*320. His High School Yearbook: REP. EMIGDIO A. BONDOC

One of Pampanga’s popular solons, Emigdio Aliwalas Bondoc was born in Macabebe on 22 November 1928. He started his illustrious legal and political career when he enrolled at age 18 at the Ateneo de Manila in 1946 for a pre-law course.

 In his freshman year, Emigdio made his presence felt quickly by joining various school clubs—from the Aquila Legis Fraterrnity, Social Order Club, Sodality to the Sanctuary Society. On top of that, he was elected as Vice President of his class on his very first year.

 In 1952, he earned his law degree, graduating alongside classmates like Ernesto Maceda and Cesar Bengzon. He passed the bar and joined the roll of attorneys only on 8 February 1955. In 1957, he finally joined government service as the legal adviser of the Senate financial committee.

 Even as he was making a name in Philippine politics, he found time to settle down with Margarita Puyat. Their union was blessed with two children: Dr. Anna York Cristina and Juan Pablo (Rimpy). In 1987, Bondoc became the Representative of the 3rd District of Pampanga.

When the province was redistricted into 4 congressional districts under the new Constitution, Bondoc became the representative of the 4th district of the restored House of Representatives, which covered the towns of Apalit, Candaba, Macabebe, Masantol, Minalin, San Luis, San Simon and Santo Tomas.

 As a congressman, Bondoc was named chairman of the powerful House committee on ethics which decided on the controversial case of Zamboanga solon Romeo Jalosjos and the lobby fund for the approval of the jai-alai bill. Likewise, Bondoc was designated as Vice Chairman of the House Committee on foreign affairs. 

On Nov. 25, 1997, Bondoc was riding his Nissan Patrol car en route to Manila when his driver lost control of the car after the right front tire blew. The car hit a post and the good solon was injured. Rushed to the St. Luke’s Hospital, Bondoc succumbed to his injuries at age 69.

 Bondoc’s son, Rimpy, a U.P. graduate, continued his political legacy by being elected as representative of the same district at the 12th congress. He would serve 2 terms, only to be succeeded by elder sister Dr. Anna York Bondoc-Sagum, now also on her last term of office.