Raul Loyola Lambino
Raul Loyola Lambino is a Filipino lawyer, former government official, and politician born on March 9, 1958, in Pozorrubio, Pangasinan. He served as Administrator and Chief Executive Officer of the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) from 2017 to 2022, and as Presidential Adviser for Northern Luzon from 2016 to 2017 during the Duterte administration. Known by his nickname "Kabaka," Lambino is a respected legal expert who has been a reviewer and lecturer in Remedial Law and Political Law for over 20 years. He also held the position of Vice President for Constitutional Reforms of the Philippine Constitution Association from 2006 to 2008 and has been a long-time advocate for federalism, serving as Lead Convener of the PDU30 Constitutional Reformers to Federalism since 2016. He is married to former Mangaldan Mayor Marilyn de Guzman Lambino, and their son Mark Ronald Lambino serves as Pangasinan Vice Governor.
Education
- Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Cum Laude (1981), University of Pangasinan
- Bachelor of Laws, Cum Laude and Valedictorian, University of Pangasinan
- Pursued Masters in Business Administration courses at the University of the Philippines-Diliman
- Attended courses on International Law, International Finance, and Diplomacy in Europe, Asia, and the United States
Career Highlights
- Administrator and Chief Executive Officer, Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) (2017-2022)
- Presidential Adviser for Northern Luzon (2016-2017)
- Vice President for Constitutional Reforms, Philippine Constitution Association (Philconsa) (2006-2008)
- Lead Convener, PDU30 Constitutional Reformers (CORE) to Federalism (2016-present)
- Reviewer and Lecturer in Remedial Law and Political Law (over 20 years)
- Managing Partner, R. Lambino & Partners Law Firm
- Professor, University of the East College of Law and University of Pangasinan College of Law
- Vice President for International Relations, PDP-Laban
- Chairman, Association for Philippines-China Understanding Inc. (APCU)
Key Platforms
Economic Zones and Development
Advocates for the establishment and expansion of special economic zones across the Philippines, drawing from his experience as CEZA Administrator. Proposes transforming portions of military reservations like Fort Magsaysay into defense industry ecozones to boost local manufacturing of military equipment, create jobs, and reduce dependence on imports.
Federalism and Constitutional Reform
Champions the shift to a federal form of government to distribute power and resources more equitably across regions. Proposes a uniquely Filipino federalism model rather than copying systems from other countries, emphasizing gradual implementation to ensure stability during the transition.
Balanced Foreign Relations
Supports maintaining productive economic relations with China despite territorial disputes in the West Philippine Sea. Believes in strengthening trade partnerships to increase Philippine exports of agricultural products, electronics, and other goods while attracting more foreign investments in manufacturing, infrastructure, and technology.
Defense Self-Reliance
Promotes the development of a self-reliant defense industry through the Self-Reliant Defense Posture Revitalization Law. Advocates for local manufacturing of advanced military equipment including night-vision devices, electronic warfare systems, and unmanned aerial vehicles.
Job Creation and Economic Growth
Prioritizes policies that increase job opportunities for Filipinos through foreign investments, special economic zones, and infrastructure development. Emphasizes the importance of providing gainful employment as a key strategy for national development.
Track Record
Cagayan Economic Zone Authority Leadership
As CEZA Administrator from 2017 to 2022, worked to attract investments and develop the Cagayan Special Economic Zone and Freeport. Addressed issues with offshore gaming operations and worked to redirect the organization toward legitimate investment activities.
Constitutional Reform Advocacy
Has been a long-time advocate for constitutional reform, particularly the shift to federalism. Served as Lead Convener of the PDU30 Constitutional Reformers and as Vice President for Constitutional Reforms of the Philippine Constitution Association.
Philippines-China Relations
As Chairman of the Association for Philippines-China Understanding Inc. (APCU), has worked to foster friendly relations and promote mutual understanding between the Philippines and China, particularly in economic and trade partnerships.
Legal Practice and Education
Has more than two decades of experience as a reviewer and lecturer in Remedial Law and Political Law, contributing to the legal education of countless Filipino lawyers through his teaching at the University of the East College of Law and University of Pangasinan College of Law.
Legal Cases & Controversies
Supreme Court Show Cause Order (2025)
In early 2025, the Supreme Court issued a show cause order to Lambino to explain why he should not face administrative sanctions for allegedly spreading false information about the Court issuing a temporary restraining order on an arrest and transfer case.
Positions on Key Issues
| Issue | Position |
|---|---|
| Economy | Advocates for economic policies that leverage special economic zones to attract investments, create jobs, and boost exports. Supports strengthening trade relations with China and other countries to benefit Filipino businesses and workers. Promotes the development of local industries, particularly in defense manufacturing. |
| Education | As a former educator himself, likely supports improvements in the education system, though specific positions on education reform are not prominently featured in his campaign. |
| Healthcare | Specific healthcare policies not prominently featured in his campaign materials or public statements. |
| Environment | Balances economic development goals with environmental considerations in his approach to special economic zones and industrial development. |
| Labor | Aligns with PDP-Laban's platform of supporting industries and legislation that increase labor standards for Filipino workers. Emphasizes job creation as a key priority, particularly through special economic zones and investment in manufacturing. |
| Agriculture | Supports policies that would increase agricultural exports, particularly to markets like China, to benefit Filipino farmers and agricultural businesses. |
| Governance | Strong advocate for federalism as a means to distribute power and resources more equitably across regions. Supports constitutional reform to implement this system of government. |
| Foreign Policy | Advocates for maintaining productive economic relations with China despite territorial disputes. Served as Chairman of the Association for Philippines-China Understanding Inc., indicating a preference for diplomatic and economic engagement with China. |
| Charter Change | Prominent advocate for constitutional reform, particularly the shift to federalism. Has served in leadership roles related to constitutional reform initiatives. |
| Lgbtq Rights | Specific positions on LGBTQ+ rights not prominently featured in his campaign materials or public statements. |
| Drug War | As a member of PDP-Laban and former Duterte administration official, likely supportive of the previous administration's approach to addressing drug-related issues. |
| Icc | Specific positions on the ICC investigation not prominently featured in his campaign materials or public statements, though as a PDP-Laban candidate, may align with the party's stance on the issue. |
Sources & Citations
- https://peoplaid.com/2025/02/01/raul-lambino/
- https://pdplaban.org.ph/atty-raul-lambino/
- https://manilastandard.net/news/elections-2025/314571551/lambino-proposes-fort-magsaysay-as-ph-defense-industry-ecozone.html
- https://mb.com.ph/2025/02/23/philippines-china-can-boost-economic-ties-despite-wps-row-says-lambino
- https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/eleksyon/2025/candidates/raul-kabaka-lambino/
- https://www.rappler.com/people/p80654400-raul-lambino/
- https://abogado.com.ph/sc-issues-show-cause-order-to-pdp-laban-senatorial-bet-raul-lambino-over-misinformation/
This profile is regularly updated with verified information from reliable sources. Last updated: April 24, 2025