SENATORIAL CANDIDATE
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29. GADON, LARRY
KILUSANG BAGONG LIPUNAN
Larry Gadon, 64, is a lawyer known for his involvement in numerous high-profile cases and controversial conduct.
He filed the impeachment complaint against Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno which led to her ouster in May 2018 and was among the counsels of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo prior to 2016. He also assisted the complainant in a failed impeachment charge against Supreme Court Associate Justice Marvic Leonen in December 2020.
He is a long-time supporter of the late dictator and former President Ferdinand Marcos, presidential candidate Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and other members of the Marcos family. He has defended the imposition of Martial Law by the elder Marcos and denied that the Marcos family and cronies amassed ill-gotten wealth while they were in power.
Gadon is likewise allied with President Rodrigo Duterte and his daughter, vice-presidential candidate Sara Duterte, representing key figures involved in controversies linked to the Duterte family and heading the Pro-Duterte Constitutional Reformers to Federalism group.
On Jan. 4, 2022, the Supreme Court preventively suspended Gadon from practicing law, following a profanity- and insult-filled video rant against journalist Raissa Robles, which the SC deemed to be a repeated violation despite several warnings when Gadon was suspended in 2019. Gadon is also facing at least four disbarment cases arising from other controversial incidents.
Early this year, he praised the grant of right to use the broadcast frequency Channel 43 to Sonshine Media Network International (or Sawra Sug Media Corp.), a broadcast company owned by Davao-based Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, a close-confidant and so-called spiritual adviser of President Duterte, who was indicted in the US for sex trafficking and other charges. An investigative report published by Rappler also found that Quiboloy's SMNI fuels online disinformation and attacks against journalists and activists.
Channel 43 had been assigned to Amcara Broadcasting Corp. but was recently used by ABS-CBN for its TVPlus channels under a block-time agreement. In 2020, Gadon unsuccessfully petitioned the SC to stop the National Telecommunications Commission from acting on a request for the grant of a provisional authority to ABS-CBN.
Gadon previously ran for senator in 2016 and 2019 but failed to reach the top 12, garnering 3,487,780 votes and placing 28th out of 62 aspirants in 2019. He is currently campaigning on passing constitutional reforms in political and economic systems, modernization of infrastructure, increased support for the agricultural sector and improvement of the public health system, among other issues. He is running under the senatorial line-up of Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Sara Duterte, a tandem recently endorsed by Quiboloy.
Platform and Policy
The candidate's top priorities if elected to office, tracked against previous promises and accomplishments, if any
Select a policy profile below to view more details
Political and economic reforms
Modernization
Infrastructure
Education
Public health
Related Policy Proposal:
- Supports federalism-parliamentary form of government
- Constitutional reform for citizens to have one vote for president and vice president
- Limit senators to one term
- Continue anti-corruption advocacy through appointment as head of the Presidential Management Staff if not elected as senator
- Reform the economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution by lifting restrictions on foreign investments, allowing up to 100% business ownership to foreigners
Previous Platform:
Supported federalism and parliamentary form of government
Supported federalism and parliamentary form of government
Track Record / Accomplishment; Date:
President of the Pro-Duterte Constitutional Reformers to Federalism, 2016 to present
President of the Pro-Duterte Constitutional Reformers to Federalism, 2016 to present
Deviation from Previous Platform:
Related Policy Proposal:
- Provide technology to farmers from farm to market
- “Micro-industrialization” or supporting regional efforts at small- to medium-scale levels
- Modernize and support rice milling industries to help farmers, increase food security and lower food prices
Previous Platform:
Campaigned in 2019 for lower electricity prices by state takeover of the energy industry, revision of Electric Power Industry Reform Act
Campaigned in 2019 for lower electricity prices by state takeover of the energy industry, revision of Electric Power Industry Reform Act
Track Record / Accomplishment; Date:
Deviation from Previous Platform:
Related Policy Proposal:
- Build dams to store water, build water supply and generate hydropower electricity
- Build railways, especially north to south, to improve transportation of people and goods
Previous Platform:
Campaigned in 2019 for study and improvement of food security infrastructures such as dams and water impounding systems
Campaigned in 2019 for study and improvement of food security infrastructures such as dams and water impounding systems
Track Record / Accomplishment; Date:
Deviation from Previous Platform:
Related Policy Proposal:
Improve and support technical and vocational education and training
Improve and support technical and vocational education and training
Previous Platform:
Free tertiary education, books and materials. Government to manage printing of educational books
Free tertiary education, books and materials. Government to manage printing of educational books
Track Record / Accomplishment; Date:
Deviation from Previous Platform:
Related Policy Proposal:
Improve public hospitals
Improve public hospitals
Previous Platform:
Track Record / Accomplishment; Date:
Deviation from Previous Platform:
Major Accomplishments
The candidate's top five accomplishments and contributions for the last 15 years or so
Private Sector
Gadon’s private legal practice reached prominence when he became part of President Arroyo’s legal team and de facto spokesperson in the early 2010s. He was also involved in prominent legal cases especially against critics or alleged opponents of the Duterte administration.
Gadon, however, has failed to attend mandatory continuing legal education seminars for lawyers over the past 10 years, according to a Supreme Court certification issued on Oct. 2, 2019. His last compliance was on May 25, 2009 for the period from April 2001 to April 2004 and valid only until April 2007, in violation of the seminar requirement every three years. Lawyers who fail to comply shall pay a non-compliance fee at the end of the compliance period; failure to justify non-compliance results in being listed as a delinquent member of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines and subject to its disciplinary powers.
Gadon excused his non-compliance by claiming to be too busy to attend MCLE classes but insisted that he is not prohibited from practicing law, only from signing a pleading. However, he signed a motion he filed on behalf of client Peter Joemel “Bikoy” Advincula in September 2019 as assisting counsel, not indicating the requisite MCLE compliance details. While Gadon said that he will just pay the fines imposed by the SC, if any, additional penalties may be imposed including listing the offending lawyer as a delinquent member of the Bar and ordering discharge from the case.
Gadon has faced several complaints over his conduct as a lawyer, including at least four disbarment cases. He was preventively suspended from practicing law by the SC on Jan. 4, 2022, following a profanity- and insult-filled video rant against journalist Robles. On Feb. 8, 2022, Robles filed a complaint-affidavit before the QC Prosecutor’s Office accusing Gadon of violating the Safe Spaces Act and committing libel and cyber libel over the same viral video.
Gadon has faced several complaints over his conduct as a lawyer, including at least four disbarment cases. He was preventively suspended from practicing law by the SC on Jan. 4, 2022, following a profanity- and insult-filled video rant against journalist Robles. On Feb. 8, 2022, Robles filed a complaint-affidavit before the QC Prosecutor’s Office accusing Gadon of violating the Safe Spaces Act and committing libel and cyber libel over the same viral video.
Gadon ran unsuccessful campaigns for senator in 2016 and 2019 and has remained in the private sector.
Impeachment complaint vs. Chief Justice Sereno
Read More
Filed impeachment charges against Sereno for failure to properly declare her Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth, making tax misdeclarations and unauthorized expenses in the SC
Position/Date
Complainant, Aug. 30, 2017
Complainant, Aug. 30, 2017
Status
Impeachment proceeding was terminated after her removal on May 11, 2018 by quo warranto by a special SC En Banc session
Impeachment proceeding was terminated after her removal on May 11, 2018 by quo warranto by a special SC En Banc session
Impeachment complaint vs. Justice Leonen
Read More
Assisted complainant who filed an impeachment complaint against Leonen over culpable violation of the Constitution and betrayal of public trust, for failing to file his SALN for 15 years, citing a newspaper column
Position/Date
Assisted complainant, December 2020
Assisted complainant, December 2020
Status
Impeachment complaint was dismissed by the House Justice Committee on May 27, 2021, finding the allegations largely based on hearsay
Impeachment complaint was dismissed by the House Justice Committee on May 27, 2021, finding the allegations largely based on hearsay
Represented Guillermina Barrido, a.k.a Guillerma Arcillas
Read More
Represented Guillermina Barrido, a.k.a Guillerma Arcillas, the Davao-based businesswoman who accused former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV and 3 others of kidnapping with serious illegal detention in 2019
Position/Date
Counsel, 2019
Counsel, 2019
Represented Peter Joemel “Bikoy” Advincula
Read More
Represented Peter Joemel “Bikoy” Advincula, who was accused with several others by the Department of Justice in 2020 of conspiracy to commit sedition, after the release of the video series “Ang Totoong Narcolist” accusing Duterte family members of involvement in the illegal drugs trade. The videos were allegedly as part of a smear campaign by opposition figures
Position/Date
Counsel, 2020
Counsel, 2020
Legal team for President Arroyo
Read More
Part of Arroyo’s legal team, particularly during her detention at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center over plunder charges
Position/Date
Counsel, 2012 to 2016
Counsel, 2012 to 2016
Status
Gadon resigned before he ran for senator in 2016
Gadon resigned before he ran for senator in 2016
Actions and/or Proceedings
Actions and/or proceedings pending against or resolved in courts or tribunals involving the candidate, based on publicly available information
Pending Actions and/or Proceedings
| Subject Matter | Relevant Dates | Potential Liability | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violation of the Safe Spaces Act or Bawal Bastos Act (R. A. 11313), libel (Revised Penal Code) and cyber libel (R.A. 10175)
Complaint-affidavit filed by journalist Raissa Robles over a viral video wherein Gadon hurled expletives and insults at Robles, in reaction to Robles calling Bongbong Marcos a tax evader Robles cites the “brutal, dehumanizing, misogynistic and sexist” language and obscene gestures in the video, in violation of R.A. 11313, and notes the SC’s January 2022 order placing Gadon on preventive suspension over the same video On the libel and cyber libel charges, Robles said that Gadon’s apology did not extend to her as offended party, being an apology to women in general |
Comments made on video posted on Dec. 15, 2021
Complaint-affidavit filed on Feb. 4, 2022 before the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office |
Violation of R.A. 11313 - imprisonment from two years and four months to four years and two months, and fine of up to P500,000 (higher penalty if the offended party is a senior citizen like Robles)
Libel - imprisonment for up to four years Cyber libel - imprisonment for up to eight years |
Complaint pending review of the Prosecutor’s Office |
| Disbarment complaint filed with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines in relation to Gadon’s claim that former President Benigno Aquino Jr. died due to the Human Immunodeficiency Virus | Claim made in a radio show in June 2020 Complaint filed in December 2021 |
Permanent disbarment from practice of law , but may also result in temporary suspension or reprimand | |
| Disbarment complaint filed after Gadon cursed out and raised his middle finger at Sereno supporters at a protest at the SC in Baguio City | Incident of alleged violation of oath as a lawyer happened on Apr. 10, 2018 At least 8 other Sereno supporters filed a complaint on Apr. 20, 2018 "Pinoy Ako" blogger Jover Laurio, Aunell Angcos, and several others filed complaint on Apr. 24, 2018 |
Permanent disbarment from practice of law , but may also result in temporary suspension or reprimand | |
| Disbarment complaint in relation to Gadon’s alleged arrogance and dishonesty during the impeachment proceedings against Sereno at the House of Representatives | Complaint filed by lawyer Wilfredo Garrido Jr. in 2018 | Permanent disbarment from practice of law , but may also result in temporary suspension or reprimand | |
| Disbarment complaint for improper conduct, in relation to Gadon’s remarks in a pre-election interview by GMA News TV, opposing the Bangsamoro Basic Law and proposing very harsh attacks against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front | Remarks made on March 2016 Complaint filed in April 2016 |
Permanent disbarment from practice of law , but may also result in temporary suspension or reprimand |
Resolved Actions and/or Proceedings
| Subject Matter | Relevant Dates | Accrued Liability | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gadon hurled expletives and insults at journalist Raissa Robles, in reaction to Robles calling Bongbong Marcos a tax evader
Gadon hurled expletives and insults at journalist Raissa Robles, in reaction to Robles calling Bongbong Marcos a tax evader Gadon argues that he had not received a copy of a complaint against him and claims that he is being singled out, perhaps due to his calls for the refund of election protest fees paid by Bongbong Marcos and Gadon’s own bid for senator |
Comments made on video posted on Dec. 15, 2021
SC Resolution suspending Gadon issued on Jan. 4, 2022 (A.M. No. 21-12-05-SC, In Re: Atty. Lorenzo G. Gadon’s viral video against Ms. Raissa Robles, Jan. 4, 2022) |
Preventive suspension from practice of law, effective immediately and to last until lifted by the SC
SC gave Gadon 10 days to file his comment and show cause why he shouldn’t be disbarred, “in consideration of the numerous prior controversies leading to the disbarment cases“ |
|
| Complaint filed in relation to “offensive” language towards a Manila-based doctor in 2009, in violation of the Code of Professional Responsibility | SC Order issued in October 2019 | Suspension for three months, with warning that same or similar act shall be dealt with more severely. | Suspension served |
Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth
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.
Since he has not held an official government position, Gadon is not required to disclose his Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth per the latest rules set by the Civil Service Commission.
Campaign Details
Key details about the candidate's campaign
Alliances and Endorsements: Part of UniTeam (Duterte-Marcos) senate slate
Party History:
Adopted candidate of Lakas Christian Democrats
2016 and 2019
Kilusang Bagong Lipunan
2016, 2019 and 2022
Major Donors
Candidate's major donors and campaign funding sources
There is no publicly available information on this matter at this time. Requested information from the candidate was not provided.
Major Advocacies
The candidate's top advocacies in the last 15 years or so
Opposition to ABS-CBN franchise renewal
Political and electoral reforms
Anti-corruption in government
Anti-communism
Marcos loyalist
Opposition to ABS-CBN franchise renewal
Filed a petition for a writ of prohibition asking the SC to order House Speaker Cayetano and House franchise committee chair Alvarez to recall their request for the NTC to grant a provisional authority to ABS-CBN and to prevent NTC Commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba from doing so
Earlier sought a TRO from the SC restricting Cordoba from complying with the lawmakers’ request
Earlier sought a TRO from the SC restricting Cordoba from complying with the lawmakers’ request
Position/Date
Petitioner, Mar. 5, 2020
Status
Gadon filed a motion to withdraw the petition in May 20, 2020, after NTC refused to grant a provisional authority to ABS-CBN, but on June 2020, the SC still acted on the petition, dismissing it for lack of legal standing and advising Gadon that he will “benefit from more restraint and a huge dose of humility”
Petition for a TRO also dismissed forfailure to comply with the requisites for judicial review, having filed the petition directly with the SC
Political and electoral reforms
- Supports change to federalism, through Pro-Duterte Constitutional Reformers to Federalism
- Joined Katipunan ng Demokratikong Pilipino, which was accredited by the Commission on Elections as a national political party in May 2018 and launched in August 2018. KDP touted itself as an independent party, pledging to usher in alternatives to what they considered as same old corrupt politicians while also expressing support for President Rodrigo Duterte
Position/Date
- President, 2016
- Member, 2018
Status
Supporter of Constitutional change to shift to federalist system in 2016, 2019 and 2022 elections
Anti-corruption in government
Position/Date
Filed impeachment complaint against Sereno in 2017
Status
Impeachment proceeding was terminated after her removal on May 11, 2018 by quo warranto by a special SC En Banc session
Anti-communism
Status
Supporter of Duterte administration’s campaign against alleged communists and communist insurgents
Marcos loyalist
Marcos loyalist and defender of the imposition of Martial Law by Marcos
Position/Date
KBL senatorial nominee in 2016, 2019 and 2020
Status
Supporter of Bongbong Marcos for president
Personal Details
Basic information on the candidate's family, background and work experience
Name to appear on the ballot: GADON, LARRY
Full Name: Lorenzo Gacilo Gadon
Birthdate: Mar. 1, 1958 (64 years old on election day)
Birthplace: Roxas, Oriental Mindoro
Residence: Quezon City, Metro Manila
Religion:
Languages Spoken: Filipino, English
Parents:
Siblings:
Marital Status: Married, Bernadette Gadon
Children: Alarice Gadon, 36, eldest daughter, nominee of UFCC (United Filipino Consumers and Commuters) Partylist
Education:
• Admitted to the Bar, 1993
• Bachelor of Law, Far Eastern University
• Bachelor of Commerce, Far Eastern University
Work Experience:
• Management and legal consultant for several private companies
• Lawyer to several prominent public figures
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