Guest of Honor & Speaker’s Profile

A lifelong public servant, Dick Gordon has served in the Philippine Red Cross for over 50 years, serving as its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer since 2004. He has served in Philippine Government for over 28 years, beginning as the youngest delegate to the 1971 Constitutional Convention, and working his way up from Olongapo Mayor to Subic Freeport Administrator, to Tourism Secretary, and finally, as Senator of the Republic of which he has been re-elected. He has left an unparalleled legacy in each of the institutions he has led building, and transforming their very foundations, to lead them to excellence today.

He is a lawyer by profession, but he has also been, at various points, a broadcaster, a businessman, a lecturer, and an inspirational speaker. Finally, he is also a dedicated father and grandfather, a loving husband, and a dutiful son.

Work Experience

2016 to 2022: Senator, 18th Congress of the Republic of the Philippines

Currently, he is the Chairman of the Committee on Accountability of Public Officers and Investigations or Blue Ribbon. It was under his chairmanship that this powerful and most-sought committee put several public officials, including high-ranking officials involved in different scams, to jail and cited others in contempt.

He led senate investigations on Alleged 'Mafia' inside the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) and the Influx of Chinese Nationals in the Country and Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA) Scam and Killings of Bureau of Corrections Officials.

He is also the Chairman of the Committee on Justice and Human Rights where he champions bills ensuring the safety and security of the people and maintaining and upholding their rights as citizens of this country. Among those bills are SBN 1947: Judiciary Marshals Act, SBN 1931: Police Courts Act of 2020, SBN-1853: Age of Statutory Rape and Other Sexual Abuse Act, SBN-1359: Separate Facility for Heinous Crimes Inmates Act.

Recently, RA 11573 was passed into law which will allow the continuous titling of public alienable and disposable agricultural lands beyond December 31, 2020. He authored and sponsored the measure to preserve the security of tenure of land claimants and farmers, and simplify the procedure and requirements in obtaining land certificates. It was passed alongside RA 11576, which was also authored and sponsored by Sen. Gordon, to help unclog the dockets of second level courts. The law increased the jurisdiction of first level courts to equalize the burden between the first level courts and the second level courts.

He serves as the Chairman of the Government Corporations & Public Enterprises Committee. Under this committee, bills that he sponsored and authored include SSS Law, SBN-1970: Deferring the Increase in Contribution of the Social Security System, SBN-1772: Voluntary Contributions Among Members of the Government Service Insurance), SBN-1549: Regional Investment and Infrastructure Coordinating Hub of Central Luzon, SBN-1347: Amending P.D. No. 252 (Philippine International Trading Corporation Law) and SBN-90: Lake Lanao Development Authority Act of 2019.

At present, he is Vice-Chairman of Finance; Foreign Relations; National Defense and Security, Peace, Unification & Reconciliation.

He is also the Senate Representative to Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) and Senate Electoral Tribunal.

17th Congress of the Republic of the Philippines

Sponsored and authored laws on Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act (Republic Act 11235), Judges-at-Large Act of 2019 (Republic Act 11459), Social Security Act of 2018 (Republic Act 1119), Strengthening The Powers and Functions of Authority of the Free Airport Area at Bataan (Republic Act 11453), Charter of Davao International Airport Authority (Republic Act 11457), Community Service Act (Republic Act 11362), Amending Section 85 and 103 if the Tourism Act of 2009 (Republic Act 11262), Agricultural Free Patent Reform Act (Republic Act 11231), Retirement Law of the Office of the Ombudsman (Republic Act No. 11059), Adlaw ni Lapu-Lapu (11040), Free Irrigation Service to Small Farmers (10969), Barangay and SK Elections Postponement (10952), Extending the Validity Period of Driver’s Licenses to 5 Years (10930), and Philippine Passport Act (10928).

Led senate investigations on the Illegal Mining in Zambales, P6.4B Worth of Shabu Shipment from China, Dengvaxia Scandal, Bureau of Immigration Bribery Scandal, P6.8B Worth of Shabu Shipment Involving Bureau of Customs and PDEA, the Alleged State Sponsored Extrajudicial Killings in the Country, and filed committee reports and corresponding laws and alerted concerned law enforcement agencies of the findings to further investigate and file cases as appropriate.

2004 to present: Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Philippine Red Cross; Chairman, Board of Governors; Member, Governing Board, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Transformed the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) into the foremost humanitarian organization in the country, gathering and providing it with the human, physical and financial resources to respond to disasters throughout the country.

Oversaw Red Cross efforts in practically all major calamities in the Philippines since 2004 – including typhoons Winnie, Yoyong, Ondoy, Frank, Yolanda, Tisoy, Ursula, Sendong Reming, Bohol Earthquake, Taal Volcano Eruption, Mindanao Earthquakes, and recently, Typhoons Rolly, Ulysses, among others.

Besides being first on site at calamities with rescue equipment and relief operations, the PRC has also implemented long-term rehabilitation projects such as building 151,477 housing units for those who have lost their homes, helped 82,420 beneficiaries with livelihood training and grants amounting to PhP824,200,000.00, supported 222 rural associations with community livelihood project amounting to PhP 66,600,000.00 and distributed PRC Php 510.9 Million worth of cash assistance to support more than 155,000 families since 2013 in 21 major emergency and disaster operations.

He intervened for the release of detained Filipino workers abroad, as well as those kidnapped by local insurgent groups.

Through his efforts, PRC is the first Red Cross in the whole world that opened its Hemodialysis Center on November 6, 2018, which has made almost 10,000 dialysis treatments for indigent patients for free since its opening.

Under his leadership, the Philippine Red Cross launched a multi-faceted response and stood at the forefront of the fight against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic that is affecting the whole world.

As a major part of PRC’s response, 14 molecular laboratories nationwide with a capacity of 60,000 tests per day were established which can test other communicable diseases such as tuberculosis, human immunodeficiency viruses or HIV, dengue, malaria, hepatitis, leptospirosis and Zika, making PRC the first and only Red Cross in the world with Molecular Laboratories across the country.

With already more than four million tests conducted, PRC has so long surpassed the tests conducted by other laboratories in the country.

Aside from ensuring public health by distributing face masks and personal protective equipment or PPEs for health workers, securing negative pressure ambulances for the safe transport of COVID-19 positive individuals, establishing medical tents, distributing hot meals to locally stranded individuals, he also ensured that the PRC alleviates human suffering by the distribution of cash grants to the most vulnerable who reeled from the economic effects of the pandemic. In addition, it also went into the establishment of a convalescent plasma center to further help those still battling the disease.

Despite the pandemic, he continued to mobilize and expand the PRC’s army of volunteers, logistics, and information technology by deploying the Humanitarian Caravan to address the destruction brought by Typhoon Rolly, the most powerful typhoon to hit the country in 2020 to date. Assets such as 10 and 6 wheeler trucks, 6x6 truck, ambulance units, food truck, generators, water treatment units, portable radios, and a VSAT allowed PRC to provide relief and recovery assistance.

He also sent off to the Bicol Region the humanitarian vessel M/V PRC Amazing Grace to deliver thousands of non-food items such as hygiene kits, sleeping mats, and galvanized iron sheets for roofing repair, and three additional vehicles for relief distributions and clearing operations. The M/V Amazing Grace served as a symbol of hope in the aftermath of Typhoon Rolly, and uplifted the dignity of the survivors to rebuild their lives.

To democratize the COVID-19 testing in the country and make it more available to the most vulnerable, he sought the help of scientists from the University of Illinois and the University of the Philippines to introduce and develop the Saliva RT-PCR testing in the country. This milestone system is a more affordable, non-invasive, and easier testing method than the oro and naso pharyngeal swabbing.

PRC is also a regular partner of the Department of Health in its vaccination drives, inoculating more than a million for measles and polio, and reinforcing the country’s defense against COVID-19 by establishing Bakuna Centers for priority groups and overseas Filipino workers and seafarers nationwide.

He forged partnerships with universities and local government units in Metro Manila to establish isolation facilities to house asymptomatic spreaders away from their multi-generational households, and continued to provide for their families as well as those affected by stricter quarantine measures by delivering food packs to their doorsteps. He mobilized volunteers, staff, and health professionals to build and man the first emergency field hospital in the Lung Center of the Philippines compound, to attend to COVID-19 patients desperately looking for advanced medical care.

He continues to equip the PRC with logistics and trained manpower in preparation for the prolonged effects of the pandemic and other disasters, by establishing an oxygen generation plant; expanding molecular laboratories, blood banks, and vaccination centers; acquiring ambulance units and food trucks; establishing medical tents in areas experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases; and training vaccinators, first raiders, food handlers, and humanitarian riders.

2004 to 2010: Senator, 13th and 14th Congress of the Republic of the Philippines

Served as chairperson of the Senate Committees on Accountability of Public Officers, Tourism, Constitutional Amendments, Government Corporations, among others.

Authored and passed laws on Automated Elections (Republic Act No. 9369), Tourism (9593), the Sin Tax Law (9334), The Tax Incentives of Clark Freeport (9399) and Poro Point (9400), Veterans Benefits (9499), Humanitarian Law (9851), Holiday Economics (9492), the Abolition of the Death Penalty (9346), and the Biofuels Act (9367) among others.

Coauthored and passed laws on the UP Charter (9496), Renewable Energy (9513), Minimum Wage Exemptions from Tax Return Filing (9513), PAGIBIG Charter (9679), Magna Carta for Women (9710), among others.

Led Senate investigations into the Fertilizer Fund Scam and the ZTE Broadband Controversy, and actually completed and filed committee reports for proper investigation and prosecution.

2001 to 2004: Secretary of the Department of Tourism; Chairman of the Pacific Asia Travel Association; Chairman of the Commission for East Asia and the Pacific of the World Tourism Organization

Oversaw and increased international tourist arrivals during his term, bucking the trend in a region reeling from the successive effects of 9/11, the SARS Epidemic and the Bali Bombing, and even on top of local crises such as the Abu Sayyaf kidnapping, the Oakwood Mutiny, and peace and order problems.

Developed and pushed the WOW Philippines campaign, which pump primed international tourism growth, a trajectory that has now been maintained since 2002, despite the absence of adequate funding for marketing and promotions.

Boosted domestic tourism through a WOW Philippines campaign for the regions. Revitalized Intramuros by hosting the WOW best of the regions within its walls, as well as establishing the Light and Sound Museum, and securing the funding for the restoration of the Maestranza Wall.

Recognized for his efforts by international tourism bodies, and secured awards for the Philippines in international tourism campaigns and conventions.

1992 to 1998: Founding Chairman and Administrator, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority

Built a culture of volunteerism by attracting former base workers, local residents, and even some of the country’s best and brightest to work in Subic even funding and support from the national government was yet unclear

Created over 200,000 jobs and generated over 3 billion dollars in investments from Coastal Petroleum, Federal Express, Acer, Thomson Audio, BICC Cables, Omron Mechatronics, Volvo Penta, Hitachi and Sankyo Sieki, and enhanced over 8 billion dollars worth of infrastructure left by the Americans

Attracted domestic and international tourism visitors by developing programs with the Aetas, and building hotels, casinos, restaurants, and other recreational facilities, securing the recognition of Subic as 1994 Tourism Destination of the Year

1988 to 1993 and 1980 to 1986: Mayor of Olongapo City

Transformed the Sin City into a Model City by instituting reforms on transport color coding and garbage collection, establishing the People’s Law Enforcement Board

Already began planning for the future of Olongapo City in the eventuality that the American Naval Base at Subic were to leave

Led the resurrection and revitalization of Olongapo from the devastation by the 1991 eruption of Mt. Pinatubo.

1975 to 1989: Associate Lawyer, Angara Cruz Concepcion Abello (ACCRA) and Associates Law Office

1971 to 1972: Delegate to the 1971 Constitutional Convention

Youngest delegate of the Convention

Authored the Article on the Duties of Citizens, as a counterpart to the Bill of Rights

1966 to 1967: Brand Manager, Procter and Gamble (Philippine Manufacturing Company)

Education

1975 Bachelor of Laws, University of the Philippines

1966 A.B. History and Government, Ateneo de Manila University

Socio-Civic, Professional and Political Organizations

Chairman and CEO, Philippine Red Cross, 2004 to present

President, University of the Philippines College of Law Alumni Association, 2008 to present

Governing Board, International Red Cross/Red Crescent Federation, 2005 to 2009

Member and Chairman, Pacific Asia Travel Association, 2003 to 2004

Commissioner for East Asia and the Pacific, World Tourism Organization, 2001 to 2004

Founding Chairman, Bagumbayan Volunteers for a New Philippines, 1997 to present

Lifetime Member, Integrated Bar of the Philippines

Member, Upsilon Sigma Phi Alumni Association

Director, Ateneo de Manila University Alumni Association

Chairman, James L. Gordon Council, Boys Scouts of the Philippines

Chairman, Olongapo Chapter, University of the Philippines Alumni Association

Member, Presidential Bases Conversion Committee

Member, Citizen's Legal Aid Society of the Philippines

National Chairman, Party for Philippine Progress Training Committee Youth Arm, 1966

National and International Awards and Recognitions

Tatak Asul Homecoming Award, Ateneo De Manila University, 2015

Volunteer Lifetime Achievement Award, Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency, 2012

Peace Awardee, Rotary International District 3830 through Rotary Club of Makati San Lorenzo, 2008

Ateneo USA Award – Public Service, Ateneo USA Chicago All Ateneo Convention, 2008

Gold Humanitarian Award, Japanese Red Cross, 2007

Gold Humanitarian Service Cross Award, Philippine National Red Cross (declined initially but accepted 5 Aug 2008), 2003

International Awardee, Visit Korea Year, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Republic of Korea, 2002

Aduana Awardee for Public Service, Aduana Foundation, 2001

Gintong Ama Awardee, Gintong Ama and Ina Foundation, 2001

Silver Humanitarian Award, Philippine National Red Cross, 2000

Upsilonian Noble and Outstanding (UNO), Upsilon Sigma Phi Alumni Association (Highest Honors), 1997

Most Distinguished Alumnus, UP Alumni Association (Highest Award), 1997

Outstanding Alumnus in Public Service, Letran College, 1996

The Outstanding Filipino (TOFIL), Philippine Jaycees Senate (Youngest Recipient), 1995

One of the 20 Great Asians of the Future, Asiaweek Magazine 20th Anniversary Special, 1995

One of Who's Who in Asia, NHK TV Japan, 1994

One of the 50 Young Leaders of Asia, Asahi Shimbun, Japan, 1993

Luminary Award for Exemplary Achievement in Public Administration, Upsilon Sigma Phil Alumni Association, 1991

Aurora Aragon Quezon Peace Award, Philippine National Red Cross (Highest National Award)

Gold Vision Triangle Award, National YMCA (Highest National Award)

Award for Outstanding and Dynamic Leadership in Government Service, International Lions Club, 1983

Professional Award in the Public Administration, UP Alumni Association, 1982

Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) in Public Administration, Philippine Jaycees Senate

Personal Details

Birth: 5 August 1945, Castillejos, Zambales, Philippines

Family: Spouse: Katherine H. Gordon

Children: Marnie, Ali, LJ, Brian

Father: James L. Gordon (deceased)

Mother: Amelia J. Gordon (deceased)

First Elected Municipal Mayor of Olongapo (1963 - 1967)

First Elected City Mayor of Olongapo (1969)

UNESCO Mayors for Peace Prize Awardee in Asia 1998

Three-term Mayor of Olongapo City (1995 - 2004) and Member 8 - 10th Congress Representing 1st District of Zambales (1987 - 1995)

Pearl S. Buck Woman of the Year 2003