Lorenz Rivera Defensor (born July 24,1977) is a Filipino lawyer and politician currently serving as the representative of the third legislative district of Iloilo Province in the House of Representatives of the Philippines. Running under the ruling PDP-Laban party in the May 13,2019 elections,he defeated Emmanuel Gallar of the Nacionalista Party (NP).
Lorenz Defensor was born on July 24,1977,in Iloilo City,Philippines. He is the son of current Iloilo Governor and former congressman Arthur Defensor Sr. and Cosette Rivera.
Defensor earned his undergraduate degree in Political Science from the University of the Philippines Diliman. He later pursued a Master’s degree in Public Administration at the same university. Additionally,he obtained a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Santo Tomas and passed the Philippine Bar Examination in 2004.[1]
Career
Early Career
Before entering politics,Defensor worked as a legal officer at SMC Global Power Holdings Corporation. He also served as a senior partner at Salazar Enrile Defensor &De Mata Law Offices (SEDA Law),specializing in energy law,power and electric utilities,project finance and construction,and local legislation.[2]
Political Career
Defensor began his political career as a provincial board member representing the third district of Iloilo. In 2019,he was elected as the congressman for the district,a position he currently holds.
In February 2025,Defensor was named as a member of the House prosecution team for the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. He stated that facing Duterte in the trial was "always an honor."[3]
Political Stances
In March 2025,Defensor attended a rally supporting KiBam,where he emphasized the importance of unity and continuity in leadership. He stated,"Others have separated,we're still together," highlighting his alignment with the opposition's call for cohesive and principled governance.[4]
Personal life
Defensor's brother,Arthur "Toto" Defensor Jr.,is the current governor of Iloilo. He is married to Vaneza Ungson,a lawyer,and they have two children.
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