Abdulgani Salapuddin

Abdulghani "Gerry" A. Salapuddin is a Filipino politician and former three-term congressman (1998–2007). He also served as governor of Basilan (1988–98) and was at least partly responsible for much of the progress made in Basilan in the 1990s.

Abdulghani A. Salapuddin
Member of the Philippine House of Representatives from Basilan's Lone District
In office
June 30, 1998 – June 30, 2007
Preceded byCandu Muarip
Succeeded byWahab Akbar
Governor of Basilan
In office
June 30, 1988 – June 30, 1998
Personal details
Born
Abdulghani A. Salapuddin

1952 (age 67–68)
Tuburan, Basilan, Philippines
Alma materBasilan State College

Background

Salapuddin was born in 1952 in Tuburan, Basilan. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in political science from the Basilan State College, and returned for graduate studies. He became a guerrilla with the Moro National Liberation Front and fought for 14 years. In 1983, he resigned his position as a provincial commander in the MNLF to run for political office.[1]

Political activity

In 1988 Salapuddin ran for and won the governor seat in Basilan by 1,552 votes over Louise Alano, a former acting governor appointed by former President Aquino.[2] Under Salapuddin, Basilan experienced a period of relative prosperity including new trade missions, infrastructure improvement, development aid, business assistance and help for the poor. Salapuddin frequently acted as negotiator when civilians were taken hostage by rebel groups, using his contacts and political wiles.[3] He also served as acting chairman of the MNLF in Basilan and as president of the Young Muslim Professional Association.

In 1993, President Fidel Ramos suspended Salapuddin for 60 days on charges of "serious misconduct, oppression, gross negligence, abuse of authority, dereliction of duty and maladministration," one of many powerful politicians targeted in what was considered a crackdown on corruption and nepotism.[4]

In 1998, Salapuddin sought the post of congressman for Basilan's lone district and won, proceeding to serve in three successive terms and two terms as deputy speaker for Mindanao in the House of Representatives. In 2007, he ran again for mayor but lost to the wife of Wahab Akbar, Jum Jainudin. Following Akbar's death by assassination in Quezon City the same year, he requested increased security after his former driver was accused as one of the suspects.[5] He was initially cleared of any involvement, but was later the target of an arrest warrant.[6][7]

Salapuddin has somewhat faded from prominence since the 2007 elections, when he failed to be elected governor and his power bloc likewise fared poorly.

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References
  1. Odd winners in Philippine elections. United Press International, January 30, 1988.
  2. One Killed in Postponed Elections in Five Regions. The Associated Press, January 25, 1988.
  3. Rebels Release Seven Captives In Philippines. The Associated Press, September 4, 1988.
  4. Life and crimes of Philippines local rulers spur outrage. The Age (Melbourne, Australia), September 6, 1993.
  5. Slain legislator's rival seeks tight security. BusinessWorld, November 19, 2007.
  6. Police file criminal charges vs suspected Batasan bombers. BusinessWorld, November 20, 2007.
  7. Ex-solon on arrest order list for Batasan bombing. BusinessWorld, April 29, 2008.
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