Philippine Airlines' 12th President Jose Antonio Garcia, 90

He was a highly respected pillar of Philippine Airlines in which he served as President and Chief Operating Officer from 1994 to 1998. Jose Antonio "Pepeton" Garcia was one of the trusted Lieutenants of "Kapitan", PAL Chairman Dr. Lucio C. Tan. He steered PAL through its most tumultuous time in September 1998 when the airline stopped flying for 13 days and averted a total closure.

Jose Antonio "Pepeton" Garcia (June 28, 1929 - June 12, 2020)

Last June 12, 2020, officials and staff of Philippine Airlines led by PAL President and COO Gilbert Sta. Maria shared the grief of the family of "Pepeton" Garcia who peacefully joined his Creator after living a full life until the age of 90. He was born in June 28, 1929.

The boss in white

"The boss in white" as "Pepeton" Garcia is fondly remembered for due to his white barong and white pants, was highly approachable. With a deeply focused but fatherly management style, he endeared himself to the PAL employees, empowering them to overcome the 1997 Asian crisis that almost crippled PAL.

Aside from PAL, Mr. Garcia also served in various posts in the Lucio Tan Group of Companies. He will truly be remembered with respect and fondness.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and to the PAL family at this most difficult time.