Jeci Lapus Explained

Jeci Lapus
Office:Member of the Philippine House of Representatives from Tarlac's 3rd district
Term Start:June 30, 2007
Term End:June 30, 2013
Predecessor:Jesli Lapus
Successor:Noel Villanueva
Birth Date:13 April 1953
Birth Place:Tarlac, Tarlac, Philippines
Death Place:Taguig City, Philippines
Birthname:Jeci Aquino Lapus
Nationality:Filipino
Party:National Unity Party (2013–2021)
Otherparty:Lakas–CMD (2007–2013)
Relations:Jesus R. Lapus (father)
Alma Mater:Mapúa University
Profession:Engineer

Jeci Aquino Lapus (April 13, 1953 – July 11, 2021)[1] was a Philippine engineer and politician who served as a member of the House of Representatives of the Philippines representing Tarlac's 3rd congressional district from 2007 to 2013. Prior to his death, he had been the acting administrator of the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) since 2017.

Early life and education

Lapus was born on April 13, 1953, in Tarlac to Jesus Lapus and Estrella Aquino.[2] [3] He was the younger brother of Jesli Lapus[4] and a member of the Aquino family, being a cousin of former President of the Philippines Benigno Aquino III.[5]

He graduated from the Mapúa University with a bachelor's degree in civil engineering. In 1975, he passed the civil engineering board examination administered by the Professional Regulation Commission.[6] He held an honorary doctorate from the Tarlac Agricultural University and also studied business management at the Asian Institute of Management.

Career

A civil engineer by profession, Lapus worked for various private construction companies and government offices early in his career including at the United Coconut Planters Bank, National Irrigation Administration, and Philippine Tourism Authority. From 1998 to 2000, he was vice president of the National Agri-Business Corporation under the Department of Agriculture. He was president of TODO Foundation, Inc. from 1998 to 2005. He also served as a director of the PNOC Exploration Corporation.[7]

During the 2004 general elections, Lapus ran as mayor of Concepcion, Tarlac, but lost.[8] In 2007, he was elected to the House of Representatives succeeding his brother who earlier resigned to become Secretary of Education. He was endorsed by then-President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and ran under Lakas–CMD. He won a second term during the 2010 elections, serving until 2013. In the 14th Congress, he was vice chairman of the Committees on Good Government and Public Accountability, Information and Communications Technology, and Public Information.

In 2014, Lapus was elected as director of the BDO's leasing and finance subsidiary. He previously served as independent director of the PCIBank Group's leasing and finance subsidiary from 2005 to 2006.

In 2017, he was appointed trustee and acting administrator of the LWUA. He also became a director of the Philippine Water Works Association due to his position.

Personal life and death

Lapus was married to Felycette Gay Martinez, an oncologist, and had one child. He was an avid sportsman with interests in golf and horse breeding.

He died on July 12, 2021, at the St. Luke's Medical Center – Global City due to heart failure. His body was cremated and interred in Davao.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Neil. 2021-07-12. LWUA administrator Jeci Lapus passes away. 2021-09-21. BusinessWorld. en-US.
  2. Web site: Lagare. Jordeene B.. 2021-07-12. LWUA chief Jeci Lapus dies at 68. 2021-09-21. The Manila Times. en.
  3. Web site: Quezon Metropolitan Water District. July 12, 2021. When we lose a loved one here on earth, we gain an angel in heaven that watches over us. Our most sincere condolences to the family of Admin Jeci Lapus.. September 21, 2021. via Facebook.
  4. News: Martinez-Clemente. Jo. March 28, 2007. No opposition, unified slate, free zone. Philippine Daily Inquirer. September 21, 2021.
  5. News: April 27, 2007. Political families. The Manila Times. September 21, 2021.
  6. Web site: BDO Leasing and Finance Inc.. 2015. Definitive Information Statement. September 21, 2021.
  7. Web site: The Administrator. September 21, 2021. Local Water Utilities Administration.
  8. News: May 13, 2004. Signs of cheating unleash protests. Philippine Daily Inquirer. September 21, 2021.