Ex-councilor Jack Jakosalem dies at 57

CEBU, Philippines —  Former Cebu City councilor and former radio disc jockey Sylvan “Jack” Jakosalem passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 17, after being rushed to the hospital Sunday for seizure, pneumonia and urinary tract infection. He was 57.

The former councilor’s wife, Catalina Sharon Yap-Jakosalem, confirmed the news in a text message relayed to the media by Councilor Alvin Dizon.

“Jack Jakosalem passed away around 6:40 a.m. earlier today (yesterday). His wake will be at St. Peter Imus,” the message read.

Jakosalem, a grandson of former Cebu governor Dionisio Jakosalem, served three terms as city councilor representing the North District, after which, he was appointed as chairman of then Cebu City Traffic Operations Management board.

Jakosalem rose to prominence in the ‘80s to ‘90s when he worked as a disc jockey with the name “Jack the Wack.” He was a former manager of Y101 FM.

He also once served as chairman of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) Cebu Chapter.

In 2012, he underwent brain surgery due to neurocysticercosis, a parasitic disease in the nervous system.

‘Hardworking, Passionate Advocate’

Dizon described Jakosalem as a very hardworking councilor.

“During my NGO days, I partnered with his office on social programs (before I became a city councilor). I also grew up listening to him as Jack the Wack over FM Station Y101 in the late 80s to 90s. Farewell former city councilor Jack Jakosalem and may eternal light shine upon you,” said Dizon.

Mayor Edgardo Labella, a close friend of Jakosalem, also expressed his sadness over the former legislator’s passing, saying the latter served with dedication at the City Council.

“I join the many who are grieving his passing. I share a prayer for his eternal repose. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends he left behind. Maayong pagpanaw, my friend Jack,” said Labella in a statement.

Vice Mayor Michael Rama said Jakosalem was a passionate advocate for a more livable Cebu City, stating that he advocated for solutions to traffic, including opposing the controversial construction of two flyovers.

“Jack is one of the original members of Team Rama. He joined us in 2012 as he shared in many of our principles. It was our honor to work with a man with such dedication and steadfast bravery in his advocacies. I will miss all the conversations we had and all the good timed we shared,” said Rama.

Former mayor Tomas Osmeña, for his part, said: “It’s really a very sad story. But where Jack is today, he is no longer suffering. And his family will no longer bear the endless agony.” — JMD (FREEMAN)