1. Mel Lopez was a former chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission from 1993 to 1996 and the Philippine National Oil Corporation from 2010 until his death in 2017.
15 Facts About Mel Lopez
1. 2.
Mel Lopez was born in Manila on September 1,1935 to Carmen Campos of Bulacan and Lt.
3.
Mel Lopez is the grandson of Honorio Lopez, writer and revolutionary during the Spanish Revolution.
4.
Mel Lopez graduated from the Jose Rizal University with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Commercial Science.
5.
Mel Lopez played swimming, boxing and basketball in the NCAA for the JRU Heavy Bombers.
6.
Mel Lopez was married to Concepcion Tantoco, a Filipina businesswoman and entrepreneur.
7.
When Marcos declared martial law, Mel Lopez decided to organize active opposition to the regime that could eventually topple it and help restore democracy to the country.
8.
Mel Lopez held secret meetings with labor and student leaders, community and political leaders, exploring ideas on how to organize opposition to the martial law regime.
9.
Mel Lopez blocked the re-opening of jai-alai despite pressure from powerful groups.
10.
In January 1990, Mel Lopez padlocked two Manila casinos operated by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, saying the billions it gained cannot make up for the negative effects gambling inflicts upon the people, particularly the youth.
11.
Mel Lopez worked for the revival of the Boys' Town Haven, rehabilitating its facilities to accommodate underprivileged children and provide them with livelihood and education.
12.
Mel Lopez last served as chairman of the Philippine National Oil Company and Pacific Concrete Products Inc.
13.
Mel Lopez died on New Year's Day, January 1,2017, at St Luke's Medical Center in Quezon City due to a heart attack at the age of 81.
14.
Mel Lopez's wake was held at The Aeternum at Heritage Park in Taguig and later at the Archdiocesan Shrine of Santo Nino de Tondo.
15.
Mel Lopez's remains were interred at The Heritage Park in Taguig.