Palace mourns, hails Rod Reyes

Rodolfo “Rod” Reyes. FILE PHOTO

Malacañang and former President Joseph Estrada on Friday mourned the passing of former Press Secretary and veteran journalist Rodolfo “Rod” T. Reyes, extolling him for his deep commitment to his profession.

Reyes, who as a young journalist penetrated a opium den in Manila by posing as an addict and rose to become a top media executive and press secretary to two Presidents, died from complications caused by a heart problem on Thursday night. He was 80.

“He is a big loss to our country. He was a very diligent and humble press secretary. He never complained and he was really a devoted Cabinet member,” Estrada, now Manila mayor, said of Reyes. “He should be emulated by all the journalists.”

Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. described Reyes as a “lifelong journalist who was deeply committed to his profession.”

Although he was first and foremost a journalist, Reyes also “heeded the call to public service twice,” Coloma said.

The veteran journalist served as press secretary to President Fidel V. Ramos from 1992 to 1993, and to President Estrada from 1998 to 2000.

Respected by all

“He is remembered kindly and respected highly by all those whose lives were touched by his humble and gentle ways.  Our thoughts and prayers for his eternal repose go to his bereaved family,” Coloma said.

A graduate of the University of the Philippines, Reyes began his journalism career at the Manila Times. He became famous for his investigative work in 1961 wherein he posed as one of the drug addicts and exposed a highly publicized drug syndicate. For this, he won a string of awards, including the Journalist of the Year award, the Presidential Award Medal from President Carlos Garcia, and a Nieman Fellowship from Harvard University. He was named one of the Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) awardees.

Chronicle editor

Reyes became the editor in chief of the defunct Manila Chronicle in 1969. In 1982, he was appointed press attaché at the Philippine Embassy in Washington, DC.

In 1987, Reyes founded the Manila Standard and became its first publisher and editor in chief.

After his stint in government, he also served as de facto ambassador to Taiwan.

Reyes also worked in different broadcasting networks in the country. He first served as network manager of the Maharlika Broadcasting System. Then he became the general manager and executive vice president of GMA 7 briefly before working as the senior vice president of ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp.

Reyes is survived by his wife Vina, children Theresa Alvarez and Jun Jun, and six grandchildren.

His remains lie at the Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque City. His interment is scheduled on Monday, April 18. With reports from Kristine Sabillo, Inquirer.net and Inquirer Research