Mel Mathay

Last updated

Sonia Gandionco
(died 2012)
  • Vilma Valera
    (m. 2013)
  • Mel Mathay
    Ismael "Mel" Austria Mathay Jr.png
    8th Mayor of Quezon City
    In office
    June 30, 1992 June 30, 2001
    Preceded byBrigido R. Simon Jr.
    Succeeded by Feliciano Belmonte, Jr.
    Relations Ara Mina (granddaughter)
    Cris Mathay (grandson)
    Children4
    Residence Quezon City
    Alma mater University of the Philippines Diliman (BS)
    San Beda College (LL.B)
    OccupationPolitician
    ProfessionLawyer

    Ismael Austria Mathay Jr. (June 26, 1932 – December 25, 2013), [2] also known as Mel Mathay, was a Filipino lawyer and politician who last served as the Mayor of Quezon City from 1992 to 2001. Previously, he had also served as vice mayor of Quezon City from 1968 to 1971, secretary to the commissioner of the General Authority Office from 1972 to 1981, vice governor of the Metro Manila Commission from 1979 to 1986, an assemblyman representing Quezon City in the Regular Batasang Pambansa from 1984 to 1986, representative for the city's 4th district from 1987 to 1992, director of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System from 1979 to 1987, and chairman of the Metro Manila Authority (now Metropolitan Manila Development Authority) from 1993 to 1994.

    Contents

    Early life and education

    Ismael Austria Mathay Jr. was born in Manila on June 26, 1932, to Ismael Mathay Sr., who would later serve as a Cabinet member under President Sergio Osmeña, [3] and Josefina Mathay. [4] [5]

    Mathay graduated in 1953 with bachelor's degree in Business Administration Major in Economics in the University of the Philippines, where he joined the prestigious Upsilon Sigma Phi. Soon after graduation, he enrolled at the College of Law in San Beda College and successfully passed the bar examination in 1957.

    Political career

    Mathay official portrait during the 8th Congress. Rep. Ismael Mathay Jr. (8th Congress).jpg
    Mathay official portrait during the 8th Congress.

    Mathay was elected Vice Mayor of Quezon City in 1967, serving from 1968 to 1971. In 1972, he was appointed secretary to the commissioner of the watchdog General Authority Office, a genuine recognition for his talent and integrity. Mathay had completed tenure of 9 years.

    Prior to his becoming city mayor, he served as the vice governor of the Metro Manila Commission from 1979 to 1986, an assemblyman representing Quezon City in the Regular Batasang Pambansa from 1984 to 1986, and congressman representing Quezon City's 4th district from 1987 to 1992. [6] [7] He was director of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System from 1979 to 1987, and chairman of the Metro Manila Authority from 1993 to 1994. He tried to reclaim the mayoral position in 2004 and 2010 but lost to Feliciano Belmonte Jr. and Herbert Bautista, respectively.

    Personal life

    Mathay married his long-time partner Vilma Valera early in 2013, one year after the death of his first wife Sonya Gandionco. Actress Ara Mina and San Juan City councilors Cris and Ismael "Macky" Mathay IV are his grandchildren through his son Ismael "Chuck" Mathay III. [8]

    Death

    Mathay died of a heart attack at the age of 81 on December 25, 2013, at The Medical City Ortigas in Pasig. [9] [10] [11] His remains were cremated on December 28 and later inurned at Christ the King Parish - Greenmeadows in Quezon City. [12]

    He was portrayed by Marlon Mance and Billy Jake Cortez as the young Mel Mathay in the 2023 film Martyr or Murderer .

    References

    1. "Mathay files bid". Philstar.com. January 6, 2004. Retrieved April 23, 2025.
    2. "Quezon City Leaders". Quezon City Government Official Website. April 14, 2021. Retrieved November 29, 2021.
    3. "Sergio Osmeña: 2nd President of the Commonwealth of the Philippines - War Cabinet 1944-45". The Philippine Presidential Project. Retrieved July 23, 2009.
    4. "CALL NUMBER: LC-USW3- 054094-C [P&P]". Prints & Photographs Division, Library of Congress. Retrieved July 23, 2009.
    5. "Ismael Austria Mathay, Jr". Geni.com. Retrieved May 12, 2024.
    6. "Former QC mayor dies". SunStar. December 29, 2013. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
    7. "QM-02-2022" (PDF). Metropolitan Manila Development Authority. April 1, 2022. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
    8. Mathay, Rikki (July 6, 2022). "Carving a name in politics". Manila Bulletin . Retrieved December 8, 2024.
    9. "Former QC mayor dies on Christmas day". abs-cbnnews.com. December 25, 2013. Retrieved December 25, 2013.
    10. "Former QC Mayor Mel Mathay dies at 81". rappler.com. December 25, 2013. Retrieved December 25, 2013.
    11. "Ismael 'Mel' Mathay, 81". bworldonline.com. December 26, 2013. Retrieved December 26, 2013.
    12. "Imelda Marcos mourns Mel Mathay". The Manila Times. December 27, 2013. Retrieved January 12, 2025.
    House of Representatives of the Philippines
    New district Representative, 4th District of Quezon City
    1987 – 1992
    Succeeded by
    Political offices
    Preceded by
    Mariano Sta. Romana
    Vice Mayor of Quezon City
    1968 – 1971
    Succeeded by
    Carlos Albert
    New office Vice Governor of Metro Manila Commission
    1979 – 1986
    Position abolished
    Preceded by
    Brigido Simon Jr.
    Mayor of Quezon City
    1992 – 2001
    Succeeded by
    Preceded by Chairperson of the Metropolitan Manila Authority
    1992 – 1994
    Succeeded by
    Prospero Oreta
    as Chairperson of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority