Francisco Tatad
Francisco "Kit" Sarmiento Tatad (born October 4, 1939) is a Filipino journalist and politician best known for having served as Minister of Public Information under President Ferdinand Marcos from 1969 to 1980, and for serving as a Senator of the Philippines from 1992 to 2001.
The Honourable Francisco S. Tatad | |
|---|---|
| Senator of the Philippines | |
| In office June 30, 1992 – June 30, 2001 | |
| Senate Majority Leader | |
| In office July 12, 2000 – June 30, 2001 | |
| Preceded by | Franklin Drilon |
| Succeeded by | Loren Legarda |
| In office October 10, 1996 – January 26, 1998 | |
| Preceded by | Alberto Romulo |
| Succeeded by | Franklin Drilon |
| Minister of Public Information | |
| In office 1969–1980 | |
| President | Ferdinand Marcos |
| Preceded by | Position established |
| Succeeded by | Gregorio Cendaña |
| Mambabatas Pambansa (Assemblyman) from Region V | |
| In office June 12, 1978 – June 5, 1984 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | October 4, 1939 Gigmoto, Albay, Philippine Commonwealth |
| Nationality | Filipino |
| Political party | Independent (1987–1992; 2009–present) |
| Other political affiliations | PMP (2004–2009) Gabay Bayan (1998–2004) LDP (1995–1998) NPC (1992–1995) KBL (1978–1987) |
| Spouse | Fernandita "Fenny" Cantero |
| Relations | Shalani Soledad (niece) |
| Residence(s) | Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines |
| Alma mater | University of Santo Tomas Center for Research and Communication |
| Profession | Journalist, Politician |
Upon his appointment by President Marcos, Tatad became the youngest member of Marcos' cabinet. During his term, he announced the declaration of Martial Law on September 23, 1972, just hours before Marcos himself came on the air. While serving as cabinet secretary, he concurrently became a member of the Batasang Pambansa.
During his service in the Philippines Senate, he served as Majority Floor Leader from 1996 to 1998 and again from 2000 to 2001. In 2001, he was one of the 11 senators who voted against opening an envelope that had been alleged to contain incriminating evidence against then Philippine President Joseph Ejercito Estrada, inciting events that led to the EDSA Revolution of 2001.