Jose Cojuangco, Jr.

José "Peping" Sumulong Cojuangco Jr. (born September 19, 1934) is a Filipino politician, sports administrator, and businessman. He served as the 9th president of the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) from 2004 to 2018. He previously served as the Representative of Tarlac's 1st district from 1961 to 1969 and 1987 to 1998. He began his political career in Paniqui, Tarlac where he served as councilor, vice mayor, and then mayor. A member of the Cojuangco political dynasty, President Corazon Cojuangco Aquino was his sister and President Benigno Aquino III was his nephew.

Early life and education Cojuangco was born on September 19, 1934, to José Cojuangco Sr. and Demetria Sumulong.

Political career

Local government official in Paniqui, Tarlac Cojuangco served as a member of the municipal council of Paniqui, Tarlac from 1955 to 1957. He became Vice Mayor of the same town in 1957 and served the term until 1959. Cojuangco was elected as Mayor of Paniqui in 1959 and served until 1961.

Cojuangco remains affiliated with Kampi which continues to exist until 2008 and has his wife as its chairperson in support of then President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. His party supported the presidential bid of Arroyo at the 2004 Philippine elections, as well for the amendment of the constitution to facilitate a shift to a parliamentary form of government for the Philippines if Arroyo decided not to run for president. He was inducted into the Philippine Racing Commission Hall of Fame in 2023.

Sports administration career Cojuangco led a handful of sports associations. He was the former President of the Philippine Junior Bowlers and the RP Golf Association. He was also a founding member of the Metropolitan Association of Race Horse Owners. He is also the president of the Equestrian Association of the Philippines. Cojuangco was elected to the post and formally assumed the position in January 2005.

He also served as the chief executive officer and President of the Phil Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee which was responsible for the organization of the 2005 Southeast Asian Games.

Cojuangco later won a second term in 2008 after winning against Arturo Macapagal after Cojuangco received 21 out of the 40 votes cast while his rival received 19 votes. He later secured a third term in 2012.

Cojuangco won by a landslide victory unopposed for his fourth term in 2016. However, the 2016 election was nullified by the Pasig Regional Trial Court after a petition from ABAP president Ricky Vargas was granted. Vargas ran for president in the 2016 election but the POC's Commission on Elections disqualified him and his running mate, Abraham Tolentino since the committee ruled out that both candidates were not "active members" of the POC general assembly. A new election was held on February 23, which was subsequently won by Vargas, ending Cojuangco's 13 year team as POC president. Vargas officially began his term on March 5, 2018, when he took his oath before Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte in the Malacañang Palace.

Business career In July 2010, it was reported that Cojuangco is a board member of Hacienda Luisita Inc. and Tarlac Development Corporation.

Personal life He is married to Margarita "TingTing" de los Reyes, President of the Philippine Public Safety College and former Governor of Tarlac. They have 5 daughters: Luisita Immaculada Angeles Alexandra, Josephine Victoria, Mikaela Ma. Antonia, Margarita Demetria and Regina Patricia Jose.

He is the younger brother of Corazon Aquino and uncle of Benigno Aquino III; both were Philippine presidents. He is also the last living sibling of Corazon Aquino.