Romulo Peña Jr.
Romulo "Kid" Valderama Peña Jr. (born August 5, 1969) is a Filipino politician and the current Representative[1] of the First District of Makati City in the Philippine House of Representatives. He previously served as Makati City Acting Mayor from 2015 to 2016 after the office of Ombudsman of the Philippines dismissed Jejomar Erwin "Junjun" Binay, Jr. over contract irregularities related to the construction of Makati City Science High School.[2] Prior to that, he served as Vice-Mayor of Makati City from 2010 to 2015.[3]
Romulo "Kid" Peña Jr. | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Member of the House of Representatives from 1st District of Makati | |
| Assumed office June 30, 2019 | |
| Preceded by | Monsour del Rosario |
| Acting Mayor of Makati | |
| In office July 1, 2015 – June 30, 2016 | |
| Preceded by | Junjun Binay |
| Succeeded by | Abigail Binay |
| Vice Mayor of Makati | |
| In office June 30, 2010 – June 29, 2015 | |
| Preceded by | Ernesto Mercado |
| Succeeded by | Virgilio Hilario Sr. (Acting) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Romulo Valderama Peña Jr. August 5, 1969 Manila, Philippines |
| Nationality | Filipino |
| Residence | Makati, Philippines |
| Alma mater | Adamson University |
| Occupation | Service Crew, Marketing Officer, Politician |
Personal life
Romulo Peña Jr. was once a service crew member, rider, and manager for several fast food restaurants. His humble beginnings among the streets and masses have been attributed to his success and relevance in the local politics of Makati City.[4]
He is an avid motorcycle rider and the founder of a community-based group named "Tropang Kid".[5] Since its formation in 1994, the riding club has established itself as a growing organization in Makati City composed of volunteers who travel around in motorbikes as companions of the District Representative and as social service carriers.
He graduated from Adamson University with the degree of Political Science.
Political career
In the 2019 Philippine Midterm Elections, Peña won against former Philippine Vice-President Jejomar C. Binay in a close race[6] for a Congressional seat in the 1st District of Makati City, a locality where several Binay family members have served as mayors since 1986.
He started his career in politics when he volunteered as a youth leader before being elected as Chairman of Barangay Valenzuela, Makati City. He later became President of the Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) and City Councilor from 2008 to 2010.[7]
In the May 2010 elections, he was elected as vice-mayor where he ran as an independent candidate. He was re-elected in 2013 under the Liberal Party (LP).
Peña was sworn in as acting mayor of Makati City at the old city hall building after the Office of the Ombudsman suspended Mayor Jejomar Erwin "Junjun" Binay Jr. and 14 individuals over irregularities on building contracts.[8] He became the first city mayor of Makati who not affliated with the Binay family since 1986 and its cityhood in 1995.
References
- "House of Representatives". congress.gov.ph. Retrieved September 20, 2019.
- Brizuela, Maricar B. "Junjun Binay and Kid Peña: A tale of 2 Makati City mayors". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved September 20, 2019.
- Jr, Reynaldo Santos. "FAST FACTS: Acting Makati City mayor Romulo "Kid" Peña Jr". Rappler. Retrieved September 20, 2019.
- Inquirer, Philippine Daily. "In the Know: Who is Kid Peña?". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved September 20, 2019.
- "Squad goals: Kid Peña and his 'Tropang Kid'". Politiko Metro Manila. March 23, 2016. Retrieved September 20, 2019.
- Cupin, Bea. "Jejomar Binay loses congressional bid in Makati". Rappler. Retrieved September 20, 2019.
- Cepeda, Mara. "Kid Peña: 'I am ready to run for Makati mayor'". Rappler. Retrieved September 20, 2019.
- Francisco, Katerina. "For the 2nd time, Kid Peña sworn in as acting mayor". Rappler. Retrieved September 20, 2019.