Manuel Leuterio de Castro Jr. secured over 16.2 million votes in the 2001 Philippine Senate election, a performance that established him as the top-ranking candidate of that cycle. A prominent figure in Filipino media, he transitioned from a career in broadcasting into national politics, eventually serving as the 12th vice president of the Philippines between 2004 and 2010.
Background and Early Media Career
Born in Pola, Oriental Mindoro, on July 6, 1949, de Castro pursued higher education at the University of the East, graduating in 1971 with a Bachelor of Commerce degree focused on banking and finance. His broadcasting career originated during the presidency of Ferdinand Marcos, where he initially worked as a field reporter. By the 1980s, he transitioned to radio work, including a position at RPN's DWWW station.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Broadcasting and Public Profile
Following the 1986 ousting of Marcos, de Castro joined ABS-CBN. He became widely recognized for hosting the radio program Kabayan, which earned him the nickname Kabayan Noli. His influence expanded through television, where he anchored TV Patrol beginning in 1987 and hosted the public affairs show Magandang Gabi... Bayan. His tenure at ABS-CBN was marked by various production roles, including senior vice president of DZMM. Throughout his career, he has navigated multiple professional transitions, including temporary departures for political campaigns and recurring health-related leaves.
Legislative and Executive Roles
De Castro entered the Senate of the Philippines in 2001 as an Independent under the Puwersa ng Masa coalition. During this term, he sponsored 252 bills and resolutions, such as the Newborn Screening Test Act of 2001 and the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2002. In 2004, he successfully campaigned for the vice presidency, narrowly defeating Loren Legarda. President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo subsequently appointed him to lead the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council, where he also functioned as the ex officio chairman of the Pag-IBIG Fund.
Public Controversies and Advocacy
His later broadcasting career involved significant public debate. During the administration of Rodrigo Duterte, de Castro expressed support for the Philippine drug war. Along with Persida Acosta, he faced criticism for amplifying concerns regarding the Dengvaxia vaccine, which led to a vaccination scare campaign. Health authorities later confirmed that the vaccine was safe, contradicting the claims that had been publicized during his broadcasts.
Fast facts
- Born: July 6, 1949, Pola, Philippines
- Education: University of the East, De La Salle University
- Senate Term: 2001-2004
- Vice President: 2004-2010
- Primary Languages: Tagalog
- Notable Program: TV Patrol
Questions readers ask
What public office did Noli de Castro hold before the vice presidency?
He served as a member of the Senate of the Philippines from 2001 to 2004.
Did Noli de Castro finish his six-year Senate term?
No, he resigned from the Senate in 2004 after winning the election for vice president.
