Scions of prominent political families win congressional seats

(Malacanang stock photo)

MANILA—The public will see fresh faces from prominent political families when the 17th Congress is convened this July.

Rep.-elect Amanda Christina “Cristal” Bagatsing (5th District, Manila) will replace her father, Amado Bagatsing, who was unsuccessful in his bid for mayor of Manila.

She won over former Reps. Joey Hizon and Mary Ann Susano as well as incumbent three-term councilor Josie Siscar. Hizon represented the district from 1998 to 2007 while Susano represented Quezon City’s 2nd District from 2004 to 2010.

Bagatsing from the Kabaka (Kabalikat ng Bayan sa Kaunlaran) Party said she would continue her father’s programs, which deal with education, women and children, health and environment. She also vows to support the imposition of death penalty, liquor ban and curfew for minors.

“I think it’s about time that people get scared of the gravity of their actions,” said the young Bagatsing.

Rep. Dale Gonzalo “Along” Malapitan took the place of his father Oscar as representative of the 1st District of Caloocan City. The older Malapitan ran for reelection and won as mayor of Caloocan City.

Malapitan, who is Oscar’s oldest son, served as Councilor from 2010-2013. He is a management graduate of Colegio de San Juan de Letran. He attended primary school in Notre Dame of Greater Manila and finished his secondary education at the School of Divine Mercy.

A new member of the Zubiri clan who will set foot in the halls of Congress is Congressman-elect Manuel Antonio F. Zubiri (3rd District, Bukidnon), son of former Rep. Jose Ma. Zubiri Jr., now governor of Bukidnon and brother of Jose “Joey” Zubiri III, who is on his third term.

Zubiri holds a Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management degree from De La Salle University.

He is the General Manager of Zubros Agriculture, one of the largest suppliers of banana produce in the region.

Before joining politics, Zubiri was the Vice Chairman, Purchasing and Administration Director of Global Restaurant Concepts Inc., which introduces, develops and operates unique and innovative restaurant concepts that will cater to the maturing demands of the Filipinos.

GRCI holds the exclusive Philippine franchise of California Pizza Kitchen and two more equally exciting brands like Orchard Road, a Singaporean-inspired restaurant which opened in February 2010 and P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, one of America’s well-loved restaurant chains, which opened in December 2011.