Leandro Verceles Jr.
Leandro Verceles Jr. | |
|---|---|
| Governor of Catanduanes | |
| In office June 30, 2001 – June 30, 2007 | |
| Preceded by | Hector S. Sanchez |
| Succeeded by | Joseph Cua |
| Member of the Philippine House of Representatives from Catanduanes' Lone District | |
| In office June 30, 1992 – June 30, 2001 | |
| Preceded by | Moises M. Tapia |
| Succeeded by | Joseph Santiago |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Leandro Buenconsejo Verceles Jr. January 11, 1957 Catanduanes |
| Citizenship | Philippines |
| Political party | Independent (2007–2022, 2025–present), |
| Other political affiliations | Lakas–CMD (1991–2007) PFP (2022–2025) |
| Spouse | Nathalie Lourdes Africa |
| Alma mater | University of the Philippines |
| Profession | Lawyer |
Leandro "Jun" Buenconsejo Verceles Jr. (born January 11, 1957) is a former congressman and governor of Catanduanes from 1992 to 2001 and 2001 to 2007, respectively. He was also a candidate for Catanduanes's at-large congressional district in 2010, 2013, and 2016. He is currently running for senator in the 2025 Philippine Senate election as an independent candidate.
Early life
[edit]Verceles was born in Catanduanes on January 11, 1957. In 1980, he gained a degree for Business Administration from the University of the Philippines. In 1987, he gained a law degree from Ateneo de Manila University. He also obtained a master's degree in public administration from the University of the Philippines and studied at Harvard. From 1987 to 1991, he worked at the Angara Abello Concepcion Regala & Cruz Law Offices.[1]
Political career
[edit]In 1992, he was elected to the lone district of Catanduanes.[2] During his term, he was an advocate for technology. After his term in congress, he was elected in the 2001 Philippine gubernatorial elections as the Governor of Catanduanes. He served another term after he was elected again in the 2004 Philippine gubernatorial elections.[1]
Post-governor
[edit]He ran for congressman in 2010, 2013, and 2016, but lost in all three.[1] In the 2016 Philippine House of Representatives elections, he ran independently and gained last place with 6,228 votes.[3] Just after the 2022 Philippine general election, he was elected as the president of the political party Partido Federal ng Pilipinas in an assembly in Pasig.[4] After, he asked support from other national officers.[5] In 2025, he filed his certificate of candidacy for senator in the 2025 Philippine Senate election under Partido Federal ng Pilipinas, the party of Marcos, but changed to an independent candidate.[1]
Controversy
[edit]In 2004, he was accused of purchasing fertilizers irregularly by the Sandiganbayan. He was charged with a violation of Republic Act 3019, Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. He was accused with Provincial Treasurer Julieta Tasarra, Provincial Department Head Rodolfo Maliñana, Administrative Officer IV Roger Pitajen, and Assistant Provincial Assessor Abelardo Abundo Jr. After 14 years, he pled guilty to a lesser fine.[6]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d "Leandro Verceles". Rappler. April 10, 2025. Retrieved April 10, 2025.
- ^ "The Internet's 10 Most Influential Filipinos -- Leandro Verceles Jr". www.msc.edu.ph. Retrieved April 11, 2025.
- ^ "CATANDUANES | Provincial Results". GMA News Online. Retrieved April 11, 2025.
- ^ Alcober, Neil (December 15, 2023). "PFP elects new set of officers". Daily Tribune. Retrieved April 11, 2025.
- ^ "Newly-elected PFP Officers Ask For Support From National Officers". Journal.com.ph. January 12, 2024. Retrieved April 11, 2025.
- ^ Ki, Czarina Nicole Ong (September 24, 2020). "Ex-Catanduanes governor pleads guilty to lesser offense in fertilizer case". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved April 11, 2025.