Mike Defensor

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Michael Tan Defensor (Tagalog pronunciation: [dɪfɛnˈsɔɾ], born June 30, 1969) is a Filipino politician and businessman who served as the party-list representative for Anakalusugan from 2019 to 2022. He is also the chief executive officer of Pax Libera Mining, Inc. A member of the Defensor political family, Defensor is the nephew of former senator Miriam Defensor Santiago. He began his political career in Quezon City, where he served as a member of the city council from 1992 to 1995. He was elected to the House of Representatives representing Quezon City's 3rd congressional district in 1995, becoming the youngest member of Congress at the time. As a congressman, he was a member of the "Spice Boys", who led congressional efforts to impeach President Joseph Estrada. The impeachment trial and the widespread protests of the Second EDSA Revolution in January 2001 resulted in Estrada's resignation and Vice President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's accession to the presidency. Defensor later served in various positions in the Arroyo administration, including chairman of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council, Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources, and Malacañang Chief of Staff. He was also appointed to positions at Ninoy Aquino International Airport and the Philippine National Railways. In 2019, he was elected again to the House of Representatives as the representative of the Anakalusugan party-list. He was among the 70 representatives who voted against the renewal of the ABS-CBN franchise. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he promoted and distributed the antiparasitic drug ivermectin as a possible prophylaxis and treatment for COVID-19, despite the lack of scientific evidence supporting its efficacy. In 2026, he and 18 other individuals drew controversy over their claims that kickbacks from flood control projects were being sent to several politicians and activists. Defensor unsuccessfully ran for senator in 2007 and for Mayor of Quezon...