Borjal writes ‘30’

"Only when men die do they appear bigger than life," lawyer and journalist Art Borjal, one of the founders and a widely read columnist of The Philippine STAR, once wrote.

But even before he took his last breath yesterday after a three-year bout with cancer, Art, 64, was already larger than life.

Stricken with polio at age three and dependent on crutches and a wheelchair from then on, he overcame his difficulties to become the leg on which several charitable institutions stood on.

A lawyer and a former congressman, he was the principal author of Republic Act 7277, otherwise known as the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons, a landmark measure that made life easier and more dignified for those with physical disabilities.

Art succumbed to cancer of the lungs yesterday after a valiant three-year struggle, doing till the final hour that which he loved most – writing. His daily popular STAR column Jaywalker was a watchdog of government, a pulpit to give praise where it was due, and a vehicle to help the less fortunate.

Borjal, along with STAR founding chairman the late Betty Go-Belmonte, publisher Max Soliven and Tony Roces, founded the Philippine STAR in July 1986. He became the newspaper’s president from 1988 to 1990 and was a member of its board until 1999.

He was also one of the founders of the Philippine Laryngectomee Foundation, Inc., founding member and chairman of Abilympic Philippines, chairman of the Pediatric Rehabilitation Foundation Inc., a trustee of the Philippine Foundation for the Rehabilitation of the Disabled Person, chairman of the Good Samaritan Foundation for the Disadvantaged, Inc. director/treasurer of the Kidney Foundation of the Philippines, trustee of the AY Foundation and director of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes office.

His involvement in these charitable institutions took a place of prominence in his resume, preceding mention of his honors and other achievements – which were numerous and significant.

"Art was not only a fine journalist, he was a humanitarian who used his popular column to give comfort to many people who needed help – the sick, the poor, the harassed and the oppressed," said Philippine Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Alfonso Yuchengco.

Borjal received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Humanities and Bachelor of laws degrees from the Ateneo de Manila University, where he was editor of the school paper and president of the student council. He was also a member of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines.

After graduation, he became a presidential speechwriter and an official of both the executive and the legislative. He was also president of the City College of Manila.

He capped his 20-year career in government as a sectoral congressman in the House of Representatives.

As a journalist, he has been writing a daily column since 1979, and has hosted several TV talk shows and radio programs. He also served as president of the National Press Club for two terms (1986-88).

He was also Presidential Consultant for the Disadvantaged from 1999 to 2000.

Borjal, who turned 64 last April 15, is survived by sisters Stella Cerdenia, Febe Cutshaw, Amelia Singson, Linda Belle and Lilia de la Pena.

Borjal, whose remains lie at the Mount Carmel Church in Quezon City requested in his last will that in lieu of flowers, his friends give donations instead to the Good Samaritan Foundation for the Disadvantaged Inc., Unit 1-J, RM Commercial Arcade, 80 Ramon Magsaysay Boulevard, Quezon City.

"Thank God for the man for others that you are," former Vice President Emmanuel Pelaez once told Borjal.

It is thus not surprising that Art Borjal was thinking of helping others even after his death.