Romeo Candazo

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Romeo Candazo
Member of the
Philippine House of Representatives
from Marikina's at-large district
In office
June 30, 1992 – June 30, 2001
Preceded byDemoclito J. Angeles
Succeeded byDel de Guzman
Personal details
Born(1952-06-18)June 18, 1952
Marikina, Rizal, Philippines
DiedAugust 19, 2013(2013-08-19) (aged 61)
Marikina City, Philippines
Political partyPMP (2009-2013)
Other political
affiliations
Liberal (1992-1995; 1998-2009)
Lakas-NUCD (1995-1998)
Independent (1992)
CPP (1971-1975)
OccupationLawyer, politician, writer, radio anchor

Romeo "Ome" D. Candazo (June 18, 1952 – August 19, 2013) was a Filipino politician, lawyer, writer and television and radio anchor[1] who served as the representative for Marikina's at-large district from 1992 to 2001. In 1996, he met with a group of editors from the Philippine Daily Inquirer, anonymously testifying against the systematic corruption in the Countrywide Development Fund (CDF). His testimony would later become the subject of the publication's exposé on the CDF.

Early life and education[edit]

Candazo was born in Marikina, Rizal on June 18, 1952. He studied law at the University of the Philippines. He obtained his AB History Degree in 1975 and finished his studies in 1986, passing the bar exam in the following year.

Activism[edit]

During his time as a student, he became involved with student activism; he was a member of the Samahang Demokratiko ng Kabataan (SDK),[2] co-founding its Marikina chapter, and also became the first Secretary General of the Youth and Students Bureau of the Communist Party of the Philippines.[3] As an activist during Ferdinand Marcos's regime, he was imprisoned thrice: in 1973, 1975 and 1979.

Political career[edit]

Congressional career[edit]

In 1992, Candazo was elected to the House of Representatives, representing Marikina's at-large district. Throughout the course of his tenure, he had authored or co-authored 488 bills in congress.[4] He was noted for his efforts to provide livelihood opportunities and skills training to his poverty-stricken citizens within the city.

In August 1996, Candazo met with editors of the Philippine Daily Inquirer. He elaborated how legislators and other government officials earned from overpricing projects in order to receive large commissions. Articles published following the meetings sparked public outrage over the misuse of the Countrywide Development Fund (CDF). His identity remained undisclosed up to his death.[4]

Candazo left the office on June 30, 2001; he was succeeded by future mayor Del de Guzman.

2010 Congressional campaign[edit]

In 2010, Candazo sought a comeback to the House of Representatives. He ran in the 2nd district under the Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino banner. He lost to Miro Quimbo, placing third in the polls. He received 10,883 votes, or 13.52% of the votes.

Death[edit]

Candazo died on August 19, 2013, of a heart attack. His wake was held in Concepcion Uno, Marikina.

Electoral history[edit]

Year Office Party Votes for Candazo Result
Total % P. Swing
1992 Representative LDP 27,907 25%~ 1st Won
1995 Liberal Party 47,594 43.42% 1st Won
1998 Liberal Party 91,661 59.55% 1st Won
2001 Mayor of Marikina Liberal Party 51,867 38.46% 2nd Lost
2004 Representative PMP 70,617 49.39% 2nd Lost
2007 PMP 26,091 37.02% 2nd Lost
2010 PMP 10,883 13.52% 3rd Lost

References[edit]

  1. ^ 702 DZAS - FEBC Radio (August 19, 2013). "FEBC Philippines joins the Candazo family..." Facebook. Facebook, Inc. Retrieved March 2, 2023. For several years now, Ka Ome hosted the program 'Serbisyong OFW' over 702 DZAS 'Agapay ng Sambayanan,' one of his advocacies.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  2. ^ "Tell it to Sunstar: Romeo Candazo, 61". SUNSTAR. August 22, 2013. Retrieved July 7, 2022.
  3. ^ Porter, Gareth (September–October 1987). "Philippine Communism After Marcos". In Hall, Wayne (ed.). Problems of Communism. p. 28.
  4. ^ a b "Candazo, first whistle-blower on pork barrel scam, dies; 61". Philippine Daily Inquirer. August 20, 2013.