Gil Montilla

In this Philippine name, the middle name or maternal family name is Miranda and the surname or paternal family name is Montilla.

Gil Miranda Montilla (September 11, 1876 – July 20, 1946) was a Filipino politician and businessman who served as speaker of the National Assembly from 1935 to 1938, and a member of the Philippine Senate from 1931 to 1935.

Early life

Montilla was born on September 11, 1876, in Hinigaran, Negros Occidental, to Domingo Montilla and Potenciana Miranda.[1] He received his bachelor's degree from the Ateneo de Manila in 1896 and studied law at the University of Santo Tomas.[2]

During the Philippine Revolution, he joined the revolutionary forces in Negros as a battalion commander in Binalbagan and Pulupandan. During the American occupation, he worked in Binalbagan as a teacher, subsequently becoming the town's secretary and president. He also engaged in business as a sugar planter and president of the Isabela Sugar Company.[2]

National politics

Montilla was elected as representative to the Philippine Assembly, for the 3rd district of Negros Occidental from 1912 to 1919.[3] He then served as governor of Negros Occidental; and Senator from the Eighth Senatorial District comprising Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Antique and Palawan from 1931 to 1935. In 1935, he was elected as a member of the Commonwealth National Assembly from the 3rd District of Negros Occidental and was elected as the first Speaker of the Assembly, serving until 1938. He was then appointed by President Manuel Quezon to become head of the Philippine Sugar Administration. He later served as President of Quezon's Nacionalista Party.[2]

Personal life and death

Montilla was married to Mercedes Miranda. He died on 20 June 1946.[1] His daughter, Mercedes Montilla, was a "Miss Philippines" recipient at the Manila Carnival in 1936, and later became mayor of Sipalay, Negros Occidental in December 1963.[4][5][6]

Legacy

A barangay and high school in Sipalay is named after him.

See also

References

  1. ^ a b Clarence Paul Oaminal (2 November 2017). "The 8th Senatorial District". The Freeman. Retrieved 21 August 2023.
  2. ^ a b c "Gil Montilla". Senate of the Philippines. Retrieved 21 August 2023.Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  3. ^ "ROSTER of Philippine Legislators (from 1907 to 2019)" (PDF). House of Representatives of the Philippines. Retrieved 4 August 2023.
  4. ^ Nuyda, Doris G. (1980). The Beauty Book. Mr. & Ms. Publishing Company. Retrieved November 4, 2024.
  5. ^ "Poll death toll now 30". The Manila Times. The Manila Times Publishing Company, Inc. November 9, 1963. pp. 1, 12. The Comelec immediately gave due course to the certificate of candidacy filed by [Genaro P.] Alvarez's widow, the former Mercedes Montilla, daughter of ex-Speaker Gil Montilla.
  6. ^ History of the Municipality of Sipalay (PDF). Negros Occidental Historical Council. 1981. pp. 8–9. Retrieved November 4, 2024.