José Mari Uhler Vélez (May 27, 1942 – June 3, 1991)[1] was a Filipino lawyer, journalist, business executive, and activist best remembered for his long career as television newscaster anchoring The Big News on ABC 5 (now TV5) and for his service as an oppositionist delegate to the Philippine Constitutional Convention of 1971.[1][2] He was one of the opposition delegates at the convention, which was why he was one of the first to be arrested when Ferdinand Marcos declared Martial law in September 1972.[3][4][5] In April 1989, Velez became one of the first recipients of the Ninoy Aquino Fellowship Award for his accomplishments in journalism, with President Corazon Aquino stating that she believes he "share[s] in Ninoy's vision of preserving and strengthening our democracy."[6]
Vélez died on June 3, 1991, at Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York City after battling lung cancer.[7] He was a graduate of the University of the Philippines Diliman and of the Center for Research and Communication, which eventually evolved into the University of Asia and the Pacific.[1]
References
- ^ a b c "VELEZ, Jose Mari U." Bantayog ng mga Bayani. May 16, 2016. Retrieved February 21, 2019.
- ^ "Jose Mari Velez on Ninoy Aquino". Government of the Philippines Presidential Museum and Library. Archived from the original on August 22, 2013. Retrieved February 21, 2019.
- ^ Rappler.com. "Ninoy's life and times in TV special". Rappler. Retrieved February 21, 2019.
- ^ Duka, Cecilio D. (2008). Struggle for Freedom' 2008 Ed. Rex Bookstore, Inc. ISBN 9789712350450.
- ^ Teodoro, Luis I (September 1, 2008). "The Press on the eve of Martial Law: On a learning curve". Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility. Retrieved February 22, 2019.
- ^ Ramos, Anna Karenina (April 19, 1989). "Velez wins award; Nora changes residence". Manila Standard. Kagitingan Publications, Inc. p. 27. Retrieved August 9, 2020.
- ^ "VELEZ, Jose Marie U." www.nameless.org.ph. Retrieved February 22, 2019.