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Jaime Fresnedi

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Jaime Fresnedi
Official portrait of Fresnedi during the 19th Congress
Member of the Philippine House of Representatives from Muntinlupa's Lone District
Assumed office
June 30, 2022
Preceded byRuffy Biazon
Mayor of Muntinlupa
In office
June 30, 2013 – June 30, 2022
Vice Mayor
  • Artemio Simundac (2013–2016, 2019–2022)
  • Celso Dioko (2016–2019)
Preceded byAldrin San Pedro
Succeeded byRuffy Biazon
In office
March 21, 1998[1] – June 30, 2007
Vice Mayor
  • Vicente Chua (1998–2001)
  • Jojay Alcaraz (2001–2004)
  • Aldrin San Pedro (2004–2007)
Preceded byIgnacio Bunye
Succeeded byAldrin San Pedro
Vice Mayor of Muntinlupa
In office
December 2, 1987 – March 21, 1998
MayorIgnacio Bunye
Succeeded byVicente Chua
Personal details
Born
Jaime dela Rosa Fresnedi

(1950-04-27) April 27, 1950 (age 75)[2]
Muntinlupa, Rizal, Philippines
Political partyLiberal
One Muntinlupa (local party; 2021–present)[3]
Other political
affiliations
Lakas–CMD (c. 2004)[4]
SpouseLoreta Obong
Children1
Residence(s)Tunasan, Muntinlupa
ProfessionLawyer
Signature
WebsiteOfficial website

Jaime dela Rosa Fresnedi (born April 27, 1950),[2] also known as Jimmy Fresnedi, is a Filipino politician, lawyer, and businessman currently serving as a member of the Philippine House of Representatives representing the lone district of Muntinlupa, Metro Manila, since 2022. He previously served as the mayor of Muntinlupa from 1998 to 2007 and from 2013 to 2022 and as vice mayor of Muntinlupa from 1987 to 1998.

Early and personal life

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Fresnedi was born on April 27, 1950 in Muntinlupa, which was then a municipality part of Rizal province.[5] He is married to Loreta Obong, with whom he has a son named Joma and a grandson named Neo. They reside in the Villa Carolina subdivision in Tunasan, Muntinlupa.[2]

Fresnedi also owns two Caltex gasoline stations in Muntinlupa.[6]

Political career

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Fresnedi entered politics in 1986 when he was appointed as an officer-in-charge of Muntinlupa, then a municipality, following the People Power Revolution that formed a new government under President Corazon Aquino. He served the role alongside lawyer, journalist, and businessman Ignacio Bunye. In 1988, Fresnedi and Bunye contested the first local election under the new Constitution of the Philippines, with the latter as mayor and the former as vice mayor. The tandem served three terms until 1998, three years after Muntinlupa was formally converted into a highly urbanized city and established its own legislative district in the Philippine House of Representatives for the 1998 election. On March 21, 1998, Bunye resigned as mayor, opting to run for the inaugural position while Fresnedi took his place, which prompted Fresnedi to run for mayor himself; both were successful.[7]

Mayor of Muntinlupa (1998–2007, 2013–2022)

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During his first term as Mayor of Muntinlupa, Fresnedi established the regional offices of the Registry of Deeds (now the Land Registration Authority), the Land Transportation Office, and the National Bureau of Investigation.[7]

Fresnedi won two re-election bids for mayor in 2001 and 2004. Under the Constitution, he was barred from seeking a fourth consecutive term; in 2007, his wife Loreta ran for the mayoral post, but she lost to Vice Mayor Aldrin San Pedro. When Fresnedi was eligible to run again for mayor in 2010, he ran again but also lost to San Pedro, who was in his second term as mayor.[8] In 2013, Fresnedi contested San Pedro again and successfully defeated him by 4,280 votes.[9]

In February 2015, Fresnedi presented a single-step transaction system for registering business licenses in Muntinlupa. He said the innovation aims to improve the city's economic growth and competitiveness in the business and economics sectors. The system was presented at the 2014 World Cities Summit in Singapore.[10]

Fresnedi and then-MMDA Chairman Danilo Lim during the opening of the 2017 Metro Manila Film Festival, which coincided with the centennial of the foundation of Muntinlupa as a municipality.

In 2019, the Bureau of Internal Revenue reported that Muntinlupa had the highest local revenue collection in Metro Manila, with 5.42 billion collected, ₱2.36 billion of which was corporate tax.[7]

In March 2019, a resident of Putatan filed charges of graft and plunder against Fresnedi before the Ombudsman of the Philippines for allegedly overpricing a lot in the barangay by ₱1,500 per square meter in 2014. Residents also filed charges of administrative raps, gross misconduct, gross negligence, and abuse of power against Fresnedi before the Ombudsman, claiming that he had violated the Government Procurement Act (Republic Act No. 9184) and the Local Government Code (Republic Act No. 7160) by allegedly ratifying the extension of employment contracts that had already expired as "urgent". According to the residents, Fresnedi compelled the Muntinlupa city council to pass a resolution authorizing him to extend the contract of Linde plc and four other entities through lump sum transactions. A councilor denied that the city council issued such a resolution.[11]

In September 2019, Fresnedi initiated a zero-interest loan program for small and medium-sized enterprises in Muntinlupa. The program would provide them with financial assistance ranging from ₱2,000 to ₱150,000, additional capital loan assistance, and entrepreneurial education opportunities. Fresnedi's government partnered with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority for the program.[12]

During Fresnedi's tenure as mayor of Muntinlupa, the city received the Seal of Good Local Governance from the Department of the Interior and Local Government in 2015 and 2019. The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry also awarded Muntinlupa the "Most Business-Friendly LGU" in 2017 and 2018, and a special citation was given in 2019.[7] His administration earned commendations for its adherence to the Anti–Red Tape Act of 2007, as well as for achievements in areas such as economic competitiveness, disaster risk reduction and resilience, and the delivery of health services.[13]

Education

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Since 2013, Fresnedi's government has been pushing for inclusion in Muntinlupa's scholarship program.[14]

In April 2014, Fresnedi allocated a budget of ₱63 million for the city's scholars for that year, nearly thrice the budget of ₱21.5 million allotted for 2013.[15]

In October 2017, Fresnedi was awarded the "Model Local Chief Executive Award" by the Association of Local Colleges and Universities and the Commission on Higher Education.[16]

In 2018, Fresnedi and Muntinlupa Representative Ruffy Biazon initiated a project to construct additional school buildings for the city's public schools.[17]

In 2019, the Philippine Department of Education reported that Muntinlupa had the highest number of scholarship beneficiaries in the country, with over 65,000 scholars.[18] Fresnedi hailed the achievement in his 2019 State of the City address, noting the increase from 5,581 scholars when he was re-elected in 2013.[19]

In February 2020, Fresnedi signed an ordinance increasing the allowance of the city's scholars by ₱1,000, with an additional ₱2,500 if scholars obtain a graded weighted average of at least 1.76. Scholars from state colleges and universities may also receive a maximum incentive of ₱10,000 per semester.[14]

Emergency response

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In 2017, Fresnedi's government mandated the construction of a new fire station in Tunasan, which the Bureau of Fire Protection recognized as the "Best Fire Station" in 2018.[20]

In September 2018, Fresnedi led the donation of eight ambulance units worth ₱12.8 million to nine barangays in the city.[21]

In March 2019, Fresnedi led the donation of ten fire trucks worth ₱52.3 million to nine barangays in the city.[20]

House of Representatives (2022–present)

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Fresnedi during the opening session of the 19th Congress second regular session, July 2023.
Fresnedi with former Senator Kiko Pangilinan (center) and Mayor Ruffy Biazon (right) at the Muntinlupa City Hall, March 2025.

Fresnedi, being term-limited as mayor, ran for representative of the lone congressional district of Muntinlupa in 2022 under the Liberal Party and the One Muntinlupa local party. He switched places with incumbent representative Ruffy Biazon, who was One Muntinlupa's standard bearer for mayor.[3] He won the race, defeating Silverio Garing of PDP–Laban in a landslide.[22] Fresnedi was sworn in as representative on June 30, 2022.[23]

During the 19th Congress (2022–2025), Fresnedi was a member of the majority bloc. He participated in the following House committees:[13]

In the first two years of his first term in Congress, Fresnedi authored or co-authored 22 laws, including Republic Act No. 11934 (the SIM Registration Act) and Republic Act No. 11953, which provides for the condonation of unpaid interests, penalties, and surcharges on land reform loans. By the start of the Third Regular Session, he had been the principal author or co-author of over 250 bills and resolutions, addressing a wide range of issues aimed at promoting both national economic development and the welfare of ordinary Filipinos. His legislative work is underscored by a perfect attendance record in House sessions.[13]

As a member of the Committee on Basic Education and Culture, he filed House Bill No. 63, which seeks to provide free meals for kindergarten pupils; House Bill No. 64, aiming to enhance teacher compensation; and House Bill No. 65, which proposes a national education roadmap.[13]

On public health, he has advocated for legislation to improve access to medical services for marginalized groups. This includes House Bill No. 9686, proposing a Disability Support Fund; House Bill No. 9691, which expands PhilHealth coverage to include mental health services; and House Bill No. 10352, which establishes a vision care program for underprivileged children.[13]

Drawing from his experience as a former mayor, Fresnedi also champions stronger local governance. He authored House Bill No. 3436, which introduced reforms in real property valuation to enhance local government revenue generation. The bill was enacted into law as Republic Act No. 12001.[13]

Fresnedi has also prioritized senior citizen welfare, filing House Bill No. 9687 to provide free dialysis treatments and House Bill No. 7052 to protect elderly individuals from fraud. The latter bill passed on the third reading during the second regular session.[13]

In line with improving the justice system, he filed House Bill No. 56 to increase the number of Regional Trial Court branches in Muntinlupa, recognizing the role of judicial efficiency in maintaining public order and supporting economic activity.[13]

In April 2024, Fresnedi filed House Bill No. 10162, also known as the "National Integrated Obesity Management" bill, which seeks to establish a comprehensive national program to address obesity in the Philippines. Citing 2022 data from the Department of Science and Technology's Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST–FNRI) indicating that approximately 27 million Filipinos are overweight, Fresnedi emphasized the growing strain obesity places on the country's healthcare system due to its association with conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.[24]

The proposed measure outlines the creation of the National Integrated Obesity Management Program, which would serve as the central framework for all government-led anti-obesity initiatives. Its objectives include reducing mortality and health impacts related to adult and childhood obesity, lowering the prevalence of preventable obesity, and improving access to relevant healthcare services such as counseling and nutrition support. The bill also proposes the establishment of a National Integrated Obesity Management Council under the Department of Health (DOH), which would function as the primary body responsible for policymaking, planning, and coordinating national obesity management efforts.[24]

In October 2024, Fresnedi filed House Bill No. 10897 seeking to amend Republic Act No. 11900, also known as the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act, by reinstating child protection provisions that were removed during the law's passage in 2022. A key provision of the bill is the proposal to raise the minimum legal age for the purchase and use of vape products from 18 to 21 years old. The measure has received support from advocacy groups, including the Child Rights Network, which described the proposal as a step toward responsible regulation that places children's health and safety above commercial interests.[25]

In addition to age restrictions, HB 10897 proposes transferring regulatory authority over vapes, heated tobacco products, and similar items from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The bill's explanatory note argues that because these products pose significant health risks, their oversight should be under a health agency with the scientific capacity to implement appropriate public health safeguards.[25]

Beyond policymaking, Fresnedi's congressional office has facilitated access to government assistance for nearly 30,000 residents of Muntinlupa, helping provide medical, educational, livelihood, and financial support to those in need.[13]

On October 5, 2024, Fresnedi filed his certificate of candidacy for a second term as Muntinlupa congressman. He ran under the Liberal Party and the One Muntinlupa local party again.[26] On May 12, 2025, Fresnedi won a second term as Muntinlupa's lone district representative, defeating PDP's Silverio Garing once more.[27]

Electoral history

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2025

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2025 Philippine House of Representatives election in Muntinlupa
Party Candidate Votes %
Liberal Jaime Fresnedi 177,504 75.79%
PDP Silverio Garing 56,710 24.21%
Total votes 234,214 100.00%
Liberal hold

2022

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2022 Philippine House of Representatives election in Muntinlupa
Party Candidate Votes %
Liberal Jaime Fresnedi 183,085 77.71%
PDP–Laban Silverio Garing 52,530 22.29%
Total votes 235,615 100.00%
Liberal gain from PDP–Laban

2019

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2019 Muntinlupa mayoralty election
Party Candidate Votes %
Liberal Jaime Fresnedi (incumbent) 164,114 75.37%
NUP Red Mariñas 52,127 23.93%
WPP Baby Aguilar-Nava 1,065 0.48%
PDDS Rudy Arcay Victa 442 0.20%
Total votes 217,778 100.00%
Liberal hold

2016

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2016 Muntinlupa mayoralty election
Party Candidate Votes %
Liberal Jaime Fresnedi (incumbent) 125,456 53.8%
UNA Aldrin San Pedro 68,417 31.8%
NPC Artemio Simundac 20,558 9.5%
Independent Reynaldo Abas 553 0.3%
Independent Oscar Marmeto 318 0.1%
Total votes 215,302 100.00%
Liberal hold

2013

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2013 Muntinlupa mayoralty election
Party Candidate Votes %
Liberal Jaime Fresnedi 73,797 51.4%
UNA Aldrin San Pedro (incumbent) 69,798 48.6%
Total votes 143,595 100.00%
Liberal gain from UNA

2010

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2010 Muntinlupa mayoralty election
Party Candidate Votes %
Lakas–Kampi Aldrin San Pedro (incumbent) 108,091 58.5%
Liberal Jaime Fresnedi 76,808 41.5%
Total votes 184,899 100.00%
Lakas–Kampi hold

2004

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2004 Muntinlupa mayoralty election[4]
Party Candidate Votes %
Lakas–Kampi Jaime Fresnedi (incumbent) 82,184 57.2%
KNP Elizabeth Masangkay 61,280 42.7%
Total votes 143,464 100.00%
Lakas–Kampi hold

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Fresnedi assumes Muntinlupa mayorship". Manila Standard. Kamahalan Publishing Corp. March 22, 1998. p. 3. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
  2. ^ a b c "City Officials". City Government of Muntinlupa. 2018. Archived from the original on May 3, 2020. Retrieved March 28, 2020.
  3. ^ a b Hicap, Jonathan (October 1, 2021). "Team One Muntinlupa: Fresnedi runs for congressman; Biazon for mayor". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved October 2, 2021.
  4. ^ a b Punay, Edy (May 17, 2004). "Fresnedi wins third term in Muntinlupa". The Philippine Star. Retrieved December 28, 2021.
  5. ^ "FRESNEDI, JAIME D." (PDF). Commission on Elections. Retrieved November 25, 2024.
  6. ^ "List of Liquid Fuel Retail Stations or LPG Dealers Implementing the 10% Tariff (EO 113)" (PDF). Department of Energy. September 1, 2020. Retrieved July 20, 2024.
  7. ^ a b c d Hicap, Jonathan (February 29, 2020). "Muntinlupa City: Trailblazing at 25". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved March 28, 2020.
  8. ^ Lopez, Virgil (May 7, 2016). "Fresnedi, San Pedro continue mayoral tug-of-war in Muntinlupa". GMA News Online. Retrieved March 28, 2020.
  9. ^ "2013 Election Results: Muntinlupa City, Metro Manila". Rappler. May 18, 2013. Retrieved March 28, 2020.
  10. ^ Fresnedi, Jaime (March 8, 2015). "Business registration in Muntinlupa, a SWiT innovation". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved March 28, 2020.
  11. ^ Araja, Rio (March 18, 2019). "Fresnedi faces graft raps for overpricing lot in 2014". Manila Standard. Retrieved March 28, 2020.
  12. ^ Pedrajas, Joseph Almer (September 14, 2019). "Muntinlupa City small businesses provided with affordable loan facility". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved March 29, 2020.
  13. ^ a b c d e f g h i Taculao-Deligero, Patricia (July 29, 2024). "Rep. Jaime Fresnedi: Continuing Muntinlupa's progressive march". Manila Standard. Retrieved May 28, 2025.
  14. ^ a b Arcilla, Jam (February 20, 2020). "Muntinlupa hikes student, honor grads' allowances". The Manila Times. Retrieved March 28, 2020.
  15. ^ Gamil, Jaymee (April 15, 2014). "Muntinlupa gov't allots P63M for scholarship program". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved March 28, 2020.
  16. ^ Abad, Roderick (October 11, 2017). "Fresnedi cited for education initiatives". BusinessMirror. Retrieved March 28, 2020.
  17. ^ Castillo, Neftali (July 5, 2018). "Muntinlupa City builds 44 more classrooms". Sakto News. Retrieved March 28, 2020.
  18. ^ "Education remains a top priority for Muntinlupa". Metro News Central. September 2019. Retrieved March 28, 2020.
  19. ^ "Muntinlupa Mayor lists achievements in SoCA". Newsville. March 29, 2019. Retrieved March 28, 2020.
  20. ^ a b "Muntinlupa City Hall provides barangays with more fire trucks". The Manila Times. March 25, 2019. Retrieved March 28, 2020.
  21. ^ "Fresnedi Donates P12.8 Million Ambulances to Munti Brgys". City Government of Muntinlupa. September 27, 2018. Retrieved March 28, 2020.
  22. ^ Fernandez, Daniza (May 10, 2022). "Rep. Ruffy Biazon wins Muntinlupa City mayoral race". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved May 10, 2022.
  23. ^ Hicap, Jonathan (July 1, 2022). "Fresnedi sworn in as new Muntinlupa congressman". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved May 28, 2025.
  24. ^ a b Andrade, Jeannette I.; Palalalimpa, Renz (April 2, 2024). "House bill pushes national anti-obesity program". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved May 28, 2025.
  25. ^ a b "Undoing the harm done by vape law". Philippine Daily Inquirer. October 13, 2024. Retrieved May 28, 2025.
  26. ^ "One Muntinlupa party files candidacy". Daily Tribune. October 5, 2024. Retrieved May 29, 2025.
  27. ^ "Ruffy Biazon proclaimed winning candidate for mayor in Muntinlupa". GMA News. May 13, 2025. Retrieved May 29, 2025.
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Political offices
Preceded by Mayor of Muntinlupa
1998–2007
Succeeded by
Aldrin San Pedro
Preceded by
Aldrin San Pedro
Mayor of Muntinlupa
2013–2022
Succeeded by
House of Representatives of the Philippines
Preceded by Representative, Muntinlupa
2022–present
Incumbent