Press Freedom Champion and Renowned Journalist Luis V. Teodoro Passes Away at 81
Acclaimed journalism professor, editor, author, and press freedom advocate Luis V. Teodoro passed away on Tuesday, March 14, the University of the Philippines-Diliman College of Mass Communications (CMC) confirms. He was 81.
“We join our friends and colleagues in communication and media in mourning the passing of Professor Luis V. Teodoro, our Dean from 1994 to 2000,” the college wrote in a Facebook post.
Teodoro was a journalist and former dean of the college, who spent most of his life championing media ethics, press freedom, and our right to free speech and assembly. He was a true statesman of Philippine journalism and one of the last freedom fighters of his generation.
As the founding chairperson of the network Altermidya, Teodoro wrote political commentary for different broadsheets and journals for decades, inclluding the columns "Vantage Point" for BusinessWorld. He was a prolific and fearless writer who also maintained a personal blog, where he continued to comment on the times.
ALSO READ:
She Said Is an Ode to Journalism, a Profession That Doesn't Get Much Love These Days
Filipino Tycoon Roberto Ongpin Dies at 86
Teodoro was also known for being the executive director of the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility and a chair of the Commission on Higher Education’s Technical Committee of Journalism Education. The esteemed journalism educator was an editor for the Philippine Journalism Review, as well.
"We are deeply saddened by the passing of former UP College of Mass Communication Dean Luis Teodoro, who was an esteemed human rights activist, newspaper columnist, professor of journalism, and the author of short stories like 'Paper Stars' and 'The Trial of Professor Riesgo,'" UP President Angelo A. Jimenez said in a statement.
He added: "He was a passionate advocate for press freedom and a tireless defender of the rights of the marginalized. His dedication to his work and his commitment to justice will be remembered and celebrated. His legacy will live on through his students, colleagues, and the many lives he touched."
The CMC announced that it would hold a service for him at the Plaridel Hall. The details will be posted on Facebook soon.
