The Garcia Family

The Garcia family owns and operates SunStar Publishing, Inc, a publishing company that holds a significant position in the Philippine media landscape for its regional and community newspapers. SunStar is widely recognized for its newspaper publications and online news platforms that cover major cities in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

These newspapers have a strong presence in multiple regions across the country. The newspaper actively engages with local communities, covering significant local events, issues, and cultural activities which fosters a sense of connection and relevance, making SunStar a trusted source for regional news.

Ownership of SunStar Publishing, Inc. is divided among the members of the Garcia clan of Cebu.

Altogether the family owns 70% of SunStar Publishing Inc.:

The family of Jesus B. Garcia Jr., founder of SunStar Daily in 1982, owns 30% of SunStar Publishing, Inc. through its holding company, Armson Corporation, which is wholly owned by his wife, Armi, chief executive officer of Tablea Chocolate and national chairperson of the Philippine Cacao Industry Development Council, and their children: Marie Kalinaw, Michelle Himaya, Gahum Vincent, and Bayani Jess. Based on SunStar’s General Information Sheet filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Gahum Vincent is the President of SunStar Publishing and Bayani Jess is one of the members of the Board of Directors of SunStar Publishing Inc.

The other Garcias with shares in SunStar Publishing are the siblings of Jesus Jr.: Alvin, Gina, Zenaida, and Elma, with 5% shares each, while Dale has 2% and Nelia, 1% of the shares.

The husband and children of Nelia also own shares in the company. Her husband, lawyer Julius Z. Neri, has a 1% share and their four sons — Julius Jr., Jerome, Justin, and Joven — each have a 2% stake.

Meanwhile, Francisco A. Dizon, brother-in-law of Jesus Jr., holds 8% shares in the company. Dizon is married to Joyce, Jesus Jr’s sister.

Alvin Garcia, former mayor of Cebu City, was charged with violation of the Fair Elections Act due to alleged excessive political advertisements in SunStar Cebu in 2004.

The political Garcia clan are first cousins of Jesus Jr.. The patriarch, Pablo Garcia, was a former Cebu governor and congressman while his daughter Gwendolyn is the incumbent governor of Cebu. Her sibling Winston served as a board member of Cebu, and Pablo John is an incumbent Congressman of the 3rd District of Cebu.