Regina Ongsiako Reyes
Official portrait during the 16th Congress
First Lady of Batangas
In office
June 30, 2016 – May 5, 2022
GovernorHermilando Mandanas
Preceded byRalph Recto
Succeeded byVacant
In office
June 30, 1995 – June 30, 2004
GovernorHermilando Mandanas
Preceded byMa. Sonia Mayo
Succeeded byEdna Sanchez
Member of the Philippine House of Representatives from the Lone District of Marinduque
In office
June 30, 2013 – January 12, 2016
Preceded byLord Allan Velasco[1]
Succeeded byLord Allan Velasco
Personal details
Born
Regina Ongsiako Reyes

(1964-07-03)July 3, 1964
Manila, Philippines
DiedMay 5, 2022(2022-05-05) (aged 57)
Makati, Philippines
NationalityFilipina
Political partyAnakalusugan (until 2022)
Liberal (2013-2016)
Domestic partnerHermilando Mandanas
Parents
RelativesSandro Reyes (nephew)
Residence(s)Boac, Marinduque, Marinduque
Alma materGeorgetown University(BS)
Ateneo de Manila University(LL.B)
Websitewww.yesmarinduque.com

Regina Ongsiako Reyes-Mandanas (July 3, 1964 – May 5, 2022) was a member of the Philippine House of Representatives representing the lone legislative district of Marinduque. She was the youngest daughter of former Bureau of Immigration Commissioner Edmundo Reyes, Sr. and Marinduque Governor Carmencita O. Reyes. She was also the wife of incumbent Batangas Governor Hermilando Mandanas.

Early life and career

Regina Ongsiako Reyes was twice accelerated in her primary and secondary school. A consistent Dean's Lister, she finished her Foreign Service degree at Georgetown University. She then studied at the Ateneo Law School, where she graduated in the honor roll. After passing the Philippine Bar Examination, she served in government and worked as a solicitor at the Office of Solicitor General. She was the youngest solicitor in history, and also took advanced studies in Comparative Law.

She decided to pursue her profession further by becoming a member of the State Bar of California and the Federal Communications Bar Association.

Advocacies

She was a devoted member of the Special Projects Group of Gawad Kalinga and was engaged in supporting rehabilitation centers for abused and neglected children, disaster management and relief operations, and volunteer recruitment. Reyes also joined Answering the Cry of the Poor Foundation (USA) Inc., better known as ANCOP U.S.A., and helped empower poor Filipino families by providing them shelter and livelihood programs, and promoting a culture of health consciousness.

Political career

She was the provincial administrator of Marinduque for almost two years. During her term, she has been very active in program implementation of the Provincial Government of Marinduque particularly programs by the Provincial Social Welfare Development Office (PSWDO) on gender, women, children and senior citizens and the Provincial Nutrition Office (PNO) on barangay nutrition scholars and supplemental feedings for malnourished children. She was also active in fighting against irresponsible mining and provided jobs to the affected community.

In May 2013, Reyes gained almost 4,000 votes more than her opponent. She was proclaimed as the winner by the Marinduque COMELEC Provincial Board of Canvassers and subsequently took her oath of office before President Benigno S. Aquino III and House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte in Malacañang as the duly elected representative of the Lone District of Marinduque.[2][3]

As a member of the 16th Congress, she was the vice-chairwoman of the House Committee on National Defense and Security. She was also a member of several committees, which include the committees on Appropriations, Justice, Health, Natural Resources, Veterans Affairs and Welfare, Suffrage and Electoral Reforms, Youth and Sports Development, Higher and Technical Education, Overseas Workers Affairs, Public Order and Safety, and Women and Gender Equality.[4]

Death

Reyes-Mandanas died on 5 May 2022 at Makati Medical Center due to sepsis. She was admitted to the hospital because of a bacterial infection affecting her right foot.[5]

References

  1. ↑ Marites Vitug (August 21, 2013). "Dark Clouds in the Supreme Court". Rappler. Rappler. Retrieved August 21, 2013.
  2. ↑ Cruz, RG (July 19, 2013). "House to call Reyes on Rollcall". ABS-CBN News. ABS-CBN News. Retrieved July 19, 2013.
  3. ↑ Diaz, Jess (July 23, 2013). "It's Official: Reyes is Marinduque Representative". The Philippine Star. The Philippine Star. Retrieved July 23, 2013.
  4. ↑ House of Representative. "House Members: Regina Ongsiako Reyes".
  5. ↑ Datu, Dennis (May 5, 2022). "Ex-congresswoman Gina Reyes Mandanas, pumanaw na". ABS-CBN News (in Filipino).
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