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{{short description|Filipino military officer and politician (1935–2023)}}
{| class="infobox bordered" style="width: 21em; font-size: 90%; text-align: left;" cellpadding="3"
{{Use Philippine English|date=January 2023}}
|+ style="font-size: larger;" | '''Rodolfo Biazon'''
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2023}}
|-
{{sources|date=October 2023}}
| colspan="2" style="text-align: cenmter;" | [[Image:Rodolfo_Biazon.gif|150px|center]]
{{Philippine name|Gaspar|Biazon}}
|-style="background:#ccccff"
{{Infobox officeholder
| colspan="2" | <center>'''Senator of the Philippines'''<br>[[1992]] - [[1995]], [[2001]]&ndash;''incumbent''</center>
| name = Rodolfo Biazon
|-
| image = Rodolfo Biazon - PMA Homecoming 2019 (cropped).jpg
| colspan="2" | <center>'''Chief, [[Armed Forces of the Philippines]]'''<br>[[1991]]</center>
| imagesize =
|-
| caption = Biazon in 2019
| colspan="2" | <center>'''Vice Chief, [[Armed Forces of the Philippines]]'''<br>[[1990]] - [[1991]]</center>
| office1 = [[Senate of the Philippines|Senator of the Philippines]]
|-
| term_start2 = June 30, 1998
| colspan="2" | <center>'''Commandant, [[Philippine Marines]]'''<br>[[1987]] - [[1989]]</center>
| term_end2 = June 30, 2010
|-
| term_start3 = June 30, 1992
| colspan="2" | <center>'''Superintendent, [[Philippine Military Academy]]'''<br>[[1986]] - [[1987]]</center>
| term_end3 = June 30, 1995
|-
| office4 = Member of the [[House of Representatives of the Philippines|House of Representatives]] from [[Muntinlupa's at-large congressional district|Muntinlupa]]
! Political&nbsp;Party:
| term_start4 = June 30, 2010
| [[Liberal Party (Philippines)|Liberal Party]] (<small>[[Franklin Drilon|Drilon]] Wing</small>) (2005 to date)<br>[[Liberal Party (Philippines)|Liberal Party]] (2004-2005)<br>
| term_end4 = June 30, 2016
[[Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino]] ([[1992]]-[[2004]])</center>
| predecessor4 = [[Ruffy Biazon]]
|-
| successor4 = Ruffy Biazon
! Born:
| office5 = 21st [[Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines]]
| [[April 14]], [[1935]]<br>[[Batac, Ilocos Norte|Batac]], [[Ilocos Norte]]
| term_start5 = January 24, 1991
|-
| term_end5 = April 12, 1991
! Spouse:
| president5 = [[Corazon Aquino]]
| Monserrat Bunoan
| predecessor5 = [[Renato de Villa]]
|}
| successor5 = Lisandro Abadia
| office6 = [[Vice-Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines|Vice Chief of Staff]] of the [[Armed Forces of the Philippines]]
| term_start6 = Jan. 11, 1990
| term_end6 = May 4, 1991
|predecessor6 = MGen. [[Eduardo Ermita]]
|successor6 = MGen. Guillermo Flores
| office7 = [[Commandant of the Philippine Marine Corps|Commandant]] of the [[Philippine Marine Corps]]
| term_start7 = July 23, 1987
| term_end7 = August 7, 1989
|predecessor7 = BGen. Brigido Paredes
|successor7 = BGen. Eduardo Cabanlig
| office8 = Superintendent of the [[Philippine Military Academy]]
| term_start8 = March 1, 1986
| term_end8 = July 22, 1987
|predecessor8 = Col. Maximino M. Bejar
|successor8 = Cmdre. Rogelio A. Dayan
| birth_date = {{birth date|mf=yes|1935|04|14}}
| birth_place = [[Batac]], [[Ilocos Norte]], [[Commonwealth of the Philippines]]
| death_date = {{death date and age|mf=yes|2023|10|15|1935|04|14}}
| death_place = [[Muntinlupa]], [[Philippines]]
| resting_place = [[Libingan ng mga Bayani]] <br/> [[Taguig]], Philippines
| nationality = Filipino
| party = [[Liberal Party (Philippines)|Liberal]] (2004–2023)
| spouse = {{marriage|Monserrat Bunoan|1961}}
| relations =
| children = 3, including [[Ruffy Biazon|Ruffy]]
| alma_mater = [[FEATI University]]<br>[[Philippine Military Academy]] ([[Bachelor of Science|BS]])
| occupation = Soldier & politician
| profession = [[Mechanical engineering|Mechanical engineer]]
| signature =
| footnotes =
| allegiance = {{flag|Philippines|1936}}
| serviceyears = 1961–1991
| branch = [[File:Flag of the Philippine Marine Corps.svg|25px]] [[Philippine Marine Corps]]
| rank = {{nowrap|[[File:PHIL ARMY GEN FD-Sh.svg|30px|General]] [[General officer|General]]}}
| otherparty = [[Aksyon Demokratiko|Aksyon]] (2004)<br>[[Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino|LDP]] (1992–2004)
| battles = * [[Coup attempts against Corazon Aquino|1986–87 Coup attempts]]
}}


'''Rodolfo "Pong" Gaspar Biazon''' (born [[April 14]], [[1935]]) is a politician in the [[Philippines]]. He is currently a [[Senate of the Philippines|Senator]]. He was elected [[Senate of the Philippines|Senator]] in the [[Philippine general election, 1992|1992 election]], and recently in the [[Philippine general election, 2001|2001 election]].
'''Rodolfo "Pong" Gaspar Biazon''' ({{IPA|tl|ˈbjason}}, April 14, 1935 – October 15, 2023) was a Filipino politician and [[Philippine Marine Corps]] [[General officer|general]]. He was the [[Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines]] (AFP) in early 1991 and then served as a [[Senate of the Philippines|Senator]] from 1992 to 1995 and from 1998 to 2010.


During his time in the military, he served as superintendent of the [[Philippine Military Academy]] (PMA), commandant of the Philippine Marine Corps, Vice Chief of Staff, and finally Chief of Staff of the AFP. After his stints in the senate, he served as the [[House of Representatives of the Philippines|Representative]] of [[Legislative districts of Muntinlupa|Muntinlupa]] from 2010 to 2016.
==Early life==
Biazon was born on [[April 14]], [[1935]] in [[Batac, Ilocos Norte|Batac]], [[Ilocos Norte]]. His father Rufino Biazon, was a doughmaker then, while his mother Juliana Gaspar, was a clotheswasher. His father died and left him along with his mother and three younger sisters when he was seven years old. At a young age of eight, he and his sisters had already experienced hardship, especially during the Japanese regime. Living in a makeshift shanty in [[Cavite]], they had to peddle food, collected bottles and newspapers, which were later sold in order to earn a living for the family. In spite of their condition, it did not stop him from obtaining his education.


==Educational career==
==Early life and career==
Biazon was born on April 14, 1935, in [[Batac]], [[Ilocos Norte]]. His father Rufino Biazon, was a doughmaker then, while his mother Juliana Gaspar, was a clotheswasher. His father died and left him along with his mother and three younger sisters when he was seven years old. At a young age of eight, he and his sisters had already experienced hardship, especially during the Japanese regime. Living in a makeshift shanty in [[Cavite]], they had to peddle food, collected bottles and newspapers, which were later sold in order to earn a living for the family. In spite of their condition, it did not stop him from obtaining his education.
He enrolled as a Grade One student at the age of eleven, in [[1946]]. In order to support his education, and at the same time look for ways to earn money, so he went to school in the morning and worked in the afternoon. He would collect seashells in [[Manila Bay]] which were in turn sold at the market. He studied in Jose Rizal Elementary School, [[Pasay City]], for his primary education where he graduated salutatorian. He continued working, washing clothes for other people in order to sustain his high school education at the Jose Abad Santos High School located at the [[Arellano University]], [[Pasay City]] in [[1955]]. He also graduated from this school with honors. He stopped doing laundry and instead worked as a laborer in then Highway 54 now known as [[EDSA]], this time to sustain his college education in FEATI where he took [[mechanical engineering]].


Biazon enrolled as a Grade One student at the age of eleven in 1946. In order to support his education, and at the same time look for ways to earn money, so he went to school in the morning and worked in the afternoon. He would collect seashells in [[Manila Bay]] which were in turn sold at the market. He studied at Jose Rizal Elementary School in [[Pasay]] (then in [[Rizal (province)|Rizal]]) for his primary education where he graduated [[salutatorian]]. He continued working, washing clothes for other people in order to sustain his high school education at the [[Arellano University]] – Jose Abad Santos High School, also in Pasay, in 1955. He also graduated from this school with honors. He stopped doing laundry and instead worked as a laborer in the then Highway 54 (now [[EDSA]]), this time to sustain his college education in [[FEATI University|FEATI]] where he took [[mechanical engineering]].
He also attended other trainings or schooling which include the TOP Management Program at the [[Asian Institute of Management]]; Command and General Staff Course in [[Quantico, Virginia|Quantico]], [[Virginia]], [[USA]]; Crisis Program in [[California]], [[USA]]; Allied Combat Intelligence Course in [[Okinawa]], [[Japan]]; Senior Officer Maintenance Course in [[Kentucky]], [[USA]]; [[Amphibious Warfare]] Course in [[Quantico, Virginia|Quantico]], [[Virginia]], [[USA]] and, Military Instructors in [[Norfolk, Virginia|Norfolk]], [[Virginia]], [[USA]].<ref>http://www.senate.gov.ph/senators/sen_bio/biazon_bio.htm</ref>


Biazon also attended other trainings or schooling which include the TOP Management Program at the [[Asian Institute of Management]]; Command and General Staff Course in [[Quantico, Virginia]], United States; Crisis Program in [[California]], United States; Allied Combat Intelligence Course in [[Okinawa Island|Okinawa]], Japan; Senior Officer Maintenance Course in [[Kentucky]], United States; [[Amphibious Warfare]] Course in Quantico, Virginia, United States and, Military Instructors in [[Norfolk, Virginia]], United States.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.senate.gov.ph/senators/sen_bio/biazon_bio.htm |title=Senate of the Philippines |website=www.senate.gov.ph |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020702212445/http://www.senate.gov.ph/senators/sen_bio/biazon_bio.htm |archive-date=July 2, 2002}} </ref>
==Political career==
He became Senator in the [[9th Congress of the Philippines|Ninth Congress]] from [[1992]] up to [[1995]]. Paul Aquino, the brother of the late [[Philippine Senator|Senator]] [[Benigno Aquino, Jr.]] was the one who convinced him to run for office. He was again elected as [[Philippine Senator|Senator]] in [[1998]] and continues to serve his term up to this day.


==Military career==
Currently, he is the Chairman of the Senate Committee on [[Defense|National Defense]] and [[Security]] and Committee on [[Urban Planning]], [[Housing]] and Resettlement.
Biazon entered the [[Philippine Military Academy]] in 1957, although he applied and passed for the [[US Navy]]. He was the class goat of [[Philippine Military Academy|PMA Class]] 1961 yet this did not prevent him from achieving his goal.


As a Philippine Marine, he attained the following posts: Superintendent of [[Philippine Military Academy|PMA]] in 1986–87, [[Commandant of the Philippine Marine Corps|Commandant]] of the [[Philippine Marine Corps|Philippine Marines]] (PMC) in 1987–1989, [[Commanding General]] of the [[National Capital Region|NCR]] Defense Command in 1988–1990, [[Armed Forces of the Philippines]] (AFP) Vice Chief of Staff in 1990-91 and [[Armed Forces of the Philippines]] Chief of Staff in 1991.
Aside from this, he holds the following positions in the Senate: Vice-Chair of the Committees on [[Agriculture]] and [[Food]] and [[Foreign Relations]], and a Member of 15 other Senate Committees.


Biazon was assigned in [[Davao City|Davao]] in 1983 during the Marcos administration. It was the time when the trust and confidence of the civilians in the military were returned as he took the initiative to do so.
He is also the President of the Asian Regional Council Global Parliamentarians on Habitat, the Vice-President for Asia Global Parliamentarians on Habitat, the Co-chairperson of PLCPD and a member of the [[Commission on Appointments]].


During his tenure both as the Commanding General of the AFP NCR Defense Command and Commandant of the Philippine Marine Corps, he quelled an attempted coup by the [[Reform the Armed Forces Movement]] (RAM), led by Col. [[Gregorio Honasan|Gringo Honasan]]. He led the Marines and the officers and men of the AFP NCR Defense Command in foiling the coup attempt.
As a [[Philippine Senator|Senator]], he authored bills which were enacted into law, some of which are: RA No. 9208 – Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003, RA No. 9161 – Rental Reform Act of 2002, RA 7835-Comprehensive and Integrated Shelter Finance Act, RA 7898-An Act providing for the Modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, RA 7742-An Act Amending PD1752 (Mandatory Pag-ibig Membership), RA 7901-An Act Creating the CARAGA Region, RA 7889-An Act Establishing the University of the Philippines Mindanao, RA 7863-The Home Guaranty Corporation Law, RA 7691-Expanding the Jurisdiction of MTC’s, MCTC and METC, Joint Resolution NO. 7-Increasing the Subsistence Allowance of Soldiers and Policemen, RA 8763-Home Guarantee Corporation Act of 2000, RA 9040-An Act Exempting from the Tax Certain Allowances and Benefits granted to the members of the AFP, and RA 9049-An Act Granting Monthly Gratuity and Privileges to an Awardee of the Medal of Valor.<ref>http://www.biazon.net.ph/profile.html</ref>


In early 1990, [[Viva Films]] began to plan a film based on Gen. Biazon's life, with [[Eddie Garcia]] cast as Biazon and Manuel "Fyke" Cinco to direct, though it did not come to fruition.<ref>{{cite news|last=Libo-on|first=Eddie|title=Robbie bats for Gretchen|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=8cBNEdFwSQkC&dat=19900205&printsec=frontpage&hl=en|access-date=June 4, 2021|work=[[Manila Standard]]|publisher=Kagitingan Publications, Inc.|date=February 5, 1990|page=18|archive-date=June 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210605172042/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=8cBNEdFwSQkC&dat=19900205&printsec=frontpage&hl=en|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Libo-on|first=Eddie|title=Phillip's pride|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=8cBNEdFwSQkC&dat=19900608&printsec=frontpage&hl=en|access-date=June 28, 2021|work=[[Manila Standard]]|publisher=Kagitingan Publications, Inc.|date=June 8, 1990|page=17|archive-date=June 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627195240/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=8cBNEdFwSQkC&dat=19900608&printsec=frontpage&hl=en|url-status=live}}</ref>
==Military career==
He entered the [[Philippine Military Academy]] in [[1957]], although he applied and passed for the [[US Navy]]. He was the class goat of [[Philippine Military Academy|PMA Class]] [[1961]] yet this did not prevent him from achieving his goal.


As a soldier, he attained the following posts: [[Superintendent]] of [[Philippine Military Academy|PMA]] in [[1986]]-[[1987|87]], [[Commandant]] of the [[Philippine Marines]] in [[1987]]-[[1989|89]], [[Commanding General]] of the [[National Capital Region|NCR]] Defense Command in [[1988]]-[[1990|90]], [[Armed Forces of the Philippines]] (AFP) [[Vice Chief of Staff]] in [[1990]]-[[1991|91]] and [[Armed Forces of the Philippines]] [[Chief of Staff]] in [[1991]].
Gen. Biazon was chosen to be the third [[Armed Forces of the Philippines|Armed Forces]] [[List of AFP Chiefs of Staff|Chief of Staff]] of the 5th Republic, after [[Fidel V. Ramos]] and [[Renato de Villa]], and the first one to come from the ranks of the PMC in 1991. Prior to that, he served then also as the Vice Chief of Staff of the AFP under De Villa. He is the first and only AFP Chief of Staff from the [[Philippine Marine Corps]].


==Awards during his military service==
He was assigned in [[Davao]] in [[1983]]. It was the time when the trust and confidence of the civilians in the military were returned.
*[[File:Philippines Presidential Unit Citation.png|45px]] [[Philippine Republic Presidential Unit Citation]]
*[[File:PHL Martial Law Unit Citation.png|45px]] Martial Law Unit Citation
*[[File:PHL Distinguished Service Star BAR.svg|45px]] [[Distinguished Service Star]]
*[[File:PHL Gold Cross.png|45px]] [[Gold Cross (Philippines)|Gold Cross Medal]]
*[[File:PHL Outstanding Achievement Medal.PNG|45px]] [[Outstanding Achievement Medal]]
*[[File:PHL Bronze Cross.gif|45px]] [[Bronze Cross Medal]]
*[[File:PHL_Military_Merit_Medal.gif|45px]] [[Military Merit Medal (Philippines)|Military Merit Medals]] with one spearhead device and four bronze anahaws
*[[File:PHL Military Commendation.gif|45px]] [[Military Commendation Medal]]s
*[[File:AFP Long Service Medal.gif|45px]] Long Service Medal
*[[File:Anti-dissidence Campaign Medal.png|45px]] Anti-dissidence Campaign Medal
*[[File:Luzon Anti-dissidence Campaign Medal.png|45px]] Luzon Anti Dissidence Campaign Medal
*[[File:PHL Visayas Anti-Dissidence Campaign Medal ribbon.png|45px]] Visayas Anti-Dissidence Campaign Medal
*[[File:Mindanao Anti-dissidence Campaign Medal.png|45px]] Mindanao Anti-dissidence Campaign Medal
*[[File:Jolo Campaign Medal.png|45px]] Jolo and Sulu Campaign Medal
*[[File:Disaster Relief and Rehabilitation Operations Ribbon.gif|45px]] Disaster Relief & Rehabilitation Operation Ribbon
*[[File:Combat Commander's (Kagitingan) Badge.png|55px]] [[Combat Commander's Badge (Philippines)|Combat Commander's Badge]]
*[[File:AFP Parachutist Badge.png|45px]] AFP Parachutist Badge

==Congressional career==
===Senate===
Biazon was convinced by Paul Aquino, the brother of the late [[Philippine Senator|Senator]] [[Ninoy Aquino|Benigno Aquino Jr.]], to run for office. He ran for senator in [[1992 Philippine Senate election|1992]] under [[Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino]]. He was successful, placing 20th to become a senator in the [[9th Congress of the Philippines|9th Congress]] from 1992 to 1995. In 1993, he engaged in a series of dialogues with squatters in [[Pasay]] about their resettlement to the province of [[Cavite]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Acasio|first=Ey|title=Dialog with squatters|work=[[Manila Standard]]|publisher=Kamahalan Publishing Corp.|date=July 8, 1993|page=17|quote=Sen. Rodolfo Biazon meets with squatter residents at the Reclamation Area in Pasay City.}}</ref> He ran for re-election in [[1995 Philippine Senate election|1995]] under the [[Lakas–Laban Coalition]], but lost, placing 14th.

After the loss, he ran again for Senator in [[1998 Philippine Senate election|1998]] under [[Laban ng Makabayang Masang Pilipino]] and won, resulting to a six-year term. He was the Chairman of the Senate Committee on [[National security|National Defense]] and [[Security]] and Committee on [[Urban Planning]], [[Housing]] and Resettlement. Aside from this, he held the following positions in the Senate: Vice-Chair of the Committees on [[Agriculture]] and [[Food]] and [[Foreign Relations]], and a Member of 15 other Senate Committees. He was also the President of the Asian Regional Council Global Parliamentarians on Habitat, the Vice-President for Asia Global Parliamentarians on Habitat, the Co-chairperson of the Philippine Legislators' Committee on Population and Development Foundation, Inc. (PLCPD) and a member of the [[Commission on Appointments]].

Biazon ran for re-election under the [[Koalisyon ng Katapatan at Karanasan sa Kinabukasan|K4]] administration coalition in [[2004 Philippine Senate election|2004]] and won, narrowly beating incumbent Senator [[Robert Barbers]] by a margin of 10,685 votes for the 12th place. Barbers filed an electoral protest but died within the year. Biazon continued filing numerous bills and resolution, many of them were passed into law, some of them including:

*Republic Act No. 9208, Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act,
*Republic Act No. 9161, reforming the renting industry
*Republic Act No. 7835, Comprehensive and Integrated Shelter Finance Act,
*Republic Act No. 7898, An Act providing for the Modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines,
*Republic Act No. 7742, changing the mandatory membership to the Pag-Ibig Fund
*Republic Act No. 7901, creation of the region of [[Caraga]] (Region XIII)
*Republic Act No. 7889, establishing the [[University of the Philippines Mindanao]]
*Republic Act No. 7863, the Home Guaranty Corporation Law
*Republic Act No. 7691, Expanding the Jurisdiction of MTC's, MCTC and METC,
*Joint Resolution No. 7, increasing the subsistence allowance of soldiers and policemen,
*Republic Act No. 8763, amending the Home Guarantee Corporation Act
*Republic Act No. 9040, tax exemption of allowances and benefits for members of the [[Armed Forces of the Philippines]]
*Republic Act No. 9049, granting monthly gratuity and privileges to awarding of the [[Armed Forces of the Philippines Medal of Valor|Medal of Valor]]

Biazon was also one of the main proponents of the [[Reproductive Health Bill (Philippines)|Reproductive Health Bill]].

===House of Representatives===
Biazon [[Philippine House of Representatives elections in Metro Manila, 2010#Muntinlupa|ran for the open seat]] of his son, [[Ruffy Biazon|Ruffy]] in the lone district in 2010 as he was term-limited. Ruffy, also term-limited, ran instead for the [[Senate of the Philippines|Senate]] but was unsuccessful. He faced former broadcaster [[Dong Puno]]. He was elected with 46% of the vote. His term started on June 30, 2010. He was then reelected in [[Philippine House of Representatives elections in Metro Manila, 2013|2013]], defeating four opponents. He decided not to seek reelection in [[Philippine House of Representatives elections in Metro Manila, 2016|2016]].


==Personal life==
==Personal life==
[[File:Philippine_Book_Festival_Pasay_City_13.jpg|thumb|right| [[Book signing|Book launching]] of ''Rodolfo Biazon: Soldier, Solon, Statesman'' by Eric Ramos during the 2023 Philippine Book Festival held at [[World Trade Center Manila]], [[Pasay]]. At the left is Biazon's son [[Ruffy Biazon|Ruffy]].]]
He met Ms. Monserrat Narag Bunoan as a classmate in the [[Philippine Military Academy]]. Eight months after his graduation in the [[Philippine Military Academy]], he eventually married Monserrat or "Monchie" as she is called.
Biazon met Monserrat Narag Bunoan as a classmate in the [[Philippine Military Academy]].{{dubious|date=March 2021}} Eight months after his graduation in the [[Philippine Military Academy]], he eventually married Monserrat or "Monchie" as she is called on December 3, 1961.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.pressreader.com/philippines/the-philippine-star/20120603/283334699344074|title=A Ceremony that cost only P4 yield 50 years of marriage|first=Monserrat|last=Biazon|date=June 3, 2012|publisher=The Philippine Star|access-date=March 27, 2021|archive-date=April 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230425030425/https://www.pressreader.com/philippines/the-philippine-star/20120603/283334699344074|url-status=live}}</ref>

They had three children, Rita Rosanna (first runner-up at [[Binibining Pilipinas]] 1985), Rino Rudiyardo and [[Ruffy Biazon|Rozzano "Ruffy" Rufino]] (incumbent Muntinlupa mayor).<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.i-site.ph/Databases/Congress/12thSenate/personal/biazon-personal.html |title=Biazon, Rodolfo {{!}} Personal Information<!-- Bot generated title --> |access-date=November 10, 2006 |archive-date=September 5, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060905210226/http://i-site.ph/Databases/Congress/12thSenate/personal/biazon-personal.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[ File:Fort_Bonifacio_Global_City_(Taguig_Metro_Manila)_43.jpg|thumb|right|175px|Funeral and wake at The Chapel of the Holy Child ]]

==Illness and death==
Biazon was diagnosed with lung cancer in July 2022. He later caught pneumonia twice in 2023, with the second being more severe. On May 21, 2023, he was hospitalised for pneumonia and was intubated the next day until June 3.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/871009/pong-biazon-in-icu-due-to-bad-case-of-pneumonia-says-zubiri/story/|title=Pong Biazon in ICU due to 'bad case of pneumonia,' says Zubiri|work=GMA Integrated News|first=Hana|last=Bordey|date=May 24, 2023|accessdate=June 12, 2023|archive-date=May 30, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230530030253/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/871009/pong-biazon-in-icu-due-to-bad-case-of-pneumonia-says-zubiri/story/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://mb.com.ph/2023/6/11/mayor-biazon-refutes-online-post-claiming-dad-passed-away|title=Mayor Biazon refutes online post claiming dad passed away |first=Jonathan|last=Hicap|date=June 11, 2023|accessdate=June 12, 2023|work=Rappler}}</ref>

Biazon died on June 12, 2023, during the 125th [[Independence Day (Philippines)|Independence Day]], at [[Asian Hospital and Medical Center]] in [[Alabang]], [[Muntinlupa]]. He was 88.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.rappler.com/nation/rodolfo-biazon-dies-june-12-2023/|title=Ex-senator Rodolfo Biazon dies at 88|first=Bonz|last=Magsambol|date=June 12, 2023|work=Rappler|accessdate=June 12, 2023|archive-date=June 12, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230612023728/https://www.rappler.com/nation/rodolfo-biazon-dies-june-12-2023/|url-status=live}}</ref> His wake was held on June 13–16 at Heritage Park in Taguig. Necrological services for him were later held at the Muntinlupa City Hall on June 18 and at the Senate on June 19.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://mb.com.ph/2023/6/16/ex-senator-biazon-s-remains-to-be-transferred-to-muntinlupa-city-hall|title=Ex-senator Biazon's remains to be transferred to Muntinlupa City hall |first=Jonathan|last=Hicap|work=Manila Bulletin|date=June 16, 2023|accessdate=June 20, 2023}}</ref> His remains were then transferred to the [[Philippine Marine Corps]] headquarters in Taguig on June 19–20,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1790415/senators-marines-pay-last-respects-to-biazon|title=Senators, Marines pay last respects to Biazon |first1=Frances |last1=Mangosing |first2=Marlon |last2=Ramos|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=June 20, 2023|accessdate=June 20, 2023}}</ref> before being finally interred at the [[Libingan ng mga Bayani]] on June 20.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/873447/ex-senator-pong-biazon-laid-to-rest-at-libingan-ng-mga-bayani/story/|title=Ex-Senator Pong Biazon laid to rest at Libingan ng mga Bayani|first=Hana|last=Bordey|work=GMA Integrated News |date=June 20, 2023|accessdate=June 20, 2023}}</ref>


He had three children, Rita Rosanna, Rino Rudiyardo and Rozzano Rufino, who were all successful in their own fields.<ref>http://www.i-site.ph/Databases/Congress/12thSenate/personal/biazon-personal.html</ref>
==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
<div class="references-small">
<references/>
</div>


==External links==
==External links==
*http://www.senate.gov.ph/senators/sen_bio/biazon_bio.htm
*[http://www.senate.gov.ph/senators/sen_bio/biazon_bio.asp Philippine Senators' Biography - Senator Rodolfo Biazon]
*[http://www.i-site.ph/Databases/Congress/12thSenate/personal/biazon-personal.html 12th Congress of the Philippines]
*http://www.biazon.net.ph/profile.html
{{Commons category}}
*http://www.i-site.ph/Databases/Congress/12thSenate/personal/biazon-personal.html

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{{s-mil}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Renato de Villa]]}}
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{{s-aft|after=Lisandro Abadia}}
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{{s-par|ph-lwr}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Ruffy Biazon]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=Member of the [[House of Representatives of the Philippines|House of Representatives]] from [[Muntinlupa's at-large congressional district|Muntinlupa]]|years=2010–2016}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Ruffy Biazon]]}}
{{s-end}}

{{navboxes
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Biazon, Rodolfo}}
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{{Current Philippine senators}}
[[Category:1935 births]]
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[[Category:Senators of the 11th Congress of the Philippines]]
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[[Category:Superintendent of the Philippine Military Academy|Biazon, Rodolfo]]
[[Category:21st-century Filipino engineers]]

Latest revision as of 02:45, 3 January 2025

In this Philippine name, the middle name or maternal family name is Gaspar and the surname or paternal family name is Biazon.
Rodolfo Biazon
Biazon in 2019
Senator of the Philippines
In office
June 30, 1998 – June 30, 2010
In office
June 30, 1992 – June 30, 1995
Member of the House of Representatives from Muntinlupa
In office
June 30, 2010 – June 30, 2016
Preceded byRuffy Biazon
Succeeded byRuffy Biazon
21st Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines
In office
January 24, 1991 – April 12, 1991
PresidentCorazon Aquino
Preceded byRenato de Villa
Succeeded byLisandro Abadia
Vice Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines
In office
Jan. 11, 1990 – May 4, 1991
Preceded byMGen. Eduardo Ermita
Succeeded byMGen. Guillermo Flores
Commandant of the Philippine Marine Corps
In office
July 23, 1987 – August 7, 1989
Preceded byBGen. Brigido Paredes
Succeeded byBGen. Eduardo Cabanlig
Superintendent of the Philippine Military Academy
In office
March 1, 1986 – July 22, 1987
Preceded byCol. Maximino M. Bejar
Succeeded byCmdre. Rogelio A. Dayan
Personal details
Born(1935-04-14)April 14, 1935
Batac, Ilocos Norte, Commonwealth of the Philippines
DiedOctober 15, 2023(2023-10-15) (aged 88)
Muntinlupa, Philippines
Resting placeLibingan ng mga Bayani
Taguig, Philippines
Political partyLiberal (2004–2023)
Other political
affiliations		Aksyon (2004)
LDP (1992–2004)
Spouse
Monserrat Bunoan
​
(m. 1961)​
Children3, including Ruffy
Alma materFEATI University
Philippine Military Academy (BS)
OccupationSoldier & politician
ProfessionMechanical engineer
Military service
Allegiance Philippines
Branch/service Philippine Marine Corps
Years of service1961–1991
RankGeneral General
Battles/wars

Rodolfo "Pong" Gaspar Biazon (Tagalog pronunciation: [ˈbjason], April 14, 1935 – October 15, 2023) was a Filipino politician and Philippine Marine Corps general. He was the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in early 1991 and then served as a Senator from 1992 to 1995 and from 1998 to 2010.

During his time in the military, he served as superintendent of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), commandant of the Philippine Marine Corps, Vice Chief of Staff, and finally Chief of Staff of the AFP. After his stints in the senate, he served as the Representative of Muntinlupa from 2010 to 2016.

Early life and career

[edit]

Biazon was born on April 14, 1935, in Batac, Ilocos Norte. His father Rufino Biazon, was a doughmaker then, while his mother Juliana Gaspar, was a clotheswasher. His father died and left him along with his mother and three younger sisters when he was seven years old. At a young age of eight, he and his sisters had already experienced hardship, especially during the Japanese regime. Living in a makeshift shanty in Cavite, they had to peddle food, collected bottles and newspapers, which were later sold in order to earn a living for the family. In spite of their condition, it did not stop him from obtaining his education.

Biazon enrolled as a Grade One student at the age of eleven in 1946. In order to support his education, and at the same time look for ways to earn money, so he went to school in the morning and worked in the afternoon. He would collect seashells in Manila Bay which were in turn sold at the market. He studied at Jose Rizal Elementary School in Pasay (then in Rizal) for his primary education where he graduated salutatorian. He continued working, washing clothes for other people in order to sustain his high school education at the Arellano University – Jose Abad Santos High School, also in Pasay, in 1955. He also graduated from this school with honors. He stopped doing laundry and instead worked as a laborer in the then Highway 54 (now EDSA), this time to sustain his college education in FEATI where he took mechanical engineering.

Biazon also attended other trainings or schooling which include the TOP Management Program at the Asian Institute of Management; Command and General Staff Course in Quantico, Virginia, United States; Crisis Program in California, United States; Allied Combat Intelligence Course in Okinawa, Japan; Senior Officer Maintenance Course in Kentucky, United States; Amphibious Warfare Course in Quantico, Virginia, United States and, Military Instructors in Norfolk, Virginia, United States.[1]

Military career

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Biazon entered the Philippine Military Academy in 1957, although he applied and passed for the US Navy. He was the class goat of PMA Class 1961 yet this did not prevent him from achieving his goal.

As a Philippine Marine, he attained the following posts: Superintendent of PMA in 1986–87, Commandant of the Philippine Marines (PMC) in 1987–1989, Commanding General of the NCR Defense Command in 1988–1990, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Vice Chief of Staff in 1990-91 and Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff in 1991.

Biazon was assigned in Davao in 1983 during the Marcos administration. It was the time when the trust and confidence of the civilians in the military were returned as he took the initiative to do so.

During his tenure both as the Commanding General of the AFP NCR Defense Command and Commandant of the Philippine Marine Corps, he quelled an attempted coup by the Reform the Armed Forces Movement (RAM), led by Col. Gringo Honasan. He led the Marines and the officers and men of the AFP NCR Defense Command in foiling the coup attempt.

In early 1990, Viva Films began to plan a film based on Gen. Biazon's life, with Eddie Garcia cast as Biazon and Manuel "Fyke" Cinco to direct, though it did not come to fruition.[2][3]

Gen. Biazon was chosen to be the third Armed Forces Chief of Staff of the 5th Republic, after Fidel V. Ramos and Renato de Villa, and the first one to come from the ranks of the PMC in 1991. Prior to that, he served then also as the Vice Chief of Staff of the AFP under De Villa. He is the first and only AFP Chief of Staff from the Philippine Marine Corps.

Awards during his military service

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Congressional career

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Senate

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Biazon was convinced by Paul Aquino, the brother of the late Senator Benigno Aquino Jr., to run for office. He ran for senator in 1992 under Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino. He was successful, placing 20th to become a senator in the 9th Congress from 1992 to 1995. In 1993, he engaged in a series of dialogues with squatters in Pasay about their resettlement to the province of Cavite.[4] He ran for re-election in 1995 under the Lakas–Laban Coalition, but lost, placing 14th.

After the loss, he ran again for Senator in 1998 under Laban ng Makabayang Masang Pilipino and won, resulting to a six-year term. He was the Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Defense and Security and Committee on Urban Planning, Housing and Resettlement. Aside from this, he held the following positions in the Senate: Vice-Chair of the Committees on Agriculture and Food and Foreign Relations, and a Member of 15 other Senate Committees. He was also the President of the Asian Regional Council Global Parliamentarians on Habitat, the Vice-President for Asia Global Parliamentarians on Habitat, the Co-chairperson of the Philippine Legislators' Committee on Population and Development Foundation, Inc. (PLCPD) and a member of the Commission on Appointments.

Biazon ran for re-election under the K4 administration coalition in 2004 and won, narrowly beating incumbent Senator Robert Barbers by a margin of 10,685 votes for the 12th place. Barbers filed an electoral protest but died within the year. Biazon continued filing numerous bills and resolution, many of them were passed into law, some of them including:

  • Republic Act No. 9208, Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act,
  • Republic Act No. 9161, reforming the renting industry
  • Republic Act No. 7835, Comprehensive and Integrated Shelter Finance Act,
  • Republic Act No. 7898, An Act providing for the Modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines,
  • Republic Act No. 7742, changing the mandatory membership to the Pag-Ibig Fund
  • Republic Act No. 7901, creation of the region of Caraga (Region XIII)
  • Republic Act No. 7889, establishing the University of the Philippines Mindanao
  • Republic Act No. 7863, the Home Guaranty Corporation Law
  • Republic Act No. 7691, Expanding the Jurisdiction of MTC's, MCTC and METC,
  • Joint Resolution No. 7, increasing the subsistence allowance of soldiers and policemen,
  • Republic Act No. 8763, amending the Home Guarantee Corporation Act
  • Republic Act No. 9040, tax exemption of allowances and benefits for members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines
  • Republic Act No. 9049, granting monthly gratuity and privileges to awarding of the Medal of Valor

Biazon was also one of the main proponents of the Reproductive Health Bill.

House of Representatives

[edit]

Biazon ran for the open seat of his son, Ruffy in the lone district in 2010 as he was term-limited. Ruffy, also term-limited, ran instead for the Senate but was unsuccessful. He faced former broadcaster Dong Puno. He was elected with 46% of the vote. His term started on June 30, 2010. He was then reelected in 2013, defeating four opponents. He decided not to seek reelection in 2016.

Personal life

[edit]
Book launching of Rodolfo Biazon: Soldier, Solon, Statesman by Eric Ramos during the 2023 Philippine Book Festival held at World Trade Center Manila, Pasay. At the left is Biazon's son Ruffy.

Biazon met Monserrat Narag Bunoan as a classmate in the Philippine Military Academy.[dubious – discuss] Eight months after his graduation in the Philippine Military Academy, he eventually married Monserrat or "Monchie" as she is called on December 3, 1961.[5]

They had three children, Rita Rosanna (first runner-up at Binibining Pilipinas 1985), Rino Rudiyardo and Rozzano "Ruffy" Rufino (incumbent Muntinlupa mayor).[6]

Funeral and wake at The Chapel of the Holy Child

Illness and death

[edit]

Biazon was diagnosed with lung cancer in July 2022. He later caught pneumonia twice in 2023, with the second being more severe. On May 21, 2023, he was hospitalised for pneumonia and was intubated the next day until June 3.[7][8]

Biazon died on June 12, 2023, during the 125th Independence Day, at Asian Hospital and Medical Center in Alabang, Muntinlupa. He was 88.[9] His wake was held on June 13–16 at Heritage Park in Taguig. Necrological services for him were later held at the Muntinlupa City Hall on June 18 and at the Senate on June 19.[10] His remains were then transferred to the Philippine Marine Corps headquarters in Taguig on June 19–20,[11] before being finally interred at the Libingan ng mga Bayani on June 20.[12]

References

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  1. ^ "Senate of the Philippines". www.senate.gov.ph. Archived from the original on July 2, 2002.
  2. ^ Libo-on, Eddie (February 5, 1990). "Robbie bats for Gretchen". Manila Standard. Kagitingan Publications, Inc. p. 18. Archived from the original on June 5, 2021. Retrieved June 4, 2021.
  3. ^ Libo-on, Eddie (June 8, 1990). "Phillip's pride". Manila Standard. Kagitingan Publications, Inc. p. 17. Archived from the original on June 27, 2021. Retrieved June 28, 2021.
  4. ^ Acasio, Ey (July 8, 1993). "Dialog with squatters". Manila Standard. Kamahalan Publishing Corp. p. 17. Sen. Rodolfo Biazon meets with squatter residents at the Reclamation Area in Pasay City.
  5. ^ Biazon, Monserrat (June 3, 2012). "A Ceremony that cost only P4 yield 50 years of marriage". The Philippine Star. Archived from the original on April 25, 2023. Retrieved March 27, 2021.
  6. ^ "Biazon, Rodolfo | Personal Information". Archived from the original on September 5, 2006. Retrieved November 10, 2006.
  7. ^ Bordey, Hana (May 24, 2023). "Pong Biazon in ICU due to 'bad case of pneumonia,' says Zubiri". GMA Integrated News. Archived from the original on May 30, 2023. Retrieved June 12, 2023.
  8. ^ Hicap, Jonathan (June 11, 2023). "Mayor Biazon refutes online post claiming dad passed away". Rappler. Retrieved June 12, 2023.
  9. ^ Magsambol, Bonz (June 12, 2023). "Ex-senator Rodolfo Biazon dies at 88". Rappler. Archived from the original on June 12, 2023. Retrieved June 12, 2023.
  10. ^ Hicap, Jonathan (June 16, 2023). "Ex-senator Biazon's remains to be transferred to Muntinlupa City hall". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved June 20, 2023.
  11. ^ Mangosing, Frances; Ramos, Marlon (June 20, 2023). "Senators, Marines pay last respects to Biazon". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved June 20, 2023.
  12. ^ Bordey, Hana (June 20, 2023). "Ex-Senator Pong Biazon laid to rest at Libingan ng mga Bayani". GMA Integrated News. Retrieved June 20, 2023.
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Rodolfo Biazon.
Military offices
Preceded by Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines
1991 		Succeeded by
Lisandro Abadia
House of Representatives of the Philippines
Preceded by Member of the House of Representatives from Muntinlupa
2010–2016 		Succeeded by
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