Filipino economist and politician who served as the 24th Secretary of the Interior and Local Government, known for his efforts in disaster response and local governance reforms.
Manuel "Mar" Roxas II, born on May 13, 1957, is a Filipino politician who has made a name for himself in the Philippines' political landscape, inheriting not only his grandfather's name but also his passion for public service. As the grandson of former Philippine President Manuel Roxas, Mar Roxas has built a legacy of his own, serving in various capacities in the government, including as a Senator, and holding key cabinet positions.
Roxas was born into a family of politicians and was educated abroad, earning a degree from the University of Pennsylvania. He began his career in finance, working as a banker in New York, mobilizing venture capital funds for small and medium enterprises.
Roxas' entry into politics was marked by his election as the Representative of the 1st District of Capiz in 1993, a position he held until 2000. His stint as congressman was cut short when he was appointed by President Joseph Estrada as Secretary of Trade and Industry. He resigned from the position at the height of the Second EDSA Revolution and was later reappointed by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in her new cabinet.
He resigned again to run for a Senate seat in the 2004 election, campaigning as "Mr. Palengke" (a play on his surname, which means "market" in Filipino). He was elected senator with 19 million votes, the highest ever garnered by a national candidate in any Philippine election at that time. Roxas co-authored the Expanded Value-Added Tax Law (E-VAT).
Roxas was initially one of the leading candidates in the 2010 presidential election but slid down to become a vice-presidential candidate to make way for fellow Senator Benigno Aquino III, who won. Roxas was defeated by Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay of PDP-Laban by a margin of 727,084 votes. He filed an electoral protest before the Supreme Court of the Philippines, with the Court sitting as the Presidential Electoral Tribunal.
On June 7, 2011, Roxas was appointed by President Aquino as Secretary of Transportation and Communications to replace outgoing secretary Jose de Jesus, and he took office on July 4, 2011. Afterwards, on August 31, 2012, he was appointed as Secretary of the Interior and Local Government, a position he held until 2015.
Roxas is the son of former Senator Gerry Roxas. Despite facing controversies and setbacks, Roxas has remained committed to public service, earning him a reputation as a dedicated and seasoned politician. His legacy is a testament to his grandfather's influence and his own dedication to the country he serves.
"I believe that we can make a difference, that we can make our country a better place for all."
Roxas' unwavering commitment to public service and his willingness to serve his country have made him a respected figure in Philippine politics. His legacy continues to inspire and motivate future generations of leaders and public servants.
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