Roy Señeres, Filipino businessman, lawyer, and politician (b. 1947)

Roy Villareal Señeres (July 6, 1947 – February 8, 2016) was a highly respected Filipino statesman, diplomat, and unwavering labor advocate, particularly renowned for his profound commitment to the welfare of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). His distinguished career spanned decades, marked by significant contributions in various capacities within the Philippine government.

Señeres' dedication to the working class was evident throughout his public life. He held a pivotal role as the Philippine Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, a nation hosting a substantial Filipino diaspora. In this diplomatic post, he tirelessly championed the rights and welfare of OFWs, addressing their concerns and ensuring their protection abroad. Further underscoring his expertise in labor relations, Señeres also served as the Chairman of the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC), an important quasi-judicial body responsible for adjudicating labor disputes and enforcing labor laws in the Philippines.

In the 2013 general elections, Roy Señeres successfully secured a seat in the Philippine House of Representatives, representing the OFW Family Club party-list. This specific party-list organization was established with the core mission of safeguarding and promoting the interests of Filipino migrant workers and their families, a cause that aligned perfectly with Señeres' lifelong advocacy. During his tenure as a legislator, he consistently pushed for policies and reforms aimed at improving the working conditions, securing benefits, and protecting the fundamental human and labor rights of OFWs.

A significant chapter in his political career was his initial candidacy in the highly contested 2016 Philippine presidential election. He ran under the banner of the Partido ng Manggagawa at Magsaka (Workers and Farmers Party), a political platform that resonated with his deep-rooted commitment to the labor and agricultural sectors. However, due to severe health complications, specifically respiratory failure stemming from diabetes, Roy Señeres made the difficult decision to withdraw his presidential bid on February 5, 2016. Tragically, he passed away just three days later, on February 8, 2016, leaving a void in the country's political landscape and the advocacy for OFWs.

Roy Villareal Señeres is remembered not only for his extensive public service and passionate advocacy for OFWs but also as the patriarch of a family with a legacy in public service. He is the father of former congressman Christian Señeres, who also served in the Philippine House of Representatives.

Frequently Asked Questions About Roy Villareal Señeres

• What was Roy Señeres primarily known for?

  Roy Señeres was primarily known as a prominent Filipino statesman, diplomat, and a tireless labor advocate, particularly for the rights and welfare of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).

• What key roles did Roy Señeres hold during his career?

  He served as the Philippine Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Chairman of the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC), and as a member of the Philippine House of Representatives representing the OFW Family Club party-list.

• Why did Roy Señeres withdraw from the 2016 Philippine presidential election?

  Roy Señeres withdrew his candidacy from the 2016 presidential election on February 5, 2016, due to severe health reasons, specifically complications from diabetes that led to respiratory failure.

• When did Roy Señeres pass away?

  Roy Señeres passed away on February 8, 2016, just three days after withdrawing from the presidential race.

• Is Christian Señeres related to Roy Señeres?

  Yes, Christian Señeres is the son of Roy Villareal Señeres. Christian Señeres also followed his father's footsteps into public service, serving as a former congressman.