Cerilles was born on October 7,1948,in Manila to Vicente Cerilles and Josefina Herrera.[2] He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from University of Santo Tomas in 1968 and his Bachelor of Laws degree from University of the East in 1972.[3]
He is an active member of Alpha Phi Omega fraternity. He was the National President of JCI Senate Philippines 2012. He is also the National Senior Vice President of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines and the current Council Chairman of BSP Zamboanga del Sur-Pagadian City Council. He is also a member of various organizations including the Knights of Columbus,Council 8188 and the Parliamentary Government Foundation.[3]
Career in the House of Representatives
Before being elected as a congressman,Cerilles was elected as a Regional Assemblyman of the Sanguniang Pampook of Region X,Zamboanga City from 1982 to 1987. He was elected as the representative of the second district of Zamboanga del Sur in 1987,1992 and 1995.[3] Among the laws he authored during this stint was House Bill No. 3950 now Republic Act No. 6975 otherwise known as the "Department of the Interior and Local Government Act of 1990," which established the Philippine National Police under a Reorganized Department of the Interior and Local Government and House Bill No. 9347 now Republic Act No. 8047 otherwise known as the "Book Publishing Industry Development Act," which formulated and implemented a National Book Policy and a National Book Development Plan. After serving as DENR Secretary from 1998–2001,he was elected again as a representative in 2004. He was one of the signatories of House Resolution 1109 calling for a constituent assembly to amend the Constitution.[4]
Governor of Zamboanga del Sur (2010–2019)
Antonio H. Cerilles served three consecutive terms as the 14th Governor of Zamboanga del Sur from June 30, 2010,to June 30, 2019,succeeding his wife,Aurora Enerio‑Cerilles,and was succeeded by Victor Yu. During his governorship,Cerilles focused on regional development and strengthening peace and order initiatives,leveraging his long career across local and national government. He maintained political influence through his family,with his wife and son holding key local positions.
Philippine House of Representatives campaign (2019)
In the 2019 elections,Cerilles ran for a congressional seat representing Zamboanga del Sur’s 2nd district but was defeated by Mayor Leonardo L. Babasa,Jr. This reversed the electoral success of his wife,Aurora,who had succeeded him as district representative.
Presidential Adviser for Mindanao Concerns (since 2025)
On March 13,2025,President Bongbong Marcos appointed Cerilles as Presidential Adviser for Mindanao Concerns. In this capacity,he is tasked with advising on socio-economic development,peace and security,and the ongoing government transition in the Bangsamoro.[5]
In May 2025,Cerilles announced plans to open a satellite office in Cagayan de Oro,aiming to strengthen direct communication between the Office of the President and local governance structures across Mindanao alongside with the Mindanao Development Authority.[6]
1 2 3 "ANTONIO H. CERILLES". Department of Natural Resources. Archived from the original on 1999-10-08. Retrieved 2017-05-16.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
Director of the Administrative and Financial Services Office
Rosalynne L. Sanchez
Chief Accountant of the Accounting Division
Julieta L. Villadelrey
Chief of the Legal Affairs Division
Emily Rose Torrentira
*as Officer-in-charge **in Concurrent capacity
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