Gaudencio Antonino

Senator Gaudencio E. Antonino was born in Jaen, Nueva Ecija on February 9, 1909. He obtained his civil engineering degree at the University of the Philippines after which he emerged 7th place in the board of examinations.

The senator began his profession as assistant engineer in the bureau of Public Works from 1933 to 1936. During the war he was 2nd lieutenant, 101st Engineer Bn. Serving with the USAFFE and 1st lieutenant in a similar capacity with the USAFIP, WL in 1945.

In 1954, the business Writers’ Association of the Philippines (BWAP) voted him “Lumber-man of the Year.” The same organization accorded him an award for his contribution to exportation and production.

Senator Antonino was a business executive before he became a senator. He was president of Western Mindanao Lumber company, Incorporated, and G.E. Antonino, Incorporated. He was chairman of the board of directors of Industrial Mutual Fund Inc; Munoz Motors, Inc.; Apayao Mining and Oil co., Inc.; and United Finance Corporation. He was also director of Bataan Pulp and Paper Mill Company, Reinsurance Company of the Orient Music Corporation of the Philippines; Philippine Engineers Syndicate; and Rico Finance Corporation.

He was elected in 1961 and became the chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Works and Communications and National Defense and Security.

Senator Antonino is remembered for his fearless opposition to the congressional allowances which spawned a national controversy of momentous proportions. As a result of his enlightened fiscalizing and the Public support it generated, the bill appropriating gargantuan allowances to congressmen in 1965 was vetoed.

He was married to Magnolia Welborn who also became senator. They were blessed with five children.

More here at https://www.senate.gov.ph/senators/former_senators/gaudencio_antoni...