JUDY Araneta Roxas
ILOILO CITY — Judy Araneta-Roxas was remembered in Capiz as a philanthropist and a political kingmaker of the Liberal Party (LP) in the home province of her son, former Senator and Cabinet Secretary Mar Roxas.
“Tita Judy, you are and will always be a brilliant light that guided me on my leadership journey,” said Roxas City Mayor Ronnie Dadivas.
“Malapit sa imo tagipusuon ang Roxas City, ang pagpanerbisyo sa tanan (Your heart was close to Roxas City and in the service of the people),” added the mayor.
Dadivas said Judy was instrumental in supporting local government officials in transforming Roxas City as well as supporting the youth, women, and barangay health workers.
Judy’s role in Capiz politics was solidified after the death of her husband and former Sen. Gerardo “Gerry” Roxas Sr. in 1982.
Judy became the stalwart in Capiz of LP, whose co-founder was her father-in-law and former President Manuel Acuña Roxas.
For decades after the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution, Judy was known to have hand-picked candidates from governor to mayors.
Former Governor, congressman, and Roxas City Mayor Antonio “Tony” del Rosario remembered meeting Judy in 1986 for “political reasons” but treasured their friendship despite their differences in opinions and political stance over the years.
“You always have my admiration for the strength that you carry within, your affection as a mother and your genuine love for the people,” added Del Rosario.
Judy was instrumental in the political career of her sons Mar and Gerardo “Dinggoy” Roxas Jr.
Gerardo Jr. first served as congressman of Capiz first district from 1987 until his death in 1993 from cancer. He would later be succeeded by Mar as congressman.