President: Benigno Aquino III

Benigno S. Aquino III[1][2][3]

15th President of the Philippines

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Relations Benigno Aquino, Jr. (Father)
Corazon Aquino (Mother)
Kristina Aquino-Yap(Youngest Sister)

Alma mater Ateneo de Manila University

Profession Legislator[1][3]

Religion
 SignatureRoman Catholicism

Website

O This article is part of a series about

ffi Benigno Aquino III
ci Represenatative from Tarlac's 2nd District ·Philippine Senator · Death and funeral of Corazon
al Aquino · Presidential Campaign ·"NoyBi" · 2010 Elections · Transition ·Inauguration · Inaugural
w address · SONA (2010)
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Benigno Simeon Cojuangco Aquino III ( /bɛnɪɡnoʊ sɪmən ɑːqɪnoʊ/);[1] (born February 8, 1960) also known
as Noynoy Aquino or PNoy, is the fifteenth and current President of the Philippines.[4][5][3] Aquino is a fourth-
generation politician: his great-grandfather,Servillano "Mianong" Aquino, served as a delegate to the Malolos
Congress;[6] his grandfather, Benigno Aquino, Sr., held several legislative positions from 1919–44; [7] and his
parents were former President Corazon Aquino and former Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino, Jr. Aquino is a
member of the Liberal Party.[8]

Born in Manila, Aquino graduated from Ateneo de Manila University in 1981 and joined his family in their exile in
the United States shortly thereafter. He returned to the Philippines in 1983 shortly after the assassination of his
father and held several positions working in the private sector. In 1998, he was elected to the House of
Representatives as Representative of the 2nd district of Tarlac province. He was subsequently re-elected to the House in
2001 and 2004.[3] In 2007, having been barred from running for re-election to the House due to the term limit, he was
elected to the Senate in the 14th Congress of the Philippines.[3]
Following the death of his mother on August 1, 2009, many people began calling on Aquino to run for president. [3] On
September 9, 2009, Aquino officially announced he would be a candidate in the 2010 presidential election, held on May
10, 2010.[3]

On June 9, 2010, the Congress of the Philippines proclaimed Aquino the winner of the2010 presidential election.[3]

On June 30, 2010, at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park, Manila,[9][3] Aquino was sworn into office as
the fifteenth President of the Philippines, succeeding Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, by Associate Justice of the Supreme
Court of the Philippines Conchita Carpio-Morales.[10][3]

Despite the official residence of the President being Malacañang Palace, his actual residence is the Bahay
Pangarap (English: House of Dreams), located within the Palace grounds. [11][12]

Early life and education

Benigno Simeon "Noynoy" Cojuangco Aquino III was born on February 8, 1960 in Manila. Aquino is the third of the five
children of Benigno Aquino, Jr., who was then the Vice Governor of Tarlac province, and Corazon Aquino. He has four
sisters, Maria Elena (Ballsy) Aquino-Cruz, Aurora Corazon (Pinky) Aquino-Abellada, Victoria Eliza (Viel) Aquino-Dee,
and Kristina Bernadette (Kris) Aquino-Yap.

From 1965 to 1981,[13] Aquino attended Ateneo de Manila University from elementary to college.[14]

Eleven months after Aquino's father, Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino, Jr., was arrested and detained for "advocating the
overthrow of the government by force or violence", [15] Ninoy was brought before a military tribunal in Moran Hall, Fort
Bonifacio in August 1973.[15] On August 25, 1973, Ninoy wrote a letter to his son, Noynoy from Fort Bonifacio at 11:10
p.m., giving advice to his son;

"The only advice I can give you: Live with honor and follow your conscience.
There is no greater nation on earth than our Motherland. No greater people than our own. Serve them with all your heart,
with all your might and with all your strength.

Son, the ball is now in your hands."[1][15]

In 1981, Aquino graduated from Ateneo de Manila University, earning a Bachelor's degreein Economics.[14][3] Shortly after
graduation, he joined his family in Newton, Massachusetts, in exile.[14]

In 1983, after two years in exile in the United States, Aquino returned to the Philippineswith his family, shortly after
the assassination of his father on August 21, 1983.[14] He had a short tenure as a member of the Philippine Business for
Social Progress, working as an assistant of the executive director of PBSP. [14] He later joined Mondragon Industries
Philippines, Inc. as an assistant Retail Sales Supervisor and assistant promotions manager for Nike Philippines, Inc.[14]

From 1986 to 1992, during the presidency of his mother, Aquino joined the Intra-Strata Assurance Corporation,
a company owned by his uncle Antolin Oreta Jr., as vice president. [14]
 On August 28, 1987, eighteen months into the presidency of Aquino's mother, rebel soldiers led by Gregorio
Honasan staged anunsuccessful coup attempt, attempting to siege Malacañang Palace. Aquino was two blocks
from the palace when he came under fire. Three of Aquino's four security escorts were killed, and the last was
wounded protecting him. He himself was hit by five bullets, one of which is still embedded in his neck. [16]

From 1993 to 1998, Aquino worked for Central Azucarera de Tarlac, the sugar refinery in charge of the
Cojuangco-owned Hacienda Luisita, as the executive assistant for administration from 1993 to 1996, then he
worked as manager for field services from 1996 to 1998. [14]

Political life

House of Representatives

Aquino was elected to the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 1998, representing the 2nd district of
Tarlac.[13][3] Aquino won re-election in 2001 and 2004, and served until 2007. [13][3]

As a member of the House of Representatives, Aquino passed numerous house bills and resolutions: [13]


House Bill No. 4251, granting annual productivity incentives to all workers in the private sector.

House Bill No. 4397, strengthening the regulatory power of the Department of Trade and Industry to
effectively enforce consumer laws.

House Bill No. 4252, increasing the penalties for non-compliance of the prescribed increases and
adjustments in the wage rates of workers.

House Bill No. 3616, extending the reglementary period for the educational qualification for
the Philippine National Police.

House Bill No. 1842, providing for the codification of criminal laws.

House Resolution No. 65, inquiry in aid of legislation into the policies and processes of the Energy
Regulatory Commission in granting rate increases to electric utilities.

House Resolution No. 788, a house bill Aquino is reportedly proudest of, which created a Congressional
Oversight Committee to check and study the use of intelligence funds by government agencies, thus ensuring
that allocated funds are actually used for the purposes they were originally intended for. [17]
Aquino served on numerous committees as a member of the Congress of the Philippines:[13]
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His Excellency Benigno S. Aquino III[3] Reference style

Spoken style A
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President AquinoMr. President

Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs William Joseph Burns (middle) shakes hands
with PresidentBenigno S. Aquino III (right) as United States Ambassador to the Philippines Harry K. Thomas,
Jr. (left) looks on.
The Presidency of Benigno S. Aquino III began at noon on June 30, 2010, when he became
the fifteenth President of the Philippines, succeeding Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Aquino is the third-youngest
person to be elected president, and the fourth-youngest president after Emilio Aguinaldo, Ramon
Magsaysay and Ferdinand Marcos.[2] Aquino is the first president to be a bachelor, being unmarried and having
no children.[2] Aquino is the second president not to drink alcoholic beverages; the first president not to drink
alcohol was Emilio Aguinaldo.[2] Aquino is the eighth president to be a smoker.[2] Aquino is the first graduate
of Ateneo de Manila University to become president.[2] Aquino is the third president who will only hold office
in Malacañang Palace, but not be a resident, followingCorazon Aquino and Fidel V. Ramos.[2] Aquino is the first
president to make Bahay Pangarap his official residence.[36][37] Aquino is the third president to use his second
given name, Simeon, as his middle initial, as Manuel L. Quezon and José P. Laurel did.[1][2][3]Aquino is the
second president to be a child of a former president, his mother was former President Corazon Aquino; the first
president to be a child of a former president was President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who is the daughter of
former President Diosdado Macapagal.
The presidential transition began on June 9, 2010, when the Congress of the Philippinesproclaimed Aquino the
winner of the 2010 Philippine presidential elections held on May 10, 2010, proclaiming Aquino as the President-
elect of the Philippines.[4][5] The transition was in charge of the new presidential residence, cabinet appointments
and cordial meetings between them and the outgoing administration.

The presidential residence of Aquino is Bahay Pangarap (English: House of Dreams),[11] located inside of
Malacañang Park,[38] at the headquarters of thePresidential Security Group across the Pasig
River from Malacañang Palace.[12][11] Aquino is the first president to make Bahay Pangarap his official residence.
[36][37]
Malacañang Park was intended as a recreational retreat by former President Manuel L. Quezon.[37] The
house was built and designed by architect Juan Arellano in the 1930s, [11][37] and underwent a number of
renovations.[11] In 2008, the house was demolished and rebuilt in contemporary style by architect Conrad
Onglao,[11][37] a new swimming pool was built, replacing the Commonwealth-era swimming pool. [36][37] The house
originally had one bedroom,[11] however, the house was renovated for Aquino to have four bedrooms, [36] a guest
room, a room for Aquino's household staff, and a room for Aquino's close-in security. [38] The house was originally
intended as a rest house, the venue for informal activities and social functions for the First Family by former
President Manuel L. Quezon.[11] Malacañang Park was refurbished through the efforts of First Lady Eva
Macapagal, wife of former President Diosdado Macapagal, in the early 1960s.[37] First Lady Macapagal
renamed the rest house as Bahay Pangarap.[37] During the presidency of Fidel V. Ramos, the house
was restored and became the club house of the Malacañang Golf Club. [11] The house was used by former
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to welcome special guests.[11] Aquino refused to live in Malacañang Palace,
the official residence of the President of the Philippines, or in Arlegui Mansion, the residence of former
presidents Corazon Aquino and Fidel V. Ramos, stating that the two residences are too big, [11] and also stated
that his small family residence at Times Street in Quezon City would be impractical, since it would be a security
concern for his neighbors.[12]

On June 29, 2010, Aquino officially named the members of his Cabinet, with Aquino himself as Secretary of the
Interior and Local Government.[39] Aquino also announced the formation of a truth commission that will
investigate various issues including corruption allegations against outgoing President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Aquino named former Chief Justice Hilario Davide, Jr. to head the truth commission.[40]

Traditionally, it is the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines who administers the oath of office to
the incoming Presidentand Vice President, however, Aquino refused to allow Chief Justice Renato Corona to
swear him into office, due to Aquino's opposition to the midnight appointment of Corona by outgoing
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on May 12, 2010, two days after the 2010 elections and a month before
Arroyo's term expired.[41] Instead, Aquino formally requested Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the
Philippines Conchita Carpio-Morales, who opposed the midnight appointment of Corona, [42] to swear him into
office.[10]
Aquino took the oath of office on June 30, 2010, at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park, Manila.[9][3] The oath of
office was administered by Associate Justice Conchita Carpio-Morales, who officially accepted Aquino's request
to swear him into office,[10][3]reminiscent of the decision of his mother, who in 1986, was sworn into the
presidency by Associate Justice Claudio Teehankee.[2] After being sworn in as the fifteenth President of the
Philippines, succeeding Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Aquino delivered his inaugural address.

During the inaugural address, Aquino created the no ‘wang-wang’ policy, strengthening the implementation
of Presidential Decree No. 96.[43][44] The term ‘wang-wang’ is a street lingo for blaring sirens. [45] Presidential
Decree No. 96 was issued on January 13, 1973 by former President Ferdinand Marcos, regulating the use of
sirens, bells, whistles, horns and other similar devices only to motor vehicles designated for the use of
the President, Vice President, Senate President, House Speaker, Chief Justice, Philippine National
Police,Armed Forces of the Philippines, National Bureau of Investigation, Land Transportation Office, Bureau of
Fire Protection andambulances.[43][44] However, despite having the privilege of using ‘wang-wang’, Aquino
maintained he would set the example for his no‘wang-wang’ policy, not to use ‘wang-wang’, even if it means
being stuck in traffic and being late every now and then. [46][47] Aquino also traded the official black
presidential Mercedes Benz S-Guard limousine for a white Toyota Land Cruiser 200.[46] After the inaugural
address, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority began to enforce Aquino's no ‘wang-wang’ policy,
confiscating ‘wang-wang’ from public officials and private motorists who illegally used them. [44]

From June 30–July 9, 2010, Aquino was Secretary of the Interior and Local Government,[39] until Aquino
named Jesse Robredo, a formerNaga mayor, as Interior Secretary.[48]

On July 14, 2010, the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) called an emergency meeting in Camp
Aguinaldo to assess the damage caused by Typhoon Basyang.[49] Aquino attended the meeting to obtain
information on the damage caused by Typhoon Basyang and to personally monitor the repair and recovery work
in the aftermath of the typhoon.[49] In the meeting, Aquino criticized thePhilippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and
Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) for failing to predict and to warn the residents of Metro
Manila that Typhoon Basyang would ravage Metropolitan Manila.[49][50]

On July 26, 2010, at the Batasang Pambansa, in Quezon City, Aquino delivered his first State of the Nation
Address (SONA).[51][52]

On July 30, 2010, Aquino signed Executive Order No. 1, creating the Truth Commission. [53] The commission is
tasked to investigate various anomalies and issues including graft and corruption allegations against the past
administration, government officials and their accomplices in the private sector during the last nine years. [53] The
commission has until December 31, 2012 to complete its mission. [53] Chief Justice Hilario Davide, Jr. will head
the commission.[53]
On August 4, 2010, Aquino implemented Executive Order No. 2, signed on July 30, 2010, ordering the
immediate removal of all midnight appointments made by the previous administration for violating the 60-day
constitutional ban on presidential appointments before a national election. [54]

On August 6, 2010, Aquino implemented Executive Order No. 3, signed on July 30, 2010, an executive order
revoking Executive Order No. 883, signed by former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on May 28, 2010, that
automatically promoted lawyers in government executive service to the rank of Career Executive Service Officer
III (CESO III).[55] Aquino also announced the removal of Prisco Nilo as administrator of the Philippine
Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).[56] PAGASA was directly
under Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Undersecretary for Research and Development (R&D)
Graciano Yumul.[56] A special order from DOST Secretary Mario Montejo, dated August 5, 2010, designated
Yumul as PAGASA administrator, replacing Nilo.[56] On August 7, 2010, Malacañang announced that Yumul will
be heading PAGASA temporarily, for only three months, as PAGASA will undergo a "reorientation" to improve its
services.[57] Aquino has yet to name the new administrator who will permanently head PAGASA. [57]

On August 9, 2010, Aquino implemented Executive Order No. 4, signed on July 30, 2010, reorganizing and
renaming the Office of the Press Secretary as the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), [58]
[59]
and creating the Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office (PCDSPO). [58]
[59]
Aquino appointed former ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC) anchor Ricky Carandang and Herminio Coloma as
secretaries of the new media communications group.[59][60]

On August 13, 2010, Aquino appointed Maria Lourdes Aranal Sereno as Associate Justice of the Supreme
Court of the Philippines, his first appointment to the Supreme Court of the Philippines.[61]

On August 14, 2010, Aquino directed the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) and
the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to fully implement Executive Order No. 255, issued on
July 25, 1987 by former PresidentCorazon Aquino, requiring all radio stations to broadcast a minimum of
four original Filipino musical compositions every hour.[62]

On August 16, 2010, Aquino launches his official presidential website. The presidential website's aim is to create
communication between Aquino and the people, getting feedback from the people, telling Aquino their woes and
grievances.[63]

On August 23, 2010, in front of the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park, Manila, the site of Aquino's presidential
inauguration, the Manila hostage crisis occurred. Aquino expressed concern over the matter and gave his
condolences to the victims. Aquino defended the actions of the police at the scene, stating that the gunman had
not shown any signs of wanting to kill the hostages. [64] Aquino ordered a "thorough investigation" into the
incident, and would wait until it is completed before deciding whether anyone should lose his or her job. [64]
[65]
Aquino declared that the media may have worsened the situation by giving the gunman "a bird's-eye view of
the entire situation".[65] Aquino also made reference to the Moscow theater hostage crisis, which, according to
Aquino, resulted in "more severe" casualties despite Russia's "resources and sophistication". [66] On August 24,
2010, Aquino signed Proclamation No. 23, declaring August 25, 2010, as a national day of mourning, instructing
all public institutions nationwide and all Philippine embassies and consulates overseas to lower the Philippine
flag at half-mast, in honor of the eight Hong Kong residents who died in the Manila hostage crisis.[67][68] On
August 25, 2010, at a press conference in Malacañang, Aquino apologized to those offended when he was
caught on television apparently smiling while being interviewed at the crime scene hours after the Manila
hostage crisis.[69] Aquino said;

"My smile might have been misunderstood. I have several expressions. I smile when I'm happy, I smile when
I'm faced with a very absurd situation...and if I offended certain people, I apologize to them. It's more of an
expression maybe of exasperation rather than anything and again, I apologize if I offended certain people, who
misunderstood (my) facial expression."[69]
On September 1, 2010, Aquino ordered the Department of Health (DOH) to support and assist all regional
hospitals and health centers and intensify their efforts to attend to the needs of dengue–inflicted patients. [70]

On September 3, 2010, Aquino took responsibility for "everything that has transpired" in the Manila hostage
crisis.[71] Aquino, who wasSecretary of the Interior and Local Government before offering the post to Jesse
Robredo, actually has direct supervision of thePhilippine National Police, since he had previously asked Interior
Secretary Robredo to address other concerns, such as coming up with a comprehensive plan on delivering
social services to and relocating informal settlers in coordination with the local governments. [71]

Administration and Cabinet

The Aquino Cabinet

Office Name Term

President Benigno Aquino III 2010–present

Vice President Jejomar Binay 2010–present

Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, Jr. 2010–present

Secretary of Agrarian Reform Virgilio De Los Reyes 2010–present

Secretary of Agriculture Proceso Alcala 2010–present

Secretary of Budget and Management Florencio Abad 2010–present

Secretary of Education Br. Armin Luistro FSC 2010–present

Secretary of Energy Jose Rene Almendras 2010–present

Secretary of Environment & Natural Resources Ramon Paje 2010–present

Secretary of Finance Cesar Purisima* ‡ 2010–present

Secretary of Foreign Affairs Alberto Romulo* 2004–present

Secretary of Health Enrique Ona* ‡ 2010–present

Jesse Robredo 2010–present

Secretary of the Interior and Local Government
Benigno Aquino III 2010–2010
Secretary of Justice Leila de Lima* ‡ 2010–present

Secretary of Labor and Employment Rosalinda Baldoz* ‡ 2010–present

Secretary of National Defense Voltaire Gazmin 2010–present

Secretary of Public Works & Highways Rogelio Singson 2010–present

Secretary of Science & Technology Engr. Mario Montejo 2010–present

Secretary of Social Welfare & Development Corazon Soliman 2010–present

Secretary of Tourism Alberto Lim 2010–present

Secretary of Trade & Industry Gregory Domingo 2010–present

Secretary of Transportation and Communications Ping De Jesus 2010–present

Presidential Management Staff Julia Razon Abad 2010–present

Presidential Adviser on National Security Cesar Garcia 2010–present

Presidential Adviser on Peace Process Teresita Deles 2010–present

AFP Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Ricardo David 2010–present

CHED Chairman Dr. Patricia Licuanan 2010–present

Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda 2010–present

Secretary of Presidential Communications

Ricky Carandang 2010–present
Development and Strategic Planning

Secretary of the Presidential

Sonny Coloma 2010–present
Communications Operations Office

National Economic and Development Authority Cayetano Paderanga, Jr. 2010–present

*Retained from previous administration.

‡ Promoted from lower office(s).

Personal life

Aquino is the first president to be a bachelor, being unmarried and having no children. [2]
Aquino is currently in a relationship with Shalani Soledad, a Valenzuela councilor and niece of former
Senator Francisco Tatad.[72][73][74]Aquino and Soledad first met around 2000 or 2001, when she interviewed him
for a media project; they ran into each other some years later, in August 2008, and began going out. [72]

He had previously dated Korina Sanchez,[72][75] and Bernadette Sembrano.[72]

Aquino had been an enthusiast of shooting and billiards,[1][3] but today, he relaxes by playing computer
games since he could no longer engage in the first two aforementioned pastimes. [76] He is a history buff,[1]
[3]
an audiophile and enjoys listening to music.[76][3]

He does not drink alcoholic beverages.[2] He is the second president not to drink alcohol, the first being Emilio
Aguinaldo.[2] Aquino is asmoker, and has admitted to smoking up to three packs a day. [77] During his presidential
campaign, Aquino promised to quit smoking if he wins the election. [78] However, he decided later he would not
quit smoking, preferring to do it at the "appropriate" time. [79][80] He also said he is not keen on being a poster
boy for anti-smoking advocates.[81] He is the eighth president to be a smoker. [2]

On the eve of his inauguration, President-elect Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III on Tuesday named the members of
his Cabinet. FreeMan™ made a research about the profiles of his cabinet. Some Cabinet members are from the
private sector and some are newly appointed so there is still some limitations on the knowledge of their
background. But for most of the Cabinet members, here are their profiles. The profiles of other Cabinet mebers
will be updated soon.

PAQUITO OCHOA (Executive Secretary) – Finished economics at the University of Santo Tomas and law at
the Ateneo de Manila University. He was the Legal counsel of Noynoy Aquino since 1988. Ocho also was
Quezon City’s administrator under the administration of Mayor Sonny Belmonte and was tagged as Quezon
City’s “Little President”. During the campaign for Aquino’s bid to Presidency, he headead team Aquino’s legal
team, the PiNOY lawyers. Their fathers and namesakes—the late Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. and
former Pulilan Mayor Paquito Ochoa Sr.—were friends. Interestingly, Jojo has close links to the Marcoses, the
political archenemy of Noynoy’s parents. Louise Araneta-Marcos—the wife of incoming Senator Ferdinand
“Bongbong” Marcos Jr.—is Jojo’s partner at the Marcos, Ochoa, Serapio and Tan law firm.
ALBERTO ROMULO (Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs) – is a Doctor of Laws, Certified
Public Accountant (CPA), finished Law at the Manuel L. Quezon University and has a degree in Commerce. He
took his doctorate at the Universidad de Madrid. Was the Foreign Secretary in the administration of President
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo during her term until Noynoy Aquino re-appointed him to the dismay of some DFA
diplomats. He first joined government service as a member of Corazon Aquino’s economic team. He was a
senator from 1987 to 2004, during which time he served as Majority Leader for five years.As Senator, he
authored the 25 Laws. RA 6761, which provides for the construction of water wells in all Barangay’s in the
Philippine’s is one of his Major Bills. He became Finance Secretary in January 2001, having been appointed
when President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo took office and formed her own cabinet. He left this position in May
2001, but became Executive Secretary. On August 18, 2004, he was appointed Foreign Secretary, and still
holds this position. He served as Chairman of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations or ASEAN in 2007.
CESAR PURISIMA (Secretary of Department of Finance) - obtained his Bachelor of Science in Commerce,
Majors in Accounting & Management of Financial Institutions from De la Salle University (1979) and his MBA
from JL Kellogg Graduate School of Management, Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois (1983). He was a
top placer in the 1979 CPA Board Examination. He served as a Secretary of Department of Finance, Republic of
the Philippines from February 2005 to July 2005, as Secretary, Department of Trade & Industry, Republic of the
Philippines from 2004 to 2005 and Chairman & Managing Partner, Sycip, Gor es and Velayo (SGV). He served
as the Chairman of the Board of Land Bank of the Philippines, has been a member of the board of Trustees of
Makati Business Club since 2008 and as a Director of Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp.,
National Power Corporation and Land Bank of the Philippines. Served as Member of the Monetary Board of the
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.
LEILA DE LIMA (Secretary of Department of Justice) – Is a graduate of Bachelor of Law in San Beda
College. She served as Tax Assistant I in Sycip, Gorres, Velayo and Co in 1986. From SGV, she moved to the
Supreme Court as a Legal Staff (Confidential Attorney), at the Office of Justice Isagani A.Cruz, Supreme Court
from1986 to 1989. She then served as Clerk/Secretary of the Electoral Tribunal in the House of Representatives
from 1993 to 1995. From the Goverbment service she then established her own law firm, the De Lima and
Menez Law Offices from 1998 from 2008. In 2008, she was appointed by President Gloria Arroyo as the
Commision on Human Rights until she was re-appointed by President Noynoy Aquino to serve in his cabinet as
his Justice Secretary.
VOLTAIRE GAZMIN (Secretary of Department of National Defense) – is a member of the Philippine Military
Academy Class 1968 and sheaded the Presidential Security Group during the first half of Cory’s administration.
As PSG commander from 1986 to 1989, he defended her government from several coup attempts by military
renegades. Gazmin eventually became Army chief during the Estrada administration. Gazmin was in charge of
the Laur, Nueva Ecija camp where Noynoy’s father Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. and former Senator Jose “Pepe”
Diokno were kept in solitary confinement during the Martial Law regime of dictator Ferdinand Marcos. Gazmin
graduated from the Philippine Military Academy in 1968. In February 2009, six months before Cory died,
Philippine star columnist Joanna Rae Ramirez wrote that Gazmin “told prisoner Ninoy that he couldn’t set him
free, but he would do his best to make his stay in the military prison as humane as possible… After EDSA,
someone handed an envelop to Cory with the card of Gazmin inside — just in case she needed his help. So
she called him and entrusted her life to him just like Ninoy did a decade before.”
BRO. ARMIN LUISTRO FSC, (Secretary of Department of Education) – is a La Sallian Brother who in 1977,
entered De La Salle University-Manila on a De La Salle college scholarship grant and graduated in 1981 with a
Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Letters. From 1981 to 1985, he studied at the Ateneo de Manila University,
earning master’s degree units in Religious Education and from 1991 to 1993, he studied in the Master of Arts in
Religious Education program of De La Salle University-Manila where he earned his MA degree. In 1997, Luistro
was named Brother Visitor (Brother Provincial) of the De La Salle Brothers in the Philippines, a position he held
until 2003. In 2000, Luistro, together with the Bishop of Manado, Indonesia, Josef Suwatan founded Universitas
Katolik De La Salle, also known as De La Salle Manado. In 2004, he was appointed by the De La Salle Board of
Trustees as President of the De La Salle University System and was such until the establishment of De La Salle
Philippines, Inc., of which he is now the President and Chief Executive Officer. In July 2005, Br. Armin joined the
United Opposition in calling for the resignation of the President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. He is also a
prominent figure in the activities of the Black and White Movement, a group advocating the resignation,
impeachment, or ouster of President Arroyo.
FLORENCIO ABAD (Secretary of Department of Budget and Management) – is the former Representative
of the Lone District of Batanes from 1987-2004 and was appointed Secretary of the Department of Agrarian
Reform (January 4, 1990 – April 5, 1990) and Department of Education (July 2004 – July 2005). He finished his
Bachelor of Science in Business Management and Bachelor of Laws at the Ateneo de Manila University and
passed the Bar Examination in 1985. He completed his studies with Masters in Public Administration at the
John F. Kennedy School of Government in Harvard University in Cambridge, Masachusetts as a student of the
Edward Mason Program in Public Policy and Management. He was a Research director of Ateneo Center for
Social Policy and Public Affairs, an agrarian reform Secretary of the Department of Agrarian Reform in 1990,
and a lecturer in the Graduate School of Business at Ateneo de Manila University. He became the Liberal
Party’s President. Abad was knwon for his competence, credibility, and command of issues. He was one of the
advocates of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program. He was appointed Secretary of Agrarian Reform
during the Corazon Aquino Administration. The removal of “culture” and “sports” from the old DECS –
Department of Education, Culture and Sports – was his proposal, in line with the thinking that the Department’s
focus should solely be on basic education. To streamline operations, he championed the institutionalization of
three agencies for the different educational levels: DepEd for elementary and secondary education, the
Commission on Higher Education (CHED) for tertiary education, and the Technology Education and Skills
Development Agency (TESDA) for technical and vocational education. In July 2004, President Gloria
Macapagal-Arroyo appointed him to the Department of Education as Secretary and served until July 2005 until
he resigned from office as a protest led by other 9 cabinet officials knows as the Hyatt 10.
CAYETANO PADERANGA JR. (Secretary of National Economic Development Authority) – obtained his
bachelor’s degree in Commerce from De La Salle University in 1968 then later took graduate studies in
Industrial Economics at the Center for Research and Communication in 1972. He obtained his doctorate in
Economics in 1979 from Stanford University, USA. He then became a professor of economics at the University
of the Philippines School of Economics. Paderanga was the Secretary for Socio-Economic Planning and
Director General of the National Economic and Development Authority from 1990 to 1992 and a member of the
Monetary Board of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas from 1990 to 1992 and from 1993 to 1999. He was also the
Chairman of the Philippine Social Science Council (1999-2001) and President of the Philippine Economics
Society (1998-1999). He was President of the Philippine Stock Exchange in 2004 and he was the Vice-
President of the Philippine Fulbright Scholars Association, Inc. (1997-2006).
PROCESO ALCALA (Secretary of Department of Agriculture) – Proceso J. Alcala is known more as a
development manager than a politician and was a first-term congressman. He is widely known in Quezon
Province as an accomplished environmentalist and non-governmental organization (NGO) worker. A civil
engineer by profession, Alcala implemented his successful programs and projects, including his “Proceso sa
Pagasenso,” highlighted his socio-economic agenda that calls for collective participation of all sectors, not only
in his district but in the entire Quezon Province. On the legislative front, Alcala has also authored several bills
that encompass sectoral and local concerns, including those that dwell on the preservation and protection of the
mystic Mount Banahaw, additional benefits to the elderly, promotion of the coconut industry, among others.
Alcala is a native of Lucena City whose son ran and won as a congressman in his stead.
RAMON PAJE (Secretary of Department Environment and Natural Resources) - He earned a B.S. Forestry
degree from the University of the Philippines Los Baños; an MA degree in Urban and Regional Planning from
UP Diliman; a Certificate on Human Resources from the Australian National University; a Certificate on
Environmental Economics and Policy Analysis from Harvard University; and a Doctorate in Public Administration
from UP Diliman. He was an undersecretary for Forestry Research of the DENR and served as Presidential
Asst. on Mining and Concurrent Executive Director of Minerals Development Council (MDC). A staunch
environmentalist, he is one of the 1996 Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) Awardees for Government
Service.
JOSE “PING” DE JESUS (Secretary of Department of Transportations and Communications) - is the
current chief operating officer of Meralco, the country’s largest power distributor. But he also has extensive
experience in the government, having served as DPWH secretary in the administrations of Cory Aquino and
Fidel V. Ramos. He is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Bantayog ng mga Bayani Foundation and the
Benigno S. Aquino Foundation. In 1992, he was conferred the Philippine Legion of Honor, with the rank of
Commander, by Mrs. Aquino. Interviewed by reporters after visiting Noynoy in his Times Street home weeks
before the inauguration, De Jesus said he was willing to give up his corporate salary and return to government
service, which offers significantly lower remuneration.
ROSALINDA BALDOZ (Secretary of Department of Labor and Employment) - Was formerly the head of
POEA since 2001. She was promoted as undersecretary of the Department of Labor under the Arroyo
Administration. The new labor secretary is well-versed in both overseas and local employment and a fine
addition to the roster of career officials tapped to serve as DoLE chiefs. Baldoz served the DoLE since 1986 as
director of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), in 2004 as OWWA administrator, and in
2008, as DoLE chief
ENRIQUE ONA (Secretary of Department of Health) -Dr. Ona is acknowledged as one of the top surgeons in
the field of vascular surgery and organ implantation, as well as a dedicated advocate of preventive nephrology
in the country. Dr. Ong is an active advocate of stemming the brain drain in the country’s medical profession
through his efforts with the Doctor’s Covenant and the Movement of Idealistic and Nationalistic Doctors or
MIND.Dr. Enrique Ona is the secretary of the Department of Health (DOH) under the Noynoy Aquino
administration.
ALBERTO LIM (Secretary of Department of Tourism) – First acquainted with the Aquino family during the
campaign in one of the forums conducted by his group, Lim was the President of the influential Makati Business
Club before he was tapped to become the Tourism Secretary by President benigno Aquino III. He said he has
already resigned as MBC president but plans to tap the group for nation-building. His experience with tourism
stems from to his part-time involvement in the past with several boards involved in tourism. He co-founded the
Freedom to Fly Coalition, which advocated an open-skies policy as a strategy to promote economic
development. Moreover, he also became a member of the Civil Aeronautics Board. It was also Lim who founded
the Palawan Tourism Council, which is responsible for Palawan’s rise as a veritable tourist destination. Lim also
founded the El Nido Foundation, which was responsible for the El Nido Protected Area Management Board that
helps people in communities improve their way of living. He also spearheaded the Corporate Network for
Disaster Response after Indonesia’s 7.2 earthquake in 1990 sent tsunamis to surrounding islands.
GREGORY DOMINGO (Secretary of Department of Trade and Industry) – a Wharton school-educated
former investment banker, is no stranger to the trade department, having been trade under-secretary and
managing head of the department’s board of investments under Arroyo. Domingo is currently executive director
of SM Investments Corp and vice chairman of property developer Belle Corp. He was previously managing
director at both the Manila office of Chase Manhattan Bank and Chemical Bank in New York. Domingo served
as DTI undersecretary in the earlier part of the Arroyo administration, and also as managing head of the Board
of Investments. He was DTI undersecretary when Aquino’s defeated running mate Mar Roxas was secretary of
the department. Domingo is currently an executive director of SM Investments Corp. He previously served as
president of Carmelray-JTCI Corporation, and as managing director of Chemical Bank in New York and Chase
Manhattan Bank in Manila. He holds a master’s degree in Business Management from the Asian Institute of
Management.
CORAZON SOLIMAN (Secretary of Department of Social Welfare and Development) – She Graduated
with Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work (1973) in University of the Philippines Diliman under the University
Scholarship and was awarded with Gerry Roxas Leasership Award. She then hade her MA (1998) in Public
Administration in Kennedy School of Government, – Harvard University. Recipient of numerous awards and
citations in the field of social work and community development, including the Ten Outstanding Women in the
Nation’s Service Award (1992) and the Most Distinguished Alumnus Award (University of the Philippines).
Crossed over from NGO to government, where she is currently revolutionizing the department, steering it
towards more people-empowering and holistic development programs. Served as Secretary of the Department
of Social Welfare and Development under the Arroyo Administration and resigned in 2004 as part of the Hyatt
10 together with other cabinet members.
MARIO MONTEJO (Secretary of Department of Science and Technology) – “a man of many titles,”
according to Aquino, Montejo is among a group of academicians who translate all their scientific studies into
practical and applied technology for Filipinos. Montejo is a mechanical engineering graduate of the U.P. College
of Engineering, and an alumni of the Tau Alpha Fraternity. Being a Filipino engineer-scientist, montejo was able
to invent and design some useful contraptions which includes (1) the motorized sundial which he constructed
and donated at the UP College of Engineering; (2) the robotic car park which was was opened in Tiendesitas,
Pasig City; (3) and the now famous zip line that adventurers can ride on. He was the President and CEO of
North West Steel Corporation which build the said robotic car park and the CEO of Tree Top Adventure Phils.
which initiated the Zip Line. Mario Montejo is a recepient of the top 100 UP Alumni Engineers of the Century
Award in celebration of the Centennial of the UP College of Engineering Diliman.
JOSE RENE ALMENDRAS (Secretary of Department of Energy) – Almendras obtained his Business
Management degree from the Ateneo de Manila University and completed the Strategic Business Economics
Program in the University of Asia and the Pacific. He was the previously connected with Ayala Land, Inc. as a
member of the Management Committee and concurrently Head of the Visayas Mindanao Business and
Operations Transformation Group. He was President and CEO of Cebu Holdings, Inc. and Cebu Property
Ventures and Development Corp., both publicly listed companies managed by the Ayala Land Group. Prior to
joining the Ayala Group, Almendras served as Treasurer for both Aboitiz & Company, and the publicly listed
Aboitiz Equity Ventures. While at the Aboitiz Group, he was appointed President and CEO of City Savings Bank,
also owned by the Aboitiz Group. Mr. Almendras also worked in various capacities with Citytrust Banking
Corporation, Citibank, and the Bank of the Philippine Islands.
Rogelio Singson (Secretary of Department of Public Works and Highways) – Singson is not a newbie in
handling infrastructure projects, having served as chairman of the government-owned Bases Conversion
Development Authority which oversaw projects like the conversion of former military bases in Clark in
Pampanga, Subic in Zambales, John Hay in Baguio City, Poro Point in La Union and Fort Bonifacio in Taguig.
Among the projects he administered as BCDA chairman was the construction of the controversial Subic-Clark-
Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx), which has a Hacienda Luisita interchange. Farmer groups and other critics of the
Cojuangcos accuse the clan of having benefited from the construction of the SCTEx exit within their property.
Singson is the president and chief executive officer of Maynilad, the largest water concessionaire in the
Philippines. He is a distant relative of re-elected Ilocos Gov. Luis “Chavit” Singson, an Arroyo ally.
VIRGILIO DE LOS REYES (Secretary of Department of Agrarian Reform) - specializes in civil litigation and
corporate law, agrarian law, land use law, and intellectual property law. He was formerly the undersecretary for
policy and planning and legal affairs of the Department of Agrarian Reform and vice-chairperson of the
Department of Agrarian Reform Adjudication Board. During his Humphrey year, De los Reyes will study
international economic law and human rights, with a particular focus on agriculture. De Los Reyes was also the
Vice Dean of the College of Law, teaches Business Law in the MBA program of DLSU. He also serves as the
chief executive officer of GoVida Studios, Inc. and the principal of the De Los Reyes Law Office. He is a
founding member of LIBERTAS, an association of lawyers focused on human rights and judicial reform, and a
former volunteer community organizer. He has a Masters in International Relations from the Tuft University’s
Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy. He received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and
Bachelor of Laws from the University of the Philippines.
TERESITA DELES (Presidential Adviser on Peace Process) – Deles served as Mrs. Arroyo’s peace adviser
from 2003 until 2005, when she and the rest of the so-called Hyatt 10 resigned over the Hello Garci scandal.
She has said she wants to resume peace negotiations with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the
Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front-New People’s Army. Many members of the Hyatt
10 supported the NoyMar campaign. Even before Noynoy was proclaimed president-elect, Deles revealed that
he had already asked her to go back to her old post and to attend Palace briefings on the peace process. Prior
to her appointment as Mrs. Arroyo’s peace adviser, she headed the National Anti-Poverty Commission from
2001 to 2003. Since 1981, Deles has maintained an active involvement in the women’s movement particularly in
the institution of PILIPINA, which is recognized as the first women’s organization in the Philippines to espouse
an explicitly “homegrown feminist” line. She has also been the co-founder of the Coalition for Peace, the
Philippines’ first citizen’s peace formation to emerge after the 1986 People Power uprising.
JULIA ABAD (Presidential Management Staff Chief) - Daughter of former Batanes Representative Florencio
“Butch” Abad, she was a political science professor at Ateneo De Manila University and was a Fulbright scholar
at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, where she completed a two-year Masters
in Public Policy program. Abad also became an intern at the National Democratic Institute, the think-tank of the
US Democrats, in Washington DC. She became an employee at the Department of Social Welfare and
Development. Abad was also Aquino’s chief of staff in the Senate, and therefore was a fixture in the campaign.
She is also part of the team that oversaw the transition between the Arroyo government and the Aquino
administration.
EDWIN LACIERDA (Presidential Spokesman) - As the mouthpiece of Aquino, Lacierda first stepped into the
limelight when the controversial Cojuangco-owned Hacienda Luisita was raised as an issue against Aquino at
the height of the presidential campaign. Lacierda was a member of the anti-Arroyo Black and White movement,
which had many members that also supported Aquino. For the May elections, he was also part of the NoyMar
campaign executive committee. A practicing lawyer since 1990, he was the legal counsel of ZTE-NBN deal star
witness Rodolfo “Jun” Lozada Jr. when the latter came out to testify against those involved in the allegedly
corruption-ridden deal. He also taught constitutional law at the Far Eastern University’s Institute of Law and at
the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila.
EDUARDO DE MESA (Presidential Legal Counsel) - Heads the Labor and Litigation Departments of the
Carag De Mesa and Zaballero Law Office. He is a seasoned litigator and has extensive experience in tax,
commercial, civil, criminal and administrative litigation. His tax litigation experience includes successful
representation of clients before the Court of Tax Appeals, Court of Appeals and/or the Supreme Court on
matters involving tax assessments, claims for tax refunds and tax exemptions. His labor law practice includes
collective bargaining negotiations, settlement of strikes and other labor disputes, employee disciplinary actions,
labor law advisory services and labor litigation. Mr. De Mesa also practices election and immigration law. De
Mesa received his Bachelor of Laws degree in 1985 from the University of the Philippines where he graduated
in the top 10 of his class and was a member of the Order of the Purple Feather Honor Society. He obtained a
degree in Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Sto. Tomas in 1974. He passed the National
Teachers Examination in 1977 and was admitted to the Philippine Bar in 1986. De Mesa is presently a
Commissioner on Bar Discipline of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines. He is also a member and an accredited
arbitrator of the Philippine Dispute Resolution Center, Inc.
PATRICIA LICUANAN (Chairman of Commission on Higher Education) – a Filipino psychologist and
educator, is the current President of Miriam College, Chief Executive Officer of the Forum in English of
Philippine Business for Education at the Asian Institute of Management, and Trustee of the Center for Asia
Pacific Women in Politics. She actively participates in research, training, and advocacy work in applied social
psychology, education, and educational reform, human resource development, and gender issues in the
Philippines. Licuanan was a professor and chairman of the Department of Psychology, and academic vice-
president of the Ateneo de Manila University, Manila, Philippines. During her academic tenure, she championed
gender equality and instituted sensitivity training regarding the sexual harassment of women. She is a
recognized leader in advocating for gender equality in the Asia Pacific region. Among the commissions she had
chaired were: United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, the preparatory commission for the U.N.
Fourth World Conference on Women held in Beijing, China in 1995; National Commission on the Role of Filipino
Women; and Southeast Asia Watch which is a network dedicated to advocating and monitoring the
implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action.
KIM JACINTO-HENARES (Commissioner of the Bureau of Internal Revenue) - a lawyer and certified public
accountant, served as deputy commissioner of the Bureau of Internal Revenue from August 2003 to November
2005. She previously served as BIR deputy commissioner for special concerns during the Arroyo administration.
During her stay in the BIR, she headed the “Run After Tax Evaders” (RATE) operation, which attracted the
public’s attention when cases were filed against celebrities Judy Ann Santos, Regine Velasquez, and Richard
Gomez. She worked for the BIR around the same time that Cesar Purisima, who was part of President Aquino’s
inner circle, was finance secretary. The BIR is one of the attached agencies of the DOF. She recently served as
senior private sector development specialist at the IFC/World Bank.
HILARIO DAVIDE JR. (Head of Truth Commission) - a former Ambassador/Permanent Representative of the
Permanent Mission of the Republic of the Philippines to the United Nations in New York City. He was the 20th
Chief Justice of the Philippines and head of the Judicial Branch of government from November 1998 to
December 2005. As the highest judicial officer, he presided over the Supreme Court of the Philippines. He
presided the first ever impeachment trial against Joseph Ejercito Estrada in 2000-2001 which led to the ouster
of the convicted plunderer. He went to the country’s premier state university, the University of the Philippines in
Diliman where he earned his Associate in Arts in 1955, his Bachelor of Science in Jurisprudence in 1958, and
his Bachelor of Laws degree in 1959. He took and passed the bar examinations given that same year. From
1959 to 1963, Davide worked as private secretary to the vice-governor and later governor of the province of
Cebu. From 1962 to 1968, he was a faculty member of the College of Law of Southwestern University in Cebu
City. This university, three decades later, would confer on him a degree of Doctor of Laws (Honoris Causa) in
1999.
MAJOR GENERAL RICARDO DAVID (Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff) - A member of the
Philippine Military Academy Class of 1977, David currently heads the Army’s Northern Luzon Command. He
also served as member of the Presidential Security Guard during the coup-plagued administration of Aquino’s
late mother, Corazon Aquino.
CRISTINO “BONG” NAGUIAT (Chairman of Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation) – Bong
Naguiat once worked at Pagcor and was fired by Genuino for unknown reasons. He is the current president of
Eastern Pangasinan Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc and served as CEO of Urdaneta Sacred Heart
Hospital from 2003 up to June 30. Under his term, the hospital became the “premier” hospital in the eastern part
of Pangasinan. Naguiat was part of an informal study group invited by Mr. Aquino to the family residence on
Times Street, Quezon City, when they were university students in Ateneo.
MARGIE PENSON JUICO (Chairman, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office) – is the former appointment
secretary of the late President Corazon C. Aquino during her term and a volunteer in the Benigno Aquino Jr.
Foundation. She graduated from St. Theresa’s college class of 1971. Juico was the one responsible for the
Yellow Ribbon Brigade that lined the streets during President cory’s struggle with cancer. Her text message
urging the people to tie yellow ribbons on the streets spread like a wildfire over the internet. After the death of
President Cory Aquino, Juico published a booke entitled Cory, an intimate Portrait. Few months later, he edited
and published a second book, Cory; an intimate portrait II which consists of eulogies for the late president
contributed by various people.
JOSELITO ALVAREZ (Chairman, Bureau of Customs) – Alvarez is the manager of the basketball team
Air21, which is the trade name of the cargo handling firm Airfreight 2100 Inc, the former local franchisee of US-
based Federal Express. The company is owned by former Customs Commissioner Bert Lina. Alvarez’s was
formerly connected with the auditing firm SGV & Co. where he met Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, who was
then the managing partner of the auditing firm.
JESSE M. ROBREDO (Secretary, Department of Interior and Local Government) – He attended his formal
education at Naga Parochial School, while his High School years were spent at Ateneo de Naga, and obtained
his undergraduate degrees in Industrial Management Engineering and Mechanical Engineering at the De La
Salle University. He was an Edward Mason Fellow and a graduate of Masters in Public Administration at John F.
Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 1999. In 1985, he
finished Masters in Business Administration at the University of the Philippines in Diliman as a scholar and was
named the Graduate School and Faculty Organization awardee for scholarly excellence. In 1988, he was
elected mayor of Naga City, making him the youngest City Mayor of the Philippines at age 29. He was able to
transform the city from being dull and lethargic to being one of the “Most Improved Cities in Asia”, as cited by
Asiaweek Magazine in 1999. Because of his effective leadership, he was elected President of the League of
Cities of the Philippines in 1995. He is also a member of the Liberal Party of the Philippines. In recognition of his
outstanding performance in public service, he received 14 major individual awards which includes, the 2000
Ramon Magsaysay Award for Government Service, 1998 Konrad Adenauer Medal of Excellence as Most
Outstanding City Mayor of the Philippines, 1996 Outstanding Young Persons of the World (TOYP) Award, 1990
The Outstanding Young Men of the Philippines (TOYM), and the first ever “Dangal ng Bayan ” Award of the Civil
Service Commission. Recently, in March 2008, he was conferred an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree by
the Far Eastern University in Manila.