Benjamin Agarao Jr.
Filipino polititcian (born 1957)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Benjamin Cueto "Benjie" Agarao Jr. (born October 1, 1957) is a Filipino politician and businessman who has served as Member of the Philippine House of Representatives from Laguna's 4th district since 2025, previously holding the seat from 2004 until 2007, and from 2013 until 2022.[4][5] He also served a board member of Laguna from the same district from 1992 to 1995 and from 2001 to 2004.
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Benjie Agarao | |
|---|---|
Official portrait, 2025 | |
| Member of the Philippine House of Representatives from Laguna's 4th district | |
| Assumed office June 30, 2025 | |
| Preceded by | Jam Agarao |
| In office June 30, 2013 – June 30, 2022 | |
| Preceded by | Edgar San Luis |
| Succeeded by | Jam Agarao |
| In office June 30, 2004 – June 30, 2007 | |
| Preceded by | Rodolfo San Luis |
| Succeeded by | Edgar San Luis |
| Member of the Laguna Provincial Board from the 4th district | |
| In office June 30, 2001 – June 30, 2004 | |
| In office June 30, 1992 – June 30, 1995 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Benjamin Cueto Agarao Jr. October 1, 1957 |
| Party | PFP[2] (2023–present) |
| Other political affiliations | |
| Spouse |
Estelita Agarao (m. 1981) |
| Children | 4 (including Benjo and Jam) |
| Parents | |
| Relatives | Ma. Meg Agarao–Espiritu (sister) |
| Occupation | Politician, businessman |
Political career
Agarao served as the board member of Laguna from the 4th district from 1992 to 1995 and 2001 to 2004. He served as the congressman for Laguna's 4th congressional district for five terms, from 2004 to 2007, 2013 to 2022, and 2025 to present under the Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino (LDP), the Liberal Party of the Philippines (LP), and PDP-Laban.[4][5]
He ran for mayor of Santa Cruz, Laguna, with PDP-Laban, losing to the incumbent Edgar San Luis.[6]
Agarao transferred from PDP-Laban to the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP).[7]
Electoral history
| Election Year | Position | Party | Votes for Agarao | Result | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total | % | Plc. | Swing | |||||
| 1992 | Board Member (Laguna–4th) | NPC | 38,309 | 39.21% | 2nd | N/a | Won | |
| 1995 | Representative (Laguna–4th) | Lakas–NUCD | 31,838 | 23.82% | 2nd | N/a | Lost | |
| 1998 | Board Member (Laguna–4th) | Independent | 56,024 | 40.56% | 4th | N/a | Lost | |
| 2001 | LDP | 67,390 | 52.75% | 1st | +12.19% | Won | ||
| 2004 | Representative (Laguna–4th) | 64,685 | 35.08% | 1st | N/a | Won | ||
| 2007 | Liberal | 96,038 | 48.46% | 2nd | +13.38% | Lost | ||
| 2010 | Mayor of Santa Cruz | 13,867 | 33.06% | 2nd | N/a | Lost | ||
| 2013 | Representative (Laguna–4th) | 91,530 | 46.28% | 1st | N/a | Won | ||
| 2016 | 137,058 | 57.55% | 1st | +11.27% | Won | |||
| 2019 | PDP–Laban | 146,602 | 58.06% | 1st | +0.51% | Won | ||
| 2022 | Mayor of Santa Cruz | 31,809 | 49.03% | 2nd | N/a | Lost | ||
| 2025 | Representative (Laguna–4th) | PFP | 150,553 | 50.06% | 1st | N/a | Won | |
Controversies
In May 2014, Agarao was involved in a controversy regarding a multi-billion-peso scam regarding the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF), however, Agarao denied the alleged "accusation".[5][8]
In 2015, while in an election campaign for the 2016 elections, the Liberal Party held a rally, also celebrating the birthday of Agarao. Then MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino invited the dance group Play Girls to entertain the guests, causing controversy.[8]
Personal life
Agarao was born on October 1, 1957, in Santa Cruz, Laguna,[6][3] he is married to Estelita Agarao, having 4 children with her. Including Benjo Agarao and Jam Agarao, Jam is the current senior board member of the Laguna Provincial Board.
