Benjamin Agarao Jr.

Filipino polititcian (born 1957)

The Honorable Benjamin Agarao Jr.
Agarao Jr. official portrait during the 18th Congress

Member of the Philippine House of Representatives from Laguna's 4th District
In office June 30, 2013 – June 30, 2022
Preceded by	Edgar San Luis
Succeeded by	Jam Agarao
In office June 30, 2004 – June 30, 2007
Preceded by	Rodolfo San Luis
Succeeded by	Edgar San Luis
Member of the Laguna Provincial Board from the 4th District
In office June 30, 2001 – June 30, 2004
In office June 30, 1992 – June 30, 1995

Personal details
Born	(1957-10-01) October 1, 1957 (age 66) Santa Cruz, Laguna, Philippines^[1]
Political party	PFP^[2] (2023–present)
Other political affiliations	PDP–Laban (2018–2023) Liberal (2010–2018) NPC (2007–2010) LDP (2004–2007)
Spouse	Estelita Agarao (m. 1981) ^[1]
Children	4 (including Benjo and Jam)
Parents	Benjamin Agarao Sr.^[1] (father) Nydia Cueto^[1] (mother)
Relatives	Ma. Meg Agarao–Espiritu (sister)
Occupation	Politician, businessman

Benjamin Cueto "Benjie" Agarao Jr. (born October 1, 1957) is a Filipino politician and businessman who served as Member of the Philippine House of Representatives from Laguna's 4th District from 2004 until 2007, and from 2013 until 2022.^[3]^[4] He also served a board member of Laguna from the same district from 1992 to 1995 and from 2001 to 2004.

Political career

Agarao served as the board member of Laguna on the 4th district from 1992 to 1995 and 2001 to 2004. He served as the congressman Laguna's 4th congressional district for 5 terms, from 2004 to 2007, and from 2013 to 2022, under the parties Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino (LDP), the Liberal Party of the Philippines (LP), and PDP-Laban.^[3]^[4]

He ran for mayor of Santa Rosa, Laguna, with PDP-Laban, losing to the incumbent Egay San Luis.^[5]

Agarao transferred from the party PDP-Laban to the party Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP).^[6]

Controversies

In May 2014, Agarao was involved in a controversy regarding a multi-billion-peso scam regarding the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF), however, Agarao denied the alleged "accusation".^[4]^[7]

In an election campaign for the 2016 elections, the Liberal Party of the Philippines held a rally, also celebrating the birthday of Agarao. The senator Francis Tolentino invited the dance group Play Girls to entertain the guests, the invitation caused a controversy about the Play Girls.^[7]

Personal life

Agarao was born on October 1, 1957 in Santa Cruz, Laguna,^[5]^[1] he is married to Estelita Agarao, having 4 children with her. Including Benjo Agarao and Jam Agarao, Jam is the current congresswoman for Laguna's 4th congressional district.^[8]

References

^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e "Ang Kwento ng Batang Santa Cruz". Facebook. Zab Agarao. May 6, 2022. Retrieved June 15, 2024.
^ "Abalos, Gomez, 30 others move to Marcos' Partido Federal party". ABS-CBN News. November 11, 2023. Retrieved November 14, 2023.
^ ^a ^b "House of Representatives House Members: Hon. Agarao, Benjamin C. Jr". House of Representatives. Retrieved September 17, 2022.
^ ^a ^b ^c "Laguna congressman in LP twerk scandal was linked to PDAF scam". Rappler. October 2, 2015. Retrieved September 17, 2022.
^ ^a ^b "https://ph.rappler.com/elections/2022/laguna/santa-cruz". PHVOTE. Retrieved June 11, 2024. {{cite web}}: External link in |title= (help)
^ Inquirer, Philippine Daily (November 12, 2023). "5 from PDP-Laban among 32 turncoats to Marcos party". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved June 11, 2024.
^ ^a ^b Lando, Roy (November 18, 2019). "Benjamin Agarao Jr. Biography - PeoPlaid Profile, Congressman". PeoPlaid. Retrieved June 11, 2024.
^ Lando, Roy (March 25, 2023). "Maria Jamina Agarao Biography - PeoPlaid Profile". PeoPlaid. Retrieved June 11, 2024.