Calixto Cataquiz
Calixto R. Cataquiz | |
|---|---|
| Born | December 29, 1948 Manila, Philippines |
| Died | November 30, 2022 (aged 73) |
| Occupation(s) | Public official, businessman, banker |
| Known for | Mayor of San Pedro, Laguna; General Manager of Laguna Lake Development Authority |
Calixto R. Cataquiz (December 29, 1948 – November 30, 2022) was a Filipino public official who held the position of mayor in San Pedro, Laguna, Philippines. In addition to his political career, he was engaged in business and banking, overseeing the Laguna Lake Development Authority between 2001 and 2003.
Early life and education
Cataquiz was born in Manila to Rodolfo C. Catáquiz from Unisan, Quezon and Rosa T. Ramírez from San Pedro, Laguna. His family played a foundational role in establishing the balút trade in San Pedro. Growing up as an only child in his mother's hometown, he belonged to a well-to-do family. His early education took place at San Pedro Central Elementary School (1959–1961), followed by studies at Canossa School in Santa Rosa, Laguna (1961–1965). He completed his secondary education and obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in commerce with a focus on management from San Beda College, Manila.
After graduation
Following his studies, Cataquiz contributed to his parents' enterprises before assuming the role of bank manager at Entrepreneur Bank (Rural Bank of Unisan), which his father had established in Unisan, Quezon. At 30 years old, he launched Sampaguita Savings Bank located in San Pedro; this institution was eventually sold to a family based in Muntinlupa.
Political career
Initially reluctant to enter politics, Cataquiz was persuaded by residents of San Pedro and former Mayor José L. Amante to contest against incumbent Mayor Felicísimo Vierneza during the 1980 Philippine Elections; however, he was not successful.
Amid the 1986 People Power Revolution, he led San Pedro’s Justice for Aquino, Justice for All (JAJA) group and personally financed participants in the protests. His stance against the Marcos regime created friction with his parents, who were closely allied with former President Ferdinand E. Marcos.
After EDSA I, President Corazón C. Aquino appointed him as officer-in-charge (OIC) of San Pedro, replacing Vierneza despite facing opposition and conflict. He held the OIC position from 1986 until 1988 and subsequently won the mayoral election that year, serving through 1998.
Cataquiz also took part in the Second People Power Revolution in 2001 and was appointed by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo as general manager of the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA). During his tenure at LLDA, he achieved Laguna de Bay's inclusion in the Living Lakes of the World network.
He resumed his role as mayor of San Pedro in 2007 and secured re-election in 2010. Nevertheless, his candidacy was disqualified by the Commission on Elections during the 2013 elections following a prior Supreme Court decision linked to an administrative complaint filed by Concerned Employees of the LLDA regarding his eligibility for re-employment in public service.