Fearless Cartoonist Jess Abrera Leaves Inquirer

AWARD-WINNING cartoonist and Philippine Daily Inquirer pioneer Jess Abrera Jr. left the Philippine Daily Inquirer on January 1, 2019 after 30 years in the newspaper. 

The cartoonist is known for his sharp comments on social and political issues. Prior to his resignation, his comic strip “A.Lipin” featured a series on the conviction for graft of Imelda Marcos in November 2018 for illegally funneling around USD 200,000 to Swiss foundations during the Marcos regime. It was followed by another series re-counting Abrera’s career with the Inquirer and how they, together, fearlessly fought for democracy and the truth in every government administration. He also drew editorial cartoons for the paper.

Abrera first announced his resignation on December 28, 2018 through “A. Lipin.”  It featured him and the carabao Guyito, the strip’s iconic character who is also the Inquirer’s mascot, bidding goodbye to the paper and its readers. As of press time Guyito still appears in the paper’s editions.

Abrera also said in the same comic strip that he will remain a cartoonist and will continue to fight for the truth and to instill vigilance among his readers.

In his December 31 comic strip, Abrera thanked the Inquirer for giving him the opportunity “before” to serve his country through his comics “A. Lipin.” The cartoonist also hinted that he will continue to publish his cartoons online.

Also on December 31, other Inquirer comic strip artists paid tribute to Abrera in the paper’s “Comic Relief” section.

“Tuldok” by Pia Maria Coll expressed appreciation for Abrera’s wit. Characters of “Bubu Burger” by Amos John Villar and “Agents of Ambush” by Andrew Villar SKP said goodbye to Guyito. Characters of “Love Knots” by Elizabeth Chionglo saluted Abrera by saying “Aalis siyang masaya dahil naipakita niya na siya ay matapang at magiting na kartunista (He will leave happy because he has shown that he is a brave and courageous cartoonist).”