Romulo "Kid" Valderama Peña Jr. (born August 5, 1969) is a Filipino politician and the current Representative[1] of the 1st District of Makati in the Philippine House of Representatives. He previously served as acting Makati 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 Science High School.[2] Prior to that, he served as Vice Mayor of Makati from 2010 to 2015 and a barangay kagawad and captain of Barangay Valenzuela.[3]
Romulo "Kid" Peña Jr. | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Member of the Philippine House of Representatives from Makati's 1st District | |
| Assumed office June 30, 2019 | |
| Preceded by | Monsour del Rosario |
| Mayor of Makati | |
Acting | |
| In office June 30, 2015 – June 30, 2016 | |
| Vice Mayor | Virgilio Hilario Sr. (acting) Leonardo Magpantay (acting) |
| Preceded by | Junjun Binay |
| Succeeded by | Abigail Binay |
| Vice Mayor of Makati | |
| In office June 30, 2010 – June 30, 2015 | |
| Mayor | Junjun Binay |
| Preceded by | Ernesto Mercado |
| Succeeded by | Virgilio Hilario Sr. (acting) |
| President of the Association of Barangay Captains (ABC), Makati | |
| In office 2007–2010 | |
| Barangay Captain of Valenzuela, Makati | |
| In office 2005–2010 | |
| Member of the Sangguniang Barangay of Valenzuela, Makati | |
| In office 2002–2005 | |
| In office 1994–1997 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Romulo Valderama Peña Jr. August 5, 1969 Manila, Philippines |
| Political party | NPC (2024–present) Makatizens United Party (2021–present) |
| Other political affiliations | Liberal (2012–2024) Independent (2009–2012) |
| Parent(s) | Romulo O. Peña Sr. Vilma Valderama-Peña |
| Residence(s) | Valenzuela, Makati, Philippines |
| Alma mater | Adamson University (AB) De La Salle University (BEc) |
Personal life
editRomulo 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.[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 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 Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in 1990, as well as a degree holder of Economics from De La Salle University.
Political career
editHe started his career in politics when he volunteered as a youth leader before being elected as Councilor and Chairman of Barangay Valenzuela, Makati. He later became President of the Association of Barangay Captains (ABC), a Sectoral Representative in the City Council, from 2007 to 2010.[6][7]
In the May 2010 elections, he was elected as vice-mayor where he ran as an independent candidate and the running mate of outgoing Vice Mayor Ernesto Mercado. He was re-elected in 2013 under the Liberal Party (LP).
Peña was sworn in as acting mayor of Makati 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 not affiliated with the Binay family since 1986 and its cityhood in 1995. However, he lost the 2016 election to Abigail Binay.
In the 2019 Philippine midterm elections, Peña made a successful political comeback, defeating former Philippine Vice President Jejomar Binay in a close race[9] for a congressional seat in the 1st district of Makati.
External links
edit
Media related to Kid Peña at Wikimedia Commons
References
edit- ^ "House of Representatives". congress.gov.ph. Retrieved September 20, 2019.
- ^ Brizuela, Maricar B. (March 24, 2015). "Junjun Binay and Kid Peña: A tale of 2 Makati City mayors". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved September 20, 2019.
- ^ Santos, Reynaldo Jr. "FAST FACTS: Acting Makati City mayor Romulo "Kid" Peña Jr". Rappler. Retrieved September 20, 2019.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "Hon. Romulo V. Peña Jr". Makati City Government. Retrieved January 25, 2021.
- ^ Cepeda, Mara (August 5, 2015). "Kid Peña: 'I am ready to run for Makati mayor'". Rappler. Retrieved September 20, 2019.
- ^ Francisco, Katerina (June 30, 2015). "For the 2nd time, Kid Peña sworn in as acting mayor". Rappler. Retrieved September 20, 2019.
- ^ Cupin, Bea (May 14, 2019). "Jejomar Binay loses congressional bid in Makati". Rappler. Retrieved September 20, 2019.