Victor "Vic" San Andres Ziga (September 30, 1945 – January 31, 2021) was a Filipino politician who served as senator in the 8th Congress. He was an assemblyman for Albay in the Regular Batasang Pambansa prior to getting elected as senator. He also served as Governor of Albay and cabinet minister in the Corazon Aquino administration.[1]

Victor San Andres Ziga
Senator of the Philippines
In office
June 30, 1987 – June 30, 1992
Mambabatas Pambansa (Assemblyman) from Albay
In office
June 30, 1984 – March 25, 1986
Serving with Pedro M. Marcellana, Jr. and Peter A. Sabido
Personal details
Born(1945-09-30)September 30, 1945
Manila, Commonwealth of the Philippines
DiedJanuary 31, 2021(2021-01-31) (aged 75)
Taguig, Philippines
Political partyLiberal
SpouseCarmen Olbes Velasco
Alma materAteneo de Manila University University of Santo Tomas
OccupationLawyer

Early life and career edit

Ziga was born on 30 September 1945 in Manila to parents Venancio P. Ziga, former governor and congressman of Albay,[2] and Tecla San Andres Ziga, a former Senator and who was the first woman who topped number 1 in the Bar Examination in the Philippines.

Ziga studied in Ateneo de Naga, Ateneo de Manila University, the University of Santo Tomas and the University of California in Los Angeles (UCLA). He passed the bar in 1975.

Political career edit

Ziga ran in and won the 1984 Batasang Pambansa elections. He filed various bills such as the establishment of the National Rehabilitation Center for drug addicts, requiring secondary schools to teach avoiding drug addiction and abuse and increasing the minimum basic monthly salaries of public school teachers.

In 1986, he was appointed the Cabinet Minister of General Services. In 1987, he was elected as a Philippine Senator. He was the Chairman of the Public works and highways committee and a member of the Commission on Appointments, Senate Electoral Tribunal and 16 other committees.

Ziga's interest and concern for those who have less in life is reflected in his association and involvement in typhoon relief operations and civic organizations, such as the free Medical Eye Specialist Mission and the Medical Mission of the Philippine General Hospital.

In 1991, he joined the Magnificent 12 in rejecting the new proposed treaty for Subic Naval Base. Ziga eventually left politics and returned to the private sector as board director of San Miguel Corporation.[1]

Personal life edit

Senator Ziga was married to Carmen Olbes Velasco with whom he had six children. He was born in Manila, His father is Venancio P. Ziga, the former governor of the Province of Albay, His mother is Tecla San Andres Ziga, who was the Former Congresswoman for Albay's 1st congressional district, and a former Senator, He has he has 4 uncles.[3] He was a graduate of the Ateneo de Manila University, the University of Santo Tomas, and the University of California in Los Angeles. [4]


Death edit

Victor Ziga died at January 31, 2021, at 75 years old. Senate President Sotto and Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri filed a resolution stating "the profound sympathy and sincere condolences of the Senate of the Philippines” on the Death of the Senator. [5]

References edit

  1. ^ a b Arguelles, M.S. (February 1, 2021). "Ex-senator Ziga dies at 75". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved February 1, 2021.
  2. ^ "List of Albay Candidates for Congressman, Governor, Vice-Governor, & Board Members for May 2016 Local Election".
  3. ^ "Venancio P. Ziga". FamilySearch.org.
  4. ^ "HON. SENATOR VICTOR S. ZIGA". set.gov.ph.
  5. ^ "Ex-Senator Victor Ziga dies at 75". GMA Network. Retrieved 28 March 2024.