Joel Villanueva
Emmanuel Joel Jose Villanueva (/vɪljɑːnuːwɛbɑː/, born August 2, 1975), nicknamed "Tesdaman", is a Filipino politician serving as the Senate Majority Leader since 2022 and has been a Senator since 2016. He previously served as the Director General of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) from 2010 to 2015 in the administration of President Benigno Aquino III. He started his political career in the House of Representatives, representing CIBAC party-list from 2002 to 2010; he was the youngest member of the House when he assumed office, aged 26. He is a son of evangelist and politician Bro. Eddie Villanueva, founder of Jesus Is Lord Church Worldwide.
The Honorable Joel Villanueva | |
|---|---|
Official portrait, 2022 | |
| Senate Majority Leader | |
| Assumed office July 25, 2022 | |
| Deputy | JV Ejercito Mark Villar |
| Preceded by | Juan Miguel Zubiri |
| Senator of the Philippines | |
| Assumed office June 30, 2016 | |
| Chair of the Senate Higher, Technical and Vocational Education Committee | |
| In office July 22, 2019 – June 30, 2022 | |
| Preceded by | Francis Escudero |
| Succeeded by | Francis Escudero |
| Chair of the Senate Labor, Employment, and Human Resources Development Committee | |
| In office July 25, 2016 – June 30, 2022 | |
| Preceded by | Jinggoy Estrada |
| Succeeded by | Jinggoy Estrada |
| Chair of the Senate Youth Committee | |
| In office July 25, 2016 – June 30, 2019 | |
| Preceded by | Bam Aquino |
| Succeeded by | Sonny Angara |
| Director General of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority | |
| In office June 30, 2010 – October 13, 2015 | |
| President | Benigno Aquino III |
| Preceded by | Augusto Syjuco, Jr. |
| Succeeded by | Irene Isaac |
| Member of the Philippine House of Representatives for Citizens' Battle Against Corruption | |
| In office February 6, 2002 – June 30, 2010 Serving with Cinchona Cruz-Gonzales (2007–2010) | |
| Succeeded by | Sherwin Tugna |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Emmanuel Joel Jose Villanueva August 2, 1975 Bocaue, Bulacan, Philippines |
| Political party | Independent (2021–present) |
| Other political affiliations | Liberal (2013–2019) Bangon (2004–2013) CIBAC (2001–2021) |
| Spouse | Gladys Cruz |
| Children | 2 |
| Parent(s) | Eddie Villanueva Adoracion Villanueva |
| Alma mater | University of Santo Tomas (BS) Harvard University (MBA) |
| Website | Official website |
| Basketball career | |
| Career information | |
| College | University of Santo Tomas |
| Career history | |
| 2013 | Congress-LGU Legislators |
| c. 2014 | Malacañang Patriots |
| 2016-present | Senate Defenders |
| Career highlights and awards | |
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Villanueva is also a basketball player currently playing for the Senate Defenders in the UNTV Cup. He also played for the Philippine national team and the University of Santo Tomas.