Muntinlupa is among the Philippines’ most affluent and progressive cities. It is home to many of the country’s most prominent companies and citizens, offering many Filipinos the opportunity to build better lives and access numerous opportunities. Its transition from a sleepy suburb to an economic dynamo resulted from the skill and commitment of its leaders.
As the city grew over the past four decades, its history was shaped by District Representative Jaime Fresnedi, fondly known by many as Jimmy or Tatay Jimmy. He served as Muntinlupa’s Vice Mayor for 11 years and Mayor for 18 years. Rep. Fresnedi brings his formidable experience to Congress, serving as the Lone District’s representative since 2022.
Rep. Fresnedi began his journey in government service as Muntinlupa’s Municipal Attorney in 1987. His excellence and dedication eventually led him to become the municipality’s acting Vice Mayor under President Cory Aquino’s administration. His service was also noticed by his constituents, who consistently chose him to remain in his post until he was finally elected as City Mayor in 1998.
The district representative built a modern city that used its wealth to ensure that no Muntilupeño was left behind. Much like a good father, he ensured all his “children” received their fair share of progress through scholarships, health services delivery, and good governance.
His work spoke for itself. His administration was showered with awards for its good governance, economic growth, and social welfare programs. Under the leadership of Rep. Fresnedi, Muntinlupa became one of the few local government units with three Seals of Good Local Governance Awards from the Department of the Interior and Local Government. His administration was also cited for its compliance with the Anti-Red Tape Act, economic competitiveness, disaster resilience, and health services delivery.
Despite the new surroundings, Rep. Fresnedi’s focus was to serve well, and this is what he did. Just two years into his first term, he has already authored and co-authored 22 laws. These include Republic Act No. 11934, or the SIM Registration Act and RA 11953, a law that condones unpaid interests, penalties, and surcharges on loans made by beneficiaries of land reform. At the beginning of the Third Regular Session, he is the principal author and co-author of more than 250 bills and resolutions on matters which he believes will help advance not just economic progress, but the welfare of ordinary Filipinos.
Moreover, in his service to Congress, Rep. Fresnedi is conscientious in all his duties, as reflected in his perfect attendance during sessions of the House. In committee hearings, Fresnedi draws on his decades of experience in local government to share insights on how bills can help people once they become law. He is a member of the committees on appropriations, education, government enterprises and privatization, human rights, justice, local government, and public works.
Fresnedi came to the House of Representatives eager to contribute to the nation’s progress. He is a champion of education, health, senior citizens, and local government in the House.
He believes that education is the great equalizer, allowing the less fortunate to improve their lives and that of their families. To this end, he has filed House Bill No. 63 to provide free meals for kindergarten students, House Bill No. 64 to improve compensation for teachers, and House Bill No. 65 to establish an educational roadmap for the Philippines, among others.
In uplifting the status of Filipinos, their good health is essential to accomplish what they set out to do. He has filed House Bill No. 9686, proposing a Disability Support Fund to help persons with disabilities, House Bill No. 9691, which expands PhilHealth coverage to include mental health conditions, and House Bill No. 10352, which establishes a vision care program for indigent children.
As a former local chief executive, Rep. Fresnedi is also pushing to improve the capacity of local government units, which are the providers of basic services. He authored House Bill No. 3436, which provided for reforms in the valuation of real property which would help to improve local government income. This has now become law as Republic Act No.12001.
Rep. Fresnedi also understands that senior citizens should be protected by the State as they struggle with the challenges that come with age. He believes that senior citizens wish to be and can continue to be productive citizens of the country if only they are given the right tools and assistance. To this end, he has filed House Bill No. 9687 to provide them with free dialysis and House Bill No. 7052, which protects senior citizens from various forms of fraud. The latter was passed on third reading before the end of the second regular session.
Rep. Fresnedi also represents the interests of his constituents, bringing their concerns to the national government. As a lawyer and former local chief executive, he understands the importance of an efficient justice system and its contributions to public order and economic growth. To this end, he filed House Bill No. 56, which increases the number of branches of the Regional Trial Court in Muntinlupa
Fresnedi is not solely concerned with matters of policy. He understands that people have immediate needs that must be addressed with compassion to help them overcome the challenges they face. Using his office, he has linked almost 30,000 Muntilupeños to national social welfare programs, providing medical, financial, educational, and livelihood assistance to those most in need.
As Fresnedi continues his journey in the House of Representatives, he remains focused on his vision of what the Philippines should be – prosperous, equitable, and just. His legislative agenda is geared towards creating a society where every Filipino, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to thrive. He believes this is an achievable dream, just as it was achieved in Muntinlupa.
Rep. Jimmy Fresnedi’s career is a testament to the power of dedicated public service. His transformative leadership in Muntinlupa has set a benchmark for local governance, and his contributions to the national legislature are paving the way for a brighter future for all Filipinos. As he continues to champion the causes of education, health, local governance, and social welfare, there is no doubt that his legacy will leave an indelible mark on the country’s development. With leaders like Rep. Fresnedi at the helm, the Philippines is poised to achieve greater heights of progress and prosperity.
