Guillermo “Gil” Santos, 90

Guillermo “Gil” Santos, veteran journalist and educator, passed away on Sunday, July 17. He was 90.

Santos was diagnosed with cancer in 2019, a July 16 post from his daughter read. He was hospitalized in June due to pneumonia, and transitioned shortly after to palliative care.

Santos began his journalism career in 1950. He was desk editor and news correspondent for the Associated Press; stringer for the Time-Life group; and publisher and editor-in-chief at the Journal Group of Publications. Santos also worked as a commentator for local radio and television programs, and columnist at The Manila Times. 

Santos attended Far Eastern University (FEU) for his undergraduate studies. He earned a Master of Business Administration at the Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) in 2014.

Santos joined the academe in 1998 as a professional lecturer at LPU’s Manila campus, where he taught in the College of Arts and Science and the College of International Relations. He was later recognized as an outstanding faculty member.

Santos’ colleagues and fellow journalists quickly offered tributes after his passing.

“Sir Gil has been an inspiration to the students,” a Facebook post from the LPU College of International Relations Student Government read. “His wisdom and bubbly persona made him a remarkable educator, adviser, and colleague in the College.”

Manny Mogato, Pulitzer Prize-winning Filipino journalist, wrote: “He never stopped being a journalist after he retired and continued mentoring younger journalists.”

Gil Santos was born on April 21, 1932. He is survived by his children.