Namfrel founder Jose Concepcion, 92

MANILA, Philippines — Jose Concepcion Jr., founder of election watchdog National Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel), passed away yesterday at the age of 92.

Also known as Joecon, he is survived by his wife Maria Victoria Araneta, their eight children and 31 grandchildren and his twin brother, Raul.

The former trade secretary “was the epitome of the patriot-industrialist,” Concepcion’s family said in a statement.

“As a delegate to the Constitutional Convention of 1971, he championed constitutional principles that would democratize the nation’s capital base to allow Filipino manufacturers to thrive,” they noted.

“During the 1986 snap presidential elections, he moved thousands of ordinary Filipinos to join Namfrel,” they recalled.

Concepcion was detained during martial law declared by the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr.

“He organized his fellow detainees to take turns with chores and keep order inside their cell block,” Concepcion’s family said.

Concepcion served as village chief of Forbes Park after his retirement.

The former board chair of food and beverage firm RFM Corp. was also one of the founders of the ASEAN Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the annual search for the 10 outstanding students of the Philippines.

Concepcion obtained his bachelor’s degree from Araneta University, majoring in soils and agricultural sciences.

His wake is open for public viewing today (4 p.m. to 10 p.m.) and March 8-10 (1 p.m. to 10 p.m.) at Chapels 4 and 5 at the Heritage Memorial Park in Taguig City.

A requiem mass will be offered on March 11 at 1:30 p.m. at the Santuario de San Antonio Parish Church in Forbes Park, Makati City.

Prayers

Namfrel asked for prayers for its founder.Concepcion inspired many Filipinos to take up the cause of free elections and join the first citizen-led national election monitoring group, Namfrel said.

“Mr. Concepcion was a visionary leader who truly loved the country and believed in the power of ordinary citizens to effect lasting change in their own communities,” the poll watchdog said in a statement.

Concepcion left behind the legacy of being a pioneer and champion of guarding the people’s votes and ensuring accurate vote counting, according to the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV).

As a fellow election watchdog, the group is saddened by the news of Concepcion’s death, PPCRV national media and voters education director Ana de Villa-Singson said.

“PPCRV mourns his passing and extends deepest condolences to his family. We hope his family finds solace in knowing that his was a life well-lived, well-loved,” she said.

In 1986, Namfrel was accredited by the Commission on Elections to conduct manual parallel counts called “Operation Quick Count.”

“His early championship of guarding the vote and monitoring its accuracy is a heritage he leaves behind,” Singson said.

Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual said Concepcion’s leadership “left an indelible mark on the Philippine economic landscape.”

Makati Business Club said Concepcion, as Namfrel’s leader, helped establish transparency in the 1986 election.

“He was an MBC trustee at the same time (1984-1986). He then helped re-establish democracy and free enterprise as Trade and Industry secretary from 1986 to 1991,” the group said. — Mayen Jaymalin, Evelyn Macairan