Norman Cordero Marquez
Norman Cordero Marquez is a real estate broker and dedicated animal welfare advocate from Quezon City. He co-founded and serves as the sole administrator of Baguio Animal Welfare (BAW), a volunteer organization dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming animals in need. Marquez has sought a seat in the Philippine Senate in multiple elections. In both the 2019 and 2022 elections, he filed his candidacy for senator, but the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) initially declared him a nuisance candidate. However, Marquez fought these rulings successfully at the Supreme Court, which ruled in his favor stating that COMELEC gravely abused its discretion when it declared him a nuisance candidate for being 'virtually unknown' and for failing to prove financial capacity to launch a nationwide campaign. The Supreme Court's decision established that unpopularity or lack of financial resources alone are not sufficient grounds to declare someone a nuisance candidate. For the 2025 elections, Marquez is running again as an independent senatorial candidate, focusing primarily on animal welfare advocacy and related legislative reforms.
Education
- Information about formal education is not extensively documented in public sources
Career Highlights
- Co-founder and Administrator of Baguio Animal Welfare (BAW)
- Real Estate Broker
- Animal Welfare Advocate
- Successfully challenged COMELEC's nuisance candidate designation at the Supreme Court in 2019
- Secured a landmark Supreme Court ruling establishing that unpopularity alone cannot disqualify a candidate
Key Platforms
Comprehensive Animal Welfare Legislation
Advocating for stronger and more comprehensive animal welfare laws to protect domestic, farm, and wild animals from cruelty and neglect. Aims to institutionalize support and care for animals through proper legislation.
Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Support
Proposing legislation to allocate resources for the establishment and maintenance of animal rescue centers, shelters, and rehabilitation facilities across the country. Seeks to provide government support for organizations dedicated to animal rescue and welfare.
Regulation of Pet Ownership and Trade
Pushing for stricter regulations on pet ownership, breeding, and trade to ensure responsible pet ownership and prevent animal abuse. Advocates for mandatory registration, vaccination, and spaying/neutering programs.
Wildlife Conservation
Supporting enhanced protection of Philippine wildlife through strengthened conservation efforts, stricter penalties for poaching and illegal wildlife trade, and increased funding for protected areas and wildlife sanctuaries.
Animal Welfare Education
Promoting educational initiatives at all levels to raise awareness about animal welfare, responsible pet ownership, and environmental conservation. Aims to incorporate animal welfare topics in school curricula to foster compassion and respect for animals from a young age.
Positions on Key Issues
| Issue | Position |
|---|---|
| Economy | While primarily focused on animal welfare, Marquez supports economic policies that promote sustainable development and responsible use of natural resources. He advocates for balancing economic growth with ecological considerations. |
| Education | Emphasizes the importance of incorporating animal welfare and environmental conservation in educational curricula at all levels, promoting compassion and respect for animals from a young age. |
| Healthcare | Supports improving veterinary services and making them more accessible nationwide. Advocates for public health approaches that recognize the connection between animal health and human health (One Health approach). |
| Environment | Strongly advocates for environmental protection as it relates to wildlife conservation and animal habitats. Supports stricter enforcement of environmental laws and regulations against pollution and habitat destruction. |
| Labor | Not extensively documented in public statements, though likely supports fair labor practices and worker protections based on his overall advocacy focus. |
| Agriculture | Advocates for humane treatment of farm animals and sustainable farming practices. Opposes factory farming methods that prioritize profit over animal welfare and supports transition to more humane and sustainable agricultural systems. |
| Governance | Supports transparent and inclusive governance that gives voice to marginalized sectors, including advocacy groups. His successful Supreme Court challenges demonstrate his commitment to democratic participation in governance. |
| Foreign Policy | Not extensively documented in public statements, though likely supports international cooperation on animal welfare and environmental conservation issues. |
| Charter Change | Not extensively documented in public statements on broader constitutional reform. |
| Lgbtq Rights | Not extensively documented in public statements, though his advocacy for compassion and protection of the vulnerable suggests potential support for LGBTQIA+ rights. |
| Drug War | Not extensively documented in public statements on drug policy. |
| Icc | Not extensively documented in public statements on international criminal justice. |
Sources & Citations
- GMA News Online - 'Norman Marquez wants to take animal welfare advocacy to the Senate' (2024)
- RAPPLER - 'Supreme Court decision: unpopularity not enough to be declared nuisance candidate' (2022)
- RAPPLER - 'Norman Marquez profile' (2024)
- Inquirer.net - 'SC stops Comelec from canceling Senate bid of animal welfare advocate' (2021)
- Supreme Court of the Philippines - 'G.R. No. 244274 - NORMAN CORDERO MARQUEZ, PETITIONER, VS. COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS, RESPONDENT' (2019)
- Official Facebook page - 'Norman Marquez, Animal Welfare Advocate in the Senate'
- Wikipedia - 'Nuisance candidate' section on Norman Marquez
This profile is regularly updated with verified information from reliable sources. Last updated: April 24, 2025
