Mar Roxas
Private Sector
Capiz
About
Manuel "Mar" Araneta Roxas II is a prominent Filipino politician and economist who has served in various high-ranking positions across the executive and legislative branches of the Philippine government.
Career Timeline
Investment Banker at Allen & Company
Before entering politics, Roxas built a successful career in international finance as an investment banker in the United States.
The Public Listing of Jollibee Foods Corporation
Roxas played a pivotal role in the Initial Public Offering (IPO) of the Philippines' most famous fast-food chain.
Fair Distribution of Education Capital Budget
As a member of the House of Representatives, Roxas authored Republic Act No. 7880 to ensure the equitable distribution of the national education budget.
House Majority Leader in the 11th Congress
Roxas rose to a high-ranking leadership position in the House of Representatives during his third term as a congressman.
Incentivizing Regional Headquarters (RA 8756)
Roxas authored legislation to encourage multinational companies to establish their regional hubs in the Philippines.
Launching the "Make IT Philippines" Campaign
As Secretary of Trade and Industry, Mar Roxas spearheaded the "Make IT Philippines" campaign to attract global investments in the emerging Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector.
Establishment of the Public Employment Service Office
Roxas authored Republic Act No. 8759, which mandated the creation of employment facilitation centers in all municipalities.
Personal Computers for Public Schools (PCPS) Program
As DTI Secretary, Roxas initiated a massive digital literacy project that distributed over 44,000 computers to thousands of public high schools.
Implementation of the SULONG Program for MSMEs
Roxas spearheaded the SULONG program to provide small and medium enterprises with easier access to low-interest loans.
2004 Senatorial Election Victory Category
Roxas won a seat in the Senate with a record-breaking number of votes.
The 2010 "Sacrifice" for the Liberal Party Presidency
Mar Roxas officially withdrew his 2010 presidential bid to give way to fellow Senator Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III.
The Pre-Need Act of 2009
Senator Roxas was the principal author of Republic Act No. 9829, which strengthened the regulation of the pre-need industry to protect planholders.
Appointment as DOTC Secretary
President Benigno Aquino III appointed Roxas to lead the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) after his one-year election ban ended.
Management of Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) Aftermath
Roxas faced heavy criticism for the government's response to the world's strongest typhoon.
The Yolanda "You are a Romualdez" Video
A leaked video showed Roxas telling Tacloban Mayor Alfred Romualdez, "You have to understand that you are a Romualdez and the President is an Aquino," during a heated meeting after Typhoon Yolanda.
The Mamasapano Clash "In the Dark" Controversy
As DILG Secretary, Roxas was reportedly left "out of the loop" regarding Oplan Exodus, a police operation that led to the deaths of 44 Special Action Force (SAF) commandos.
The Zamboanga Siege "Happy Anniversary" Gaffe
Roxas drew widespread criticism for posting a "Happy Anniversary" greeting on social media regarding the Zamboanga City Siege.
The "Laglag Bala" Scandal
Mar Roxas faced intense public backlash for defending the government and suggesting that passengers take responsibility for bullets found in their luggage during the NAIA extortion scandal.
The Roxas-Duterte "Slapping and Suntukan" Challenge
Provoked by Rodrigo Duterte’s claims about his educational background, Mar Roxas challenged the Davao Mayor to a slapping match, which later escalated into a challenge for a fistfight.
Launch of the One Capiz Party
Roxas established a local political party to consolidate leadership in his home province.
No political history available.