ABAYA CLAN ( CAVITE )

A Research Paper
To be submitted to
Prof. Allan F. Mesina

Department of Social Science
College of Arts and Sciences
University of the Philippines Manila

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for
Development Studies 126: Politico-Administrative Institution & Behavior
Second Semester, School Year 2010 – 2011

by

Cruz, Leo
Flores, Paula Franchesca
Gawaran, Chrysmas
Javier, Janine Anne
Panganiban, Tomas
Roa, Camilo

March 21, 2011

Family History in Politics

The Abayas are one of the lesser-known political families in the country. While the Abayas trace their roots to Ilocos, they have made a name for themselves in Cavite politics. Their base is in the 1st District of Cavite (which comprises Rosario, Noveleta, Kawit and Cavite City) and they have been active in politics since the 1990’s.

Its patriarch is former Representative Plaridel “Del” Madarang Abaya, who served the 1st District of Cavite from the 10th to the 12th Congress of the Philippines (1995-2004). In the May 2010 elections, he lost the congressional race to actress Lani Mercado Revilla in the lone district of Bacoor, Cavite.[i] He started his military career as a cadet at the Philippine Military Academy in 1959 and served as an officer in the Philippine Army and Philippine Constabulary for 28 years. He completed his military career in 1987 as a full colonel.[ii]

He is married to Consuelo Bautista Aguinaldo, one of the grandchildren of President Emilio Aguinaldo. This connection between the Abayas and first President has served the Abayas well, as it extends their political clout to Aguinaldo supporters. Also, it adds political weight to their name because they are associated with Aguinaldo’s heritage.

The union of Del Abaya and Consuelo Aguinaldo produced two sons: Peter Anthony and Joseph Emilio. Both of them are