Former Zamboanga del Norte 1st District Representative and television producer Romeo “Nonong” Garcia Jalosjos Sr. has died at the age of 85, leaving behind a decades-long legacy in Philippine politics, business and the entertainment industry. Jalosjos, who also co-founded the production company behind the long-running noontime show Eat Bulaga!, died on August 2, 2026.
MANILA, Philippines — Former Zamboanga del Norte 1st District Representative, businessman and television producer Romeo “Nonong” Garcia Jalosjos Sr. has died at the age of 85.
Jalosjos died on August 2, 2026, after a life marked by a long career in politics, business and the Philippine entertainment industry. He was born on November 24, 1940.
Jalosjos was a prominent political figure in Zamboanga del Norte and became the patriarch of one of the province’s most influential political families. Before serving as a congressman, he was a member of the Batasang Pambansa during the administration of former President Ferdinand Marcos.
He later represented the 1st District of Zamboanga del Norte in the House of Representatives, further cementing his influence in the province’s political landscape.
Beyond politics, Jalosjos was also involved in business and television production. He was among the founders of Television And Production Exponents Inc. (TAPE Inc.), the production company behind the long-running noontime television program Eat Bulaga!.
His business interests also extended to the tourism industry. Jalosjos developed Dakak Park and Beach Resort in Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte, which became one of the province’s well-known tourism destinations.
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Despite his political and business accomplishments, Jalosjos’ public life was also marked by controversy and a criminal conviction. In 1997, he was convicted of statutory rape involving an 11-year-old minor and acts of lasciviousness. He was sentenced to life imprisonment, a conviction that ultimately resulted in his removal from the House of Representatives.
Jalosjos spent years in prison before his sentence was later commuted. He was released in March 2009, after serving approximately 11 years.
His career and personal history remained the subject of public discussion throughout the years, particularly because of his simultaneous influence in politics, business and the entertainment industry.
Jalosjos’ death at 85 marks the passing of a controversial but highly influential figure whose name became closely associated with Zamboanga del Norte politics, the Philippine television industry and the development of tourism in Dapitan.
He is survived by his family and relatives, including members of the Jalosjos political clan who have continued to play prominent roles in public life in Zamboanga del Norte.