Mel Mathay

Preceded byBrigido R. Simon Jr.Succeeded byFeliciano Belmonte, Jr.Chairman of the Metropolitan Manila AuthorityIn office
June 30, 1992 – June 30, 1994PresidentFidel V. RamosPreceded byIgnacio BunyeSucceeded byProspero OretaMember of the Philippine House of Representatives from Quezon City's 4th congressional districtIn office
June 30, 1987 – June 30, 1992Preceded byPosition createdSucceeded byFeliciano Belmonte, Jr.Mambabatas Pambansa (Assemblyman)
from Quezon CityIn office
June 30, 1984 – March 25, 1986Vice Governor of the Metro Manila CommissionIn office
1979–1986GovernorImelda MarcosVice Mayor of Quezon CityIn office
January 1, 1968 – December 30, 1971MayorNorberto S. AmorantoPreceded byMariano Sta. RomanaSucceeded byCarlos Albert Personal detailsBorn
(1932-06-26)June 26, 1932
Manila, Philippine IslandsDiedDecember 25, 2013(2013-12-25) (aged 81)
Pasig, PhilippinesPolitical partyIndependent (1992–2004, 2005–13)Other political
affiliationsKBL (1984-92)
Koalisyon ng Nagkakaisang PilipinoSpousesChildren4ResidenceQuezon CityAlma materUniversity of the Philippines Diliman (BS)
San Beda College (LL.B)OccupationPoliticianProfessionLawyer

Ismael Austria Mathay Jr. (June 26, 1932 – December 25, 2013),^[1] also known as Mel Mathay, was a Filipino politician and lawyer who last served as the Mayor of Quezon City from 1992 to 2001. Previously, he had also served as vice mayor of Quezon City from 1968 to 1971, secretary to the commissioner of the General Authority Office from 1972 to 1981, vice governor of the Metro Manila Commission from 1979 to 1986, an assemblyman representing Quezon City in the Regular Batasang Pambansa from 1984 to 1986, representative for the city's 4th district from 1987 to 1992, director of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System from 1979 to 1987, and chairman of the Metro Manila Authority (now Metropolitan Manila Development Authority) from 1993 to 1994.

Early life and education

Ismael Austria Mathay, Jr. was born in Manila on June 26, 1932 to Ismael Mathay Sr., who would later serve as a Cabinet member under President Sergio Osmeña,^[2] and Josefina Mathay.^[3][4]

Mathay graduated in 1953 with bachelor's degree in Business Administration Major in Economics in the University of the Philippines, where he joined the prestigious Upsilon Sigma Phi. Soon after graduation, he enrolled at the College of Law in San Beda College and successfully passed the bar examination in 1957.

Political career

Mathay was elected Vice Mayor of Quezon City in 1967, serving from 1968 to 1971. In 1972, he was appointed secretary to the commissioner of the watchdog General Authority Office, a genuine recognition for his talent and integrity. Mathay had completed tenure of 9 years.

Prior to his becoming city mayor, he served as the vice-governor of the Metro Manila Commission from 1979 to 1986, an assemblyman representing Quezon City in the Regular Batasang Pambansa from 1984 to 1986, and congressman representing Quezon City's 4th district from 1987 to 1992.^[5][6] He was director of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System from 1979 to 1987, and chairman of the Metro Manila Authority from 1993 to 1994. He tried to reclaim the mayoral position in 2004 and 2010 but lost to Feliciano Belmonte Jr. and Herbert Bautista, respectively.

Personal life

Mathay married his long-time partner Vilma Valera early in 2013, one year after the death of his first wife Sonya Gandionco.

Death

Mathay died of a heart attack at the age of 81 on December 25, 2013, at The Medical City Ortigas, Pasig.^[7][8][9]

In popular culture

He was portrayed by Marlon Mance and Billy Jake Cortez as the young Mel Mathay in the 2023 film Martyr or Murderer.

References

House of Representatives of the Philippines
New district	Representative, 4th District of Quezon City 1987 – 1992	Succeeded by Feliciano Belmonte Jr.
Political offices
Preceded by Mariano Sta. Romana	Vice Mayor of Quezon City 1968 – 1971	Succeeded by Carlos Albert
Preceded by Brigido Simon Jr.	Mayor of Quezon City 1992 – 2001	Succeeded by Feliciano Belmonte Jr.
Preceded by Ignacio Bunye	Chairperson of the Metropolitan Manila Authority 1992 – 1994	Succeeded by Prospero Oreta as Chairperson of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority