Dick Gordon (politician)

{{Infobox officeholder

| image = RJGred1.JPG

| imagesize =

| smallimage =

| caption = Senator Richard Gordon visits a community in 2009

| order =

| office2 = Senator of the Philippines

| term_start2 = June 30, 2016

| term_end2 = June 30, 2022

| term_start3 = June 30, 2004

| term_end3 = June 30, 2010

{{Collapsed infobox section begin| Senate committee chairmanships}}

| office4 = Chair of the Senate Justice and Human Rights Committee

| term_start4 = September 20, 2016

| term_end4 = June 30, 2022

| predecessor4 = Leila de Lima

| successor4 = Francis Tolentino

| office5 = Chair of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee

| term_start5 = July 25, 2016

| term_end5 = June 30, 2022

| successor5 = Francis Tolentino

| term_start6 = February 2, 2009

| term_end6 = June 30, 2010

| predecessor5 = Teofisto Guingona III

| predecessor6 = Alan Peter Cayetano

| successor6 = Teofisto Guingona III

| office7 = Chair of the Senate Government Corporations and Public Enterprises Committee

| term_start7 = July 25, 2016

| term_end7 = June 30, 2022

| predecessor7 = Cynthia Villar

| successor7 = Alan Peter Cayetano{{Collapsed infobox section end}}

| office8 = Chairman of the Philippine Red Cross

| term_start8 = January 15, 2004

| term_end8 =

| order9 =

| office9 = Secretary of Tourism

| president9 = Gloria Macapagal Arroyo

| term_start9 = January 20, 2001

| term_end9 = January 4, 2004

| predecessor9 = Gemma Cruz Araneta

| successor9 = Robert Dean Barbers (acting)

| order10 =

| office10 = Chairman and Administrator of the
Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority

| president10 = Corazon Aquino
Fidel V. Ramos

| term_start10 = March 13, 1992

| term_end10 = June 30, 1998

| successor10 = Felicito Payumo

| order11 =

| office11 = Mayor of Olongapo

| term_start11 = February 2, 1988

| term_end11 = July 23, 1993

| predecessor11 = Ildefonso O. Arriola

| successor11 = Katherine Gordon

| term_start12 = March 3, 1980

| term_end12 = April 23, 1986

| predecessor12 = Geronimo Lipumano

| successor12 = Teodoro Macapagal

| order13 =

| office13 = Delegate to the
1971 Constitutional Convention

| term_start13 = June 1, 1971

| term_end13 = November 29, 1972

| birth_name = Richard Juico Gordon

| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1945|08|05}}

| birth_place = Castillejos, Zambales, Commonwealth of the Philippines

| death_date =

| death_place =

| nationality = Filipino

| party = Bagumbayan–VNP (2009–present)

| otherparty = UNA (2012–2013)
Lakas–CMD (2004–2009)
Nacionalista (1988–2004)
KBL (1980–1988)

| spouse = Katherine H. Gordon

| children = 4

| residence = Olongapo, Zambales

| alma_mater = Ateneo de Manila University (BA)
University of the Philippines Diliman (LL.B.)

| occupation = {{flatlist|

Civil servant
lawyer
politician
radio and television presenter

}}

| signature = Richard-j-gordon-signature.svg

| website = {{url|www.dickgordon.ph|Official website}}

}}

Richard Juico Gordon (born August 5, 1945) is a Filipino lawyer and politician who most recently served as a Senator from 2016 to 2022, and previously from 2004 to 2010. He has been the chairman and CEO of the Philippine Red Cross since 2004.

He rose to national prominence for his work in preserving and developing the former U.S. naval base in Subic when he served as the first chairman of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority from 1992 to 1998, and when he conceptualized the Wow Philippines campaign as Secretary of Tourism from years 2001 to 2004.

Gordon was the mayor of Olongapo from 1980 to 1986 and from 1988 to 1993, and was also the youngest delegate to the 1971 Constitutional Convention.

Early life and education

Gordon was born in Castillejos, Zambales. His father, James L. Gordon, was Olongapo's first elected mayor who served from 1963 until he was assassinated in 1967.{{Cite news|last=Hollie|first=Pamela G.|date=1981-02-25|title=Philippine Mayor Wages War on Sin near U.S. Base|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1981/02/25/world/philippine-mayor-wages-war-on-sin-near-us-base.html|access-date=2022-02-21|issn=0362-4331}} His mother, Amelia Gordon, succeeded James as Olongapo mayor until 1972 and served as assemblywoman in the Batasang Pambansa in 1984.{{Cite web|title=Remembering and Honoring the Life and Legacy of Amelia Juico-Gordon, Former Assemblywoman of the 1984 Batasan Pambansa, Civic Leader and Humanitarian|url=http://legacy.senate.gov.ph/lisdata/1310511727!.pdf|website=Senate of the Philippines}} Gordon has American ancestry through his paternal grandfather John Jacob Gordon, a United States Army officer.{{Cite news|last=Fineman|first=Mark|date=March 31, 1988|title=Identity Doubts Linger: Amerasians at Home in Philippines|work=Los Angeles Times|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1988-03-31-mn-881-story.html}}

In 1958, Gordon completed his elementary education at Lourdes Catholic School (now Lourdes School of Quezon City) in Quezon City and Colegio de San Juan de Letran in Manila. He then finished his secondary education in 1962 at the Ateneo de Manila University. He stayed in Ateneo for his tertiary education, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts, Major in History and Government degree in 1966.{{Cite web|title=The Vote 2010: Richard Juico Gordon|url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2010/03/09/555982/vote-2010-richard-juico-gordon|access-date=2022-02-21|website=Philstar.com}}

Gordon acquired his Bachelor of Laws degree at the University of the Philippines College of Law in 1975. While studying law, Gordon joined the Upsilon Sigma Phi fraternity and was elected councilor of the UP Diliman University Student Council.{{Cite web|title=Gordon meets with UP law students|url=https://legacy.senate.gov.ph/press_release/2009/0817_gordon2.asp|website=Senate of the Philippines}}{{Cite web|title=About Dick Gordon|url=http://www.dickgordon2010.com/about.php|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100202070311/http://www.dickgordon2010.com/about.php|archive-date=February 2, 2010|access-date=February 9, 2010}}

Political career

=1971 Constitutional Convention=

While still a sophomore law student, Gordon was elected as the delegate of the first district of Zambales to the 1971 Constitutional Convention for the drafting of the 1973 Constitution of the Philippines. At 24 years old, he was the youngest delegate in the convention.

= Mayor of Olongapo (1980–1993) =

In 1980, he was elected mayor of Olongapo. During his term as mayor, Olongapo became a highly urbanized city in 1983. Gordon prioritized raising police accountability through I.D. systems, proper health and sanitation, waste management, and the strict implementation of a color-coding scheme for public transportation vehicles.{{Cite web |last=Servando |first=Kristine |date=December 15, 2009 |title=Is the Philippines Ready for Dick Gordon? |url=http://newsbreak.com.ph/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7289&Itemid=88889150 |access-date=February 9, 2010 |publisher=Newsbreak Online}}

After the 1986 People Power Revolution, the provisional government of President Corazon Aquino issued an order for Gordon to vacate his position as Olongapo mayor, which Gordon refused in the absence of a written dismissal order. A former member of Kilusang Bagong Lipunan, Gordon was one of several local officials removed in a housecleaning effort by the Aquino government to replace potential loyalists of Ferdinand Marcos.{{Cite web|title=Entertainment workers protest Subic strike|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1986/03/29/Entertainment-workers-protest-Subic-strike/9724512456400/|access-date=2022-02-21|website=UPI|language=en}} The political crisis resulted in protests and clashes between Gordon's supporters and the supporters of Aquino's appointee Teodoro Macapagal.{{Cite news|last=Fineman|first=Mark|date=March 23, 1986|title=Filipino Pickets Block Gates of U.S. Naval Base|work=Los Angeles Times|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1986-03-23-mn-5537-story.html}} Gordon eventually made way for Macapagal after a formal written directive was issued by then-executive secretary Joker Arroyo. Gordon would be re-elected back to the position in 1988.

As mayor of Olongapo, Gordon described himself as a "pragmatist."{{Cite web|title=Sex Drives the Philippine Economy outside Base|url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-xpm-1988-07-25-0050420178-story.html|access-date=2022-02-21|website=Orlando Sentinel|language=en}} Gordon defended the American military presence in Subic Bay by arguing that the Philippines is neither militarily nor economically prepared to lose the naval bases, citing the $500 million income generated per year from spending by U.S. servicemen and from the salaries of thousands of Filipino employees and contractors in the bases.{{Cite web|title=Filipinos Blame U.S. For AIDS|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1988-04-24-8803110419-story.html|access-date=2022-02-21|website=Chicago Tribune|language=en}} Despite shutting down the "seedier" aspects of Olongapo's nightlife, Gordon defended the presence of bars and brothels in Olongapo, and also spoke positively of the income earned by the 6,000 licensed "bar girls" in the city.{{Cite news|last=Richburg|first=Keith B.|date=1990-01-29|title=The Good, Bad and Ugly of Hosting U.S. Troops|language=en-US|newspaper=The Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1990/01/29/the-good-bad-and-ugly-of-hosting-us-troops/a1d8a8d2-f613-4d6f-a596-29a6b212b16f/|access-date=2022-02-21|issn=0190-8286}} In 1988, Gordon led the city's efforts of stemming an HIV/AIDS outbreak in prostitutes that catered to US servicemen by conducting monthly meetings with HIV-positive prostitutes, offering them alternative livelihoods, and ensuring that they cooperated with city health officials.{{Cite web|last=Fineman|first=Mark|date=1988-03-09|title=Takes Up Plight of Infected Bar Girls Who Cater to U.S. Forces: Philippine Mayor in Front Lines of AIDS War|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1988-03-09-mn-745-story.html|access-date=2022-02-21|website=Los Angeles Times|language=en-US}}

= Chairman of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (1992–1998) =

In the 1992 election, Gordon won his re-election bid as Olongapo mayor. In the same year, he was also appointed the chairmanship of the newly-established Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) by President Fidel V. Ramos.{{Cite web|title=Thousands rally to support mayor crucial to Subic conversion|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1993/06/23/Thousands-rally-to-support-mayor-crucial-to-Subic-conversion/6302740808000/|access-date=2022-02-21|website=UPI|language=en}} However, the 1987 Constitution prohibits elected officials from holding appointive positions in a public office during their tenure. Thus, the Supreme Court ruled that Gordon must choose which position to keep.{{Cite web|title=G.R. No. 104732|url=https://lawphil.net/judjuris/juri1993/jun1993/gr_104732_1993.html|access-date=2022-02-21|website=lawphil.net}} Gordon decided to vacate his position as mayor and assumed the position of SBMA chairman in full capacity.{{Cite web|date=May 13, 2009|title=PROFILE: Richard "DICK" Juico Gordon|url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/botomo/05/13/09/profile-richard-dick-juico-gordon|website=ABS-CBN News}}

In 1992, Gordon was credited for organizing thousands of volunteers to clean volcanic ash, and maintain security in the former base, preventing the looting that had occurred in Clark Air Base earlier in the year.{{Cite web|last=Schoenberger|first=Karl|date=May 5, 1994|title=Subic Bay: A Relic Is Reborn|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1994-05-05-mn-54182-story.html|website=Los Angeles Times}}{{Cite news|last=Branigin|first=William|date=November 13, 1993|title=Beachhead for a New Philippines|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1993/11/13/beachhead-for-a-new-philippines/d4021cec-a36d-40de-bb6e-4ed52a3f6816/|newspaper=The Washington Post}}

During Gordon's term, Subic experienced significant economic growth with 200 companies investing $1.6 billion in Subic and manufacturing exports reaching $263 million in 1996.{{Cite news|last=Mydans|first=Seth|date=1996-11-23|title=Subic Bay, Minus U.S., Becomes Surprise Success|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/11/23/world/subic-bay-minus-us-becomes-surprise-success.html|access-date=2022-02-21|issn=0362-4331}} Gordon was also influential in convincing FedEx to establish their Asian regional hub in Subic in 1995.{{Cite web|date=July 19, 1996|title=The Selling of Subic|url=http://edition.cnn.com/ASIANOW/asiaweek/96/0719/biz6.html|access-date=2022-02-21|website=Asiaweek}}

In 1998, Gordon resigned as chairman of the SBMA in order to run for president in the upcoming election. However, he eventually backed out from pursuing his candidacy. Gordon was later re-appointed by the outgoing president Ramos as chairman for a new six-year term.{{Cite news|date=February 10, 1998|title=Defiant Orbos is Rene Veep|work=Manila Standard Today|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=_VYbAAAAIBAJ&dq=felicito%20payumo&pg=6477%2C962186|access-date=February 13, 2010}}{{Dead link|date=January 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{Citation|title=Battered Subic Chief Loses Appeal to Stay|date=September 2, 1998|publisher=Journal of Commerce}}

After winning the 1998 presidential elections, newly elected President Joseph Estrada's immediately issued his first administrative order removing Gordon as chairman of the SBMA on June 30, 1998.{{Cite web|title=Administrative Order No. 1, s. 1998 {{!}} GOVPH|url=https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/1998/06/30/administrative-order-no-1-s-1998/|access-date=2022-02-21|website=Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines|language=en-US}} Gordon and Estrada had previously formed a bitter rivalry in 1989 when Gordon prohibited Estrada from filming an anti-bases movie inside Subic and Olongapo, with Estada claiming his film crew were pelted with stones by Gordon's supporters.{{Cite web|last=Lopez|first=Antonio|date=August 7, 1998|title=Dick Gordon's Last Stand|url=http://edition.cnn.com/ASIANOW/asiaweek/98/0807/nat4.html|website=Asiaweek}} Despite Estrada's orders, Gordon refused to vacate his office while his supporters erected barricades in the SBMA premises. On July 26, 1998, police broke through the barricades and clashed with Gordon's supporters, resulting in at least 95 injuries. According to The Wall Street Journal, the incident damaged Subic's reputation as an investment destination and cost the local economy an estimated $3.5 million of lost income per day of the 'siege'.{{Cite news|last=Liden|first=Jon|date=1998-07-25|title=Philippine Police Use Tear Gas In Attempt to Oust Freeport Chief|language=en-US|work=The Wall Street Journal|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB901223925147076500|access-date=2022-02-21|issn=0099-9660}}{{Cite news|date=1998-07-23|title=The Siege of Subic|language=en-US|work=The Wall Street Journal|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB901135218696163500|access-date=2022-02-21|issn=0099-9660}}

Gordon was succeeded by former Bataan congressman Felicito Payumo as SBMA chairman.

= Secretary of Tourism (2001–2004) =

In January 2001, Gordon actively participated in the second EDSA Revolution that led to the removal of Joseph Estrada from the presidency.{{Cite web|title=Gordon disappointed over Cory's apology|url=https://legacy.senate.gov.ph/press_release/2008/1223_gordon3.asp|website=Senate of the Philippines}} Estrada's successor Gloria Macapagal Arroyo appointed Gordon as secretary of the Department of Tourism on January 24, 2001.{{Cite web|last=Dones|first=Liberty|title=Gordon named tourism secretary|url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2001/01/24/89535/gordon-named-tourism-secretary|access-date=2022-02-21|website=Philstar.com}}

Gordon's flagship marketing campaign "Wow Philippines" earned recognition from the ITB Berlin tourism trade fair in 2001 and 2002. Gordon was elected Commissioner for East Asia and the Pacific at the World Tourism Organization in 2002 and chairman of the Pacific Asia Travel Association in 2003.{{Cite web|title=The Chairman|url=https://redcross.org.ph/about-us/the-chairman/|website=Philippine Red Cross}}

= Senator (2004–2010) =

File:US Navy 080629-N-0640K-178 U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines, Kristie A. Kenney, speaks with members from the Philippine media.jpg and Filipino military officers, preparing for relief operations for the victims of Typhoon Frank (June 2008).]]

In the 2004 election, Gordon ran for senator under the Koalisyon ng Katapatan at Karanasan sa Kinabukasan ({{Translation|Coalition of Truth and Experience for Tomorrow}}) electoral alliance of President Arroyo. He won the election with 12,707,151 votes, ranking fifth in the overall tabulation.{{Cite web|title=2004 National and Local Elections - Senators|url=https://comelec.gov.ph/index.html?r=Results/2004NLE/Senators|website=COMELEC}}

As senator, Gordon authored laws such as the Filipino World War II Veterans Pensions and Benefits Act,{{Cite news|last1=Orejas|first1=Tonette|last2=Ubac|first2=Michael Lim|date=2008-04-10|title=Arroyo Signs New Veterans' Law|work=Inquirer.net|url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080410-129433/Arroyo-signs-new-veterans-law|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120925075102/http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080410-129433/Arroyo-signs-new-veterans-law|archive-date=September 25, 2012}} the National Tourism Policy Act,{{Cite news|last1=Palaubsano|first1=Mitchelle L.|last2=Pareja|first2=Jessica Ann R.|date=May 14, 2009|title=Big Boost to Industry: Arroyo Signs Tourism Act|work=Philstar.com|url=http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=467094|access-date=October 26, 2015|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120909071708/http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=467094|archive-date=September 9, 2012}} the Free Patent Law,{{Cite web|title=Gordon: Free patent law to benefit 39 million Filipinos with untitled lands|url=http://legacy.senate.gov.ph/press_release/2010/0321_gordon1.asp|website=Senate of the Philippines}} and the Philippine Disaster Reduction and Management Act.{{Cite web|title=LGUs need to adapt better to more destructive weather disaster - Gordon|url=https://legacy.senate.gov.ph/press_release/2021/1227_gordon3.asp|website=Senate of the Philippines}} He was also responsible for the passage of Automated Elections Systems Law which was piloted in the 2008 Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao elections.{{Cite web|date=August 11, 2008|title=Finally, Gordon's Automated Elections Law implemented|url=http://legacy.senate.gov.ph/press_release/2008/0811_gordon1.asp|website=Senate of the Philippines}}

As chair of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, Gordon investigated the 2004 Fertilizer Fund Scam and the ZTE National Broadband corruption scandal.{{Cite web|title=Gordon vows 'closure' on fertilizer fund scam probe|url=https://legacy.senate.gov.ph/press_release/2009/0104_gordon1.asp|website=Senate of the Philippines}}{{Cite web|title=Gordon agrees to submits NBN report to Ombudsman after visit of JDV son|url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2009/11/11/521968/gordon-agrees-submits-nbn-report-ombudsman-after-visit-jdv-son|access-date=2022-02-21|website=Philstar.com}}

=2010 presidential election=

File:DickGordon.jpgOn April 26, 2009, the Bagumbayan Movement held a formal launch event at the Rizal Park and in the Manila Hotel. The movement, which advocated "transformative politics", served to push for the presidential candidacy of Gordon in the upcoming election.{{Cite news |last=Salaverria |first=Leila |date=April 25, 2009 |title=Party Formed to Push for Gordon Candidacy |work=Inquirer.net |url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20090425-201428/Party-formed-to-push-for-Gordon-candidacy |access-date=February 14, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090428133027/http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20090425-201428/Party-formed-to-push-for-Gordon-candidacy |archive-date=April 28, 2009}}{{Cite news |last=Jumilla |first=Lynda |date=April 27, 2009 |title=Group Launched for Gordon's 2010 Bid |work=ABS-CBN News |url=http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/04/27/09/group-launched-gordons-2010-bid |access-date=February 14, 2010}} It was later recognized as a political party by the Commission on Elections in October 2009.{{Cite news |date=December 1, 2009 |title=Gordon, Fernando Announce Tandem in 2010 Polls |work=GMA News |url=http://www.gmanews.tv/story/178226/gordon-fernando-announce-tandem-in-2010-polls |access-date=February 14, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100218022107/http://www.gmanews.tv/story/178226/gordon-fernando-announce-tandem-in-2010-polls |archive-date=2010-02-18}}

On November 29, 2009, Metro Manila Development Authority chairman Bayani Fernando revealed that he and Gordon were having discussions on a possible team-up for the 2010 elections.{{Cite news |date=November 29, 2009 |title=Bayani Says Teaming up With Gordon Being Discussed |work=GMA News |url=http://www.gmanews.tv/story/178084/bayani-says-teaming-up-with-gordon-being-discussed |access-date=February 14, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100307023025/http://www.gmanews.tv/story/178084/bayani-says-teaming-up-with-gordon-being-discussed |archive-date=2010-03-07}} A few days later, on December 1, 2009, Gordon and Fernando officially announced their tandem during a press conference at the senate press office in Pasay, with Gordon running for the presidency and Fernando running for the vice presidency. During the press conference, they billed themselves as "the transformers" who intend to "transform the nation". Later in the day, the tandem filed their certificates of candidacy in the COMELEC main office.{{Cite news |last=Calonzo |first=Andreo |date=December 1, 2009 |title=Gordon-Fernando Tandem Files COCs |work=GMA News |url=http://www.gmanews.tv/story/178283/gordon-fernando-tandem-files-cocs |access-date=February 14, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100205045957/http://www.gmanews.tv/story/178283/gordon-fernando-tandem-files-cocs |archive-date=February 5, 2010}}

Gordon lost the 2010 presidential election to Benigno Aquino III.{{Cite news |last=Dalangin-Fernandez |first=Lira |date=2010-06-09 |title=Aquino, 15th President of the Philippines |work=Inquirer.net |url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20100609-274746/Aquino-15th-President-of-the-Philippines |access-date=2010-06-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100612202434/http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20100609-274746/Aquino-15th-President-of-the-Philippines |archive-date=2010-06-12}}

= 2013 senatorial election =

On August 28, 2012, the United Nationalist Alliance announced that they will include Gordon among their senatorial bets for the 2013 senatorial election.{{Cite web|title=Gordon, Maceda running under UNA|url=http://r3.rappler.com/nation/politics/elections-2013/11345-gordon,-maceda-running-under-una|access-date=2022-02-21|website=Rappler|language=en}} Gordon failed to win a seat in the senate, having finished 13th overall at 705,940 votes behind 12th-placed Gregorio Honasan.{{Cite news |last=Crisostomo |first=Shiela |date=May 19, 2013 |title=Final 3 Senators-Elect Proclaimed |work=Philstar |url=http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2013/05/19/943716/final-3-senators-elect-proclaimed |url-status=live |access-date=May 19, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130608075153/http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2013/05/19/943716/final-3-senators-elect-proclaimed |archive-date=June 8, 2013}}

= Return to the Senate (2016–2022) =

File:J4-1999 41506594560 o.jpg.]]

Gordon ran in the 2016 Senate election as an independent candidate and won, finishing fifth.{{Cite news|last=Esmaquel|first=Paterno II|date=May 19, 2016|title=Meet PH's 12 New Senators|work=Rappler|url=http://www.rappler.com/nation/politics/elections/2016/133540-senators-final-official-tally-proclamation|url-status=live|access-date=May 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160522114005/http://www.rappler.com/nation/politics/elections/2016/133540-senators-final-official-tally-proclamation|archive-date=May 22, 2016}}

In September 2016, Gordon replaced Senator Leila de Lima as chair of the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights, after the senate voted to declare all committee positions vacant.{{Cite web|last=Avendaño|first=Christine O.|date=2016-09-20|title=De Lima ousted as chair of panel|url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/816942/de-lima-ousted-as-chair-of-panel|access-date=2022-02-21|website=INQUIRER.net|language=en}} After only six hearings, Gordon controversially ended the senate probe on the rise of killings associated with the Philippine drug war, concluding that the extrajudicial killings were not state sponsored or sanctioned by the Duterte administration.{{Cite web|date=2016-10-13|title=Senate ends probe: Neither Duterte nor state sponsored killings|url=https://www.rappler.com/nation/149086-senate-ends-extrajudicial-killings-investigation-gordon-duterte/|access-date=2022-02-21|website=RAPPLER|language=en-US}} Gordon also found "no proof" that the Davao Death Squad existed or that the killings were ordered by then-Davao mayor Duterte.{{Cite news|date=2017-02-22|title=Duterte allies seek to block testimony of Philippine 'death squad' ringleader|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-philippines-drugs-duterte-idUSKBN1611E4|access-date=2022-02-21}}{{Cite web|last=Ager|first=Maila|date=2016-12-07|title=No proof of state killings, death squad existence–Senate committee|url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/851625/no-proof-of-state-killings-death-squad-existence-senate-committee|access-date=2022-02-21|website=INQUIRER.net|language=en}}

On August 15, 2017, Gordon exonerated President Duterte's son Paolo Duterte of involvement in a shabu smuggling scheme.{{Cite web|date=2017-08-15|title=No evidence vs Paolo Duterte in smuggled shabu case – Gordon|url=https://www.rappler.com/nation/178816-gordon-no-evidence-paolo-duterte-shabu-smuggling/|access-date=2022-02-21|website=RAPPLER|language=en-US}} In September 2017, Gordon was one of the seven senators that did not sign a senate resolution urging the government to stop the spate of killings.{{Cite web |title=Senate Resolution 516 |url=https://www.senate.gov.ph/lis/bill_res.aspx?congress=17&q=SRN-516 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180123000613/https://www.senate.gov.ph/lis/bill_res.aspx?congress=17&q=SRN-516 |archive-date=January 23, 2018 |access-date=January 22, 2018 |via=senate.gov.ph}} Gordon claimed, along with the other seven senators, that they were simply not aware of the resolution being passed around.{{Cite news |last=Avendaño |first=Christine O. |date=September 28, 2017 |title=7 Senators Angry at 'Prostitution' of Senate Resolution |work=Inquirer.net |url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/933935/7-senators-angry-at-prostitution-of-senate-resolution |url-status=live |access-date=January 22, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180123000542/http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/933935/7-senators-angry-at-prostitution-of-senate-resolution |archive-date=January 23, 2018}}

In January 2019, Gordon defended a proposal to lower the minimum age of criminal responsibility to 12 years old.{{Cite news |last=Ilas |first=Joyce |date=January 26, 2019 |title=Gordon to Recommend Lowering Age of Criminal Liability to 12 |work=CNN Philippines |url=http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2019/01/25/dick-gordon-minimum-age-of-criminal-responsibility.html |url-status=dead |access-date=February 5, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190207020124/http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2019/01/25/dick-gordon-minimum-age-of-criminal-responsibility.html |archive-date=February 7, 2019}}

In 2021, Gordon headed the senate investigation on the government's procurement of overpriced pandemic-related goods.{{Cite web|last=Mercado|first=Neil Arwin|date=2022-02-07|title=Gordon: 8 senators, so far, have signed Senate panel's Pharmally report|url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1550945/fwd-gordon-8-senators-signed-senate-panels-pharmally-report-so-far|access-date=2022-02-21|website=INQUIRER.net|language=en}} The probe, which implicated close associates of the president, resulted in Duterte and Gordon engaging in a high profile word war and exchange of legal threats.{{Cite web|last=Gonzales|first=Cathrine|date=2021-09-16|title=Duterte to Gordon: Inciting to sedition? File a case and I'll sue you too|url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1488691/duterte-to-gordon-inciting-to-sedition-file-a-case-and-ill-sue-you-too|access-date=2022-02-21|website=INQUIRER.net|language=en}}{{Cite web|title=Sen. Richard J. Gordon's Statement on Duterte's latest threat|url=https://legacy.senate.gov.ph/press_release/2021/1007_gordon1.asp|website=Senate of the Philippines}}{{Cite web|title=Duterte threatens to file case against Gordon for alleged malversation of ₱86-M fund|url=https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2021/9/23/Duterte-file-case-vs-Gordon-SBMA-fund.html|website=CNN Philippines|access-date=February 21, 2022|archive-date=February 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220221184016/https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2021/9/23/Duterte-file-case-vs-Gordon-SBMA-fund.html|url-status=dead}}

In his second stint as senator, Gordon authored or co-authored laws such as the Philippine Passport Act,{{Cite web|last=Ager|first=Maila|date=2017-05-15|title=Bill extending validity of passport to 10 years OK'd in Senate|url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/896852/bill-extending-validity-of-passport-to-10-years-okd-in-senate|access-date=2022-02-21|website=INQUIRER.net|language=en}} the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act,{{Cite web|title=Senate calls for immediate implementation of free tuition for SUCs|url=https://legacy.senate.gov.ph/press_release/2018/0213_prib1.asp|website=Senate of the Philippines}} the Police Courts Act,{{Cite web|title=Gordon pushes for measure that will create special court to handle cases committed by policemen|url=http://legacy.senate.gov.ph/press_release/2022/0127_gordon2.asp|website=Senate of the Philippines}} and the Free Irrigation Service Act.{{Cite web|title=Villar: Senate to approve free irrigation for farmers by year end|url=https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2017/05/25/Villar-free-irrigation-farmers.html|website=CNN Philippines|access-date=February 21, 2022|archive-date=February 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220221184019/https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2017/05/25/Villar-free-irrigation-farmers.html|url-status=dead}} Gordon voted to approve the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Law.{{Cite web|last=Avendaño|first=Christine O.|date=2017-11-29|title=Senate approves tax reform bill|url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/948385/senate-approves-tax-reform-bill|access-date=2022-02-21|website=INQUIRER.net|language=en}} Meanwhile, Gordon was the only senator to oppose the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Bill, which aims to cut corporate income taxes and rationalize tax perks.{{Cite web|date=2020-11-26|title=Senate approves CREATE bill on final reading|url=https://www.rappler.com/business/senate-approves-corporate-recovery-and-tax-incentives-enterprise-final-reading/|access-date=2022-02-21|website=RAPPLER|language=en-US}} Gordon has expressed opposition against the reimposition of the death penalty in the Philippines, and has claimed that the proposed Divorce Bill violates the Constitution.{{Cite web|title=Gordon not keen on sponsoring refiled death penalty bills in the Senate|url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/700137/gordon-not-keen-on-sponsoring-refiled-death-penalty-bills-in-the-senate/story/|access-date=2022-02-21|website=GMA News Online|language=en}}{{Cite web|title=Divorce bill gets mixed reactions from Senate|url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1029387|website=Philippine News Agency}}

On October 8, 2021, Gordon announced that he would run for re-election as a senator in the 2022 election.{{Cite web|last=Gonzales|first=Cathrine|date=2021-10-08|title=Senator Gordon seeks reelection in 2022|url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1499192/senator-gordon-seeks-reelection-in-2022|access-date=2022-02-21|website=INQUIRER.net|language=en}} The election was held on 9 May 2022; Gordon conceded defeat after early returns from the unofficial and partial COMELEC vote counts indicated that his deficit was too great to overcome.{{cite news |last1=Torregoza |first1=Hannah |title=Gordon accepts his defeat: 'I will forever desire victory, unity for our country' |url=https://mb.com.ph/2022/05/10/gordon-accepts-his-defeat-i-will-forever-desire-victory-unity-for-our-country/ |access-date=3 June 2022 |work=Manila Bulletin |date=May 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220510120558/https://mb.com.ph/2022/05/10/gordon-accepts-his-defeat-i-will-forever-desire-victory-unity-for-our-country/ |archive-date=May 10, 2022}} This was confirmed by the final results, in which he finished twenty-second in a race to fill twelve seats representing the nation at large.

Personal life

{{commons category}}Gordon is married to Katherine Gordon, who served as congresswoman of the first district of Zambales from 1988 to 1995. She succeeded her husband as mayor of Olongapo in 1995 and served three consecutive terms until 2004. They have four children.

Following the end of his Senate term in 2010, Gordon anchored Aksyon Solusyon with Amelyn Veloso on Radyo5 92.3 News FM and AksyonTV. He also co-hosted Duelo with Jake Macasaet, which aired weeknights on AksyonTV.{{Cite news |last=Moriones-Doromal |first=Cherry |date=February 22, 2011 |title=Dick Gordon on Radio and Tv |work=Manila Bulletin |url=http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/305672/dick-gordon-radio-and-tv |access-date=October 26, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110225125637/http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/305672/dick-gordon-radio-and-tv |archive-date=February 25, 2011}} Gordon also hosted his public service program Lingkod Aksyon, which aired every Sunday morning on TeleRadyo (originally DZMM), alongside Jeffrey Hernaez.

Awards

Gordon is a recipient of various awards, such as the Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM), The Outstanding Filipino (TOFIL), the University of the Philippines' Most Outstanding Alumnus in Public Service and its Most Distinguished Alumnus. The latter is the highest award that could be bestowed by the UP Law Alumni Association.{{Cite web |title=Senator Richard J. Gordon |url=http://legacy.senate.gov.ph/senators/sen_bio/gordon_bio.asp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210831054714/http://legacy.senate.gov.ph/senators/sen_bio/gordon_bio.asp |archive-date=August 31, 2021 |access-date=2021-09-08 |website=Senate of the Philippines}}

Gordon was also awarded the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency's Lifetime National Volunteer Achievement Award, the sole recipient of the award in 2015.

Gordon has been awarded the three highest awards from the Red Cross: the Aurora Aragon Quezon Medal, the Silver Humanitarian Service Cross Award and the Gold Humanitarian Service Cross Award.

Gordon was also a recipient of the Japanese Red Cross Gold Humanitarian Award. He also received recognition from various foreign media such as Asiaweek's Twenty Great Asians of the Future and Asahi Shimbun's 50 Young Leaders of Asia, among others.

Ancestry

{{ahnentafel

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|boxstyle_5=background-color: #9fe;

|1= 1. Richard Gordon

|2= 2. James L. Gordon

|3= 3. Amelia Juico

|4= 4. John Jacob Gordon

|5= 5. Verónica Tagle

|10= 10. José Tagle

|11= 11. Isabel Bella

|20= 20. Benito Tagle

|21= 21. Simona Santarin

}}

External links

{{official website|https://www.dickgordon.ph}}
[http://www.redcross.org.ph/chairman Philippine Red Cross | The Chairman]
[http://www.senate.gov.ph/senators/sen_bio/gordon_bio.asp Senate of the Philippines – Richard Gordon profile]