Jovito Claudio

Dr. Jovito O. Claudio was born in C. Jose Street in Malibay, Pasay on June 15, 1927.

Claudio finished Medicine in University of Santo Tomas in 1954, and finished medical bar examination at the same year.

His political career started in 1959 when he was elected as top councilor. Four years later, he ran a Vice Mayor and won in a landslide victory.

As vice mayor, Claudio figured in a fighting incident with alderman Councilor Nicanor Santos, an ally of then Mayor Pablo Cuneta while in a session in February 1964. After a heated argument, over the case of Police Lt. Arturo Magsakay who was under suspension, Claudio banged hard his gavel, which split into two with its head landing near Santos. In return, Santos allegedly grabbed a chair and hurled it into Claudio who was rushed to San Juan de Dios Hospital to treat the wound on his forehead that required eight stitches.[1]

In January 1967, Claudio defeated incumbent Mayor Pablo Cuneta in one of the most hotly contested mayoralty elections in Pasay.

As mayor of Pasay in late 1960's, he accomplished the following:

• Beautification of Pasay's districts, particularly the Derham Park on Harrison and Roxas Boulevard.
• Construction of high school buildings.
• Cementing and asphalting of roads.
• Settlement of city debts amounting to ₱13 million inherited from the previous administration.
• Establishment of the first Social Welfare Administration branch in the city.
• Establishment of a city library.
• Establishment of health centers in each of then eight districts of Pasay.
• Improvement of peace and order.
• Promotion of the cultural, social, and sports events in the city.

One of his poignant letters to the people of Pasay came out on June 15, 1969, on his 42nd birthday and his second year in his office. It stated that:

"I give thanks to the people of Pasay City for their abiding faith, their confidence, and their aspiration. Faith can move mountains, it is said. Faith can move anything on this earth, I say. I take this occasion to ask you again for your understanding, wholehearted cooperation and support, patience, and above all, your faith in the future of this city. it is our city and no one else should be expected to keep it kind of place we want our children to grow up in, except ourselves." [2]

In early 1971, Claudio initially contemplated not to seek re-election when he publicly announced his decision due to personal and political reasons. However, the Nacionalista where he belonged rejected his decision not to seek re-election on account of his performance and integrity as a public servant. He eventually lost to returning Mayor Pablo Cuneta.

In 1992, Claudio had his political comeback when he ran as representative of city's lone district. He was re-elected in 1995.

In 1998, after 27 years from being the city's chief executive, Claudio returned to the city hall and served only for two years due to failing health whose was taken over by then Vice Mayor Wenceslao Trinidad in a recall election on April 2000.

Claudio married Norma Santos and had one son named Joven (who ran as councilor in 2010).

Claudio died due to complications in diabetes.