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Wowo Fortes

Manuel “Wowo” Laurio Fortes, Jr. or Wowo Fortes (born February 24, 1965) is a Filipino politician serving as the Representative of the Province of Sorsogon’s 2nd district since July 2022. His notable career spans across national and local levels, demonstrating a commitment to public service and community development.

Fortes is a dedicated advocate for positive change in various aspects of society. He believes that enhancing education opportunities for all is vital for a nation to prosper. He also recognizes the importance of health and works to improve healthcare accessibility in the district. As an advocate of good governance, he actively participates in encouraging transparency and a sense of accountability in public service. Betterment of livelihood and development of agriculture is also at the forefront of Fortes’ agenda. Furthermore, he is also an advocate for poverty reduction, believing that every individual must have the opportunity to thrive.

He is best known for his campaign slogan: Kaapin sa Kongreso, Kadanon san Barangay (Ally in Congress, Partner of Barangay). Wowo is known for his vision of a community-driven barangay development, upskilling officials for efficient service linkages for the benefit of residents in 2022-2025 and beyond. As a congressman, his mission is the assessment of grassroots’ needs during barangay visitations while monitoring outcomes and highlighting sustainability.

Early Life and Education

Fortes was born on February 24, 1965 in Irosin, Sorsogon. He earned a degree in AB Economics from De La Salle University in 1987. He also had Philosophy units at Ateneo De University. Fortes then pursued law and obtained his Bachelor of Laws from San Beda College of Law in 1990. Wowo Fortes’ educational background reflects his commitment to academic excellence, with degrees in Economics and Law from reputable institutions.  Career and Affiliations

Prior to his political career, Wowo Fortes was a practicing lawyer. He continues to be a committed public servant who uses his knowledge and abilities to advance both the Province of Sorsogon and the nation as a whole. He served as the Vice Governor of the Province of Sorsogon from 2019 to 2022. For three consecutive terms, he also served as the Municipal Mayor of Barcelona, Sorsogon from 2010 to 2019 where he obtained awards including the Seal of Good Governance and Seal of Child-Friendly Local Governance. He also served as the Provincial Administrator in the Province of Sorsogon from 2007 to 2009. As the City Legal Officer in Sorsogon City from 2004 to 2006, his expertise contributed to the city’s adherence to legal protocols and standards. He also served as the City Administrator in Sorsogon City from 2001 to 2003. He began his political career in 1995 as the City Councilor in Sorsogon City until the year 2000.

Wowo Fortes is affiliated with several prominent organizations, demonstrating his involvement in legal and community-oriented groups. This includes the National People’s Coalition (NPC), Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP), Lax Talionis Fraternitas, Inc., The Fraternal Order of Eagles, and Club 100.

Legislations

In his first two years in the Congress, Wowo Fortes has filed 219 bills with 169 Principal Authored Bills, manifesting his growth mindset for people and the less fortunate and 50 Co-Authored Bills which are of local and national importance, one of which has already been enacted into a law.  Republic Act No. 11964: LGU Income Classification

On October 26, 2023, Republic Act No. 11964 was signed into law by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. This is one of the priority bills of Fortes as he filed House Bill No. 6121, which was the adopted version for the House of Representatives Substitute Bill. Over 14 years after the last income reclassification was made, the recently enacted law is vital in the operation of local government units and provision of just socio-economic benefits to the staff given that it considers the prevailing economic status and financial state of LGUs. This also allows for local government staff to receive their pay aligned with recent and more accurate income classification. Consequently, the passing of this law helps determine the LGU’s financial capability to fund developmental projects and the number of council members in each locality.

House Bill No. 3458: Community-Driven Development (CDD) Bill

Internationally recognized as an empowerment strategy for community members, the CDD Bill aims to uplift the standard of living of the poor by providing them with sustained opportunities for growth and development. This bill recognizes the importance of community members, particularly, the poor and the marginalized in actively planning, enforcing, and monitoring local programs and projects.

Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) Bill

A substitute bill institutionalizing the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) was approved in 2023. It is a consolidated bill including House Bill No. 6028 of Congressman Fortes. The distribution of the AICS program at the local level implies efficiency and more accurate implementation of the said program.

Blood Center

Congressman Wowo is an advocate for high-quality healthcare services, exemplified by his introduction of House Bill No. 03457, titled "AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE PHILIPPINE BLOOD CENTER, DEFINING ITS OBJECTIVES, POWERS AND FUNCTIONS, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR." This legislative initiative aims to create a national blood center, ensuring a consistent and ample supply of blood for our public health facilities.

GSO and HRMO as mandatory positions in LGUs

To enhance the efficiency of the delivery of services in Local Government Units, Congressman Wowo spearheaded the introduction of House Bill No. 03459. This proposed legislation entitled “AN ACT CREATING THE HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT OFFICE AND GENERAL SERVICES OFFICE IN THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS, AND DEFINING THEIR FUNCTIONS,” aims to establish that Human Resource Management Office and General Services Office would be functional in making administrative processes more streamlined. This further ensures efficient management of human resources to maximize operational efficiency of LGUs.  Committee Membership (19th Congress)

Congressman Fortes plays a vital and diversified role in molding legislative priorities as evidenced by his extensive committee membership. Holding the position of Vice Chairperson for the West Philippine Sea Committee, he exhibits a commitment to addressing critical issues between the Philippines and China in the disputed region. He is also a Member for the Majority in various committees such as the Ad Hoc Committee on Marawi Rehabilitation and Victims Compensation, Committee on Appropriations, Committee on Constitutional Amendments, Committee on Energy, Committee on Housing and Urban Development, Committee on Local Government, Committee on Public Works and Highways, Committee on Revision of Laws, Committee on Rural Development, and Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms. He is also an Assistant Majority Leader for the Committee on Rules.

Personal Life

Wowo Fortes is married to Mayor Cynthia Falcotelo-Fortes, a former family court judge in the Province of Sorsogon and the incumbent mayor of the Municipality of Barcelona, Sorsogon. He has five children.

References

AN ACT INSTITUTIONALIZING THE AUTOMATIC INCOME CLASSIFICATION OF PROVINCES, CITIES, AND MUNICIPALITIES, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES [Automatic Income Classification of Local Government Units Act], Republic Act No. 11964, (2023).

AN ACT INSTITUTIONALIZING THE COMMUNITY-DRIVEN DEVELOPMENT APPROACH AS A NATIONAL STRATEGY FOR INCLUSIVE GROWTH AND SOCIAL PROTECTION AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR [Community-Driven Development (CDD) Approach Institutionalization Act], House Bill No. 3458, (2022).

Committee Members. (n.d.) Retrieved from https://www.congress.gov.ph/members/search.php?id=fortes-m Reganit, J. (2022, Nov. 17). House body OKs bill on LGU's automatic income classification. Retrieved from https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1188841