Ruffy Biazon

Last updated

Catherine Mary Reyes
(m. 1990)
Ruffy Biazon
Biazon-congressphoto.jpg
Biazon during the 18th Congress
18th Mayor of Muntinlupa
Assumed office
June 30, 2022
Parent
Residence(s) Ayala Alabang, Muntinlupa
Alma mater University of Santo Tomas (BS)
OccupationPolitician
Website Official website

Rozzano Rufino "Ruffy" Bunoan Biazon (born March 20, 1969) is a Filipino politician serving as the 18th mayor of Muntinlupa since 2022. He previously represented Muntinlupa's at-large district in the Philippine House of Representatives from 2001 to 2010 and from 2016 to 2022. He has also served as Commissioner of Bureau of Customs from 2011 to 2013. From 1991 to 1992, he also served as a board member of the Videogram Regulatory Board. He is the son of former senator Rodolfo Biazon.

Contents

In Congress, Biazon served as chairman of the Committee on Metro Manila Development, vice chairman of the Committee on National Defense and Security, vice chairman of the Committee on Information and Communications Technology, vice chairman of the Committee on Appropriations, and a member of the Congressional Oversight Committee on the Visiting Forces Agreement. He was the principal author of eight Republic Acts, which include the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act and the Philippine Coast Guard Act, and co-author of 36 others. In his last term in Congress, he filed a total of 81 bills and resolutions, most of which were national in scope.

Early life

Christened Rozzano Rufino Bunoan Biazon was born on March 20, 1969, at a military hospital at the Cavite Naval Station in Cavite City, the third and youngest child of then Lt. Rodolfo Gaspar Biazon and Monserrat (née Bunoan) Biazon. Ruffy grew up in a military camp. He spent his childhood in Navy Village in Fort Bonifacio where they stayed in government housing for military officers.

For his basic education, Biazon attended at Malate Catholic School.

Career

Videogram Regulatory Board (1991–1992)

Biazon began his public life right after college when he was appointed by then-president Corazon Aquino as the youth representative of the Videogram Regulatory Board. He was 22 years old.

Senate staff (1992–2001)

When his father, a newly retired Armed Forces Chief of Staff, was elected senator in 1992, he was taken in as Senator Rodolfo Biazon's chief of staff.

In 1995, his father did not win his re-election bid due to his alleged involvement in the "Dagdag-Bawas" scam. However, the younger Biazon was acquired by newly-elected senator Sergio Osmeña III as Chief Legislative Officer. When his father once again ran in 1998 and won, Biazon returned as chief of staff in his father's office.

Biazon directed and managed his father's campaign three times and served in the Senate for a total of seven years. Relying on this exposure and experience, he decided to take the front line instead of just being in the background by running for a seat in the House of Representatives.

House of Representatives (2001–2010)

Biazon (center) reading to schoolchildren in Putatan, Muntinlupa, in 2018. Councilor Phanie Teves (left) joins him. Phanie Teves and Ruffy Biazon in 2018.jpg
Biazon (center) reading to schoolchildren in Putatan, Muntinlupa, in 2018. Councilor Phanie Teves (left) joins him.

In 2001, Biazon sought the seat of Muntinlupa's at-large congressional district in the House of Representatives, which was then held by Ignacio Bunye, a former three-term mayor of that city. Although bearing the name of his senator-father, he was considered an underdog, since then-congressman Bunye had a clean slate as a public official and an undefeated record as a politician. Biazon was a newcomer and upstart in Muntinlupa politics, never holding any public office in the city.

Against all odds and managing his own campaign, Biazon won in his first bid for public office, beating the incumbent by 1,500 votes which was not contested with an election protest. This victory was recognized in political circles as one of the most significant upsets in the 2001 elections.

During his tenure, he adopted a program of government that he termed as "6K", which stood for "Karunungan, Kalusugan, Kaunlaran, Kapayapaan, Kabuhayan, Kalikasan" (lit.'Intelligence, Health, Development, Peace, Livelihoods, Environment'). He was able to secure reelection in 2004 by a landslide margin.

While his re-election bid for a second term was easy, his third and final election as the Representative of the Lone District of Muntinlupa was proven to be competitive. For his third term, Biazon was challenged by veteran broadcaster-journalist Ricardo "Dong" Puno, who not only was a very well-known public figure but whose brother had also headed the Department of Interior and Local Government, which meant that he had control over barangays and the Philippine National Police. Despite this, Biazon was elected for a third consecutive term in 2007.

Performance

His performance as the Representative of the Lone District of Muntinlupa was marked by significant achievements. He proved his worth as a legislator, having authored 8 Republic Acts as a principal author and 36 others as co-author. In his last term, he filed a total of 81 bills and resolutions, most of which are national in scope.

Biazon is an active participant in committee hearings and plenary sessions in the House of Representatives. Aside from delivering speeches on significant national issues, he frequently engages other members of the House in debates and interpellation.

He successfully sponsored and defended the budgets of the Department of Defense in the last two years, the Department of Agrarian Reform and the Metro Manila Development Authority in the previous year, which were all highly controversial due to issues concerning the agencies and invited the interest of dozens of legislators. Congressman Biazon stood continuously for four hours on the plenary floor asking questions from fellow congressmen who took turns taking to task one of the departments. In his trademark cool and composed manner, Biazon successfully defended the sponsored budgets, not once buckling under the pressure.

In his district, Biazon embarked on an ambitious yet realistic program when he first assumed office in 2001—the modernization of Muntinlupa's public school system by introducing the Computer Training for Educators and Resources for Students Program (Compu.T.E.R.S. Program).

Ruffy Biazon and Adolfo Azcuna Philippine Book Festival Pasay City 50.jpg
Ruffy Biazon and Adolfo Azcuna

The program had 5 stages:

  1. Stage 1 – Computer Literacy training for teachers in the public school system. Upon the initial implementation, 800 teachers were given computer literacy training in order to introduce them to Information Technology.
  2. Stage 2 – Provision of computer hardware which the educators can use not only in their daily office functions but also in teaching. Schools were all provided with computers for the students’ use as well.
  3. Stage 3 – Technology Intensified Instruction (T.I.I.) was introduced. Software and teaching programs were provided which enable teachers to teach Math, Science and English using software specifically programmed for such purpose. Muntinlupa was the first city in the country to be 100% T.I.I.-certified.
  4. Stage 4 – Computer Laboratories were set up in the schools with the objective of providing hands-on experience to as many students as possible. Prior to this, the only experience that students had with computers were the use of card board mock-ups which only provided them an idea of how to use a keyboard.
  5. Stage 5 – Connection to the World Wide Web. A five-year subscription to the internet was made available to all the high schools of Muntinlupa, enabling students to have access to massive resources in the World Wide Web, opening doors of new opportunities for learning.

Biazon funded his multi-year program through his congressional budget and partnered with NGOs, such as Gearing up for Internet Literacy and Access for Students (GILAS), to enhance project efficiency and transparency. Notably, he facilitated the relocation of informal settlers along the Philippine National Railways to a site within Muntinlupa instead of nearby provinces, overcoming significant challenges through community engagement and information campaigns. His successful management of these projects and focus on key district needs earned him re-election and praise from the Department of Education for his contributions to education.

2010 senatorial bid

Being term-limited as a congressman, Biazon ran for senator in 2010 under the Liberal Party ticket. His father was also term-limited as senator and had decided to run for congressman of Muntinlupa. However, he lost, placing 14th, while his father was successful, succeeding him.

Bureau of Customs (2011–2013)

On September 14, 2011, Biazon was appointed by President Benigno S. Aquino III as Commissioner of the Bureau of Customs after then-commissioner Angelito Alvarez formally resigned. Two days later he formally accepted the position and assumed his position as commissioner on September 16, 2011. [1] On December 2, 2013, Biazon resigned from his position. [2]

In BuCor, he pursued reforms to not only address the perennial problem of smuggling and corruption within the bureau but also led the advocacy to make Philippine Customs compliant with international standards on customs administration. [3] He initiated programs to transform the BuCor through a three-pronged program—modernization of tools and equipment, modernization of policies, and development of human resources. [4]

House of Representatives (2016–2022)

As his father decided not to seek reelection, he decided to run for a return to Congress in 2016. Allied with Mayor Jaime Fresnedi, he was successful that year, defeating Ronnie Ricketts. He was then reelected for a second consecutive term in 2019.

Mayor of Muntinlupa (2022–present)

Biazon (right) with Congressman Jaime Fresnedi (left) and former Senator Kiko Pangilinan (center) at the Muntinlupa City Hall in 2025. Rep. Jaime Fresnedi, Sen. Kiko Pangilinan, and Mayor Ruffy Biazon at Muntinlupa City Hall.jpg
Biazon (right) with Congressman Jaime Fresnedi (left) and former Senator Kiko Pangilinan (center) at the Muntinlupa City Hall in 2025.

Biazon ran for Mayor of Muntinlupa in 2022, with incumbent vice mayor Artemio Simundac as his running mate, switching places with incumbent mayor Jaime Fresnedi, who was term-limited. He ran under One Muntinlupa, a newly-launched local party. [5] He won the mayoralty race in a landslide victory. [6]

In August 2024, One Muntinlupa announced that Biazon would run for reelection as mayor in 2025. [7] He ran unopposed and was proclaimed the winner on May 13, 2025. [8] [9] On May 30, Biazon was convicted by the Sandiganbayan of graft in a case of the PDAF scam involving ₱1.95 million in public funds when he was a congressman and was sentenced to up to 10 years' imprisonment. [10]

Electoral history

2025

2025 Muntinlupa mayoralty election
PartyCandidateVotes%
1Munti Ruffy Biazon (incumbent) 209,498 100.00%
Total votes209,498 100.00%
1Munti hold

2022

2022 Muntinlupa mayoralty election
PartyCandidateVotes%
1Munti Ruffy Biazon 180,742 74.26%
PRP Red Mariñas60,43424.83%
Independent Nelson Benjamin1,1530.47%
Independent Oscar Mamerto1,0690.44%
Total votes243,398 100.00%
1Munti hold

2019

2019 Philippine House of Representatives election in Muntinlupa
PartyCandidateVotes%
PDP–Laban Ruffy Biazon 169,756 81.45%
UNA Paeng Arciaga36,31717.42%
PDDS Rodolfo Llorca2,3261.11%
Total votes235,615 100.00%
PDP–Laban hold

2016

2016 Philippine House of Representatives election in Muntinlupa
PartyCandidateVotes%
Liberal Ruffy Biazon 135,472 60.36%
UNA Ronnie Ricketts 69,50830.97%
Invalid or blank votes19,4668.67%
Total votes224,446 100.00%
Liberal hold

2010

2010 Philippine Senate election

CandidateParty or allianceVotes%
Bong Revilla Lakas Kampi CMD [a] [b] 19,513,52151.15
Jinggoy Estrada Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino 18,925,92549.61
Miriam Defensor Santiago Nacionalista Party [a] People's Reform Party 17,344,74245.47
Franklin Drilon Liberal Party 15,871,11741.60
Juan Ponce Enrile Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino 15,665,61841.06
Pia Cayetano Nacionalista Party 13,679,51135.86
Bongbong Marcos Nacionalista Party 13,169,63434.52
Ralph Recto Liberal Party 12,436,96032.60
Tito Sotto Nationalist People's Coalition 11,891,71131.17
Serge Osmeña Liberal Party [a] Independent 11,656,66830.56
Lito Lapid Lakas Kampi CMD 11,025,80528.90
TG Guingona Liberal Party 10,277,35226.94
Risa Hontiveros Liberal Party 9,106,11223.87
Ruffy Biazon Liberal Party 8,626,51422.61
Joey de Venecia Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino 8,375,04321.95
Gilbert Remulla Nacionalista Party 7,454,55719.54
Danilo Lim Liberal Party [a] Independent 7,302,78419.14
Sonia Roco Liberal Party 6,774,01017.76
Ariel Querubin Nacionalista Party 6,547,92517.16
Gwen Pimentel Nacionalista Party PDP–Laban 6,394,34716.76
Nereus Acosta Liberal Party 5,921,11115.52
Alex Lacson Liberal Party 5,242,59413.74
Adel Tamano Nacionalista Party 4,059,74810.64
Lito Osmeña PROMDI 3,980,37010.43
Liza Maza Nacionalista Party Independent 3,855,80010.11
Satur Ocampo Nacionalista Party Bayan Muna 3,539,3459.28
Francisco Tatad Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino Grand Alliance for Democracy 3,331,0838.73
Ramon Mitra III Nacionalista Party 2,744,0907.19
Jun Lozada Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino 2,730,2797.16
Rey Langit Lakas Kampi CMD 2,694,2137.06
Silvestre Bello III Lakas Kampi CMD 2,468,2766.47
Yasmin Lao Liberal Party 2,081,8955.46
Imelda Papin Bangon Pilipinas 1,972,6675.17
Susan Ople Nacionalista Party 1,930,0385.06
Martin Bautista Liberal Party 1,890,1524.95
Rodolfo Plaza Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino Nationalist People's Coalition 1,517,9053.98
JV Bautista Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino 1,415,1173.71
Ramon Guico Jr. Lakas Kampi CMD 1,264,9823.32
Raul Lambino Lakas Kampi CMD 1,156,2943.03
Hector Villanueva Kilusang Bagong Lipunan 979,7082.57
Ramoncito Ocampo Bangon Pilipinas 944,7252.48
Kata Inocencio Bangon Pilipinas 888,7712.33
Jovito Palparan Independent 825,2082.16
Alex Tinsay Bangon Pilipinas 728,3391.91
Zafrullah Alonto Bangon Pilipinas 712,6281.87
Reginald Tamayo Ang Kapatiran 680,2111.78
Nanette Espinosa Kilusang Bagong Lipunan 607,5691.59
Regalado Maambong Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino Kilusang Bagong Lipunan 545,9671.43
Shariff Ibrahim Albani Kilusang Bagong Lipunan 508,5581.33
Rizalito David Ang Kapatiran 504,2591.32
Israel Virgines Bangon Pilipinas 455,3321.19
Zosimo Paredes Bangon Pilipinas 437,4391.15
Adrian Sison Ang Kapatiran 418,0551.10
Reynaldo Princesa Independent 364,2450.95
Jo Aurea Imbong Ang Kapatiran 362,4570.95
Henry Adz Nikabulin Bangon Pilipinas 346,8480.91
Henry Caunan PDP–Laban 240,6760.63
Manuel Valdehuesa Jr. Ang Kapatiran 201,1180.53
Hector Tarrazona Ang Kapatiran 168,3860.44
Ma. Gracia Riñoza-Plazo Ang Kapatiran 151,7550.40
Alma Lood Kilusang Bagong Lipunan 128,0450.34
Total297,036,114100.00
Total votes38,149,371
Registered voters/turnout51,317,07374.34
  1. 1 2 3 4 Guest candidate of Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino
  2. Guest candidate of Nacionalista Party

2004

2004 Philippine House of Representatives election in Muntinlupa [11]
PartyCandidateVotes%
LDP Ruffy Biazon 93,261 59.1%
Independent Patricio Boncayao64,70841.0%
Total votes157,969 100.00%
LDP hold

Personal life

Biazon married Catherine Mary "Trina" Reyes, the head of the Muntinlupa Gender and Development (GAD) Office, [12] in 1990 and has four sons. [13]

In 1993, Biazon joined the Victory Christian Fellowship and served as a children's church worker. He saw it as an opportunity to "improve his skills as a father and strengthen his personal relationship not only with his sons but with God." [13]

Biazon is a certified Rescue Diver. [13]

See also

References

  1. Gonzales, Iris (September 22, 2011). "Biazon seeks more realistic targets". The Philippine Star. Archived from the original on May 30, 2025. Retrieved May 30, 2025.
  2. Gutierrez, Natashya (December 2, 2013). "Ruffy Biazon resigns as Customs chief". Rappler. Archived from the original on May 30, 2025. Retrieved May 30, 2025.
  3. Ronda, Rainier Allan (June 30, 2013). "Biazon challenges district ports to strive for int'l standards". The Philippine Star. Archived from the original on May 30, 2025. Retrieved May 30, 2025.
  4. "The Man with a Plan". Politiko. February 19, 2022. Retrieved May 30, 2025.
  5. Hicap, Jonathan (October 1, 2021). "Team One Muntinlupa: Fresnedi runs for congressman; Biazon for mayor". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved October 2, 2021.
  6. Fernandez, Daniza (May 10, 2021). "Rep. Ruffy Biazon wins Muntinlupa City mayoral race". Inquirer.net. Retrieved May 10, 2021.
  7. Macababbad, EJ (August 12, 2024). "Biazon to run for reelection". The Philippine Star. Retrieved September 1, 2024.
  8. "Certified List of Candidates (MUNICIPAL) - Muntinlupa" (PDF). Commission on Elections . 2024. Retrieved November 23, 2024.
  9. "Ruffy Biazon proclaimed winning candidate for mayor in Muntinlupa". GMA News. May 13, 2025. Retrieved May 29, 2025.
  10. "Sandiganbayan finds Ruffy Biazon guilty of graft". GMA News . May 30, 2025. Retrieved May 30, 2025.
  11. Punay, Edu (May 17, 2004). "Fresnedi wins third term in Muntinlupa". The Philippine Star. Archived from the original on May 30, 2025. Retrieved May 30, 2025.
  12. "Muntinlupa LGU launches Breast Cancer Awareness webinar". The Manila Times. October 20, 2020. Retrieved October 2, 2021.
  13. 1 2 3 Nievera, Homerun. "Ruffy Biazon, Living Up to the Hero Breed". SouthofMetro.ph. Retrieved May 30, 2025 via Catholic Pilgrimage.
Government offices
Preceded by
Angelito Alvarez
Commissioner of the Bureau of Customs
2011-2013
Succeeded by
John Phillip Sevilla
Political offices
Preceded by Mayor of Muntinlupa
2022–present
Incumbent
House of Representatives of the Philippines
Preceded by Representative, Muntinlupa
2001–2010
Succeeded by
Preceded by Representative, Muntinlupa
2016–2022
Succeeded by