Letter from the Director
Dearest Cabinet Members,
Hello! My name is Meredith Arndt, and I will serve as your Director for the Rodrigo Duterte
Cabinet/ Vice President of the Philippines here at &MUN V. Currently, I am a sophomore at the
college majoring in International Relations and Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s studies with an
unofficial minor in Chinese Studies. On campus, I work for the sexual assault advocacy group
16IX3, and am an active member here with the International Relations Club.
Although I haven’t been on the college circuit for long, I traveled to NCSC, UPMUNC, and
McMUN my freshman year, and attended SCSY this year. I have crisis directed for our high
school conference these past two years, and I am so excited to return to my favorite MUN
activity again to give you all an exciting weekend! &MUN is by far my favorite conference.
&MUN is one of most creative and innovative conferences on the college circuit, and I can’t
wait to see what you all bring to the table.
While I already know that each and every one of you will be fantastic, I would like to outline my
expectations and goals for this committee. Whether it’s your first crisis committee, or you’ve
gaveled in more than you can count, my main hope is that you use this committee to strengthen
your consensus building skills and learn something new. While MUN offers the chance for
winning awards, the most important thing you gain from participating in MUN is a fresh
perspective on global events, and a stronger understanding of working together. This weekend, I
urge you to take what you’ve learned in this committee and apply it to other areas of your life.
Good luck, and if you have any questions regarding research or the crisis committee format,
don’t hesitate to send me an email!
See you in the Decision Room,
Meredith Arndt
Director for the Rodrigo Duterte Cabinet of the Philippines
[email protected]
Letter from the Crisis Director
Delegates,
Hello! My name is Chris Pickens and I will serve as your Philippines Cabinet Crisis
Director for the Rodrigo Duterte Cabinet Committee here at &MUN V. I'm a sophomore at the
college right now and I'm majoring in Government with possibly a double major in Middle East
Studies. As you might guess, I'm an active member in International Relations Club, but I also
actively participate in the Middle Eastern Student Association here at William and Mary.
Although this my first time crisis directing, I’ve staffed at least once at each of the
conferences William and Mary hosts, and &MUN is easily my favorite. I’ve always thought I.R.
Club is at its best when it allows me to work with like minded students from other schools and I
can’t wait to see what you give me and my crisis staffers to work with!
As Crisis Director, my expectations for this weekend are that you all will take advantage
of this committee’s format and be as creative as possible. Crisis Committees to me are not just
appropriate places to express creative uses of your roles, but places where creativity and
ingenuity are absolutely essential. My hope for you is that you embrace that aspect of crisis in
order to both have fun and learn something from your time here.
Look forward to working with you,
Chris Pickens
Crisis Director for the Rodrigo Duterte Cabinet of the Philippines
[email protected]
Rules of Procedure
Cabinet Procedure:
A cabinet is a group of high ranking executive officials, often selected from the
President’s same political party. In most cases, a cabinet’s official job is to advise the President
on a litany of domestic and foreign policy issues, including agriculture, development, education,
terrorism, and the like. In most governmental systems, cabinets do not vote on executive matters,
but for the purposes of traditional Model United Nations procedures, all policy decisions and
crisis updates will be resolved through moderated and unmoderated debate, and voting in normal
Model United Nations fashion.
Task of the Philippine Cabinet:
The task of the Philippine cabinet is to advise President Duterte on all matters concerning
the state, both domestically and abroad. However, most important with the Philippine Cabinet is
maintaining “cabinet collective responsibility.” Each cabinet member was chosen specifically by
President Duterte to carry out his policy plans, as well as refrain from breaching this
responsibility--such as publicly disagreeing with Duterte’s positions. However, while we urge
you to focus on consensus building, we want you to also push for what is in the best interest of
your department and for the good of the country. This will be explain in more depth with regards
to current Philippine constituency in the background guide.
Start Date and Committee Flow:
The Committee will be set shortly after President Duterte took office, with each session
being equivalent to roughly six months of his administration. We also want to remind delegates
that while there are three separate issues in the background guide, they are all interconnected.
Thus, we want delegates to use this information and outside research to synthesize how each
issue is related to one another for higher level debate and crisis simulation.
Rodrigo Duterte will not be represented by dais members, but will instead be used as an
embodiment for crisis updates.
The Dais will assume the positions as follows:
•
Director: Republic of the Philippines Vice President
•
Chair: Cabinet Secretary
•
Rapporteur: Executive Secretary
Introduction
Congratulations to new President Rodrigo Duterte and new Cabinet Members of the Republic of
the Philippines! This election marked a paramount shift in Philippine politics—a populist
movement to end political dynastic corruption and bring prosperity to the nation. Together, we
hope to create a brighter future for our union and beyond.
The 2016 Philippine Election was defined by ending corruption across political, economic, and
social spheres. Failure by President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III to do so sparked resentment
and discontent in the Philippine constituency. After multiple scandals—including the misuse of
economic stimulus programs and reluctance to abolish them—led to a widespread need for
change at the executive level.
Rodrigo Duterte, while winning by a landslide in the Election this past May, has not come
without controversy. Throughout the election, “The Punisher” has been cited as controversial
from both domestic and international perspectives. (something about social activists groups,
something about the rape thing with Australia).
Your job as cabinet members will be to walk the fine line between executing our new leader’s
strong objectives, while persuading him to take advice where it’s due.
Duterte’s Win: Ending Corruption
2016 Election
President Duterte ran against four other political figureheads: Grace Poe, Mar Roxas, Jejomar
Binay, and Miriam Defensor-Santiago.
Grace Poe was the adopted daughter of two Philippine celebrities, moving to the states in the
1990s to pursue a career in pre-school education. Her father’s failed attempt at obtaining a bid
for the mid-2000s election and his death thereafter sparked her desire for a political career. While
Grace Poe ran on a platform to end corruption, her campaign was slaughtered by controversy
over her citizenship in the nation.
Manuel “Mar” Roxas came from Philippine political dynasty, his grandfather holding the
position as the first President of the Republic following the 1986 People Power Revolution
ousting dictator Ferdinand Marcos. Endorsed by former President Corazon Aquino, he served as
an investment banker in New York for 20 years after returning to Filipino politics after his
brother died. He has a strong reputation for supporting the small business as Secretary of Trade
and Industry in the 2000s, but garnered controversy in his position as Secretary of the Interior for
his delayed response to the 2013 Typhoon Haiyan under former President Aquino III.
Jejomar Binay, was a human rights lawyer defending political prisoners under Ferdinand
Marco’s regime. Serving as the mayor of the Manila Financial District for 20 years before
becoming the former vice-president under former President Aquino III until his resignation in
2015. He has faced several financial corruption scandals, denying claims by justifying
allegations as political sabotage.
Miriam Defensor-Santiago has been involved in Philippine politics throughout the duration of his
career. She was a former judge who then served as Immigration Commissioner and the Agrarian
Reform Secretary under former President Corazon Aquino, until she served as a senator. In 2012,
she was offered a position on the International Court of Justice, but declined the position after
being diagnosed with cancer. Defensor-Santiago’s campaign was largely hurt by speculation
over her health. More importantly, she chose Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.—the son of
Ferdinand Marcos—as her running mate, turning away millions of voters from her campaign.
Three candidates above share a few things in common that paved the way for Duterte’s victory.
Roxas, Binay, and Defensor-Santiago all faced corruption allegations, exacerbated by their
connections with former corrupt administrations. Duterte had 22 years of experience as Davao
City’s mayor, consistently supported for his crackdown on crime in the city. He is seen as a
symbol of the movement from political dynasty to securing populism and democratic values.
Nicknamed “The Punisher,” the former prosecutor met the needs of his constituency time and
again. His strong style of leadership and charisma was well-received by the people as necessary
to solving the most pressing problems in the nation today.
The Issues
Duterte delivered a clear political platform addressing corruption at every level of governmental
influence. A federalist, Duterte believes that the best way to approach the country’s reform is
through a powerful top-down approach for fast results.
The most important issues throughout the election and today include the economy and financial
corruption; internal and external territorial disputes between Philippine minorities and China;
corruption, violence, and crime; and social issues such as LGBT rights.
The Economy and Financial Corruption
Under President Aquino III, the nation saw a drastic improvement in economic growth. Over the
past decade, the Philippines has seen an increase in international businesses and tourism, largely
due to investment from Southeast Asian nations. However, the Aquino III administration was
riddled with financial corruption, including misuse of public funds and a failure to support a
growing middle class. Income disparity throughout the nation is high between urban and rural
areas. Rising urban populations—from birth rates, domestic migration, and international
immigration—is “outstripping gains in infrastructural spending.” Another issue important to the
public is economic reform focused on circulating money from the top 1% to the rest of the
population.
Violence and Crime
A result of the growing urbanization and income disparity has been an increase in violence and
crime, both in relation to drug trade and extremist-movement activities.
Drug trade and use in the Philippines is at an all-time high, exacerbating the poverty cycle and
creating unsafe living environments for the Philippine people. Under former President Aquino
III, little to no reform was passed, resulting in governmental involvement in drug trafficking. In
2016, former Justice Secretary Leila De Lima and other governmental officials were linked to
drug and contraband trading in the New Bilibid Prison. This lack of attention to the seriousness
of drug trade, use, and related crimes has been seen as a reflection of lack of care for the security
of the Philippine people.
Violence and crime has also increased among minorities in the nation, particularly within
Muslim communities. Abu Sayyaf is the smallest and most violent Jihaddist group in the
Philippines, with roots in the separatist region in the South where Muslims make up the largest
population. Much of their violent activity includes holding hostages for ransom and executing
bombings. In 2004, Abu Sayyaf bombed a ferry in Manila Bay, killing 116 people. Abu Sayyaf’s
main goal is to get rid of the political, economic, and social oppression that the Muslim
population faces.
Territorial Disputes
Two territorial disputes exist in the Philippines—internal tensions between minority groups, and
external conflict with China over South China Sea territories.
Internal territorial disputes currently exist in Mindinao, a largely Muslim population contrasting
with the overall Roman Catholic majority in the Philippines. The Moro Islamic Liberation Front
has caused tension, supporting the transformation of Mindinao into a Muslim autonomous
region.
External disputes with China have been cause for concern throughout history, but the current
South China Sea political climate is threatening the Republic’s security. Particularly, the Spratly
Islands are a huge point of contention between the Philippines and China. Over the past decade,
China has increased military spending, finishing the first aircraft carrier, the Liaoning. From a
combination of nationalism and diversionary tactics, China’s aggressive naval deployment has
sparked contention. China, the region’s leading economic power, is looking for both new energy
sources in the South China Sea, whilst using their newfound military power to assert their
dominance over other Southeast Asian nations. They have consistently broken international
maritime agreements, creating the potential for an escalation in conflict.
China is claiming that a portion of the Spratly Islands is rightfully their land, justified by both
historical rulings in the past two centuries. Currently, the Philippines has filed a case against
China through Annex VII of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS),
ongoing since 2013 over the nine-dotted line. China is the Philippine’s biggest threat to
maintaining autonomy in the South China Sea.
Former President Aquino III’s accomplishments in this arena included the creation of Enhanced
Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) with the United States, enhancing the 1951 USPhilippine Mutual Defense Treaty. However, this is only a short-term solution. Because of the
United States’ “non-interventionist” policies, it is unable to mediate as a third party in cases of
territorial disputes between Southeast Asian nations. While the US is working towards
improving the Philippines’s military technological advancements, it is unsure as to whether or
not the agreements listed above will legally bind the US to military aid in the event of an attack.
Social Issues: LGBT Rights
LGBT rights in the Philippines have made it to the forefront of civil rights movements. Despite
the election of the first transgender politician to office, LGBT representation and inclusion have
come with controversy. A Roman Catholic nation, LGBT rights issues have divided the nation.
Most recently, boxer and celebrity Manny Pacquiao called homosexials “worse than animals”;
and despite apologies, more Philippine celebrities and activist groups are fighting back.
Duterte and the People: Promises for the Future
Duterte has a powerful platform that he is ready to put into action, without objection from
anyone that isn’t inside of his circle. Below are Duterte’s plans to solve the problems that the
Philippine people care about.
1. Eradicate the Drug Wars in 6 Months: Duterte’s War On Drugs is extensive. He
vehemently opposes the drug trafficking trade, seeing it as a symbol of prior
governmental corruption, a signal of a stratified socioeconomic class, and a reflection of
the Philippine’s failure to provide for its citizens. A devout federalist, Duterte wants to
nationalize the fight against drugs through improving the capabilities of the Philippine
National Police. Additionally, Duterte wants to support economic policies that would
minimize the attractiveness of the drug trade and spur increased investment in ethical and
sustainable areas of the Philippine economy.
2. International Hegemony: Duterte vows to end China’s influence in the South China Sea,
promising an improvement in The Philippine’s military and technological capabilities.
Duterte has stayed diplomatic when asked about his policies regarding the territorial
disputes. However, Duterte has also expressed his desire for The Philippines to become
an important international player. As Duterte and the cabinet await the decision of the
South China Sea Arbitration, it is important to think about next steps—whether the case
favors the Philippines or China.
3. Economic Reinvigoration: One of Duterte’s biggest promises was economic security for
all. In doing so, Duterte plans to open the economy to new corporations, halting graft and
protectionism—two points of corruption in the previous administration. This is apart of
the wider effort to show the Filipino people that they will not be giving favors to the
country’s oligarchs. Duterte wants to use this work with new corporations as a foundation
for liberalizing energy, power, and telecom sectors to make the country more competitive
with its neighbors within the region. Duterte also notes that this will allow private
businesses to create more jobs for the Filipino people, ending the cycle of poverty and
increasing the nation’s GDP.
4. Internal Peace Agreements: While Duterte denounces the violent actions incited by
Muslim extremist groups, he takes a much softer approach towards negotiation than other
members running for office had during the election. Duterte is not against using force to
halt crime, but says that he does not wish to “kill his own people.”
5. Social Issues: Duterte openly condemned Manny Pacquiao for his statements regarding
the LGBT community, saying that everyone has the freedom to choose their own
lifestyle. However, Duterte has also expressed that he does not believe that he can legally
change marriage laws in the Philippines. Duterte justifies this with the religious
connotations of the Filipino Constitution, which has caused opposition from LGBT rights
groups.
Critics and Backlash: The Road Ahead
While Duterte is a champion populist, he has still gained controversy. Duterte’s rhetoric
regarding various policy points, people, and topics in interviews, official speeches, and in
conversation with other leaders is cause for concern. The cabinet’s most difficult task will be
reassuring the domestic and international community of The Philippine’s tolerance and
diplomacy towards solving problems.
In Duterte’s War On Drugs, he has also been linked to the Davao City Death Squads. Although
he denied the accusations at a later date, Duterte stated in 2015 “true, that’s true” when asked
about his affiliation with the group. The Death Squads have exacerbated much of the violence in
poorer urban communities, making it a security issue for the Filipino government. The drug wars
are an immediate threat to the safety, economy, infrastructure, and livelihood of the national
community, but it must be handled in a humanitarian and institutionalized way. The death toll
from the drug wars continues to rise, with little to no change regarding the violence that local
police have inflicted.
Duterte has also been direct about his disdain for how the United States has handled the
territorial disputes in the South China Sea. A nationalist, Duterte believes that many of the
bilateral security agreements between the Philippines and the US are disproportionately in favor
of US interests. While the US’s devotion to improving military capabilities benefits the Filipino
government, Duterte believes that the nation could be doing this by itself. Until the US takes a
stance against China’s military activities, Duterte will continue to speak out against the United
States. By doing so, however, Duterte is already delegitimizing himself and the Philippine
Government to the rest of the world.
Additionally, Duterte has insulted minority groups, women, global leaders and entire nations. A
women’s group in the Philippines filed an official complaint against him to the Commission on
Human Rights, to which he replied, “Go to hell… but I want to meet these women who filed a
complaint against me… the truth is, they were paid.” He publicly humiliated Japanese leadership
through demanding the US’s military exit from the Philippines during an entirely separate peace
negotiation. While the cabinet’s job is to advise and support President Duterte, they will also
need to use their checks and balances from time to time in order to secure Philippine legitimacy
on the global stage.
Cabinet Positions and Portfolio Powers
1.
Manny Piñol, Secretary of Agriculture & Agrarian Reform: Piñol is a journalist,
politician, and agriculturalist. He was the second oldest of 11 children, raised in Bialong, M’lang
by his immigrant parents when the Province of Cotabato was still undivided. Knowing the
struggles of rural families from his own experiences on the rice farm, he began his political
career in 1978 as a public relations officer of the National Grains Authority. At the same time, he
worked as the editor for the Philippine News Agency. Piñol has multiple connections to the
media, as well as the Philippine political apparatus. Three of his siblings hold governmental
offices. Because of this, many people have criticized Piñol and other members of the Duterte
regime for reinforcing the “political dynasty” endemic seen across other cabinets.
2.
Carlos Dominguez III, Secretary of Finance: Dominguez III is a former executive at
Philippine Airways. Under former President Aquino, he served as both Secretary of Agriculture
and the Secretary of Natural Resources. A lifelong friend of Duterte and his former campaign
finance minister, Dominguez III strongly supports Duterte’s plans of action in the coming
months of the new regime. Dominguez III has also faced scrutiny for his ties to previous corrupt
regimes. Additionally, his family owns the Marco Polo Hotel of Davao City one of the most
profitable hotels in the Philippines. There has been speculation that conflicts of interest may rise
as Dominguez III assumes the chief financial position in the country.
3.
Leonor Briones, Secretary of Education: Briones is a long time “renaissance woman” of
Philippine politics, and is seen as a feminist figure across the female constituency. Alongside
being the incumbent Secretary of Education, Briones is a professor teaching public financial
management at the National College of Public Administration & Governance of University of
the Philippines Diliman. However, she is best known for her position as the National Treasurer
of the Philippines from 1998 to 2001. Briones has multiple degrees in public financing, including
a post-graduate diploma in Development Administration from Harvard University. She has
assumed multiple roles at her current university, and was also the Secretary to the Commission
of the Commission on Audit. As of now, alongside her Education position, she is working in the
private sector serving as the Director of AgruNurture, Inc., which she has been serving as since
2008. Briones is a well-respected politician in the Philippines, and can serve as a mediator
between extreme views and handling corruption allegations.
4.
Alfonso Cusi, Secretary of Energy: Cusi is a business man and politician from Oriental
Mindoro. Cusi grew up in Roxas, before Mindoro was divided. Cusi has a long career in the
shipping and transporation industry. His largest accomplishments include working to
government service in 2001 as the Philippine Ports Authority General Manager under former
president Gloria Arroyo, introducing and developing multiple seaport terminals across the
nation. Heading the Strong Republic Nautical Highway System. Cusi also served as an airport
manager for the Manila International Airport Authority. After resigning from his transportationrelated positions in 2010, he moved back to the private sector to work on a nickel and cobalt
mining project. Cusi’s extensive knowledge in transportation will bode well to maintaining
security, both domestically and internationally for the Philippine government in the following
months.
5.
Gina Lopez Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources: Lopez is a former yoga
missionary of 20 years turned environmentalist and philanthropist. Lopez is a strong advocate for
corporate social responsibility. After finishing her studies in the United States, she worked as the
managing director for the ABS-CBN Foundation after implementing social responsibility
programs for the Filipino community. After creating Bantay Bata 163—the country’s first
media-based hotline—she produced educational TV shows for elementary kids focusing in
STEM areas. She has also facilitated the rehabilitation of the Pasig River with much success. She
also spearheaded the reforestation of the La Mesa Watershed Reservation, one of her greatest
accomplishments. A passionate environmentalist, Lopez has been cited as one of the most
qualified cabinet members for her respective position. Moving into Duterte’s regime, she hopes
to start anti-mining projects, securing human rights and looking for sustainable energy resources.
6.
Enrique Manalo, Secretary of Foreign Affairs: Enrique “Ricky” Manalo has been at the
forefront of addressing certain foreign policy issues for four decades after he joined the foreign
service in 1979. Prior to his appointment as acting Foreign Affairs secretary, Manalo was serving
the DFA as an undersecretary for policy, his second stint in the same position. Prior to the post,
he was Foreign Affairs undersecretary for policy from 2007 to 2010. He has represented the
Philippines and has served as the chairman of various international meetings and conferences,
the latest of which is the senior officials meeting at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers Retreat in
BoBo(AMM Retreat) in Boracay, Malay, Aklan, in February 2017. Manalo earned his Bachelor
of Arts in Business Economics from the University of the Philippines in 1973 and earned his
Masters of Arts degree in Economics from the same university in 1976. Manalo is the son of two
respected. His father was late Ambassador Armando Manalo, a journalist who served as
Philippine Ambassador to Belgium and political adviser of the Philippine Mission to the United
Nations. His mother is Ambassador Rosario Manalo, the first female career diplomat of the
Department of Foreign Affairs who was recently elected by acclamation as the rapporteur of the
23-member Committee of Experts of the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of all
Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).
7.
Paulyn Ubial, Secretary of Health: Ubial has a strong background in public health policy.
From 2008 to 2016, Ubial served as the Assistant Secretary for Health Regulations under
President Aquino III. Ubial began her career as a rural health worker in Kidipawan, North
Cotabato. Prior to her appointments at the executive level of government, she served as the
regional director for the Davao region for two years, working closely with President Duterte on
increasing access to health services and contraceptives across all socioeconomic brackets. As a
rural health worker, Ubial has seen the medical toll that illegal abortions have on local
communities. Although Duterte opposes legalizing abortion, he is a strong proponent for the use
of contraceptives. One of the administration’s current health tasks will be universalizing access
to healthcare, and making contraceptive options both more expansive and more affordable.
8.
Vitaliano Aguirre II, Secretary of Justice: Aguirre II is a former lawyer from Quezon.
Aguirre was recognized in the public eye during the 2012 impeachment trial of former Supreme
Court Chief Justice Renato Corona, after he was cited for contempt after ignoring corruption
practices by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago. Aguirre II was raised in Mulanay. His father
was a previous mayor the city, who also served on the as the chairman of the Liberal Party for 40
years. Aguirre II has a very long history with Duterte, both classmates and close friends while
pursuing legal studies at the San Beda College of Law. After Aguirre II graduated valedictorian
from law school, he began his career in the private sector, starting his own law firm in Makati.
He currently manages Aguirre & Aguirre Law Office. Most notably, Aguirre II served as
Duterte’s lawyer when he was mayor of Davao City after allegations rose regarding the efficacy
of the Davao death squads. Vitaliano remains a strong supporter of Duterte, both in his personal
life and his political platform.
9.
Silvestre Bello II, Secretary of Labor & Employment: Bello III is a businessman lawyer,
hailing from Cagayan. While holding his new position running Labor & Employment for the
nation, Bello III is also serving as Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process. Prior to his current
position, Bello III served as the Justice Secretary Solicitor General. Outside of government, he
served as CEO and President of PNOC Development and Management Corporation from 2004 to
2005. (finish)
10.
Delfin Lorenzana, Secretary of National Defense: Lorenzana has more than four decades
of service in defense and foreign relations, from both his military and diplomatic careers in the
Philippines. Lorenzana is known for his resilience in advocating for Filipino veterans, serving in
both domestic and US Army operations. From 2002 to 2004, Lorenzana served as the Defense
and Armed Forces Attaché, closely monitoring relations between the Philippines and US Forces
Agreement. One of Lorenzana’s greatest accomplishments includes his work with the Armed
Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the US Command of Basilan. This operation’s goal was
neutralizing the Abu Sayyaf terrorist organization in the South, a point of contention during the
2016 elections. Since 2001 of these operations, Lorenzana has proved an integral aspect of the
improvement of the Philippine’s military security. Lorenzana’s experience makes him in an
expert in military operations, giving him clout to advise President Duterte in the right direction
when it comes to the Philippine’s pressing security matters.
11.
Mark Villar, Secretary of Public Works & Highways: Villar is the son of former real
estate tycoons. Now, his mother is incumbent senator Cynthia Villar, and his father is former
Senate President and presidential candidate Manny Villar. A politician and former businessman,
Villar has served public office for quite some time. Villar is a member of the Nacionalista Party,
who previously served as a Representative for the Las Piñas constituency and held multiple
positions in his family’s real estate businesses. Villar received his bachelor’s degree from the
University of Pennsylvania and his master’s degree at the University of Chicago Booth School of
Business. Before his political career, Villar was the Vice President of Crown Asia Corporation
and as Managing Director of Vista Land and Landscapes. Villar is very familiar with multiple
aspects of Philippine governance. When he was elected to office in 2010, he serve as Chairman
of the House Committee on Trade and Industry, the Vice President of the House Committees on
Overseas Workers Affairs, Labor and Employment, and Science and Technology. As a
representative, Villar was an active member of the House, drafting multiple bills on education
and livelihood. His most relevant accomplishment in legislation includes the Co-Loading Act,
opening domestic transport and shipping to foreign vessels.
12.
Fortunato de la Peña, Secretary of Science & Technology: De la Peña is an devout
Christian, engineer, professor, and the Secretary of Science and Technology under President
Rodrigo Duterte. He is also a career civil servant, serving in the Department of Science and
Technology for over 30 years and in various positions at his alma mater, UP Dilliman, and with
ExxonMobil. During his time as Undersecretary for Scientific and Technological Services De la
Peña was an advocate for information technology, e-commerce, and e-government. He also
remains very popular within his department and is a proponent for expanding civil servants in
the Department of Science and Technology to include more people from the countryside. It
remains to be seen whether or not his background will cause friction given President Duterte’s
general anti-STEM attitude.
13.
Judy Taguiwalo, Secretary of Social Welfare & Development: Taguiwalo is a social
activist, educator, former militant, and current Secretary of Social Welfare and Development
under President Rodrigo Duterte. She was arrested in 1973 for helping to organize the militant
women’s worker group Malayang Kilusan ng Kababaihan and was released following the
ousting of former President Ferdinand Marcos. She was a founder of both All UP Academic
Employee Union and All-UP Workers' Alliance. Taguiwalo also served as a professor at the
University of the Philippines and was nominated to serve in Duterte’s cabinet by the National
Democratic Front, a communist, anti-imperialist group.
14.
Ismael Sueno, Secretary of Interior & Local Government: Sueno is the former provincial
governor of South Cotabato, the former national chair of the PDP-Laban Party, and the current
Secretary of Interior and Local Government under President Rodrigo Duterte. He has been in
involved in politics for many years, starting in 1980 when he was elected mayor Koronadal.
During his time as governor of South Cotabato he pursued many environmental initiatives
including a complete logging ban in the province. Sueno also unsuccessfully ran for vicepresident in 1998 as the running mate on the center-left Probinsya Muna Development Initiative
ticket. It’s possible, given his connection to former President Corazon Aquino, that Sueno will
emerge as a force of transparency in the Duterte Administration.
15.
Ramon Lopez, Secretary of Trade & Industry: Lopez is the former Vice President and
Executive Assistant to the President and CEO of the RFM Corporation and the current Secretary
of Trade and Industry under President Rodrigo Duterte. Lopez was not close to Duterte before
being tapped to head the Department of Trade and Industry, regarding him only as an
acquaintance. Lopez has spent much of his career supporting small and medium enterprise and
gaining a reputation of integrity. Having said that, and despite Philippines’ regulations
demanding he resign his private positions and divest his investments to prevent conflicts of
interest, it remains to be seen whether his long ties to the private sector and his position will lead
him to conflict with President Duterte’s pledge to fight corruption.
16.
Arthur Tugade, Secretary of Transportation & Communication: Tugade is a lawyer, the
former President and Chief Executive Officer of Clark Development Corporation, and the
current Secretary of Transportation and Communication under President Rodrigo Duterte. He is
close with President Duterte, having known him for more than 40 years. Tugade also, however,
has connections with former President Benigno Aquino III, as Aquino was the one who
recommended he take over Clark Development Corporation. Tugade is often referred to as a selfmade man, having little wealth or political ties as a result of his family name. He also has many
connections to the private sector and within the government-owned Bases Conversion and
Development Authority. During his time at Clark Development Company, Tugade was a
frequent opponent Philippines indigenous groups, many of which claimed his company
repeatedly ignored the law and claimed indigenous land as under their purview.
17.
Wanda Corazon Teo, Secretary of Tourism: Teo is the current Secretary of Tourism
under Preisdent Rodrigo Duterte. She has been involved in the tourism industry for nearly 20
years as co-owner of the Mt. Apo Travel and Tours, president of the National Association of
Independent Travel Agencies, and a member of Davao Travel Agencies Association, the Davao
Association of Tour Operators, and the Davao Regional Tourism Council. Teo also has
connections with a number of prominent Filipino journalists including her brothers, Mon, Raffy,
Erwin, and Ben Tulfo. She has made a priority of her department increasing the number of
tourists to the Philippines despite the controversial nature of President Duterte, and has stated
repeatedly her desire to change the countries current tourism slogan, “It's More Fun in the
Philippines".
18.
Ernesto Pernia, Director General of Economic and Development Authority: Pernia is an
economist, writer, professor, and the current Director General of the Economic and Development
Authority under President Rodrigo Duterte. He has a number of international connections
through his previous work with the World Bank, the Population Council East and South Asia
Regional Office, the United Nations University, the United Nations Center for Regional
Development, the Food and Agriculture Organization, the Philippine Institute for Development
Studies, and USAid. Pernia also was an outspoken critic of the policies of the previous
administration’s policies, claiming that, despite the economic growth of the Philippines, little
was done to affect the size of the country’s poverty rate. He has stated that two priorities of his
department while he is in charge will be support of President Duterte’s anti-corruption policies
and support of economic policies to alleviate poverty in the country’s poorer reasons. He also
was one of the main architects of President Duterte’s economic agenda.
19.
Aquilino Pimente III, Philippine Democratic Party President: Pimente is the current
Senate President of the Philippines and the President of the Philippine Democratic Party under
President Rodrigo Duterte. He is not the first member of his family to enter Filipino Politics, as
his father was also Senate President of the Philippines from 2000 to 2001. Pimente first became a
Senator under dubious circumstances, only being able to take office after the revelation that his
opponent had committed massive voter fraud. During his time as a Senator he was a member of
both the Senate Justice and Human Rights Committee and the Senate Electoral Reforms and
People’s Participation Committee. Before 2013 Pimente was also involved with the United
Nationalist Alliance, the Filipino Conservative Party, before joining the Team PNoy Coalition
(Which Includes the Philippine Democratic Party) in 2013.
20.
Ronald dela Rosa, Director General of the Philippine National Police: Rosa is a police
officer and the current Director General of the Philippine National Police under President
Rodrigo Duterte. He has a long relationship with President Duterte, with the two having known
each other since 1986 and Rosa describing Duterte as “the greatest influence” on his career. Days
before the 2016 Presidential Election won by Duterte, Rosa was relieved of his brigade
command because of his vocal online support of then candidate Duterte. Since becoming
Director General of the Philippine Police, he has also been visible in the media, making frequent
appearances on several Filipino television shows. Rosa also is a devout Catholic, going
frequently to confession to seek forgiveness after killing criminals. Through his career he
implemented several programs that have sought to convince suspected drug dealers to stop their
illegal activities and convince Filipino youths to avoid gangs and drugs. It remains to be seen
how this record will fit with President Duterte’s expected hardline policies against drugs and
crime.
21.
Alex Paul I Monteagudo, Director General of National Intelligence Coordinating
Agency: Monteagudo is a former police officer and the current Director General of the National
Intelligence Coordinating Agency under President Rodrigo Duterte. Before taking charge of the
National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, he spent many years serving the Philippine National
Police. During his time in the police, Monteagudo was police director of the Soccsksargen
Region in southern Mindanao before being promoted to the director rank in the Philippine
National Police. He also has connections in the military stemming from his education as he
graduated near the top of his class at the Philippine Military Academy. Recently he’s been about
statements made by Duterte about a recent spate of media homicides.