquest did not stop and continued his career
as a news reporter and later founded, The Blazer "The paper with a creed," a
tabloid newspaper that served as a watchdog to dishonest government
officials. He founded Northern Luzon Voters League (1960) and one of
the founding fathers of Philippine Independent Newspapers an association
of tabloid newspapers in the Philippines, with Eddie Infante ( former
actor and movie director) a Journalist and Remedios Morales a
Columnist. Joe is a personal friend of then Vice President Fernando
Lopez.
Joe was the man who walked with the Presidents of
the Philippines from President Manuel L. Quezon to President Ferdinand
E. Marcos. He was born May 9 and passed away on July 14,1 998, a date
that we will never forget because it is the birth date of one of my son
Jason. He lived his life as an honest person, a loyal friend, a
public servant who served in the government for decades with unstained
records. He did not use the public office to gain wealth. He was by
nature sufficed having little. His family inherited nothing of material
things but a peaceful and honest living.
We as his family are proud to walk, talk and look
at anyone straight in the eyes, without any fear of being condemned of
any ill gotten wealth. The food that he placed on our table were the
fruits of his unblemished labor. That's how proud we are. He may not
be perfect and had his flaws but his legacy will remain through all our
generation.
In memory of his brother, I want to take this
opportunity to mention him in this site to give honor and respect, my
uncle Honesto T. Vitug, the Dean of Philippine Photo Journalism. He
is also known as the man who authored “I shot” the presidents of the Philippines
and the father of the lifetime known "Master of Cinematography" and Hall
of Fame Awardee Romy Vitug.
Joe Vitug, a civic, meek and liberal minded
individual, desired to do good things to others and gaining new friends
was his treasure. He was ordained as Bishop in 1965 by Msgr.
Ciriaco S. Yumul, Supreme Bishop. For those who knew him and want
to share your experience, please send your contribution to this website.
We are proud to be a Vitug, are you?
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