Jimmy Bondoc

James Patrick Romero Bondoc (born May 31, 1975) is a Filipino musician, songwriter, lawyer, politician, and former government official.

He is known for the songs "Let Me Be The One", "I Believe", and "Hanggang Dito Na Lang".

In the run-up to the 2016 Philippine presidential election, Bondoc was among the celebrities who endorsed Rodrigo Duterte's successful campaign. From 2016 to 2022, Duterte appointed him to serve in the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).

Early life and education Bondoc was born on May 31, 1975 in Quezon City. In 2019, he transferred to the University of the East. He graduated in 2023 and passed Philippine Bar Examinations the same year.

Music career Bondoc is an acoustic musician who has composed and produced songs. He is known for his original hits "The Man I Was With You", "Akin Na Lang Sana Siya", and his biggest hit, "Let Me Be The One". In 2002, he founded Magis Productions, where he also served as its president until 2016. In 2009, Bondoc released his album entitled Walang Araw, Walang Ulan, under Sony-BMG. In 2010, the album Ang Mahiwagang Bisikleta at Ang Huling Makata was released.

Bondoc was a resident juror on Twist and Shout, a Philippine version of Sing If You Can franchise. He was also a regular celebrity mentor on the "Bida Kapamilya" segment of It's Showtime. He also served as a radio host for The RnB Show at 97.9 Natural (now known as 97.9 Home Radio) with Duncan Ramos until the end of 2014. He was also part of the band called the Sabado Boys alongside Luke Mejares, Paolo Santos and Dj Myke.

Government and politics In 2015, Bondoc was among the celebrities who campaigned for Rodrigo Duterte's successful presidential campaign. He composed the song "Takbo" , performed by various OPM artists who urged the then-Davao City mayor Duterte to officially run for president.

PAGCOR In July 2016, Bondoc was appointed by President Duterte as the Assistant Vice President for Entertainment of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), replacing Bong Quintaña. His appointment did not come without criticisms as citizens questioned his qualifications for the post. He later served as PAGCOR's vice president for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Group from October 2017 to July 2021.

On September 10, 2021, he was named as a member of the Board of Directors of PAGCOR, serving to complete the unfinished term of deceased Director Reynaldo Concordia. He took on September 15 by an official in Barangay Pinagkaisahan, Quezon City and would serve until June 30, 2022.

Palit-Bise rally In April 2017, Bondoc, a critic of Vice President Leni Robredo, was one of the organizers of "Palit-Bise" rally held at the Rizal Park in Manila. Held by pro-Duterte supporters, the Philippine National Police estimated that the crowd numbered only to 4,500 in comparison with the millions who voted for Duterte. The rally was said to be funded by donations coming from OFW supporters of the president through the Gava Gives online platform. Questions were raised if collected funds were taxable. On March 28, 2017, in a press conference prior to the rally, there were reported instances of bloggers and journalists receiving "gas money", for those who took public transport to go to the press conference.

Shutdown of ABS-CBN broadcasting In May 2019, Bondoc expressed eagerness on the imminent expiration of ABS-CBN's legislative franchise. On June 12, 2019, he celebrated the news of the House of Representatives freezing the discussions on the renewal of the media company's broadcasting franchise.

After the shutdown of ABS-CBN on May 5, 2020, Bondoc posted a sarcastic speech on the "closure" of a giant network, saying "he is not happy" and is wishing for forgiveness.

2022 elections During the 2022 Philippine general election campaign period, Bondoc supported the presidential bid of his fellow celebrity, Manila mayor Isko Moreno by performing at the latter's campaign rally.

2025 Senate bid

On October 6, 2024, Bondoc filed his candidacy for the 2025 Philippine Senate elections under the Duterte-led Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP).

Bondoc lost the election placing 17th in the official results, gaining 10,615,538 votes and 18.51% of the vote.

Personal life From 2002 to 2005, Bondoc had a relationship with singer Nina. He also faced disputes with Nyoy Volante. Bondoc married his fellow lawyer, Isabel Torrijos, on February 2, 2025 at the Manila Cathedral.

On August 2, 2022, a fire razed Bondoc's studio, damaging musical instruments and equipment worth .

Discography Jimmy Bondoc (2000) Musikero (2004) Undercovers (2005) Fight for the Write (2015)

Awards Association Category Result 22nd Aliw Awards Best Performance in a Concert (Smaller Venue) 1st Philippine radio Music Awards Alternative Solo Artist of the Year (Hanggang Dito Na Lang)Best Pop Male (Hanggang Dito Na Lang) Aliw Awards Best Male Performer Business Excellence Awards Best Acoustic Male Performer IFM Pinoy Music Awards Best Acoustic Male Performer Awit Awards Nomination for the song "Let Me Be The One" Business Excellence Awards Most Popular Song by a Male Performer Aliw Awards Best Male Performer Aliw Awards "Last Year's Christmas" for Best Christmas SongBest Male Performer Aliw Awards Best Performance in a Concert Collaboration MTV Pilipinas Awards Favorite Male ArtistBest Video for The Man I Was With You