Glenda Ecleo Explained

Glenda Ecleo
Office:Governor of Dinagat Islands
Term Start:June 30, 2010
Term End:June 30, 2019
Office1:Member of the Philippine House of Representatives from Dinagat Islands' Lone District
Term Start1:June 30, 2007
Term End1:June 30, 2010
Predecessor1:Office established
Successor1:Ruben Ecleo Jr.
Office2:Member of the Philippine House of Representatives from Surigao del Norte' First District
Term Start2:June 30, 2001
Term End2:June 30, 2007
Predecessor2:Constantino Navarro Jr.
Successor2:Francisco Matugas
Term Start3:June 30, 1987
Term End3:June 30, 1995
Predecessor3:Office established
Successor3:Constantino Navarro Jr.
Birth Name:Glenda Buray
Death Date: (aged 87)
Children:8 (Ruben Jr., Jade, Gwendolyn)

Glenda Buray Ecleo was a Filipino politician. She authored the charter of the province of Dinagat Islands which was established in 2006 and administered it as its governor from 2010 to 2019.

Career

Ecleo served as representative of Surigao del Norte's 1st district in the House of Representatives from 1987 to 1995, and 2001 to 2007. She authored Republic Act 9355, the charter of Dinagat Islands, a province created from Surigao del Norte in 2006.[1]

Upon creation of the province, Ecleo served as the de facto representative of Dinagat Islands in the lower house,[2] until she was elected as Dinagat Island's lone district's first ever representative in 2007. She ran unopposed for the tenure which lasted 2010.[3]

She was governor of Dinagat Islands from 2010 to 2019.[4] In the 2013 election, Ecleo was re-elected with her daughter Jade challenging her position as governor.[5]

The Commission on Elections started a preliminary investigation in 2014, against Ecleo for possible overspending for her campaigning in the 2010 election. After seven years, the Comelec in 2021 would recommend a filing of criminal charges against Ecleo. However this was reversed in 2023 by a Supreme Court ruling for violation of Ecleo's constitutional right to speedy disposition of the case.[6]

Death

Ecleo died on August 25, 2024.[4] She suffered from a blood infection.[1]

Personal life

Glenda was a matriarch of the Ecleo political family of Dinagat Islands who has held various electoral positions in the province.[3] Her husband was Ruben Ecleo Sr. is the founder of the religious organization Philippine Benevolent Missionaries Association.[7] They married in 1955 and had eight children.[8]

The Ecleo matriarch was also president of the Don Jose Ecleo Memorial College.[9]

Notes and References

  1. News: Lopez . Alexander . Dinagat residents mourn passing of former guv Glenda Ecleo . 20 October 2024 . Philippine News Agency . 26 August 2024.
  2. News: Serrano . Ben . Rep. Ecleo’s daughter chosen as interim gov of Dinagat province . 20 October 2024 . The Philippine Star . 15 December 2024.
  3. News: Dinagat Islands: Ecleo country . 20 October 2024 . The PCIJ Blog . Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism . 7 June 2007.
  4. News: Former Dinagat Islands Gov. Glenda Ecleo, 87 . 20 October 2024 . Manila Bulletin . 27 August 2024 . en.
  5. News: Tupaz . Voltaire . Dinagat: Ecleo mother defeats daughter . 20 October 2024 . Rappler . 14 May 2013.
  6. News: SC reverses Comelec; nullifies ‘election overspending’ charge vs ex-Dinagat Islands Gov Glenda Ecleo . 20 October 2024 . Manila Bulletin . 29 April 2023 . en.
  7. News: Ecleo matriarch in Dinagat Islands passes away . 20 October 2024 . MindaNews . 27 August 2024.
  8. Web site: Caña . Paul John . The Strange Case of the Ecleos and the Philippine Benevolent Missionaries Association . Esquire . 17 September 2022 . 25 May 2021.
  9. Web site: CHED Caraga Representatives Attend Wake of Late President of DJEMC Dr. Glenda Ecleo, Pays Tribute to Her Legacy and Service . Commission on Higher Education - Caraga Regional Office . 20 October 2024 . 3 September 2024.