Jose has been sick for quite some time but he was always with us, even in rallies, calling for justice for journalists who were killed in the Nov 2009 Ampatuan massacre.
Joe, as everybody calls him, passed away early morning of April 18 of complications from lung at the UERM Hospital. He was 72 years old.
His remains lay at the Arlington Chapel on Araneta Avenue. Necrological service will be on Thursday, 6 p.m. to be led by the Philippine Press Institute, where Joe served as executive director until his death.
In a tribute to Joe, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines said “His death leaves a gnawing void in the community of press freedom.”
“The NUJP salutes Joe who has always worked with a big heart for the cause of community newspapers as he was one of their own. Joe was the publisher and editor-in-chief of the Bulacan-based Mabuhay news weekly. He has also worked for various news organizations including SunStar Pampanga.”
NUJP said “Joe was particularly outspoken against violations versus press freedom. The NUJP has always counted on his presence in major gatherings and activities on press freedom issues. Despite his failing health lately, Joe never hesitated to speak against the enemies of press freedom in the country.
“He was also indefatigable in the campaign against the killings of journalists, never failing to attend to the court hearings of the cases against the killers and their masterminds.
“Joe was also a founding member of the November 23 Movement which was formed after the Ampatuan Massacre on November 23, 2009.”
Joe will be sorely missed as we continue the struggle for justice for all the victims of the Ampatuan massacre and the other journalists who died in pursuit of truth.
Another good man has gone to the warm embrace of our Lord. My condolences to the the family and friends of Joe Pavia.
We are minus one in our marches for justice for the murdered journalists.
Statement of condolence from SEAPA:
Joe Pavia, 72, A Staunch Advocate Against Impunity Killings
It is with deep sadness that we at the Southeast Asian Press Alliance (SEAPA) express our condolences to the family of journalist and press freedom advocate Jose “Joe” Pavia.
Mr. Pavia, who passed away on April 18 at the age of 72 due to complications from lung cancer, was one of the leading campaigners for ending impunity in the Philippines and in the region as well.
We have worked with him and the organization he chaired, the Freedom Fund for Filipino Journalists (FFFJ), which supports the families of slain Filipino journalists and assists in the prosecution of cases involving attacks against media workers.
He was behind the formation of the FFFJ’s Quick Response Team which is tasked with conducting fact-finding missions and monitoring cases that can be filed in court.
Mr. Pavia was also the executive director of the Philippine Press Institute (PPI), a national organization of newspapers, and publisher and editor-in-chief of the weekly newspaper, “Mabuhay”.
With his demise, Philippine media lost one of its leading lights, but SEAPA is confident that Mr. Pavia’s legacy will continue to sustain our efforts for a better media environment and more free-flow of information not only in the Philippines but in Southeast Asia as well.
Some people have their epiphany
Jesus have had his resurrection, but
Few people have had their Easter Farewell
Mr. Jose Pavia while alive, a who is he to many
Not knowing he is John Donne’s cause
for ther incessant tolling of church bells
He whose death was a blow to democracy
had diminished legions of pens
the irony of being one among the very few
The sun shines for all good men.
One good man needs only a candle
to let others see beyond the darkness
On Jose Pavia’s tomb, one may suggest
to be written: He was better than an honest man.