On June 5, 1989, a new voice entered the Philippine political discourse with Oscar Lagman’s column, “Musings,” in BusinessWorld. His debut wasn’t a gentle introduction; it was a stark observation, questioning why Filipinos expressed outrage over a foreign scandal while remaining largely unmoved by their own nation’s repeated failings.
For the next 36 years, “Musings” became a consistent, often critical, examination of the Philippines’ political landscape. Lagman fearlessly dissected scandals, analyzed power dynamics, and dared to express hope amidst persistent challenges. His final published piece, on February 3, 2026, was a passionate plea, lamenting a Supreme Court decision and urging the Catholic Church to defend the Constitution.
Just weeks later, on February 16, 2026, Oscar Lagman passed away, leaving behind a legacy of unwavering observation and courageous commentary. For years, readers found a simple, yet telling note beneath his columns: “Oscar P. Lagman, Jr. has been a keen observer of Philippine politics since the late 1950s.”
Born in 1938, Lagman’s journey began as a student at De La Salle College, simultaneously pursuing degrees in Accounting and Humanities. This unique combination of analytical rigor and broad understanding would prove invaluable throughout his multifaceted career.
He didn’t limit himself to a single path. Lagman continued to hone his intellect, earning an MBA from the University of San Francisco and accumulating specialized certifications in Population Administration, Environmental Management, and Managed Care from leading universities around the globe.
His professional life was remarkably diverse. He moved from research in polling to the fast-paced worlds of advertising in both Manila and New York, then to accounting in San Francisco. He navigated health insurance, property development, and consulting, eventually leading the Healthcare Consulting division at SGV.
Alongside these roles, Lagman was a serial entrepreneur, founding a chain of ice cream stores, a drugstore, and a healthcare venture focused on employee plans. He even ventured into communication skills training, demonstrating a relentless drive to explore and innovate.
Yet, education remained a constant. Lagman shared his knowledge and experience as a professor at prestigious institutions including the Asian Institute of Management, Ateneo, Far Eastern University, and, most importantly, his beloved De La Salle. He continued teaching at both the graduate and undergraduate levels, nurturing future generations.
His daughter, Maysie Lagman, beautifully captured his enduring connection to De La Salle, noting he “remained on campus” for decades after graduating. Even in his later years, he passionately supported his alma mater, braving crowds at Araneta Coliseum to cheer during UAAP games.
It was at the Asian Institute of Management, while teaching, that Lagman found the “love of his life,” Cecile, his travel agent. They married in 1974 and built a family, raising three children together – a testament to a life lived with both intellectual passion and deep personal connection.
