Antonio Cerilles

Antonio "Tony" Herrera Cerilles (born October 7, 1948) is a former Governor of Zamboanga del Sur, Philippines, from June 30, 2010, until June 30, 2019.

Prior to the governorship, he was a member of the House of Representatives of the Philippines as the representative of the second district of Zamboanga del Sur. He was succeeded in Congress by his wife Aurora Enerio-Cerilles as congressman who also preceded him in the governorship of the province. He also served as the Secretary of Department of Environment and Natural Resources during the tenure of then Philippine President Joseph Estrada from 1998 to 2001.

Early life Cerilles was born on October 7, 1948, in Manila to Vicente Cerilles and Josefina Herrera. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from University of Santo Tomas in 1968 and his Bachelor of Laws degree from University of the East in 1972.

He is an active member of Alpha Phi Omega fraternity. He was the National President of JCI Senate Philippines 2012. He is also the National Senior Vice President of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines and the current Council Chairman of BSP Zamboanga del Sur-Pagadian City Council. He is also a member of various organizations including the Knights of Columbus, Council 8188 and the Parliamentary Government Foundation.

Governor of Zamboanga del Sur (2010–2019) Antonio H. Cerilles served three consecutive terms as the 14th Governor of Zamboanga del Sur from June 30, 2010, to June 30, 2019, succeeding his wife, Aurora Enerio‑Cerilles, and was succeeded by Victor Yu. During his governorship, Cerilles focused on regional development and strengthening peace and order initiatives, leveraging his long career across local and national government. He maintained political influence through his family, with his wife and son holding key local positions.

Philippine House of Representatives campaign (2019) In the 2019 elections, Cerilles ran for a congressional seat representing Zamboanga del Sur’s 2nd district but was defeated by Mayor Leonardo L. Babasa, Jr. This reversed the electoral success of his wife, Aurora, who had succeeded him as district representative.

Presidential Adviser for Mindanao Concerns (since 2025) On March 13, 2025, President Bongbong Marcos appointed Cerilles as Presidential Adviser for Mindanao Concerns. In this capacity, he is tasked with advising on socio-economic development, peace and security, and the ongoing government transition in the Bangsamoro.

In May 2025, Cerilles announced plans to open a satellite office in Cagayan de Oro, aiming to strengthen direct communication between the Office of the President and local governance structures across Mindanao alongside the Mindanao Development Authority.

Honors A classroom inside Dalupan Building at University of the East in Manila was renamed Secretary Antonio H. Cerilles Chamber being an alumnus of the UE College of Law.