Ernesto Abella | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Abella as a Presidential Spokesperson in 2016 | |
| Undersecretary for Strategic Communications and Research Department of Foreign Affairs[1] | |
| In office October 27, 2017 – October 8, 2021 | |
| President | Rodrigo Duterte |
| Secretary | Alan Peter Cayetano Teodoro Locsin Jr. |
| Presidential Spokesperson | |
| In office June 30, 2016 – October 30, 2017 | |
| President | Rodrigo Duterte |
| Deputy | Marie Banaag China Jocson |
| Preceded by | Edwin Lacierda |
| Succeeded by | Harry Roque |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Ernesto Corpus Abella (1950-03-22)March 22, 1950 (age 75)[2] Davao City, Philippines |
| Residence(s) | Davao City Tagaytay,Cavite |
| Alma mater | Ateneo de Davao University Silliman University Asian Institute of Management |
| Occupation | Businessman, Writer |
Ernesto "Ernie"Corpus Abella[3] (born March 22, 1950[4]) is a Filipino businessman, writer and formerevangelist who served in theDuterte administration asPresidential Spokesperson (2016–2017) and Undersecretary for Strategic Communications and Research of theDepartment of Foreign Affairs (2017–2021).[5] He ran unsuccessfully as anindependent candidate in the2022 Philippine presidential election.
Before joining the government, he was an executive with aDavao City-based agricultural products manufacturer and a local cooperative which he co-founded. He also established a school in Davao and was a columnist for local newspaperSunStar Davao.[6][7]
Abella finished high school atAteneo de Davao University in 1964. In 1968, he graduated with a BA in pre-medicine from the same university. In 1980, he pursued his postgraduate studies atSilliman University where he graduated with a master's degree indivinity in 1984. He also earned a master's degree insocial development from theAsian Institute of Management in 2005.[5][6]
Abella started his career inadvertising. He served as Creative Director for Adformatix inMakati between 1975 and 1977. He then moved back to Davao to work as a columnist for Davao City newspaperSan Pedro Express and as a professor at his alma mater Ateneo de Davao.[5][6]
In 1990, he founded the Hope of Asia and theChristian charismatic group Jesus Fellowship, Inc. He was also a board member of thePhilippine Council of Evangelical Churches and the Koinonia Theological Seminary. He became a preacher in Davao for several years until his abduction by ethnic bandits in 1996. In a meeting with media reporters following his appointment as Presidential Spokesperson, he narrated how then Davao city Mayor Rodrigo Duterte negotiated for his release within 24 hours. It was then when he started following Duterte and even actively campaigned for him in the last elections through his writings.[5][7]
Abella returned to secular life in 2002 and pursued a career inagri-business. He served as chief executive officer of AZ Agri-Products and as Chief Operating Officer of F&P Agri-Inputs. He also established his own businesses: One Accord Credit Cooperative and Southpoint School in Davao City.[5]
On October 27, 2017, Abella was replaced byHarry Roque, a representative ofKabayan party-list group as presidential spokesperson, citing personal reasons.[8] Abella was subsequently appointed as Undersecretary for Strategic Communications and Research at theDepartment of Foreign Affairs on October 27, 2017, until he resigned on October 8, 2021, to file his candidacy forpresident of the Philippines.[9][10][11]
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by | Presidential Spokesperson 2016–2017 | Succeeded by |
