Antonio Manuel Lagdameo

Antonio Manuel "Tonet" Revilla Lagdameo (born June 13, 1942)

He initially considered a career in medicine during his time at the University of the Philippines, where he obtained a pre-med associate in arts degree in 1961. However, he later shifted his focus to business, leading him to earn a bachelor's degree in accountancy from the University of the East in 1964. Subsequently, he pursued further education, graduating in 1971 with a graduate in business administration from Ateneo de Manila University.

Career Lagdameo mostly worked in the private sector and business before his diplomatic career. His private office and civic affiliations include being chairman of the board of Carrije Holdings, beginning in 2000 and vice chairman for House of Travel Inc. beginning in 1998, among others. Then, from 2008 to 2009, he was Ambassador to Spain and Andorra. According to a 2019 report published by the National Health Service (NHS), Filipinos, who comprise around 19,000 of all NHS staff, are among the largest groups of NHS health workers, third to those who are identified as British and Indians. In May 2020, he called on the NHS to protect Filipino healthcare workers following reports that of the 173 frontline health and care workers who died due to COVID-19, approximately 13% were of Filipino heritage. Lagdameo was also involved in meetings which discussed the UK's vaccine development and access of ASEAN member states to said vaccines.

During the commencement of the 32nd session of the International Maritime Organization Assembly in December 2021, Lagdameo was chosen as its president, representing a significant first for the Philippines. He received a nomination from the United Kingdom's representative and was seconded by the South African representative. This election held particular significance as it coincided with the World Maritime Theme for 2021, which centered on the essential role of seafarers in the future of shipping. The Philippines is a major supplier of seafarers in the global shipping and transport industry, making Lagdameo's appointment particularly relevant.

Permanent Representative to the United Nations In 2022, President Bongbong Marcos appointed Lagdameo as the Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the United Nations, succeeding Enrique Manalo, who had been appointed Foreign Affairs Secretary. Lagdameo took his oath of office on July 5 and was confirmed by the Commission on Appointments on August 31. He presented his credentials to UN Secretary-General António Guterres on September 7, 2022.

On May 23, 2025, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin announced that Lagdameo would retire from his post on July 31, 2025. He will be succeeded by Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo.

Personal life Lagdameo is married to Linda Floirendo-Lagdameo, a close associate of Ferdinand Marcos. The couple celebrated their 50th golden wedding anniversary in November 2017. They are the parents of former congressman Anton Lagdameo, currently serving as the Special Assistant to Bongbong Marcos and a member of his Cabinet.

A horse racing enthusiast, Lagdameo, in his capacity as ambassador, shared a memorable moment from his meeting with Queen Elizabeth II during his presentation of credentials. During their initial encounter, the Queen recalled a horse race in which one of his horses had bested one of hers. The Queen displayed a sense of humor regarding the race's outcome, but also noted that the Queen Mother, had "taken it rather hard".