Jose Concepcion Jr., Namfrel founder, 92

MANILA, Philippines — Jose Concepcion Jr., founder of National Citizen’s Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel), passed away on Wednesday, March 6.

Concepcion, aged 92, served as the country's former trade secretary and founded an election watchdog. The watchdog played a pivotal role in monitoring the contentious 1986 snap elections, a significant event that featured a contest between former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. and former President Corazon Aquino.

In a statement, Namfrel said that it mourned the death of its founder, who “inspired hundreds of thousands of ordinary Filipinos to take up the cause of free and fair elections.”

“Filipinos heeded his call, and his legacy lives on in the hearts of every Namfrel Bantay ng Bayan volunteer who strives to continue what he and his fellow Namfrel pioneers started,” the election watchdog’s statement read.

“It also lives on across the world in every citizen-led organization inspired by Namfrel and its volunteers, especially during his leadership,” it added.

In a separate statement, the Makati Business Club expresssed its respect for Concepcion, acknowledging his role in establishing "transparency in the historic 1986 election."

“He then helped re-establish democracy and free enterprise as Trade and Industry secretary from 1986-1991,” the business club said.

During the 1986 snap elections, 500,000 volunteers have been rallied by the election watchdog founded by Concepcion to conduct a parallel count with the Commission on Elections.

In the official tally, Ferdinand Marcos Sr. emerged as the winner of the snap election. However, the Namfrel count revealed that Aquino had garnered more votes.

A few days later, the EDSA People Power Revolution unfolded, leading to the ousting of Marcos Sr.

The son of Concepcion, presidential adviser Joey Concepcion, is the founder of "Go Negosyo," an organization dedicated to enhancing the business environment for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, with a focus on promoting ease of doing business.

Concepcion’s wake will be open to the public starting on March 7, from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Park in Taguig City.