Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri (born April 13, 1968) is a Filipino politician who served as a representative representing the third district of Bukidnon for three consecutive terms, and was the Senate of the Philippines Majority Leader, replacing Senator Francis Pangilinan on November 17, 2008.^[3] He is on indefinite leave as a member of the Lakas-Kampi-CMD political party.

Zubiri announced his resignation on August 3, 2011 following allegations of poll fraud during the Senate elections in 2007.^[2][4][5][6] He is the first senator to do so, since all historical resignations from the senate prior to his resignation involved senators leaving to assume other positions in government.^[7]

Early life[link]

Zubiri was born in Makati City, Philippines to a Spanish-Ilonggo father hailing from Bacolod City and a Bicolana mother, and was raised in the province of Bukidnon. He speaks Cebuano, Tagalog, English, and his native Ilonggo. His father is the incumbent Bukidnon Provincial Vice-Governor Jose Ma. R. Zubiri, Jr.

Education[link]

Zubiri finished elementary and high school in Colegio San Agustin-Makati. He graduated from University of the Philippines Los Baños with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness. He also earned a Master of Environment and Natural Resources Management degree from the University of the Philippines Open University.

Political career[link]

House of Representatives[link]

After serving as chief of staff of his father, Rep. (now Bukidnon Governor) Jose Ma. R. Zubiri, Jr. from 1995–1998, he ran for the seat to be vacated by his father in the 1998 general elections representing the third district of Bukidnon. Winning easily in that election, he served his first term in the 10th Congress. He was subsequently re-elected to the Philippine House of Representatives in the 2001 and 2004 elections.

Senate[link]

After serving as a Congressman for three-terms, he was drafted by Lakas CMD to be one of their candidates in the pro-administration Team Unity ticket in the 2007 mid-term elections.

In the final tally for the 2007 senatorial race by the Philippine Commission on Elections (Comelec), Rep. Zubiri narrowly defeated opposition candidate Aquilino Pimentel III for the 12th and last slot in the Senate. Zubiri had a total of 11,001,730 votes against Pimentel's 10,983,358 votes.^[8] The margin of some 18,372 votes was hotly contested, particularly the votes from the southern Philippine province of Maguindanao, where Pimentel had lost heavily to Zubiri.

Claiming the votes in Maguindanao were tainted,^[9] Pimentel petitioned the Philippine Supreme Court to invalidate the votes from Maguindanao, effectively disenfranchising a whole province. The Supreme Court voted unanimously 14 -0 against Pimentel and allowed the COMELEC (Commission on Elections) to count the votes in Zubiri's favor. Pimentel then returned to the Supreme Court for the second time. This time, he petitioned them to issue a restraining order against the proclamation of Zubiri. After oral arguments however the High Tribunal again voted to uphold the COMELEC's decision to proclaim Zubiri, consequently failing to grant Pimentel's petition.^[10] The next day, July 14, 2007, Zubiri was duly proclaimed elected to the Philippine Senate. However, the Court's judgment did not prevent Pimentel from bringing his poll protests to the Senate Electoral Tribunal.

On March 14, 2008, the Supreme Court in a 40-page decision penned by Associate Justice Minita Chico-Nazario, dismissed Aquilino Pimentel III's petition to stop the Commission on Elections from canvassing votes from the province of Maguindanao,^[11] a definite morale booster for Senator Zubiri.

More recently, he has been advocating a more in depth study of biofuels in order to prevent food shortages all the while allowing the production of alternative clean energy and biofuels so as to lessen dependence on imported oil and allow the Philippine economy a new avenue of economic success, especially in this day and age of constant rising oil prices.^[12]

Electoral protest[link]

The Senate Electoral Tribunal (SET) on June 19, 2008 resolved to proceed with the election protest of Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III: "Indeed, there is reasonable ground to believe that the final outcome of the case could affect the officially proclaimed results of the 12th senatorial position in the May 14, 2007 national elections, hence, the election protest case deserves further proceedings by the tribunal."^[13]

Resignation[link]

On his privilege speech in the Philippine Senate on August 3, 2011, Zubiri announced his resignation from the Senate.^[2] In his speech, he said that his family was hurt by the "unfounded" accusations against him. "Without admitting any fault and with my vehement denial of the alleged electoral fraud hurled against me, I am submitting my resignation as a duly elected Senator of the Republic of the Philippines in the election for which I am falsely accused without mercy and compassion," Zubiri said in his speech. "My political detractors began calling me ugly names and dragging the name of my family in entirety. In other words, Mr. President, the trial by publicity has begun," he continued.

Recently, Zaldy Ampatuan, a suspect in the Maguindanao massacre case and suspended Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao governor, claimed that during the 2007 polls, the camp of then-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ordered that votes from three senatorial candidates from the opposition in Maguindanao be transferred to Zubiri.

Senator Francis Pangilinan, a member of the SET likewise refused to comment on what the next procedure is for the vacancy left by Zubiri. "Let's just wait for developments if any," he said.^[14]

On August 11, Aquilino Pimentel III was proclaimed Senator of the Philippines.

Other Positions Held[link]

• Governor of the Philippine National Red Cross
• Member, Rotary Club of Makati
• Governor, Ranchers' Club Philippines 1989– University of the Philippines Los Banos chapter
• Chairman, Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines Bukidnon Chapter
• Chairman, Paglaum Foundation
• Member, Upsilon Phi Sigma Fraternity and Sorority (founded 1935)
• President of the KATALA Foundation
• President of the Philippine Deer Foundation

Laws[link]

• Biofuels Act
• The Magna Carta for Private School Teachers
• Act Providing for a Magna Carta of Students
• Act Instituting the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, Repealing Republic Act No. 6425, as Amended
• Rent Control Law
• AFP Rate Base Pay Increase
• Wildlife Conservation Act
• Renewable Energy Act
• Cooperative Code of the Philippines

References[link]

External links[link]

• Juan Miguel "Migz" F. Zubiri's Official Website
• Official Website of the Senate of the Philippines

v t e <14th Senators of the 15th Congress of the Philippines (2010-2013) 16th> Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile (2010–present) # Senior Senators (2007–2013) Junior Senators (2010–2016) Edgardo Angara Joker Arroyo Alan Peter Cayetano Francis Escudero Gregorio Honasan Panfilo Lacson Loren Legarda Francis Pangilinan Aquilino Pimentel III (2011–present)## Antonio Trillanes IV Manny Villar Juan Miguel Zubiri (2007–11)## Vacant (since 2010)### Pia Cayetano Miriam Defensor Santiago Franklin Drilon Jinggoy Estrada Teofisto Guingona III Lito Lapid Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. Sergio Osmeña III Juan Ponce Enrile Ralph Recto Bong Revilla Tito Sotto Term ends June 30, 2013 Term ends June 30, 2016 # — Ponce Enrile was also the Senate president of the 14th Congress. ## —Zubiri resigned from office on August 3, 2011, replaced by Pimentel afterwards. ### — Vacant due to election of Benigno Aquino III to the presidency.

v t e <13th Senators of the 14th Congress of the Philippines (2007-2010) 15th> Senate Presidents Juan Ponce Enrile (2008-2010) · Manny Villar (2006-2008) # Senior Senators (2004-2010) Junior Senators (2007-2010) Rodolfo Biazon Lito Lapid Jinggoy Estrada Pia Cayetano Miriam Defensor Santiago Richard Gordon Jamby Madrigal Aquilino Pimentel, Jr. Juan Ponce Enrile Bong Revilla Mar Roxas Vacant ## Edgardo Angara Benigno Aquino III Joker Arroyo Alan Peter Cayetano Francis Escudero Gregorio Honasan Loren Legarda Francis Pangilinan Antonio Trillanes IV Manny Villar Juan Miguel Zubiri Panfilo Lacson Term ended June 30, 2010 Term ends June 30, 2013 # — Villar was also the previous Senate president of the 13th Congress. ## — Vacant due to election of Alfredo Lim as the mayor of Manila.

Romeo Miller
Miller in 2009
Background information
Birth name	Percy Romeo Miller, Jr.[1]
Also known as	Lil' Romeo, Rome, Romeo
Born	(1989-08-19) August 19, 1989 (age 22)[1] New Orleans, Louisiana, United States[1]
Genres	Hip hop
Occupations	Rapper Model Basketball player Entrepreneur Actor
Years active	2001–present
Labels	No Limit (2001–2002) Priority (2001–2002) The New No Limit (2002–2004) Universal (2002–2003) E1 (2004–2005) Guttar Music (2005–2006) Take A Stand (2007–present) The Next Generation (CEO) (2010–present) No Limit Forever (CEO) (2010–present)
Website	romeoforever.com

Percy Romeo Miller, Jr. (born August 19, 1989),^[2] better known by his stage name Romeo (previously Lil' Romeo), is an American rapper, actor, basketball player, entrepreneur, and model. As a rap musician, Miller has released three studio albums and two compilation albums.

Early life[link]

Romeo Miller was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. He is the son of rapper and entrepreneur Master P and former rapper Sonya C. He is the nephew of rappers C-Murder and Silkk the Shocker and the brother of singer Cymphonique. Romeo was signed to No Limit at the age of 5 after he wrote a rap to his dad.

Music career[link]

[edit] Lil' Romeo (2001)

He then released his debut album 7 years later titled after his original alias Lil' Romeo. This offering contained the hit single "My Baby" that charted No. 1 on the Hot R&B/Hip-hop Singles. The album peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard 200 and No. 5 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums,selling more than 500,000 copies the first week out making it certified Gold. The album is now certified certified Platinum by the RIAA for the sales of 1,300,000. Also in 2001 he was featured on his uncle Silkk the Shocker's remix single of "That's Kool", which was also featured on his own album.

[edit] Game Time (2002–2003)

In 2002, a year later after his debut album, Miller put out his second studio album, Game Time. It peaked at No. 33 on the Billboard 200 and No. 10 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums selling close to a 110,000 copies the first week .^[1] It spawned the billboard charting single "2-Way" that charted to No. 66 Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs. It also spawned the album second single "True Love" which charted at No. 16 under the Hot 100 Singles. Though not as successful on the charts as Miller's debut album It still was successful in sales certified 2x Platinum, selling 2,430,785 copies making this Miller's highest selling album.

[edit] Romeoland (2004–2007)

In 2004, miller released his third studio album Romeoland, which was not as successful as his last two albums selling 50,000 the first week, but still managed to be certified Gold selling over 459,000 copies in the United States.^[1] It was also the last studio album to feature Miller billed as Lil' Romeo. In 2005 Romeo along with his brother Valentino Miller who was known as Young V at that time and their three cousins C-Los, Lil' D & Willie J formed the group Rich Boyz & released their debut album Young Ballers: The Hood Been Good to Us. In 2006 Miller released a compilation album entitled Greatest Hits the album featured all of his hit songs when Miller was billed as Lil' Romeo. In 2006 Romeo released the two albums Lottery & God's Gift on the new label owned by himself and his father Master P, entitled Guttar Music. Lottery served as Millers first independent release while God's Gift served as a soundtrack to a movie with the same name. God's Gift was also Miller's first album to use the name Romeo and to have explicit language.^[1] The two albums were also known for containing Miller's single "U Can't Shine Like Me" which was a direct response to Bow Wow, who fans thought dissed Miller in his song "Fresh Azimiz". In 2007 Miller released a collaboration album with his father Master P titled Hip Hop History it sold 32,000 records worldwide.

[edit] Intelligent Hoodlum (2008–present)

In 2008 Miller stated he was working on his fourth studio album entitled Gumbo Station.^[3] On June 17, 2008 Miller released the first single from the album which was "Get Low wit It" which featured Akon & his brother Valentino Miller it failed to gain success on the Billboard charts.^[4]

On March 3, 2009 Romeo released a compilation entitled Get Low LP that contained songs that were supposed to be on Gumbo Station. It debuted at No. 149 on the Billboard 200 and as of May 5, 2009 it has sold over 20,000 copies. In 2010 Romeo confirmed that he was still working on his fourth studio album but he changed the name of the album to The College Boy. Romeo then announced that the title of the album was going to be I Am No Limit.

On January 19, 2010 Romeo released the first promotional single for the album entitled "Tell Me A Million Times" that featured Tempo.^[5] Then on January 26, 2010 Romeo released the second promotional single for the album entitled "Ice Cream Man Jr." which was a tribute to his dad Master P.^[6] On February 16, 2010 Miller released his debut mixtape Patience Is A Virtue to promote the album.^[7] Then on March 2, 2010 Romeo released two EPs to promote the album which were the Famous Girl & Monster/Practice.^[8][9] Also In 2010 Miller debuted his newly founded record label The Next Generation Entertainment with his new group the College Boyys.^[10] They released a collaboration album on May 25, 2010 entitled Spring Break which sold over 200,000 copies worldwide.^{[11][dead link]} Miller also on this day released three singles which were "You" that featured D'Anna & Lil Twist, "She Bad" that featured Millers cousins Lil' D & Black Don & "They Dont Know" but all of the singles failed to reach the charts.^[12][13][14] Romeo also performed at the 2010 Hip Hop Honors along with his brother Valentino Miller, his cousins Lil' D & Black Don, & his uncle Silkk The Shocker, along with Trina, Gucci Mane & Mystikal to honor his dad Master P & No Limit Records.^[15] In late 2010 Romeo relaunched No Limit as No Limit Forever Romeo also confirmed that he has changed the name of the album from I Am No Limit to Intelligent Hoodlum.^[16]

In 2011 It was confirmed that Romeo is going on a new tour with his dad Master P & his uncle Silkk the Shocker the tour is entitled ”No Limit Forever International".^[17] On January 11, 2011 Romeo released his EP Dont Push Me.^[18] On May 3, 2011 Romeo released the first official single from Intelligent Hoodlum which is "Famous Girl (Remix)" which is really the mastered version of the original it still features appearances from Sean Kingston & Miller's cousin Black Don.^[19] On August 19, 2011 Romeo released his I Am No Limit mixtape which was originally supposed to be his fourth studio album before it got changed but Miller just decided it would be best to just release it as a mixtape for his fans.^[20][21][22]

In 2012 Romeo formed a new group called RESQ3 they released their first single "The Only One" & supposed to be releasing a album in some time.^[23] Even though Romeo has created his new group he is still working & planning on releasing his fourth studio album Intelligent Hoodlum. On April 12, 2012 he released his first single from the album entitled "Hug Me Forever" which features his brother Valentino & his artist Kyros & has already shot the official music video for it.^[24] On May 19, 2012 Romeo released the music video for "Hug Me Forever" it was directed by Corey Molina of Creative Dream Productions.^[25]

Other ventures[link]

Acting career[link]

Miller started his acting career with a cameo appearance in the 2001 film Max Keeble's Big Move, as himself.^[26] He later co-starred with Jessica Alba, Mekhi Phifer and Zachary Isaiah Williams in the film Honey (2003). In Honey, his character was Benny, a young boy looking for a break.^[27] Also in 2003, he voiced himself on an episode of the animated series, Static Shock, to which he had performed the theme song.^[28] He co-starred with his dad in a movie called Uncle P in 2005.^{[citation needed]} He also starred in another movie with Zachary Isaiah Williams, God's Gift, which came out in 2006. Recently, he made a cameo appearance, as himself, in Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide as a rapping coach for the teachers. Then in 2007 he starred in film ASL as himself, Rome, alongside Forrest Lipton and Zachary Isaiah Williams who played the young Romeo; Lil Romey and had also previously starred with Romeo in Honey and Nickelodeon's Romeo!. He guest-starred as a rapper accused of murder in the 2010 CBS series, The Defenders and acted in the highly successful film, Jumping the Broom, released in May 2011. In 2011, he also starred in TV commercials for McDonald's & ICDC Colleges.

Fashion designer[link]

On July 24, 2010 Romeo launched his own clothing line titled "College Boyys", which has also been promoted by Miller & his new group the College Boyys. It has also been promoted by artists such as Justin Bieber, Big Time Rush & Jaden Smith.^[29] Romeo stated

Basketball career[link]

Percy Miller, Jr.
College	USC
Conference	Pac-10
Sport	Basketball
Position	Point guard
Jersey #	15
Nickname	Romeo, Prince P
Height	5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
Weight	170 lb (77 kg)
Nationality	American
Born	(1989-08-19) August 19, 1989 (age 22) New Orleans, Louisiana
High school	Beverly Hills High School
Tournaments
2009 NCAA Tournament

Romeo was invited, in the summer of 2006, to the Reebok-sponsored ABCD Camp, which is considered the premier basketball camp in the United States. The Teaneck, New Jersey-based ABCD Camp is an invitation-only basketball showcase previously attended by high-profile players including Kobe Bryant, Stephon Marbury, Tracy McGrady, LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony. Surrounded by future NBA players such as O. J. Mayo, Derrick Rose, and Kevin Love, Miller looked out of place and averaged less than 2 points a game throughout the camp. The Wall Street Journal made an article on March 8, entitled "A Hot Prospect," cites Sonny Vaccaro, the longtime director of the ABCD Camp, as explaining, "he invited Romeo Miller to the 2006 camp, primarily as a favor to Percy Miller, whom he knew from the club basketball circuit." In the article, Vaccaro indicated, "If you're looking for the profile of an athlete who plays basketball at USC, he's not it."^[30]

On April 13, 2007, Miller verbally committed to the University of Southern California (USC) and signed a letter of intent on November 19, 2007.

Miller, a 5'11" point guard, was a four year starter at Beverly Hills High School. As a junior during the 2005–2006 high school season he averaged 13.9 points and 5.6 assists per game.^[31][32] As a senior during the 2006–2007 high school season he averaged 8.6 points and 9.0 assists per game.^[30][31]

According to The Wall Street Journal, it appears the decision to grant Miller a full scholarship at USC was largely driven by his relationship with friend and teammate Demar DeRozan, the 6-foot-6 All-American forward who was rated as the number five prospect in the country on Scout.com. The Wall Street Journal reported Coach Tim Floyd as saying, "Last April...Percy Miller called while driving both players from a tournament in Fayetteville, Ark...Percy Miller said 'Demar and Romeo are ready to make their decision, and would you like to have them both on scholarship?'...'I said absolutely.'"^[30] Miller and DeRozan began playing in the 2008–2009 season.

Modeling career[link]

On December 27 Romeo modeled for a new 2011 calendar.^[33] On April 10, 2011 Miller modeled for the April issue of TROIX magazine.^[34] On April 12, 2011 Miller modeled again for some new pictures.^[35] He also modeled with the singer-songwriter Chynna Terrell.

Dancing with the Stars[link]

After originally withdrawing from season two of Dancing with the Stars due to an injury,^[36] Romeo competed in season twelve.^[37] He was partnered with professional dancer, Chelsie Hightower. They were eliminated from the show on May 10, 2011 and finished in the Top 5, one week before the semi-final.

• In week 7, Donnie Burns was the guest judge and scored the dances.

Personal life[link]

Miller attended Beverly Hills High School in Beverly Hills, California. Romeo sponsors "Loco Tonic", an energy drink he mentions in his newer songs. In 2008, Romeo was ranked No. 18 in the most fit men in the world. Miller was born on Aug. 19, 1989 in New Orleans, La. He is the oldest of seven children from parents Percy, Sr. and Sonya Miller. His father is a business entrepreneur and musician. His father also shares a passion for the game of basketball and signed contracts with the Charlotte Hornets and Toronto Raptors. Percy wears the No. 15 because that is the number his father wore in high school. Miller also believes in giving back to the community and is involved in a variety for charity endeavors and in 2008 along with his father received the key to the city in Memphis in recognition of their "Let the Kids Grow" educational program.

Discography[link]

Filmography[link]

Felipe Solis is schedule to appear in Romeo's new reality show Romeo & Juliet

Awards and nominations[link]

• Billboard Music Awards
  • 2001, Rap Artist of the Year (Winner)
  • 2001, Music Videos: My Baby (Winner)
  • 2002, R&B/Hip-Hop: My Baby (Winner)
• Kids Choice Awards
  • 2004, Favorite Television Actor – Male for: Romeo! (Nominated)
  • 2005, Favorite Television Actor – Male for: Romeo! (Winner)
  • 2006, Favorite Television Actor – Male for: Romeo! (Nominated)
• Teen Choice Awards
  • 2004, Choice Breakout Movie Star – Male for: Honey (Nominated)
• Black Reel Awards
  • 2004, Choice Breakout Movie Star – Male for: Honey (Nominated)
• Young Artist Awards
  • 2005, Best Performance in a TV Series (Comedy or Drama) – Leading Young Actor: Romeo! (Nominated)
• NAMIC Vision Awards
  • 2005, Best Comedic Performance: Romeo! (Nominated)
• Image Awards
  • 2005, Outstanding Performance in a Youth/Children's Program – Series or Special: Romeo! (Nominated)

References[link]

External links[link]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Romeo Miller

• Official website
• USC Athletics Player Biography: No. 15 Percy Miller
• Romeo Miller's channel on YouTube
• Romeo on Myspace
• Romeo Miller on Twitter
• Romeo at the Internet Movie Database
• Photos from Shrink-A-Bulls

Aquilino Q. Pimentel, Jr.
23rd President of the Senate of the Philippines
In office November 13, 2000 – June 30, 2001
President	Joseph Estrada (2000-2001) Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (2001)
Preceded by	Franklin Drilon
Succeeded by	Franklin Drilon
Majority leader of the Senate of the Philippines
In office June 3, 2002 – July 23, 2002
Preceded by	Loren Legarda
Succeeded by	Loren Legarda
Minority leader of the Senate of the Philippines
In office July 26, 2004 – June 30, 2010
Preceded by	Vicente Sotto III
Succeeded by	Alan Peter Cayetano
In office July 23, 2001 – June 3, 2002
Preceded by	Teofisto Guingona, Jr.
Succeeded by	Vicente Sotto III
Senator of the Philippines
In office June 30, 1998 – June 30, 2010
In office June 30, 1987 – June 30, 1992
Minister/Secretary of the Interior and Local Government
In office March 25, 1986 – June 30, 1987
President	Corazon Aquino
Mambabatas Pambansa (Assemblyman) from Cagayan de Oro City
In office June 30, 1984 – March 25, 1986
Mayor of Cagayan de Oro City
In office June 30, 1980 – June 30, 1984
Preceded by	Pedro N. Roa
Succeeded by	Pablo P. Magtajas
1971 Constitutional Convention Delegate, Misamis Oriental
In office June 1, 1971 – September 23, 1972[1]
Personal details
Born	(1933-12-11) December 11, 1933 (age 78) Claveria, Misamis Oriental
Political party	Lakas ng Bayan (1978-1986) PDP-Laban (1982– )
Spouse(s)	Lourdes de la Llana
Residence	Marikina City
Alma mater	Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan
Occupation	Civil servant
Profession	Politician
Religion	Roman Catholic

Aquilino "Nene" Quilinging Pimentel, Jr. (born December 11, 1933) is a Filipino politician who served as the President of the Senate of the Philippines from 2000-2001.

Early Life and Career[link]

Delegate to the 1971 Constitutional Convention[link]

Born into a political family in Cagayan de Oro in Mindanao, Pimentel rose to national prominence as an elected delegate to the Constitutional Convention of 1971, representing Misamis Oriental.^{[citation needed]} The nature of the Constitutional Convention changed when then President Ferdinand Marcos declared Martial Law on September 21, 1972. Pimentel and a few like-minded delegates feared the Constitutional Convention would produce a Marcos-scripted Constitution and were vocal in their opposition.^{[citation needed]} Pimentel also protested certain provisions as being contrary to the people’s interest.^{[citation needed]} In the subsequent roundup of those who opposed Marcos, he was arrested in early 1973 and jailed for three months at Camp Crame. Pimentel, who had a young family, bade his wife Bing “Be brave. Don’t cry,” and submitted to the incarceration.^{[citation needed]} He was released from prison in time for the signing of the Constitution. Along with a few other delegates, Pimentel refused to sign the Constitution.

He then went to work as a lawyer for the National Secretariat for Social Action of the Catholic Bishops Conference.

1978 Interim Batasang Pambansa Elections[link]

In April 1978, Pimentel ran for a post in the Interim Batasan elections as an official candidate of the Laban party of Metro Manila with Benigno S. Aquino, Jr.. Members of Marcos’ KBL party swept the seats. Pimentel and other opposition leaders like Senator Lorenzo M. Tañada, Francisco Soc Rodrigo, Teofisto Guingona, Fr. Archie Intengan SJ, and Chino Roces loudly protested the defeat of all opposition candidates and denounced the massive cheating that had taken place. Pimentel was one of those arrested for leading a demonstration against what he termed farcical elections. He had spoken out against Marcos’ bid to produce a rubber stamp legislature to win legitimacy for his iron-fisted regime which was increasingly being criticized here and abroad. Pimentel was jailed for two months in Camp Bicutan, Metro Manila.

Pimentel’s second stint in prison did not silence him. In fact, it strengthened his resolve to fight for freedom and to oppose electoral fraud. Ever the parliamentarian, he brought the battle from the streets to the polls in January 1980 when Marcos allowed local elections.

Mayor of Cagayan de Oro[link]

His wife Bing recalled they launched his mayoralty bid in Cagayan de Oro with a mere P2,000 in his war chest – all the money the couple could muster. But Cagayanons who believed in him contributed to his campaign and penned his name on their ballot. Pimentel won by a 3-1 margin over his KBL rival, who was fielded by Marcos. Pimentel ran under the coalition banner of the National Union for Democracy and Freedom and the Mindanao Alliance which busted KBL dominance in Misamis Oriental. He and his entire slate of candidates for vice mayor and seven city councilors swept the elections in Cagayan de Oro. His candidates for governor and vice governor also won.

Pimentel was not to govern his city unhindered. In 1981, while he was on a five-week training course in the United States, the Comelec ousted him for “political turncoatism,” installing the KBL candidate as mayor. The Comelec cited Pimentel for switching from Laban in April 1978 to the Narional Union for Democracy and Freedom in December 1979 and then running as candidate of the Mindanao Alliance in January 1980.

The Comelec’s move ired the Cagayanons. Pimentel partisans immediately staged peaceful demonstrations to express their displeasure. About 30 of his supporters also started fasting in protest. Six days later, 10,000 of his supporters marched around the city in a nonviolent show of support for Pimentel who was then on an official trip to the US. Thousands more lined the streets to cheer them on. This first-ever demonstration of “People Power” came at a time when Marcos did not lightly tolerate dissent.

Meanwhile, in Manila, Pimentel’s lawyer, headed by opposition leaders former Senators Lorenzo Tañada and Soc Rodrigo, along with Abraham Sarmiento, Raul Gonzales and Joker Arroyo, claimed that the Comelec had acted without jurisdiction and contented that the electorate’s will should be respected. The Comelec, however, reaffirmed its decision to oust Pimentel.

The conflict made national headlines and photos of demonstrations in Cagayan de Oro appeared in a major daily. To defuse the escalating turmoil, Marcos engineered a truce and reinstalled Pimentel as mayor, pending a Supreme Council decision. Pimentel arrived from the US in time to pick up the reins of city government that had briefly been wrested from him.

In 1983, while he was in Cebu City, Pimentel was arrested on charges of rebellion and was detained. He had allegedly given P100 to new People’s Army commander. Bing Pimentel recalled it was horrible time as the family did not know where he was. They traced him to Camp Sergio Osmeña and later to Camp Cabahug in the City of Cebu. Even as he was held in the military detention centers, his followers from Cagayan De Oro and other parts of the country visited him by the hundreds to boost his morale and keep his spirits high.

Nene Pimentel disputed the charges and was later released. Returning home, he was mobbed by thousand of his supporters upon his arrival at the pier of Cagayan De Oro. Later, he was again arrested for allegedly engaging in ambuscades. His supporters contributed centavos and pesos in small denomination to bail him out. Subsequently, Pimentel was placed under house arrest which lasted for almost seven months.

Assemblyman for Batasang Pambansa[link]

From the confines of his home, Pimentel continued to keep abreast of national news. He helped rally the opposition, ran the city and launched his bid as assemblyman for the Batasang Pambansa. He was, if anything, not quite. He protested relentlessly and fearlessly against injustice, fraud, corruption and Marcos’ dictatorial rule.

Then, in the aftermath of the assassination of Marcos’s chief rival, Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino in 1983, Pimentel won a seat in the Batasan Pambansa elections of 1984. But the Marcos government ousted him on the allegation that he had cheated in the elections. The Supreme Court itself recounted the ballots in an electoral contest.

The feisty Pimentel, a relentless critic of the Marcos regime, was often seen with Ninoy’s widow, Cory, as they rallied the opposition. At one point, Cory asked him to be her running mate in the 1986 Snap Elections and he agreed. However, at the 11th hour, when Cardinal Jaime Sin brokered a political marriage between Cory and Salvador “Doy” Laurel, Jr., Pimentel graciously stepped aside and let history run its course.

The widow toppled the dictator who fled the country. Upon her ascent to power President Aquino appointed Pimentel as Minister of Local Government. He had the unenviable task of dismantling the structure of dictatorship and corruption left behind by the Marcos regime. Pimentel wielded the axe deliberately, gaining a breathing space for the new administration. His critics alleged he had sold positions in the new government, but none could make the charge stick. Pimentel incurred the ire of some but also the respect of those who saw that he did it without fear or favor or taint of corruption.

Senator of the Philippines[link]

Legislation[link]

He then was elected Senator (1987–1992), authoring the seminal Local Government Code. As Senator, he authored and sponsored several key pieces of legislation, among them the Local Government Code of 1991, the Cooperative Code, the Philippine Sports Commission Act, the Act Creating the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, and the People’s Small-Scale Mining Act. He also authored and co-sponsored the Generic Drugs Act and the Act Establishing the Philippine Police under a Reorganized Department of Interior and Local Government.

1992 and 1995 campaigns[link]

He then launched a bid for the vice presidency in 1992, running under the Liberal Party with Jovito Salonga running for president, finishing fifth among the vice presidential candidates by garnering 9.9% of the vote. He was defeated in the 1995 national elections after running for another term for the Senate placing on number 15. He then took the case to the Supreme Court eventually winning the suit in 2004.

Senate Presidency[link]

In 1998, he ran successfully for another term in the Senate of the Philippines, from 1998-2004. On October 2000 Senate President Franklin Drilon issued a statement about the Juetengate Scandal of President Joseph Estrada. Drilon was removed as Senate President the next month through a Senate revamp and Aquilino Pimentel Jr. was installed as Senate President. On December 2000, an impeachment case was filed on the Senate. On January 13, 2001, Pimentel was one of those who voted in favor of the opening of the second bank envelope. Their vote was outnumbered and some of the opposition senators cried in front of Senate President Pimentel. Joseph Estrada was ousted in January by the second EDSA People Power Revolution.Pimentel occupied the Senate Presidency until the end of the regular session on June 2001.

Blue Ribbon Committee Chair[link]

Senate President Aquilino Pimentel (2000-2001)

He was reelected in the May 10, 2004 National Elections attaining the third highest number of votes nationally of nearly 80 candidates for 12 Senate seats.

As chair of the Blue Ribbon Committee, he has recommended the prosecution of top government officials of previous administrations in relation to the Expo Pilipino centennial scam and the misuse of the funds of the Retirement and Separation Benefits Systems of the Armed Forces. He has also recommended the prosecution of certain personnel of the Land Registration Administration for involvement in faking of land titles. Recently his committee also conducted series of investigations into the allegation of Governor Luis “Chavit” Singson on jueteng scandal. As Chair of the Committee on Local Government, he has supported far-reaching amendments to further strengthen the role of local government units in national development. He has also gotten senate approval to return the police to the supervision of LGUs and has authored a law to fix the date for elections of ARMM officials.

He is the president and founder of the PDP-Laban party. On April 25, 2008, Senator Pimentel authored a bill that would shift the Philippines into a Federal Republic of the Philippines.

Post-Senate Career[link]

Pimentel left office on June 30, 2010 after serving three senate terms and briefly as Senate President.

Notes[link]

External links[link]

• Senate of the Philippines
• Aquilino Pimentel's Official Personal Website
• Aquilino Pimentel's Assets and Liabilities

Senatorial history of Nene Pimentel v t e <13th Senators of the 14th Congress of the Philippines (2007-2010) 15th> Senate Presidents Juan Ponce Enrile (2008-2010) · Manny Villar (2006-2008) # Senior Senators (2004-2010) Junior Senators (2007-2010) Rodolfo Biazon Lito Lapid Jinggoy Estrada Pia Cayetano Miriam Defensor Santiago Richard Gordon Jamby Madrigal Aquilino Pimentel, Jr. Juan Ponce Enrile Bong Revilla Mar Roxas Vacant ## Edgardo Angara Benigno Aquino III Joker Arroyo Alan Peter Cayetano Francis Escudero Gregorio Honasan Loren Legarda Francis Pangilinan Antonio Trillanes IV Manny Villar Juan Miguel Zubiri Panfilo Lacson Term ended June 30, 2010 Term ends June 30, 2013 # — Villar was also the previous Senate president of the 13th Congress. ## — Vacant due to election of Alfredo Lim as the mayor of Manila. v t e <12th Senators of the 13th Congress of the Philippines (2004-2007) 14th> Senate Presidents Manny Villar (2006-2007) # · Franklin Drilon (2004-2006) Senior Senators (2001-2007) Junior Senators (2004-2010) Edgardo Angara Joker Arroyo Franklin Drilon Luisa Estrada Juan Flavier Panfilo Lacson Sergio Osmeña III Francis Pangilinan Juan Ponce Enrile Ralph Recto Manny Villar Vacant ## Rodolfo Biazon Lito Lapid Jinggoy Estrada Pia Cayetano Miriam Defensor Santiago Richard Gordon Alfredo Lim ### Jamby Madrigal Aquilino Pimentel, Jr. Juan Ponce Enrile Bong Revilla Mar Roxas Term ended June 30, 2007 Term ended June 30, 2010 # — Villar became the next Senate president during the 14th Congress. ## — Position vacated when Noli de Castro was elected to the vice presidency. ### — In 2007, Lim vacated his position prior to his election as the mayor of Manila. v t e <11th Senators of the 12th Congress of the Philippines (2001-2004) 13th> Senate Presidents Franklin Drilon (2001-2004) # Senior Senators (1998-2004) Junior Senators (2001-2007) Teresa Aquino-Oreta Robert Barbers Renato Cayetano ## Teofisto Guingona, Jr. ‡ Gregorio Honasan ‡ Robert Jaworski Loren Legarda Blas Ople ‡‡ John Henry Osmeña Aquilino Pimentel, Jr. Ramon Revilla, Sr. Tito Sotto Edgardo Angara Joker Arroyo Franklin Drilon Luisa Estrada Noli de Castro ‡‡‡ Juan Flavier Panfilo Lacson Sergio Osmeña III Francis Pangilinan Juan Ponce Enrile Ralph Recto Manny Villar Term ended June 30, 2004 Term ended June 30, 2007 # — Drilon's Senate presidency continued until 2006 during the 13th Congress. ## — Position vacated when Cayetano died in 2003. ‡ — The appointment of Gloria Arroyo to Guingona to vice presidency made his position to the Senate vacant from January 20, 2001. On May 14, 2001, Honasan was elected to fill in Guingona's unfinished term until 2004. ‡‡ — Ople was appointed Foreign Affairs secretary in 2002. ‡‡‡ — In 2004, de Castro vacated his position when he was elected to the vice presidency.