Raul M. Gonzalez facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Raul Gonzalez
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| 56th Secretary of Justice | |
| In office November 16, 2007 – January 11, 2010 |
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| President | Gloria Macapagal Arroyo |
| Preceded by | Agnes Devanadera |
| Succeeded by | Agnes Devanadera |
| In office September 1, 2004 – September 2, 2007 |
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| Preceded by | Merceditas N. Gutierrez |
| Succeeded by | Agnes Devanadera |
| Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Philippines | |
| In office July 27, 1998 – June 30, 2004 |
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| Preceded by | Agapito Aquino |
| Succeeded by | Benigno Aquino III |
| Member of the Philippine House of Representatives from Iloilo City's Lone District | |
| In office June 30, 1995 – June 30, 2004 |
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| Preceded by | Rafael Lopez-Vito |
| Succeeded by | Raul Gonzalez, Jr. |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Raul Maravilla Gonzalez
December 3, 1930 La Carlota, Negros Occidental, Philippine Islands |
| Died | September 7, 2014 (aged 83) Quezon City, Philippines |
| Nationality | Filipino |
| Political party | Lakas-Kampi-CMD |
| Other political affiliations |
Nacionalista (1998-2004) |
| Education | University of San Agustin University of Santo Tomas |
| Occupation | Politician |
| Profession | Lawyer |
Raul Maravilla Gonzalez (December 3, 1930 – September 7, 2014) was an important lawyer and politician in the Philippines. He served as the Chief Presidential Legal Counsel and the Secretary of Justice. He was replaced by Agnes Devanadera in 2009 under President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
Early Life and Education
Raul Gonzalez was born on December 3, 1930, in La Carlota, Negros Occidental. He was the fourth child of Delfin Quimbiong Gonzalez and Maria Estrella Jover Maravilla. His father was the last mayor of Jaro, Iloilo City, and his mother was a school teacher.
He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the Colegio de San Agustin (now University of San Agustin). Later, he completed his law degree at the University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Civil Law in 1955.
In 1955, Mr. Gonzalez passed the Philippine Bar Examination. He scored very high marks in Remedial Law and International Law. He also topped the Judge Advocate General's Office (JAGO) Examinations.
After becoming a lawyer, Mr. Gonzalez taught law at several universities. These included the University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Civil Law and the Far Eastern University Institute of Law. He also lectured at the Philippine Normal University-Manila Graduate School and other colleges.
Government Service and Political Career
Raul Gonzalez held many different roles in the Philippine government. He started as a Legal Assistant to the Governor of Iloilo in 1960. In 1961, he became a Senior Legal Assistant to the Mayor of Manila.
From 1963 to 1969, he was an Executive Member of the Board of Censors for Motion Pictures. He also worked as a Senior Committee Counsel in the Senate of the Philippines. Mr. Gonzalez was known for challenging the martial law government of Ferdinand Marcos. He filed several cases with the Supreme Court during a difficult time.
In 1995, Mr. Gonzalez began his political career. He was elected as the representative for the lone district of Legislative district of Iloilo City. He served three terms, which is the maximum allowed by the Philippine Constitution. His eldest son, Raul Jr., later followed in his footsteps and won the same position.
In 2000, as a congressman, he was one of the public prosecutors. This was during the impeachment trial of then-President Joseph Estrada. An impeachment trial is when a high-ranking official is accused of wrongdoing. The trial ended in January 2001 when the President was replaced.
On June 4, 2008, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo appointed Mr. Gonzalez as the Secretary of Justice.
Private Life
Raul Gonzalez was married to Dr. Pacita Trinidad. She was a former Representative for the second district of Zambales. They had four children together. Their eldest son, Raul Gonzalez Jr., also served as a Representative for Iloilo City. Another son is the president of the National Book Development Board. This organization helps improve the publishing industry in the Philippines.
In September 2007, Mr. Gonzalez was diagnosed with a serious kidney disease. Later that year, he received a kidney transplant. His driver, Felicito Gunay, was his donor.
Death
Raul Gonzalez passed away on September 7, 2014. He died from complications related to multiple organ failure.
