Richard Tesoro Mata
Dr. Richard Tesoro Mata, popularly known as 'Doc Marites,' was born on February 5, 1972, in Davao City. He is a pediatrician, media personality, and health advocate who has built a significant following through his social media health education initiatives. Mata earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from the Davao Medical School Foundation in 1997 and obtained diplomate status from both the American Board and the National Board in 2001 during his tenure at San Pedro Hospital in Davao City. Beyond his medical practice, Mata has established himself as a prominent health educator and content creator on social media platforms, where he shares medical advice and health information in an accessible manner, earning him the nickname 'Doc Marites' (a play on the Filipino slang term for a gossip-monger, reimagined as someone who shares important health information). In politics, he previously ran as a nominee of the Kabayan partylist in the 2022 elections, though the party failed to secure a congressional seat. For the 2025 senatorial elections, he initially filed his candidacy as an independent candidate but was later officially adopted by the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) as their 10th senatorial candidate, completing their 'Duter-Ten' lineup supported by former President Rodrigo Duterte. Of note, Mata is the uncle of Senator Bong Go, who also represents PDP-Laban.
Education
- Doctor of Medicine, Davao Medical School Foundation (1997)
- Diplomate, American Board of Pediatrics (2001)
- Diplomate, Philippine Pediatric Society National Board (2001)
Career Highlights
- Practicing Pediatrician
- Health Content Creator and Social Media Personality
- Anti-Dengue Advocate
- Recognized as a Health Exemplar for advocacy work
- Former nominee, Kabayan Partylist (2022 elections)
- 10th senatorial candidate, PDP-Laban 'Duter-Ten' slate (2025 elections)
Key Platforms
Children's Welfare and Health
Prioritizing legislation aimed at protecting and promoting children's health and welfare, leveraging his expertise as a pediatrician. Advocating for improved healthcare services, nutrition programs, and mental health support for children, as well as stronger child protection laws.
Healthcare System Improvements
Pushing for comprehensive reforms to the healthcare system to make quality medical care more accessible and affordable for all Filipinos. Emphasizing the importance of preventive healthcare, improved medical facilities in rural areas, and enhanced support for healthcare workers.
OFW Rights and Welfare
Supporting policies that protect the rights and improve the welfare of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), including better pre-deployment preparation, enhanced consular services, improved financial literacy programs, and stronger legal protections against exploitation.
Anti-Corruption Initiatives
Advocating for stronger anti-corruption measures and greater transparency in government, particularly in the healthcare sector. Aims to ensure that public funds allocated for health services reach their intended beneficiaries without being diminished by corruption.
Health Education and Awareness
Promoting nationwide health education and awareness campaigns to empower Filipinos with knowledge about preventive healthcare, proper nutrition, disease prevention, and early detection. Building on his experience as a health educator on social media platforms.
Positions on Key Issues
| Issue | Position |
|---|---|
| Economy | Supports economic policies that prioritize healthcare spending and social services while promoting fiscal responsibility. Advocates for creating more economic opportunities within the Philippines to reduce dependency on overseas employment. |
| Education | Emphasizes the importance of health education in school curricula and supports improvements to the educational system to make it more accessible and relevant to current needs. |
| Healthcare | Core advocacy area as a physician. Supports universal healthcare implementation with improved accessibility, affordability, and quality of health services, particularly for children and underserved communities. |
| Environment | Recognizes the connection between environmental health and public health, particularly in relation to disease vectors like dengue. Supports environmental protection measures that have direct public health benefits. |
| Labor | Advocates for better working conditions, particularly for healthcare workers. Supports policies that create more domestic employment opportunities to reduce the need for Filipinos to seek work abroad. |
| Agriculture | Recognizes the importance of agriculture for food security and nutrition, particularly for children's health and development. Specific agricultural policies are not prominently featured in his public statements. |
| Governance | Emphasizes the need for transparency and anti-corruption measures in government, particularly in the healthcare sector. Aligns with PDP-Laban's governance approach. |
| Foreign Policy | Focuses on aspects of foreign policy that affect OFWs, including bilateral agreements that protect Filipino workers abroad. Broader foreign policy positions are likely to align with PDP-Laban's stance. |
| Charter Change | Specific positions on constitutional amendments are not prominently featured in his public statements, though likely aligns with PDP-Laban's general position on charter change. |
| Lgbtq Rights | Specific positions on LGBTQIA+ rights are not prominently featured in his public statements. |
| Drug War | As a PDP-Laban candidate endorsed by former President Rodrigo Duterte, likely supports the party's stance on the drug war, though his public emphasis has been on healthcare rather than law enforcement aspects. |
| Icc | Likely aligned with PDP-Laban's opposition to ICC intervention in Philippine affairs, given his connection to former President Duterte and his inclusion in the 'Duter-Ten' slate. |
Sources & Citations
- GMA News Online - 'Vlogger Dr. Richard Mata added as PDP Laban's 10th Senate bet' (2024)
- RAPPLER - 'Marites Mata profile' (2024)
- Wikipedia - 'Richard Mata'
- Inquirer.net - 'PDP-Laban taps doctor-vlogger Mata as 10th Senate bet' (2024)
- GMA News Online - 'Health vlogger Mata hopes to win Senate seat without spending too much' (2024)
- NewsLine.ph - 'Davao doctor honored as health exemplar' (2017)
- Official Facebook Page - '42 Mata, Doc Marites for Senator'
This profile is regularly updated with verified information from reliable sources. Last updated: April 24, 2025
