Lei Jimenez (Courtesy of Dakila)
MANILA (Mindanao Examiner / Feb. 19, 2014) – The wife of artist-activist Arvin “Tado” Jimenez, who was killed in a bus accident, has shaved her hair in a dramatic protest in front of the firm’s depot in Manila’s Sampaloc district.
Lei Jimenez said shaving her head was an expression of her rage towards the grave injustice done to her family and the families of all the victims of the tragedy.
“This unfortunate loss of so many lives was caused by the irresponsibility of the GV Florida Bus Lines and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board. They should be made accountable and justice should be served to the victims and their families,” she said.
At least 15 people were killed, including Tado, after their Florida bus fell in a ravine in Bontoc town in Mountain province. Tado, who was also a comedian, had almost always worn his hair long, but in irony to her husband’s signature long hair, Lei said, “if Tado were alive, then he would have done the same to make his statement loud and clear. Tado has been an activist since our student days in PUP and he always made his political statement in a creative fashion.”
According to Lei, her action paid homage to the ideals of her husband and continue his fight against injustice. She calls on the families and friends of victims of the bus tragedy to bond together in this difficult time to pursue the justice they rightfully deserve. A meeting with families and friends of other victims and survivors of the crash is being arranged at the moment to discuss and explore next possible concrete actions.
Lei said: “This tragic incident was not only caused by the Florida Bus Lines and the Mountain Province Cable Tours. LTFRB as the government regulatory body is also accountable in their laxness/negligence in enforcing safety. The whole system must be reformed. If this “kabit” and “kolorum” system continue and blatant multiple violations are tolerated, more lives will be put in danger. It is such an irony that Tado was killed by the system he has painstakingly tried to change.”
She also encouraged the public to continue honoring Tado’s legacy by remaining vigilant against injustice and continue their support by rallying behind the victims and their families in our quest for justice. “Let us keep Tado alive by being part of the movement for his many advocacy,” she said.
The artist group Dakila that Tado co-founded said the comedian had actively campaigned for road safety as one of his many advocacy, and had worked most of his life in trying to change the corrupt system that perpetuates poverty, injustice and oppression.
“His death would be pointless if this would not lead to any reforms in the transport system and justice shall not be given to the victims and their families,” Dakila said.
The group vowed to rally behind Tado’s family and those of the victims of the bus tragedy in their pursuit of justice and reforms in the transportation system.
Dakila said Tado had been working on a series of travel-themed video projects titled “40 Mountains”, another one of his many advocacy for the environment.
His thought-provoking lines, witty commentary and signature style commanded the attention and rebellion of the public that sought for alternative heroes. His ideas, bordering from the insanely absurd to downright brilliant, spawned outstanding works that continue to influence this generation, it said.
His unusual creative mind blurts out genius campaign ideas such as Dakila’s “Ang Mabuhay Nang Dahil Sa Iyo,” a play on the Philippine National Anthem’s last lines to emphasize the brand of heroism Dakila advocates.
Dakila said while Tado is known to many as a public figure, his most important role is being “Ama” (father) to his wife Lei and to his daughters, Taja, Diyosa, Indi, and Tila.
“He did so with excellence, passion, and dedication that greatly surpassed his greatness as an artist and nobility as an activist. To Dakila, his is a life worth lived. He is our modern hero. We honor him by treading the same path so that the nobility of his life will live on,” it said.