Jorge Abela Abad (February 10, 1912 – October 19, 1978) was a Filipino civil engineer and politician who served as a member of the Philippine House of Representatives for Batanes's at-large congressional district from 1949 to 1957, 1961 to 1964, and 1970 to 1972. A member of the Liberal Party, he served as secretary of public works, transportation and communications from 1964 to 1965.
Early life and education Abad was born on February 10, 1912, in Basco, Batanes, to Juan Abad and Martina Abela. He earned a bachelor's degree in civil engineering and later passed the board examination with a perfect score in mathematics.
Career Abad worked as a civil engineer in the Bureau of Public Works and later resigned his post as district engineer to run in the 1949 elections for the seat representing Batanes's at-large district in the House of Representatives as an independent. He won, later joined the Liberal Party, and was reelected in 1953. He lost in the 1957 election to Nacionalista candidate Manuel Agudo, but successfully regained the seat in 1961.
Abad was appointed secretary of public works, transportation and communications by President Diosdado Macapagal in June 1964 and resigned his congressional seat. He was succeeded by his wife Aurora after she was elected in 1965. He sought another term as representative in 1969 but lost to independent candidate Rufino Antonio Jr. Antonio's election was later annulled by the Supreme Court in April 1970, after an electoral protest known as Antonio v. COMELEC led to Abad's proclamation as the winning candidate.Rufino S. Antonio, Jr. v. Commission on Elections, et al., G.R. No. L-31604 (April 17. 1970) (Phil.), https://chanrobles.com/cralaw/1970aprildecisions.php?id=106. His term was cut short by the imposition of martial law in 1972.
Personal life He married Aurora Abad on June 1, 1937, with whom he had 13 children, including Florencio Abad, who later served as budget and management secretary in the administration of Benigno Aquino III, and international painter and first woman TOYM awardee, Pacita Abad.
Abad died on October 19, 1978.
Legacy The Jorge Abad Airport, formerly known as the Itbayat Airport, was renamed in his honor in 2017.
Electoral history + Electoral history of Jorge Abad Year Office Party Votes received Result Total % . Swing 1949 Representative (Batanes) Independent 1st 1953 rowspan="4" Liberal 1st 1957 975 27.79% 2nd 1961 1,216 31.97% 1st +4.18 1969 709 26.76% 2nd −5.21
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