Jorge Abad

This article is about the Filipino politician. For the airport in Batanes, see Jorge Abad Airport.

In this Filipino name, the middle name or maternal family name is Abela and the surname or paternal family name is Abad.

Jorge Abad
Abad in the 3rd Congress
Secretary of Public Works, Transportation and Communications
In office 1964–1965
Appointed by	Diosdado Macapagal
Preceded by	Brigido Valencia
Succeeded by	Antonio Raquiza
Member of the Philippine House of Representatives for Batanes's at-large district
In office April 17, 1970 – September 23, 1972
Preceded by	Rufino Antonio Jr.
Succeeded by	District abolished (seat next held by Fernando Faberes in 1984)
In office December 30, 1961 – June 22, 1964
Preceded by	Manuel Agudo
Succeeded by	Aurora Abad
In office December 30, 1949 – December 30, 1957
Preceded by	Anastacio Agan
Succeeded by	Manuel Agudo
Personal details
Born	Jorge Abela Abad (1912-02-10)February 10, 1912 Basco, Batanes, Philippine Islands
Died	October 19, 1978(1978-10-19) (aged 66)
Party	Liberal (1949–1979)
Other political affiliations	Independent (until 1949)
Spouse	Aurora Abad ​ ​ (m. 1937; died 1991)​
Children	13, including Florencio and Pacita

Jorge Abela Abad (February 10, 1912 – October 19, 1978) was a Filipino civil engineer and politician who served as a member of the Philippine House of Representatives for Batanes's at-large congressional district from 1949 to 1957, 1961 to 1964, and 1970 to 1972. A member of the Liberal Party, he served as secretary of public works, transportation and communications from 1964 to 1965.

Early life and education

Abad was born on February 10, 1912, in Basco, Batanes, to Juan Abad and Martina Abela. He earned a bachelor's degree in civil engineering and later passed the board examination with a perfect score in mathematics.

Career

Abad worked as a civil engineer in the Bureau of Public Works and later resigned his post as district engineer to run in the 1949 elections for the seat representing Batanes's at-large district in the House of Representatives as an independent. He won, later joined the Liberal Party, and was reelected in 1953. He lost in the 1957 election to Nacionalista candidate Manuel Agudo, but successfully regained the seat in 1961.

Abad was appointed secretary of public works, transportation and communications by President Diosdado Macapagal in June 1964 and resigned his congressional seat. He was succeeded by his wife Aurora after she was elected in 1965. He sought another term as representative in 1969 but lost to independent candidate Rufino Antonio Jr. Antonio's election was later annulled by the Supreme Court in April 1970, after an electoral protest known as Antonio v. COMELEC led to Abad's proclamation as the winning candidate. His term was cut short by the imposition of martial law in 1972.

Personal life

He married Aurora Abad on June 1, 1937, with whom he had 13 children, including Florencio Abad, who later served as budget and management secretary in the administration of Benigno Aquino III, and international painter and first woman TOYM awardee, Pacita Abad.

Abad died on October 19, 1978.

Legacy

The Jorge Abad Airport, formerly known as the Itbayat Airport, was renamed in his honor in 2017.

Electoral history

Electoral history of Jorge Abad

Year	Office	Party		Votes received				Result
				Total	%	P.	Swing
1949	Representative (Batanes)		Independent	—N/a	—N/a	1st	—N/a	Won
1953			Liberal	—N/a	—N/a	1st	—N/a	Won
1957				975	27.79%	2nd	—N/a	Lost
1961				1,216	31.97%	1st	+4.18	Won
1969				709	26.76%	2nd	−5.21	Won