User:Susan Palana Cabigao

Felicisimo Reyes Cabigao

Born in Pandacan, Manila, on December 19, 1928. Fely Cabigao is a man of humble beginnings. Having come from a poor family, he is a product of the public school system. He got his primary education at J.Zamora Elementary School in Pandacan, his secondary school preparation at V. Mapa High School in San Miguel and finished his Law course at the University of the Philippines in 1954. He took the Bar the same year and passed it with an overall rating of 84.26.

He started his law practice as a Legal Assistant in the office of the late Congressman Augusto S. Francisco of the 4th district of Manila and having been closely associated for many years with the lamented congressman,he was politically shaped in the latter's mold and had, as a result,adopted his admirable ways of serving his constituents.

In 1959, he was elected councilor of Manila representing the 4th district of Manila and re-elected in 1963. he served two term councilor of Manila.

In 1967, being a consistent number one councilor, Felicisimo R. Cabigao ran for Vice Mayor under Nationalista Party and won against incumbent Vice Mayor Herminio Astorga.

A dedicated public servant, he prosecuted then Mayor Antonio Villegas of Manila for unexplained wealth and nearly got his hooked. And because of his dedication to public service, he was appointed Regional Trial Court Judge of Manila, thus gaining the distinction of being the first to be appointed RTC Judge direct to Manila by a president of the country.

In all the public positions he held, Fely Cabigao had always kept faith with the people's trust, thereby upholding at all times his integrity and maintaining a record of honesty in the public service.

He passed away in November 28, 2007 at the age of 78. During the necrological service held in Manila City hall,then Mayor of Manila, Mayor Alfredo Lim spoke highly of the late city official,he said " Fely Cabigao was an honest and fearless public official, unfortunately, he belongs to the dying breed of politicians".