Leandro 'Jun' Buenconsejo Verceles Jr.
Leandro 'Jun' Buenconsejo Verceles Jr., born on January 11, 1957, is a Filipino lawyer, businessman, and former politician from Catanduanes province. His political career began when he was elected as a member of the House of Representatives, representing the Second District of Catanduanes from 1998 to 2001. During his time in Congress, he earned a reputation as the resident 'geek' and was known as a leading advocate for technological advancement. After his term in Congress, Verceles was elected Governor of Catanduanes in 2001 and served for two consecutive terms until 2007. Following his gubernatorial stint, he attempted to return to Congress by running for the Catanduanes at-large congressional district in 2010, 2013, and 2016, but was unsuccessful in all three attempts. Beyond politics, Verceles has been involved in the business process outsourcing industry, focusing on virtual office administration and outbound telemarketing. He is also engaged in social utility projects, including geo-location mobile app development, and is working on an application aimed at reducing traffic congestion. Verceles is married to Nathalie Lourdes Africa and resides in Ayala Alabang, Muntinlupa City.
Education
- Law degree (specific institution not mentioned in available sources)
- Passed the Philippine Bar examination (date not specified in available sources)
Career Highlights
- Congressman, Second District of Catanduanes (1998-2001)
- Governor of Catanduanes (2001-2007, two consecutive terms)
- Practicing Lawyer
- Entrepreneur in the Business Process Outsourcing industry
- Developer of geo-location mobile applications
Key Platforms
Technology Integration in Governance
Advocates for the use of artificial intelligence and modern technology to address the country's education sector challenges and traffic congestion problems. As early as his time in Congress, he was known for promoting technological advancement, including launching the Catanduanes Network (CATNET) and Government Information Sharing Technology Network (GISTNET).
Traffic Reduction
Working on developing applications and technological solutions aimed at reducing and deterring traffic congestion in urban areas.
Education Reform
Proposes using artificial intelligence and technology to improve the country's education system, making it more accessible and efficient.
Digital Transformation
Promotes the integration of digital technologies across government services to improve efficiency, transparency, and accessibility.
Track Record
Technology Initiatives in Catanduanes
As a Congressman, launched the Catanduanes Network (CATNET) and Government Information Sharing Technology Network (GISTNET) in December 1996, demonstrating early commitment to technological advancement in governance.
Legislative Work on Technology
Authored legislation addressing technology concerns, including the Act Requiring Year 2000 Compliance of Computer Based Products (Y2K bill), showing foresight in addressing potential technological challenges.
Catanduanes State University
Authored the Act Converting the Catanduanes State Colleges into a State University, which led to the establishment of the Catanduanes State University, enhancing educational opportunities in the province.
Business Process Outsourcing
After his political career, became involved in the business process outsourcing industry, focusing on virtual office administration and outbound telemarketing.
Legal Cases & Controversies
Fertilizer Procurement Case
In 2021, Verceles and six co-accused pleaded guilty to the lesser offense of frauds against the public treasury before the Sandiganbayan, related to alleged irregularities in the procurement of P3.25 million worth of liquid fertilizer in 2004 during his term as Governor. They were initially charged with violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. The court ordered them to pay a fine of P5,000 each and found them civilly liable to the provincial government of Catanduanes in the amount of P1,749,000.
Commission on Audit (COA) Case
Faced a case with the Commission on Audit regarding making augmentations without prior authority and entering into a contract on behalf of Catanduanes province without requisite authority, in violation of the Local Government Code. Verceles claimed that the COA violated his constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases when it took more than ten years to resolve the case.
Positions on Key Issues
| Issue | Position |
|---|---|
| Economy | While specific economic policies are not extensively detailed in available sources, his focus on technological advancement and digital transformation suggests a modernization approach to economic development. |
| Education | Advocates for the use of artificial intelligence and technology to reform the education sector, making it more accessible and efficient. |
| Healthcare | Limited specific information available on his healthcare policies for the 2025 election. |
| Environment | Limited specific information available on his environmental policies for the 2025 election. |
| Labor | Has experience in the business process outsourcing industry, which may inform his approach to labor policies, though specific positions are not extensively detailed in available sources. |
| Agriculture | As former Governor of Catanduanes, has experience with agricultural issues, including the procurement of fertilizers for farmers, though specific agriculture policies for the 2025 election are not extensively detailed in available sources. |
| Governance | Emphasizes technological integration in governance to improve efficiency and service delivery. His legal issues with augmentations without authority and unauthorized contracts during his governorship have raised questions about his administrative practices. |
| Foreign Policy | Limited specific information available on his foreign policy positions for the 2025 election. |
| Charter Change | Limited specific information available on his position regarding Charter Change for the 2025 election. |
| Lgbtq Rights | Limited specific information available on his position regarding LGBTQIA+ rights for the 2025 election. |
| Drug War | Limited specific information available on his position regarding drug war policies for the 2025 election. |
| Icc | Limited specific information available on his position regarding the ICC investigation for the 2025 election. |
Sources & Citations
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leandro_Verceles_Jr.
- https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/eleksyon/2025/candidates/leandro-verceles-jr/
- https://www.rappler.com/people/p70396374-leandro-verceles/
- https://www.oocities.org/lppsec/govs/verceles.html
- https://issuances-library.senate.gov.ph/congress-author/verceles-leandro-jr-b
- https://www.dzrh.com.ph/post/bakitikaw-atty-leandro-verceles
- https://mb.com.ph/2021/03/15/plea-to-lesser-offense-saves-ex-gov-verceles-of-catanduanes-6-others-from-imprisonment/
- https://mb.com.ph/2020/09/24/ex-catanduanes-governor-pleads-guilty-to-lesser-offense-in-fertilizer-case/
- https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/922992/vic-rodriguez-coc-senator-eleksyon-2025/story/
This profile is regularly updated with verified information from reliable sources. Last updated: April 24, 2025
