FORMER COMMISSION on Elections (Comelec) spokesman and Thomasian lawyer James Jimenez passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 28.
He was 52.
A UST law graduate, Jimenez served as Comelec spokesman for more than 15 years under seven different chairpersons, making him one of the longest-serving public information officials in government.
The poll body confirmed his passing in a Facebook post, mourning the loss of a public servant it described as a “steady and principled communicator.”
“COMELEC extends its deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and loved ones. We honor his legacy of public service and his enduring contribution to election transparency and voter education,” it said.
The cause of his death was not disclosed.
In another post, UST described Jimenez as a “decorated debater and student leader” who carried his talents into public service.
“Atty. James made it a point to go home to his alma mater and help form the next generations of student leaders, championing democratic principles and educating the student body on our electoral system,” the University’s post read.
In 2002, he joined the Comelec as a consultant and, four years later, was appointed as its spokesperson, a position he held until September 2022. He also concurrently served as director IV of the commission’s education and information department.
Jimenez obtained his bachelor’s degree from the UST College of Rehabilitation Sciences. He later graduated from the Faculty of Civil Law in 2000.
Before completing his law degree, he was the editor-in-chief of the UST Law Review for a year and was active in various organizations, including the UST Law Debating Team.
He was bestowed the Benavidez Award, the Quezon Leadership Award, the Pope Leo XIII Communitarian Award and the Young Thomasian of the Year Award back in 1997.
Jimenez also served as executive assistant at the Office of the Solicitor General from 2002 to 2004.
In September 2022, he opted for early retirement, citing health and personal reasons. F
