Eli San Fernando
Eli San Fernando | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Official portrait, 2025 | |
| Member of the Philippine House of Representatives for the Kamanggagawa Partylist | |
| Assumed office June 30, 2025 | |
| President of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines Student Council | |
| In office 2017–2018 | |
| Preceded by | Jonald Bagasina |
| Succeeded by | Ralyn Rodriguez |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Elijah Rumbaoa San Fernando August 13, 1996 Quezon City, Philippines |
| Party | Kamanggagawa (partylist) (2024–present) |
| Other political affiliations | Alternatiba (2022–2024) |
| Alma mater | Polytechnic University of the Philippines (BS) |
| Occupation | Labor leader, union organizer |
| Known for | Student and labor activism |
Elijah Rumbaoa San Fernando (born August 13, 1996) is a Filipino labor leader, politician and Internet personality currently serving as the first nominee of the Kamanggagawa party-list since 2025.[1] He previously served as the secretary-general of Alternatiba from 2022 to 2024 and was actively involved in student leadership as a council official at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP).
Early life and education
Elijah Rumbaoa San Fernando was born in Quezon City to a family dedicated to public service—his mother was a public school teacher, while his father served as a Protestant pastor. He pursued his undergraduate studies at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), earning a Bachelor of Science in Economics in 2018. During his time at PUP, he became actively involved in student politics, advocating for student rights and progressive policies.
Early career
San Fernando began his career at the Eye Bank Foundation of the Philippines, serving as a Community Relations Officer from 2018 to 2020. He later took on a consulting role from 2020 to 2022, where he developed the organization's social media strategy.
Political involvement
Student politics
During his time at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), San Fernando was elected to the Student Council (2017–2018). In 2018, he founded PUP SPEAK, a student political party focused on student rights and progressive policies.
Party-list activism
San Fernando played a key role in Alternatiba's advocacy efforts, including leading the organization's graft complaint against a Department of Agriculture official in 2023.[2] He won as the first nominee of the Kamanggagawa party-list for the 2025 Philippine House of Representatives elections.[3]
Legal matters
In 2024, San Fernando faced cyber libel charges in connection with a social media post.[4]
Personal life
San Fernando resides in Antipolo, Rizal, and remains actively involved in labor union organizing.
Electoral history
| Year | Office | Party | Votes received | Result | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total | % | P. | Swing | |||||
| 2025 | Representative (Party-list) | Kamanggagawa | 382,657 | 0.91% | 29th | N/a | Won | |
References
- ^ "Eli San Fernando". Rappler.com. Retrieved 2 February 2026.
- ^ "DA executive charged over sugar imports". The Manila Times. June 5, 2023.
- ^ Cabalza, Dexter (October 2, 2024). "Veteran pols, vloggers among early birds to file COC". Inquirer.net. Retrieved May 12, 2025.
- ^ "Labor leader faces cyber libel complaint". The Varsitarian. September 10, 2024.
External links
Media related to Eli San Fernando at Wikimedia Commons