She is the youngest woman elected in the history of the Philippine Senate. A lawyer, triathlete and mother of two, Senator Pia S. Cayetano is constantly proving there's no limit to what Filipino women can set out to do and achieve.
Pia was voted to the Senate in 2004 with an overwhelming mandate despite entering the political arena as a total neophyte. She ran on a platform promoting health, environment, youth and women's empowerment in a bid to continue the legacy of her father, the late Senator Compañero Rene L. Cayetano.
Five years into her first term, Pia has been responsible for sponsoring and authoring laws and bills such as the "Universally Accessible Cheaper and Quality Medicines Law of 2008" (Republic Act 9502), which provides mechanisms to ensure access to affordable but quality drugs; “Renewable Energy Act of 2008” (RA 9513), which promotes the development, utilization, and commercialization of renewable energy sources in the Philippines; "Picture-Based Health Warning Law" (SBN 2377) which promotes a tobacco smoke-free lifestyle; "Environmental Awareness and Education Act of 2007" (SBN 766) which integrates environmental education at each school level; “Magna Carta of Women” (SBN 1701), which aims to end all forms of gender discrimination; “High School and College Entrepreneurship Education Act” which integrates basic concepts of business in the curriculum to promote entrepreneurship among students; and “Cash and Non-monetary Benefits to Differently-abled Athletes” which equalizes opportunities for differently-abled athletes who win in international competitions through the grant of cash and non-monetary benefits and incentives served regular national athletes.
Outside the Senate halls, Pia has been actively promoting her various advocacies. These include: "Pinay in Action" which provides a venue for women to take on a healthy lifestyle and tools and information to promote women's empowerment; "Bike for Hope" which raises community awareness on pressing health and environmental issues; and the "12-hour Multi-Sport Event in Memory of Gabriel" which supports differently abled children in memory of her son who died from multiple complications of a rare chromosomal ailment in 2001.
A professional triathlete, Pia advocates sports as part of a holistic youth development program and in promoting a fit and healthy lifestyle. She's an avid participant of various marathons and bike runs for health and environment causes in Metro Manila and the provinces. She actively joins local and international sporting events, including marathon, triathlon, duathlon, and ironman competitions. She is a proud finisher of the Tokyo Marathon, New York Marathon, Venice Marathon, Western Australia Ironman and the Aviva Ironman 70.3 in Singapore, among others. The youngest member and captain of the Philippine volleyball team in her college days, the lady senator also supports local athletes and programs aimed at discovering budding sports talents.
Whether on the Senate floor defending a measure, out in the communities to raise awareness on health and the environment, or when leading sports activities for a cause, Pia is driven by the same passion and work ethic that has made her among the country's most accomplished young leaders. The daughter of the late "Compañero" has come into her own and has made her mark in the Philippine Senate and the nation's consciousness.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Senator Panfilo M. Lacson
Filipinos came to know him for his sterling and "no non-sense" leadership as Chief of the Philippine National Police.
As chief policymaker of the police organization, Senator Panfilo M. Lacson was responsible for the serious reforms in the PNP that had won the confidence of businessmen and foreign investors and the cooperation of the general public when he initiated closer coordination with other law enforcement agencies, here and abroad, in the fight against narcotics trafficking through supply constriction and demand reduction.
All of these were accomplished to bring back the old glory of the policeman.
The Filipino people rewarded Senator Lacson with a Senate seat in the May 2001 elections for his sterling performance as a public servant.
Born out of humble beginnings on June 1, 1948, in Imus, Cavite, Senator Lacson finished grade school at the Bayang Luma Elementary School and high school at the Imus Institute. Before he entered the PMA in 1967, he took up AB Philosophy at the Lyceum.
He carried the family name with pride and grew up to be a man of principles. His fascination with principles became more deeply embedded when he entered the PMA. He nourished these principles at the Philippine Constabulary, which he joined after graduating from the PMA.
He then joined the Philippine Constabulary - Integrated National Police Anti-Carnapping Task Force in 1986, and in 1988, be became the provincial commander of Isabela until 1989. That same year, he became provincial director of Laguna and held the post until July 1992.
As a legislator, Senator Lacson has learned fast and with certainty to carry the broad struggle of the Filipinos by heart. As a public servant, he has faithfully observed a personal credo - What is right must be kept right. What is wrong must be set right.
He primarily authored the Anti-Money Laundering Control Act of 2001, the Alternative Youth Training Course, an optional program for college students, and the Anti-Human Trafficking Act of 2001.
To date, Senator Lacson is working on legislation to fight the problem of terrorism through the passage of the Anti-Terrorism bill and to alleviate the condition of various sectors of society including students, contractual workers, barangay tanods, police, military and fire protection personnel.
As chief policymaker of the police organization, Senator Panfilo M. Lacson was responsible for the serious reforms in the PNP that had won the confidence of businessmen and foreign investors and the cooperation of the general public when he initiated closer coordination with other law enforcement agencies, here and abroad, in the fight against narcotics trafficking through supply constriction and demand reduction.
All of these were accomplished to bring back the old glory of the policeman.
The Filipino people rewarded Senator Lacson with a Senate seat in the May 2001 elections for his sterling performance as a public servant.
Born out of humble beginnings on June 1, 1948, in Imus, Cavite, Senator Lacson finished grade school at the Bayang Luma Elementary School and high school at the Imus Institute. Before he entered the PMA in 1967, he took up AB Philosophy at the Lyceum.
He carried the family name with pride and grew up to be a man of principles. His fascination with principles became more deeply embedded when he entered the PMA. He nourished these principles at the Philippine Constabulary, which he joined after graduating from the PMA.
He then joined the Philippine Constabulary - Integrated National Police Anti-Carnapping Task Force in 1986, and in 1988, be became the provincial commander of Isabela until 1989. That same year, he became provincial director of Laguna and held the post until July 1992.
As a legislator, Senator Lacson has learned fast and with certainty to carry the broad struggle of the Filipinos by heart. As a public servant, he has faithfully observed a personal credo - What is right must be kept right. What is wrong must be set right.
He primarily authored the Anti-Money Laundering Control Act of 2001, the Alternative Youth Training Course, an optional program for college students, and the Anti-Human Trafficking Act of 2001.
To date, Senator Lacson is working on legislation to fight the problem of terrorism through the passage of the Anti-Terrorism bill and to alleviate the condition of various sectors of society including students, contractual workers, barangay tanods, police, military and fire protection personnel.
Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla, Jr.
Every man’s goal of pursuing happiness in the fulfillment of life can only be achieved by attaining the most in his individual development, and by contributing the greatest to the cause of humanity. The first is developing himself into a whole man, and the second is responding to his social responsibility to his fellow man.
Jose Marie Mortel Bautista, now Ramon Bong Revilla Jr., is one of the coveted few who has attained exemplary accomplishments in his own chosen endeavor and made outstanding contributions to the plight of the small man. Born on September 25, 1966 in Manila to Jose Bautista Sr. and Azucena Mortel, he obtained his elementary education at the Jesus Good Shepherd School in Imus, Cavite in 1977. He then went to High School at Fairfax High School n Los Angeles, California, United States. His early engagement in a lucrative movie career, however, following the footsteps of his legendary film star father,”Nardong Putik’” restrained nominee’s pursuit of a college degree thus opting for self-education outside the classroom. He married a fellow film star, Jesusa Victoria Hernandez popularly known as Lani Mercado, with whom he is blessed with six wonderful children. The fully bloomed careers of father and son surged into immense popularity, widely idolized nationwide and their innate element of human attachment to common people propelled their successful entry to the political realm. His father who has adopted the film name, “Ramon Revilla” was elected Member of the Philippine Senate for two consecutive terms, 1992-1998 and 1998-2004, and sits as the Chairman of the Philippine Reclamation Authority since 2004. Nominee who has adopted the film name Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., followed suit. He was elected in the Province of Cavite as the youngest Vice Governor in 1995 and the youngest Governor in 1998. He served as Chairman of the Videogram Regulatory Board from 2001 to 2004. Finally, he was elected the youngest Member of the Philippine Senate in 2004 for a six-year term until 2010, where he is the Chairman of three Committees, namely Public Works, Public Information and Mass Media and the Joint Congressional Oversight Committee on the Optical Media Board.
The handsome movie star was equally magnanimous and benevolent in his shining moments. In the process, he looked at the welfare of fellow actors, stunt men, stage and props handlers, and other fellow workers in the industry. He shared countless assistance to the less fortunate and the aging. His social recognition of the small man found wider application when he became public administrator in his own province of Cavite. He reverted to the movie and film industry vis a vis public service when he served in another function as Chairman of the Videogram Regulatory Board protecting the intellectual rights of writers, singers, artists and producers.
In his sterling public administration and legislative career, Senator Revila was endowed with a diploma on Philippine Legislative Institutions and Processes from the Development Academy of the Philippines in November 2003. National and International awards render evidence to his administrative prowess and service to the greatest number: Most Outstanding Governor (Gawad Papuri Awards, Peryodiko ng Masa, 1998; Philippine National Police Region IV, 1999; Department of Health, Philippines, 2000; and Huwarang Lingkod Bayan (Consumers League of Philippines, 2003.) Lifetime Achievement Awards (Excellence in the Field of Education, the Department of Education and Sports, 1996; Outstanding Anti-Drug Campaign, Philippine National Police, 1997; Lifetime Achievement Award, National Press Club, 1998; Medal of Valor, and International Award of Honor, International Narcotics Enforcement Officers Association, 1999; Exemplary Search and Rescue Operations, Department of Transportation and Communications, 1999; Campaign Against Child Labor, NEDA, UNICEF, 1999; He was conferred post baccalaureate, a Doctorate Degree in Public Administration (Honoris Causa) by the Cavite State University in 2005 and a Doctorate Degree in Humanities (Honoris Causa) by the Nueva Vizcaya State University in 2006.
“The true measure of a man is not found in what he can do, nor in what he intends to do, but in what he has done and in what he is doing.” Never has one so young achieved so much so soon!
Jose Marie Mortel Bautista, now Ramon Bong Revilla Jr., is one of the coveted few who has attained exemplary accomplishments in his own chosen endeavor and made outstanding contributions to the plight of the small man. Born on September 25, 1966 in Manila to Jose Bautista Sr. and Azucena Mortel, he obtained his elementary education at the Jesus Good Shepherd School in Imus, Cavite in 1977. He then went to High School at Fairfax High School n Los Angeles, California, United States. His early engagement in a lucrative movie career, however, following the footsteps of his legendary film star father,”Nardong Putik’” restrained nominee’s pursuit of a college degree thus opting for self-education outside the classroom. He married a fellow film star, Jesusa Victoria Hernandez popularly known as Lani Mercado, with whom he is blessed with six wonderful children. The fully bloomed careers of father and son surged into immense popularity, widely idolized nationwide and their innate element of human attachment to common people propelled their successful entry to the political realm. His father who has adopted the film name, “Ramon Revilla” was elected Member of the Philippine Senate for two consecutive terms, 1992-1998 and 1998-2004, and sits as the Chairman of the Philippine Reclamation Authority since 2004. Nominee who has adopted the film name Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., followed suit. He was elected in the Province of Cavite as the youngest Vice Governor in 1995 and the youngest Governor in 1998. He served as Chairman of the Videogram Regulatory Board from 2001 to 2004. Finally, he was elected the youngest Member of the Philippine Senate in 2004 for a six-year term until 2010, where he is the Chairman of three Committees, namely Public Works, Public Information and Mass Media and the Joint Congressional Oversight Committee on the Optical Media Board.
The handsome movie star was equally magnanimous and benevolent in his shining moments. In the process, he looked at the welfare of fellow actors, stunt men, stage and props handlers, and other fellow workers in the industry. He shared countless assistance to the less fortunate and the aging. His social recognition of the small man found wider application when he became public administrator in his own province of Cavite. He reverted to the movie and film industry vis a vis public service when he served in another function as Chairman of the Videogram Regulatory Board protecting the intellectual rights of writers, singers, artists and producers.
In his sterling public administration and legislative career, Senator Revila was endowed with a diploma on Philippine Legislative Institutions and Processes from the Development Academy of the Philippines in November 2003. National and International awards render evidence to his administrative prowess and service to the greatest number: Most Outstanding Governor (Gawad Papuri Awards, Peryodiko ng Masa, 1998; Philippine National Police Region IV, 1999; Department of Health, Philippines, 2000; and Huwarang Lingkod Bayan (Consumers League of Philippines, 2003.) Lifetime Achievement Awards (Excellence in the Field of Education, the Department of Education and Sports, 1996; Outstanding Anti-Drug Campaign, Philippine National Police, 1997; Lifetime Achievement Award, National Press Club, 1998; Medal of Valor, and International Award of Honor, International Narcotics Enforcement Officers Association, 1999; Exemplary Search and Rescue Operations, Department of Transportation and Communications, 1999; Campaign Against Child Labor, NEDA, UNICEF, 1999; He was conferred post baccalaureate, a Doctorate Degree in Public Administration (Honoris Causa) by the Cavite State University in 2005 and a Doctorate Degree in Humanities (Honoris Causa) by the Nueva Vizcaya State University in 2006.
“The true measure of a man is not found in what he can do, nor in what he intends to do, but in what he has done and in what he is doing.” Never has one so young achieved so much so soon!
Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada
As the eldest son of President Joseph Marcelo Ejercito Estrada and Senator Luisa Pimentel-Ejercito Estrada, it is not surprising that like his parents, the Filipino masses have a special place in the heart of Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada, along with siblings, Jacqueline Ejercito-Lopez and Jude Ejercito.
In 1989, he was married to Ma. Presentacion "Precy" Vitug-Ejercito whom he was blessed with four wonderful and beautiful children, namely, Janella Marie, Joseph Luis Manuel, Julian Emilio and baby Julienne.
Having witnessed how his famous and well-loved father, former Mayor of the historical town of San Juan has satisfactorily governed said locality over a progressive nineteen year period (1967-1986), Jinggoy knows that he is bound to follow the footsteps that his father has carved in both public service and show business arena.
In his early 20s, Jinggoy became an actor and bagged the Filipino Academy for Movie Art and Science (FAMAS) Best Supporting Actor Award for his performance in the movie entitled "Farita Punzalan Story". In 1999, he also became the host of the television public service program, SaBAYAN, which has helped a number of Filipinos through significant exposés.
Senator Jinggoy finished his primary and secondary education at the Ateneo de Manila University and earned a degree in A.B. Economics from the University of the Philippines. He took up Bachelor of Laws for four (4) years at the Lyceum University while serving as Vice-Mayor at the Municipality of San Juan at a young age of 25. In 1992, he became the youngest ever elected-local chief executive in the entire nation at age 29. For three (3) consecutive terms, he administered the economic, social, political, and cultural affairs of the Municipality of San Juan beyond everyone's expectations. He spearheaded various projects and programs for the improvement of the said municipality in the form of - construction of modernized Barangay Halls with Day Care Centers in all Barangays, repair and renovation of the now San Juan National High School, and other public elementary schools, recreation centers like gymnasiums, basketball courts and play grounds and the creation of different livelihood centers, improvement and replacement of drainages, concreting of municipal roads and the construction of a four-storey San Juan Medical Center and the San Juan Municipal Gymnasium. During his incumbency, San Juan gained the reputation of being one of the most progressive municipalities and the Most Peaceful Municipality in the Philippines.
During his final tenure as Mayor, he was sworn into office as the National President of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines from 1998 to 2001, where he efficiently harnessed the potential of local government units as reliable partner of the national government in nation-building through his programs on continuous empowering of the LGUs by securing and producing better service facilities to at least 1,525 municipalities during his stint.
In May 2004, the Filipino people gave the "Anak ng Masa" an official mandate to serve as Senator of the Republic of the Philippines (2004-2010). This gave him the chance to carry out his earnest desire to continue the pro-poor programs that his father has started and to pursue his commitment to address the problems besetting the country through just and meaningful legislations.
As the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Labor, Employment and Human Resources, Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada is presently tasked with the study and deliberations on measures relating to labor; human resources development; maintenance of industrial peace; promotion of employer-employee cooperation; labor education, standards and statistics; organization of the labor market including recruitment, training and placement of workers and exports of human resources; foreign workers in the Philippines; promotion and development of workers' organization as well as employment-intensive technology. He also chairs the Congressional Oversight Committee on Labor and Employment (COCLE).
His other committee assignments include: Accounts, Agriculture and Food, Blue Ribbon, Energy, Foreign Relations, Local Government, National Defense, Public Order and Illegal Drugs, Rules, Peace, Unification and Reconciliation, Urban Planning, Housing and Resettlement, Ways and Means. He is the Vice Chairman of the Committee on Games, Amusement and Sports and the Committee on Public Information and Mass Media. He also serves as a member of the Commission on Appointments.
The good Senator introduced two hundred eighty-nine (289) bills and resolutions, two hundred forty-nine (249) of which were primarily authored by him. His current priority bills are geared towards improving and strengthening the policies affecting our workforce and overseas foreign workers, empowering our local government units, protecting and preserving our freedom of expression and assembly, and promotion of youth welfare. At present, he ranks fourth (4th) among the list of Senators with the most number of proposed legislations filed in the Upper House.
Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada has actively participated in the deliberations on various measures during committee hearings and plenary sessions. He has successfully sponsored and steered the passage on Third Reading of the National Labor Relations Commission Bill which rationalizes the composition and functions of said Commission in order to improve its administrative and operational efficiency, particularly on the issue concerning the speedy disposition of labor cases filed. He contributed to the refinement of certain measures particularly that of the UP Charter, Human Rights Victims Compensation Act, Amendments to the National Internal Revenue Code on E-Vat and the Excise Tax, National Budget, Synchronized Barangay and SK Elections, Ratification of the International Labour Organization Convention on Forced Labor and the Mandatory Hepatitis-B Immunization.
Since his assumption to office, the Senator has delivered a total of seventeen (17) privilege speeches on varied issues such as the constitutionally guaranteed rights on freedom of speech, expression and right to public assembly, anomalous transactions and operations of Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), wiretapping scandal, and abuses of power by the current administration.
Presently, Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada is very much focused in keeping his commitment to the Filipino masa to do his very best as a legislator and as a public servant in securing a future far better than what we are all made to contend with, today.
In 1989, he was married to Ma. Presentacion "Precy" Vitug-Ejercito whom he was blessed with four wonderful and beautiful children, namely, Janella Marie, Joseph Luis Manuel, Julian Emilio and baby Julienne.
Having witnessed how his famous and well-loved father, former Mayor of the historical town of San Juan has satisfactorily governed said locality over a progressive nineteen year period (1967-1986), Jinggoy knows that he is bound to follow the footsteps that his father has carved in both public service and show business arena.
In his early 20s, Jinggoy became an actor and bagged the Filipino Academy for Movie Art and Science (FAMAS) Best Supporting Actor Award for his performance in the movie entitled "Farita Punzalan Story". In 1999, he also became the host of the television public service program, SaBAYAN, which has helped a number of Filipinos through significant exposés.
Senator Jinggoy finished his primary and secondary education at the Ateneo de Manila University and earned a degree in A.B. Economics from the University of the Philippines. He took up Bachelor of Laws for four (4) years at the Lyceum University while serving as Vice-Mayor at the Municipality of San Juan at a young age of 25. In 1992, he became the youngest ever elected-local chief executive in the entire nation at age 29. For three (3) consecutive terms, he administered the economic, social, political, and cultural affairs of the Municipality of San Juan beyond everyone's expectations. He spearheaded various projects and programs for the improvement of the said municipality in the form of - construction of modernized Barangay Halls with Day Care Centers in all Barangays, repair and renovation of the now San Juan National High School, and other public elementary schools, recreation centers like gymnasiums, basketball courts and play grounds and the creation of different livelihood centers, improvement and replacement of drainages, concreting of municipal roads and the construction of a four-storey San Juan Medical Center and the San Juan Municipal Gymnasium. During his incumbency, San Juan gained the reputation of being one of the most progressive municipalities and the Most Peaceful Municipality in the Philippines.
During his final tenure as Mayor, he was sworn into office as the National President of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines from 1998 to 2001, where he efficiently harnessed the potential of local government units as reliable partner of the national government in nation-building through his programs on continuous empowering of the LGUs by securing and producing better service facilities to at least 1,525 municipalities during his stint.
In May 2004, the Filipino people gave the "Anak ng Masa" an official mandate to serve as Senator of the Republic of the Philippines (2004-2010). This gave him the chance to carry out his earnest desire to continue the pro-poor programs that his father has started and to pursue his commitment to address the problems besetting the country through just and meaningful legislations.
As the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Labor, Employment and Human Resources, Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada is presently tasked with the study and deliberations on measures relating to labor; human resources development; maintenance of industrial peace; promotion of employer-employee cooperation; labor education, standards and statistics; organization of the labor market including recruitment, training and placement of workers and exports of human resources; foreign workers in the Philippines; promotion and development of workers' organization as well as employment-intensive technology. He also chairs the Congressional Oversight Committee on Labor and Employment (COCLE).
His other committee assignments include: Accounts, Agriculture and Food, Blue Ribbon, Energy, Foreign Relations, Local Government, National Defense, Public Order and Illegal Drugs, Rules, Peace, Unification and Reconciliation, Urban Planning, Housing and Resettlement, Ways and Means. He is the Vice Chairman of the Committee on Games, Amusement and Sports and the Committee on Public Information and Mass Media. He also serves as a member of the Commission on Appointments.
The good Senator introduced two hundred eighty-nine (289) bills and resolutions, two hundred forty-nine (249) of which were primarily authored by him. His current priority bills are geared towards improving and strengthening the policies affecting our workforce and overseas foreign workers, empowering our local government units, protecting and preserving our freedom of expression and assembly, and promotion of youth welfare. At present, he ranks fourth (4th) among the list of Senators with the most number of proposed legislations filed in the Upper House.
Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada has actively participated in the deliberations on various measures during committee hearings and plenary sessions. He has successfully sponsored and steered the passage on Third Reading of the National Labor Relations Commission Bill which rationalizes the composition and functions of said Commission in order to improve its administrative and operational efficiency, particularly on the issue concerning the speedy disposition of labor cases filed. He contributed to the refinement of certain measures particularly that of the UP Charter, Human Rights Victims Compensation Act, Amendments to the National Internal Revenue Code on E-Vat and the Excise Tax, National Budget, Synchronized Barangay and SK Elections, Ratification of the International Labour Organization Convention on Forced Labor and the Mandatory Hepatitis-B Immunization.
Since his assumption to office, the Senator has delivered a total of seventeen (17) privilege speeches on varied issues such as the constitutionally guaranteed rights on freedom of speech, expression and right to public assembly, anomalous transactions and operations of Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), wiretapping scandal, and abuses of power by the current administration.
Presently, Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada is very much focused in keeping his commitment to the Filipino masa to do his very best as a legislator and as a public servant in securing a future far better than what we are all made to contend with, today.
Senator Francis Joseph “Chiz” Guevara Escudero
Francis Joseph Guevara Escudero or Chiz began his political career at the young age of 28 in the year 1998 where he served as three-term Representative of the 1st District of Sorsogon. During his terms, he served as Assistant Majority Floor Leader in the 11th Congress and House Minority Floor Leader in the 13th Congress.
As an elected Senator in 2007, he earned the second highest number of votes. At the Senate, he heads the Committee on Justice and Human Rights and the Committee on Constitutional Amendments Revision of Codes and Laws. He is the Vice Chair of the Committee on Local Government and Senate Representative to the Judicial and Bar Council.
He was educated at the University of the Philippines all the way from primary to law school. He continued his education on a full scholarship grant at Georgetown University Law Center in Washington, D.C., earning a Master’s Degree in International and Comparative Law.
In 2005, he was named as one of the Ten Outstanding Young Men of the Philippines (TOYM) in recognition of his selfless dedication as a youth leader which has resulted in significant contributions to the welfare of his countrymen as well as to the advancement of his field of endeavor.
In December last year, he was the only Filipino named in Asian News Networks’ Asia’s Idols. The award focused on those that did not only achieve something exemplary that year but are seen to change and shape their country’s and the region’s future.
Just this year, he was honored by the prestigious organization of global decision-makers, The World Economic Forum as one of the world’s Young Global Leaders of 2008. This honor is bestowed each year by the World Economic Forum to recognize and acknowledge the top 200-300 young leaders from around the world for their professional accomplishments, commitment to society and potential to contribute to shaping the future of the world.
Recently, he was cited as a 2008 Anak TV Awardee for being one of Anak TV Seal’s Ten Most Admired TV Personalities.
Married to Christine Elizabeth R. Flores, they are blessed with their first-born, twins Maria Cecilia and Joaquin Cruz.
OTHER AWARDS
*
2008 Anak TV Seal's Ten Most Admired TV Personalities
*
2008, Young Global Leader, World Economic Forum
*
2007, Asia’s Idol, Asia News Network
*
2005 The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) Awardee in Youth Leadership
*
Gawad Papuri Awardee, April 2002
*
Outstanding Congressman of the Year (Philippine Youth Association for Public Affairs, Inc.) February 2002
*
Most Outstanding Congressman of the 1st Session of the 12th Congress (League of the Press Association of the Philippines) May 2002
*
One of the Outstanding Solons of the 12th Congress (Public Eye Magazine) 2002
*
Legislator of the Year (Philippine Media Research and Progress Report, Inc.), Sept. 2000
*
Top Congressman (Pillars of the New Republic) 1999, 2000, 2001
*
One of the Outstanding Solons of the 12th Congress (Public Eye Magazine) 2001
*
Leaders of the 12th Congress (Pillars of the New Republic) 2001 & 2002
*
Most Outstanding Solon (League of Press Associations of the Philippines.), 1998, 1999, 2000
*
Outstanding Public Servant of the Year (National Media Statistics Research News Publication), Aug. 2000
*
Exceptional Young Achievers (Development of Filipino Writers, Inc.) June 2000
*
Grand Advocate of Press Freedom (League of Press Associations of the Philippines.) Nov. 1999
*
Youth Achiever in the Government Sector (Development of the Filipino Youth) June 1999
*
9th KBP Golden Dove Awardee, Best Public Affairs Program 2000, "Magandang Umaga, Bayan," Angel Radio, DZAR 1026AM
As an elected Senator in 2007, he earned the second highest number of votes. At the Senate, he heads the Committee on Justice and Human Rights and the Committee on Constitutional Amendments Revision of Codes and Laws. He is the Vice Chair of the Committee on Local Government and Senate Representative to the Judicial and Bar Council.
He was educated at the University of the Philippines all the way from primary to law school. He continued his education on a full scholarship grant at Georgetown University Law Center in Washington, D.C., earning a Master’s Degree in International and Comparative Law.
In 2005, he was named as one of the Ten Outstanding Young Men of the Philippines (TOYM) in recognition of his selfless dedication as a youth leader which has resulted in significant contributions to the welfare of his countrymen as well as to the advancement of his field of endeavor.
In December last year, he was the only Filipino named in Asian News Networks’ Asia’s Idols. The award focused on those that did not only achieve something exemplary that year but are seen to change and shape their country’s and the region’s future.
Just this year, he was honored by the prestigious organization of global decision-makers, The World Economic Forum as one of the world’s Young Global Leaders of 2008. This honor is bestowed each year by the World Economic Forum to recognize and acknowledge the top 200-300 young leaders from around the world for their professional accomplishments, commitment to society and potential to contribute to shaping the future of the world.
Recently, he was cited as a 2008 Anak TV Awardee for being one of Anak TV Seal’s Ten Most Admired TV Personalities.
Married to Christine Elizabeth R. Flores, they are blessed with their first-born, twins Maria Cecilia and Joaquin Cruz.
OTHER AWARDS
*
2008 Anak TV Seal's Ten Most Admired TV Personalities
*
2008, Young Global Leader, World Economic Forum
*
2007, Asia’s Idol, Asia News Network
*
2005 The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) Awardee in Youth Leadership
*
Gawad Papuri Awardee, April 2002
*
Outstanding Congressman of the Year (Philippine Youth Association for Public Affairs, Inc.) February 2002
*
Most Outstanding Congressman of the 1st Session of the 12th Congress (League of the Press Association of the Philippines) May 2002
*
One of the Outstanding Solons of the 12th Congress (Public Eye Magazine) 2002
*
Legislator of the Year (Philippine Media Research and Progress Report, Inc.), Sept. 2000
*
Top Congressman (Pillars of the New Republic) 1999, 2000, 2001
*
One of the Outstanding Solons of the 12th Congress (Public Eye Magazine) 2001
*
Leaders of the 12th Congress (Pillars of the New Republic) 2001 & 2002
*
Most Outstanding Solon (League of Press Associations of the Philippines.), 1998, 1999, 2000
*
Outstanding Public Servant of the Year (National Media Statistics Research News Publication), Aug. 2000
*
Exceptional Young Achievers (Development of Filipino Writers, Inc.) June 2000
*
Grand Advocate of Press Freedom (League of Press Associations of the Philippines.) Nov. 1999
*
Youth Achiever in the Government Sector (Development of the Filipino Youth) June 1999
*
9th KBP Golden Dove Awardee, Best Public Affairs Program 2000, "Magandang Umaga, Bayan," Angel Radio, DZAR 1026AM
Senator Joker P. Arroyo
Seldom do we have a Filipino leader who has so much ardor and commitment both as a human rights lawyer and freedom fighter. Senator Joker P. Arroyo has a long history of these traits by handling more human rights cases than any other lawyer from 1972-1986. A graduate of the UP College of Law and the Ateneo de Manila, his meteoric rise to national consciousness started when he challenged before the Supreme Court of the Philippines the constitutionality of Proclamation No. 1081 imposing martial law.
Thereafter, he joined other lawyers in questioning before the Supreme Court: 1) the ratification of the Marcos dictated 1973 Constitution; 2) Amendment 6 that empowered President Marcos to exercise law making powers alongside the Batasang Pambansa; 3) the power of military tribunals to try civilians. Senator Arroyo’s brilliant skills as a trial lawyer was demonstrated when he helped defend political detainees such as Ninoy Aquino, Eugenio Lopez, Jr., Serge Osmeña III, Jose Ma. Sison, Jovito Salonga, Nene Pimentel, Eva Kalaw, Renato Tañada, Eduardo Olaguer and many others.
As a freedom fighter, Senator Arroyo has had his share of physical and mental tortures having been incarcerated in a military stockade, gassed, injured and hospitalized during protest rallies. During the snap elections in 1986, he served as counsel of Mrs. Corazon Aquino. He, likewise, co-founded MABINI and FLAG together with other human rights lawyers. He is also a member of the American Bar Association, Senior Lawyers Division.
After EDSA I, he held various post in the government service first as Executive Secretary in the Aquino cabinet from 1986 to 1992, then as Chairman of the Philippine National Bank and as Executive Director for the Philippines in the Asian Development Bank from 1986 to1990.
Senator Arroyo has received various awards and commendations for his significant contributions to the law profession and public service. Among these are the Philippine Bar Association’s Most Distinguished Award for Justice as a “man beholden to no one except to his country” and a Senate Resolution No. 100 enacted in the 8th Congress commending him for his invaluable services to the Filipino people.
As a three-term congressman for the 1st District of Makati from 1992 to 1998, obtaining 80% of the votes cast in the elections, Senator Arroyo also distinguished himself by being consistently voted by media as Outstanding Congressman of the Year. While in Congress, he remained an independent throughout his term, he never traveled abroad on government money and was known to have a perfect attendance record for nine years from the time he was elected up to the end of his term. His Statement of Assets and Liabilities has remained the same from the time he entered public service in 1986 up to the present. As Lead Prosecutor during the impeachment trial of President Joseph Estrada, he was remarkable.
During the 2001 elections, Senator Arroyo was elected senator. In this 13th Congress, he chairs the Committee on Accountability of Public Officers and Investigations (Blue Ribbon), Committee on Public Services and the Committee on Justice and Human Rights.
Thereafter, he joined other lawyers in questioning before the Supreme Court: 1) the ratification of the Marcos dictated 1973 Constitution; 2) Amendment 6 that empowered President Marcos to exercise law making powers alongside the Batasang Pambansa; 3) the power of military tribunals to try civilians. Senator Arroyo’s brilliant skills as a trial lawyer was demonstrated when he helped defend political detainees such as Ninoy Aquino, Eugenio Lopez, Jr., Serge Osmeña III, Jose Ma. Sison, Jovito Salonga, Nene Pimentel, Eva Kalaw, Renato Tañada, Eduardo Olaguer and many others.
As a freedom fighter, Senator Arroyo has had his share of physical and mental tortures having been incarcerated in a military stockade, gassed, injured and hospitalized during protest rallies. During the snap elections in 1986, he served as counsel of Mrs. Corazon Aquino. He, likewise, co-founded MABINI and FLAG together with other human rights lawyers. He is also a member of the American Bar Association, Senior Lawyers Division.
After EDSA I, he held various post in the government service first as Executive Secretary in the Aquino cabinet from 1986 to 1992, then as Chairman of the Philippine National Bank and as Executive Director for the Philippines in the Asian Development Bank from 1986 to1990.
Senator Arroyo has received various awards and commendations for his significant contributions to the law profession and public service. Among these are the Philippine Bar Association’s Most Distinguished Award for Justice as a “man beholden to no one except to his country” and a Senate Resolution No. 100 enacted in the 8th Congress commending him for his invaluable services to the Filipino people.
As a three-term congressman for the 1st District of Makati from 1992 to 1998, obtaining 80% of the votes cast in the elections, Senator Arroyo also distinguished himself by being consistently voted by media as Outstanding Congressman of the Year. While in Congress, he remained an independent throughout his term, he never traveled abroad on government money and was known to have a perfect attendance record for nine years from the time he was elected up to the end of his term. His Statement of Assets and Liabilities has remained the same from the time he entered public service in 1986 up to the present. As Lead Prosecutor during the impeachment trial of President Joseph Estrada, he was remarkable.
During the 2001 elections, Senator Arroyo was elected senator. In this 13th Congress, he chairs the Committee on Accountability of Public Officers and Investigations (Blue Ribbon), Committee on Public Services and the Committee on Justice and Human Rights.
Senator Aquilino Q. Pimentel, Jr.
Family:
Wife: Lourdes de la Llana, M.A. Guidance & Counselling; A.B.-BSE, Xavier University, of Candelaria, Zambales.
Parents (both deceased): Aquilino E. Pimentel, lawyer, of Cagayan de Oro City and Petra Quilinging, public school teacher, of Batac, Ilocos Norte
Parents-in-law (both deceased): Justo de la Llana, doctor of medicine, of Candelaria, Zambales and Remedios del Carmen of Iba, Zambales.
Children: 6
* Gwendolyn Petrecia, M.A. in Public Administration, UP National College of Public Administration and Governance; Ll.B., UP College of Law; A.B. International Studies, Maryknoll College; married to Luis L. Gana, Ll.B., UP College of Law; A.B. UP School of Economics.
* Ma. Petrina, M.A. in MassCom, California State University, Northridge, California, USA; A.B., Economics, Ateneo de Manila; married to Baljit Brar, businessman based in California, U.S.A;
* Aquilino Martin, Ll.B., UP College of Law; topped the 1990 Bar Examinations; B.S. Math, Ateneo de Manila University; married to Jewel May Lobaton, B.S. Biology, University of Saint La Salle; 1998 Binibining Pilipinas Universe;
* Aquilino Justinian, M.D., F.P.O.A., orthopaedic surgeon, with graduate work at the University of Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; topped the 1998 Orthopaedic Fellowship Examinations; doctor of medicine, University of the East; married to Maria Lina Fernandez, M.D., F.P.D.S., dermatopathologist, with graduate work at the Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; doctor of medicine, University of Santo Tomas;
* Teresa Lourdes, Ll.B., and B.S. Psychology, Xavier University; and
* Lorraine Marie, M.A. Internet Technology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA; M.A. Comparative Politics, Claremont Graduate University, California, USA; A.B., Interdisciplinary Studies, Ateneo de Manila University; married to Alain Borghijs, Ph.D. in Economics, University of Antwerp, Belgium.
Grandchildren: 6
* Dominique Pimentel Gana, 17 years old;
* Petrina Pimentel Gana, 14 years old;
* Aquilino Crescencio Fernandez Pimentel, 13 years old;
* Aquilou Marie Fernandez Pimentel, 6 years old;
* Aquilino Martin Emmanuel Pimentel, 3 years old; and
* Katrina Preet Gwyn Pimentel Brar, 2 years old
Present work
SENATOR of the Republic, 2004-2010
Senate Minority Leader, July 26, 2004 - present
Cited annually by mass media, civic and religious organizations as Outstanding Senator.
Some significant legislative outputs that he authored and co-sponsored:
* Republic Act No. 7160, The Local Government Code of 1991. The Code liberates provinces, cities, municipalities and barangay from over-dependence upon the central government by increasing their powers and share in the taxes and wealth of the nation.
* Republic Act No. 6938, The Cooperative Code. The Code provides government support for the establishment of all kinds of cooperatives to help combat poverty.
* Republic Act No. 6678, The Generic Drugs Act. The law encourages the use of generic drugs (medicine) as a way of reducing the costs of medicine.
* Republic Act No. 6847, The Philippine Sports Commission Act. The law rationalizes sports activities in the country to help discover and develop international-caliber athletes.
* Republic Act No. 6734, An Act Creating the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. The law seeks to dissipate the causes of unrest and secession in the Muslim provinces of Mindanao.
* Republic Act No. 6975, An Act Establishing the Philippine National Police under a reorganized Department of the Interior and Local Government. The law detaches the police from the military and places it completely under civilian supervision and control.
* The People's Small-Scale Mining Act. The law allows small-scale miners to lawfully engage in mining activities.
Political experience
* Elected Delegate, Constitutional Convention, 1971;
* Elected Mayor of Cagayan de Oro City, 1980-84;
* Elected Member of Parliament (Batasan Pambansa), 1984-86;
* Appointed Minister of Local Government by President Corazon C. Aquino, 1986;
* Appointed Presidential Adviser and Chief Negotiator with the Muslim rebels by President Aquino, 1987;
* Elected Senator of the Republic, 1987-1992;
* Cheated of victory by means of dagdag/bawas in the 1995 senatorial elections; whereupon he sued the cheaters before the criminal courts where the cases are still being tried. He, has, however, established by incontrovertible evidence in the Senate Electoral Tribunal the existence of massive dagdag/bawas fraudulent count in the said senatorial elections.
* Elected Senator of the Republic, 1998-2004. As a senator, he continues the crusade to curb graft and corruption in government; the fight for electoral reforms and the prosecution of the criminal cases against the cheats in the 1995 & 1998 elections.
* Elected as the 19th Senate President of the Republic, November 13, 2000.
* Elected as the Senate Minority Leader in the opening of the 12th Congress, July 23, 2001.
* Elected Senator of the Republic, 2004-2010.
* Elected as the Senate Minority Leader, July 26, 2004 - present.
Ousters from public office
* 1982 - Ousted by the Marcos government as Mayor of Cagayan de Oro City; reinstated by people-power demonstrations, the first ever in the country; and
* 1984 - Ousted by the Marcos government as Assemblyman; reinstated by the Supreme Court.
Martial law arrests and detentions
* 1973 - Camp Crame, Quezon City, for opposing the Marcos constitution;
* 1978 - Camp Bicutan, Metro Manila, for leading a demonstration against the farcical Interim Batasan Pambansa elections in 1978;
* 1983 - Camp Sergio Osmeña and Camp Sotero Cabahug in Cebu City and house arrest in Cagayan de Oro City on charges of rebellion; and
* Arrested in Cagayan de Oro City for allegedly engaging in ambuscades in Cebu. People contributed centavos and pesos in small denominations to bail him out.
Academic qualifications
* A.B.-Law, Xavier University [1959]
* Doctor of Humanities (Honoris Causa), Xavier University [March 27, 1993]
* Doctor of Laws (Honoris Causa), University of Baguio [March 13, 2000]
* Doctor of Humanities (Honoris Causa), Notre Dame University [March 17, 2001]
* Doctor of Philosophy (Honoris Causa), Sultan Kudarat Polytechnic State College [April 12, 2004]
* Doctor in Public Administration (Honoris Causa), Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Mabini Campus, Santa Mesa, Manila [May 6, 2005]
Private work experience
* 1960-80 - Practicing Lawyer;
* 1962-67 - Dean, College of Law, Xavier University;
* 1975-79 - Professor, College of Law, San Beda College;
* 1977-79 - Professor, College of Law, Far Eastern University; Counsel, Justice and Peace Committee, Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines;
Book author:
* The Local Government Code: The Key to National Development (Cacho Hermanos, Manila, 1993);
* The Barangay and the Local Government Code (Rex Bookstore, Manila, 1994);
* Cooperative Code of the Philippines: Theory, Law and Practice (White Orchids Printing & Publishing Co., Quezon City) with co-author, Atty. Mordino R. Cua (1994);
* Handbook on Cooperatives (White Orchids Printing & Publishing Co., Quezon City, 1996);
* Martial Law in the Philippines: My Story (Cacho Hermanos, Manila, 2006);
* The Making of the Human Security Act of 2007 [The Philippine Anti-Terrorism Law] Perception and Reality (The Philippine Normal University Press, 2007); and
* The Local Government Code Revisited (In the PNU Press, 2007).
Wife: Lourdes de la Llana, M.A. Guidance & Counselling; A.B.-BSE, Xavier University, of Candelaria, Zambales.
Parents (both deceased): Aquilino E. Pimentel, lawyer, of Cagayan de Oro City and Petra Quilinging, public school teacher, of Batac, Ilocos Norte
Parents-in-law (both deceased): Justo de la Llana, doctor of medicine, of Candelaria, Zambales and Remedios del Carmen of Iba, Zambales.
Children: 6
* Gwendolyn Petrecia, M.A. in Public Administration, UP National College of Public Administration and Governance; Ll.B., UP College of Law; A.B. International Studies, Maryknoll College; married to Luis L. Gana, Ll.B., UP College of Law; A.B. UP School of Economics.
* Ma. Petrina, M.A. in MassCom, California State University, Northridge, California, USA; A.B., Economics, Ateneo de Manila; married to Baljit Brar, businessman based in California, U.S.A;
* Aquilino Martin, Ll.B., UP College of Law; topped the 1990 Bar Examinations; B.S. Math, Ateneo de Manila University; married to Jewel May Lobaton, B.S. Biology, University of Saint La Salle; 1998 Binibining Pilipinas Universe;
* Aquilino Justinian, M.D., F.P.O.A., orthopaedic surgeon, with graduate work at the University of Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; topped the 1998 Orthopaedic Fellowship Examinations; doctor of medicine, University of the East; married to Maria Lina Fernandez, M.D., F.P.D.S., dermatopathologist, with graduate work at the Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; doctor of medicine, University of Santo Tomas;
* Teresa Lourdes, Ll.B., and B.S. Psychology, Xavier University; and
* Lorraine Marie, M.A. Internet Technology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA; M.A. Comparative Politics, Claremont Graduate University, California, USA; A.B., Interdisciplinary Studies, Ateneo de Manila University; married to Alain Borghijs, Ph.D. in Economics, University of Antwerp, Belgium.
Grandchildren: 6
* Dominique Pimentel Gana, 17 years old;
* Petrina Pimentel Gana, 14 years old;
* Aquilino Crescencio Fernandez Pimentel, 13 years old;
* Aquilou Marie Fernandez Pimentel, 6 years old;
* Aquilino Martin Emmanuel Pimentel, 3 years old; and
* Katrina Preet Gwyn Pimentel Brar, 2 years old
Present work
SENATOR of the Republic, 2004-2010
Senate Minority Leader, July 26, 2004 - present
Cited annually by mass media, civic and religious organizations as Outstanding Senator.
Some significant legislative outputs that he authored and co-sponsored:
* Republic Act No. 7160, The Local Government Code of 1991. The Code liberates provinces, cities, municipalities and barangay from over-dependence upon the central government by increasing their powers and share in the taxes and wealth of the nation.
* Republic Act No. 6938, The Cooperative Code. The Code provides government support for the establishment of all kinds of cooperatives to help combat poverty.
* Republic Act No. 6678, The Generic Drugs Act. The law encourages the use of generic drugs (medicine) as a way of reducing the costs of medicine.
* Republic Act No. 6847, The Philippine Sports Commission Act. The law rationalizes sports activities in the country to help discover and develop international-caliber athletes.
* Republic Act No. 6734, An Act Creating the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. The law seeks to dissipate the causes of unrest and secession in the Muslim provinces of Mindanao.
* Republic Act No. 6975, An Act Establishing the Philippine National Police under a reorganized Department of the Interior and Local Government. The law detaches the police from the military and places it completely under civilian supervision and control.
* The People's Small-Scale Mining Act. The law allows small-scale miners to lawfully engage in mining activities.
Political experience
* Elected Delegate, Constitutional Convention, 1971;
* Elected Mayor of Cagayan de Oro City, 1980-84;
* Elected Member of Parliament (Batasan Pambansa), 1984-86;
* Appointed Minister of Local Government by President Corazon C. Aquino, 1986;
* Appointed Presidential Adviser and Chief Negotiator with the Muslim rebels by President Aquino, 1987;
* Elected Senator of the Republic, 1987-1992;
* Cheated of victory by means of dagdag/bawas in the 1995 senatorial elections; whereupon he sued the cheaters before the criminal courts where the cases are still being tried. He, has, however, established by incontrovertible evidence in the Senate Electoral Tribunal the existence of massive dagdag/bawas fraudulent count in the said senatorial elections.
* Elected Senator of the Republic, 1998-2004. As a senator, he continues the crusade to curb graft and corruption in government; the fight for electoral reforms and the prosecution of the criminal cases against the cheats in the 1995 & 1998 elections.
* Elected as the 19th Senate President of the Republic, November 13, 2000.
* Elected as the Senate Minority Leader in the opening of the 12th Congress, July 23, 2001.
* Elected Senator of the Republic, 2004-2010.
* Elected as the Senate Minority Leader, July 26, 2004 - present.
Ousters from public office
* 1982 - Ousted by the Marcos government as Mayor of Cagayan de Oro City; reinstated by people-power demonstrations, the first ever in the country; and
* 1984 - Ousted by the Marcos government as Assemblyman; reinstated by the Supreme Court.
Martial law arrests and detentions
* 1973 - Camp Crame, Quezon City, for opposing the Marcos constitution;
* 1978 - Camp Bicutan, Metro Manila, for leading a demonstration against the farcical Interim Batasan Pambansa elections in 1978;
* 1983 - Camp Sergio Osmeña and Camp Sotero Cabahug in Cebu City and house arrest in Cagayan de Oro City on charges of rebellion; and
* Arrested in Cagayan de Oro City for allegedly engaging in ambuscades in Cebu. People contributed centavos and pesos in small denominations to bail him out.
Academic qualifications
* A.B.-Law, Xavier University [1959]
* Doctor of Humanities (Honoris Causa), Xavier University [March 27, 1993]
* Doctor of Laws (Honoris Causa), University of Baguio [March 13, 2000]
* Doctor of Humanities (Honoris Causa), Notre Dame University [March 17, 2001]
* Doctor of Philosophy (Honoris Causa), Sultan Kudarat Polytechnic State College [April 12, 2004]
* Doctor in Public Administration (Honoris Causa), Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Mabini Campus, Santa Mesa, Manila [May 6, 2005]
Private work experience
* 1960-80 - Practicing Lawyer;
* 1962-67 - Dean, College of Law, Xavier University;
* 1975-79 - Professor, College of Law, San Beda College;
* 1977-79 - Professor, College of Law, Far Eastern University; Counsel, Justice and Peace Committee, Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines;
Book author:
* The Local Government Code: The Key to National Development (Cacho Hermanos, Manila, 1993);
* The Barangay and the Local Government Code (Rex Bookstore, Manila, 1994);
* Cooperative Code of the Philippines: Theory, Law and Practice (White Orchids Printing & Publishing Co., Quezon City) with co-author, Atty. Mordino R. Cua (1994);
* Handbook on Cooperatives (White Orchids Printing & Publishing Co., Quezon City, 1996);
* Martial Law in the Philippines: My Story (Cacho Hermanos, Manila, 2006);
* The Making of the Human Security Act of 2007 [The Philippine Anti-Terrorism Law] Perception and Reality (The Philippine Normal University Press, 2007); and
* The Local Government Code Revisited (In the PNU Press, 2007).
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