As a lawyer, political strategist, advocate, and educator, John Albert Bustamante Laylo was born to fight for meaningful change in the lives of others. But while his life was spent fulfilling that purpose, his tragic end through an act of incomprehensible violence almost denied his legacy entirely. John passed away on June 19, 2022 from a single gunshot wound to the head, fired by a person whose intention was to end the life of someone else. And as he succumbed to his injury, John left everyone around him with a longing for meaning in such a tragic fate.
But for John, living his entire life as a fighter meant dying like one.
In his last moments, with his body all but shut down, he gripped his mother’s hand and gave his loved ones a final act of courage and love in the face of adversity. And in his death, caused by a senseless act of brutality, he gave the world a resounding cry for meaningful, lasting change.
John was a competent student of politics and the law, in which he showed a proficiency and diligence that profoundly influenced his fellow dreamers. He finished his Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Political Science, in the University of the Philippines in Manila, and finished his law degree from the De La Salle University in the same city. With a penchant for traveling the world, he merged his zest for life with his ambitions and continued by finishing a Masters in Law Degree from the Central European University in Budapest. His passion for politics then led him to a lasting career in campaign management, election science, and legislation, which also included a short but fruitful stint as an educator. And his love of the underdog led to engagements in commercial law, political law, and human rights in his legal practice.
John’s dogged quest for greatness in his careers is matched only by his insatiable pursuit of enjoyment in the world he lived in. But while he happily shopped in stylish stores, dined in fancy restaurants, traveled to various places, and partied until sunrise, he always did so with a sense of prudence and generosity that rubbed off on those who shared his company. This selfless and caring nature, along with his loyalty and authenticity, won him the love of many lifelong friends.
These friends join the family that John left behind: Albert, his father; Leah, his mother; and his two sisters, Ann Lorraine and Althea Ann. Together, they celebrate the life of the vivacious and exuberant John, and continue the fight for meaningful change that his passing will forever inspire.
Funeral Service will take place in Sucat, Paranaque, Philippines at a later date.
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