Ernie Abella, 72, is a businessman, writer, and pastor who is a long-time supporter of President Rodrigo Duterte. He also briefly served as the president’s spokesperson.
He is running as an independent candidate, seeking to promote the participation of ordinary citizens and small entrepreneurs in governance, better access to food and healthcare services to children and senior citizens.
The candidate's top priorities if elected to office, tracked against previous promises and accomplishments, if any
Participation by ordinary or private citizens and small entrepreneurs in government, including establishment of a “listening” government
Provide children and senior citizens better access to food and healthcare services
The candidate's top five accomplishments and contributions for the last 15 years or so
Abella is a long-time friend and supporter of Duterte who negotiated his release from kidnappers in 1996 when he was Davao City mayor. After winning the presidency, Duterte appointed Abella as his spokesperson but replaced him after a year when he allegedly grew dissatisfied with his handling of issues faced by the administration.
Abella remained vocal in his support of the Duterte administration following his appointment in the Department of Foreign Affairs as an undersecretary.
Presidential spokesperson, June 2016 to Oct. 2017
Undersecretary for Strategic Communications and Research, DFA, Oct. 2017 to Oct. 2021
Replaced by Herminio “Harry” Roque
Resigned to file candidacy for president
Founder
CEO, 2004 to 2013
Founder
Left in 2004 to work in private business
Actions and/or proceedings pending against or resolved in courts or tribunals involving the candidate, based on publicly available information
Also known as SALN, this document is a declaration of one's personal finances. Philippine Law requires the SALN to be submitted by all public officials and employees to the Ombudsman. Public officials and employees may opt to voluntarily disclose their SALN to the public.
Key details about the candidate's campaign
Candidate's major donors and campaign funding sources
The candidate's top advocacies in the last 15 years or so
Basic information on the candidate's family, background and work experience
•B.A. in Pre-Medicine, Ateneo de Davao University, 1968
•Masters in Divinity, Siliman University, 1984
•Masters in Social Development, Asian Institute of Management, 2005
•Undersecretary of Strategic Communications and Research, Department of Foreign Affairs (October 2017-October 8, 2021)
•Presidential spokesperson, Oct. 2016 to Oct. 2017
•Founder, One ACCORD Credit Cooperative
•Founder, Southpoint secondary school
•Columnist, Sunstar Davao
•CEO, F&P Agri-inputs, 2011 to 213
•CEO, AZ Agri-Products, 2004 to 2007
•Columnist, San Pedro Express
•Professor, Ateneo de Davao University
