Overview

Lex Anthony Cris Adelantar Colada is a Filipino lawyer and politician who has established a presence in the national legislature through his service as a representative for the AAMBIS-Owa Party List. He currently holds a seat in the 19th Congress of the Philippines, contributing to the legislative process as a member of this specific party-list group. His political career is characterized by his dual affiliations and active participation in recent electoral cycles, reflecting a strategic approach to party-list representation in the Philippine House of Representatives.

Born in 1969, Colada brings a background in law to his political endeavors. His professional identity as a lawyer informs his legislative work, providing a foundational perspective on legal frameworks and policy implementation. The combination of his legal expertise and political ambition has positioned him as a notable figure within the AAMBIS-Owa Party List, where he advocates for the interests of the party's constituents. His tenure in the 19th Congress marks a significant phase in his public service, allowing him to influence national legislation and represent the specific demographic or sectoral interests associated with his party-list affiliation.

In addition to his role with AAMBIS-Owa, Colada expanded his political footprint by running as a party-list representative for the ANGKASANGGA party-list during the 2025 Philippine House of Representatives elections. This move highlights his continued engagement with the political landscape and his willingness to explore different party-list platforms to maximize his legislative impact. The 2025 elections represented a critical juncture for his career, as he sought to secure or maintain representation through the ANGKASANGGA banner. This dual affiliation strategy underscores the dynamic nature of party-list politics in the Philippines, where representatives may leverage multiple party structures to enhance their visibility and effectiveness. Colada's participation in the 2025 elections demonstrates his ongoing commitment to public service and his adaptability in navigating the complexities of Philippine electoral politics.

Political Career and Party-List Elections

Lex Anthony Colada serves as a representative in the 19th Congress of the Philippines, representing the AAMBIS-Owa Party List. His election to the House of Representatives was secured during the 2022 Philippine general elections, marking his initial entry into the national legislature through the party-list system. The AAMBIS-Owa list focuses on representing specific sectors within the Philippine political landscape, with Colada acting as one of its primary legislative voices.

2022 Election Results

In the 2022 elections, the AAMBIS-Owa Party List secured a significant share of the national vote. The list received 1,197,221 votes, which translated to approximately 2.54% of the total valid votes cast for party-list representatives. This performance allowed AAMBIS-Owa to secure multiple seats in the 19th Congress, with Colada being named as one of the representatives. The vote count placed the list among the top-performing party-list groups, ensuring its continued presence in the legislative body following the May 2022 polls.

Election Year Party List Position Result
2022 AAMBIS-Owa Representative Elected

2025 Nomination and ANGKASANGGA

Following his initial term, Colada continued his political engagement by running as a party-list representative for a different group in the 2025 Philippine House of Representatives elections. He was nominated under the ANGKASANGGA party list. This move indicated a strategic shift or expansion in his political alignment, as he sought re-election or a new mandate under the ANGKASANGGA banner. The 2025 elections presented a new competitive landscape for party-list representatives, with ANGKASANGGA aiming to capture a share of the national vote to secure seats in the subsequent Congress. Colada's candidacy reflects the dynamic nature of Philippine party-list politics, where representatives may switch affiliations or run under new lists to maximize electoral success and legislative impact.

Political Endorsements and Stances

Lex Anthony Colada’s legislative tenure in the 19th Congress of the Philippines has been marked by distinct political alignments and advocacy on national infrastructure governance. As a representative for the AAMBIS-Owa Party List, Colada has engaged in high-profile parliamentary actions that reflect his party’s strategic positioning within the broader Philippine political landscape. His public statements and voting records indicate a willingness to support cross-party initiatives when they align with his assessment of national interest and institutional accountability.

Support for the Impeachment of Sara Duterte

One of the most notable political moves during Colada’s term was his endorsement of the third impeachment complaint filed against Vice President Sara Duterte. This action placed him among the legislators who sought to hold the second-highest executive office accountable through the traditional parliamentary mechanism of impeachment. The third complaint against Duterte was part of a series of legal and political challenges faced by the Vice President during her tenure, reflecting the intense political dynamics of the 19th Congress.

Colada’s support for the impeachment effort signaled a break from strict partisan loyalty, demonstrating that his legislative decisions were influenced by specific policy evaluations and political alliances rather than blanket party discipline. The impeachment process itself became a focal point of national debate, with supporters arguing that it was a necessary check on executive power, while critics viewed it as a politically motivated maneuver. Colada’s position aligned with the AAMBIS-Owa Party List’s broader strategy of positioning itself as a pragmatic and accountable voice in the House of Representatives.

Advocacy for Government Takeover of NGCP

In addition to his involvement in the impeachment proceedings, Colada has been a vocal advocate for the government takeover of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP). The NGCP, which operates the country’s electric power transmission network, has been a subject of ongoing debate regarding its public versus private management. Colada argued that a government-led operation would ensure greater transparency, efficiency, and affordability in the transmission of electricity across the archipelago.

This stance reflects a broader concern among some legislators about the performance and governance of public-private partnerships in critical infrastructure sectors. Colada’s support for the NGCP takeover was part of a larger narrative calling for increased state intervention in key economic areas to protect consumer interests and enhance national energy security. His advocacy on this issue resonated with constituents who were concerned about rising electricity costs and the reliability of the power grid.

Colada’s positions on these two major issues—the impeachment of Sara Duterte and the NGCP takeover—demonstrate his approach to legislation as a tool for addressing both immediate political challenges and long-term structural reforms. His actions have contributed to the dynamic political environment of the 19th Congress, where party-list representatives play an increasingly influential role in shaping national policy.

Personal Life and Political Connections

Lex Anthony Colada’s political trajectory is deeply intertwined with the Garin political clan, one of the most influential families in Iloilo Province. This connection was formalized through his marriage to Jennifer Garin, a prominent local official in Guimbal. The union links Colada directly to the Garin lineage, providing him with established local support networks and name recognition within the municipality and the broader Visayas region. Jennifer Garin serves as the Mayor of Guimbal, a position that anchors the family’s administrative control over the town. Her role as mayor places her at the center of local governance, overseeing municipal development, public services, and legislative initiatives within Guimbal. This mayoral position is a key component of the Garin clan’s enduring presence in Iloilo politics, a dynasty that has held various local and provincial offices for decades. The Garin family’s influence in Guimbal is well-documented in local political history, with multiple family members occupying key executive and legislative seats. Colada’s association with this powerful clan likely played a significant role in his electoral successes, including his representation in the 19th Congress of the Philippines. The synergy between Colada’s legal expertise and the Garin family’s grassroots organizational strength creates a formidable political partnership. Jennifer Garin’s leadership in Guimbal complements Colada’s work at the national level, allowing the family to project influence across different tiers of Philippine government. The Garin clan’s political strategy often involves fielding family members in complementary offices, ensuring a cohesive political machine. This approach has been effective in maintaining the family’s dominance in Guimbal and extending their reach into the provincial capital. Colada’s marriage into the Garin family is not merely a personal union but a strategic political alliance that consolidates power in the region. The Garin name carries significant weight in Iloilo, often associated with stability, development, and traditional political values. Jennifer Garin’s tenure as mayor has been marked by efforts to modernize municipal services and improve infrastructure in Guimbal. These local achievements enhance the political capital of the entire family, including Colada. The interplay between local mayoral power and national legislative representation is a common feature of Philippine politics, particularly in the Visayas. Colada’s ability to leverage the Garin clan’s resources and voter base has been instrumental in his career. The Garin family’s deep roots in Guimbal provide Colada with a reliable support system during election cycles. This local foundation allows him to focus on national issues while maintaining strong ties to his constituency. The political dynamics in Iloilo are characterized by strong familial networks, and the Garin clan is a prime example of this phenomenon. Colada’s position as a party-list representative for AAMBIS-Owa and later ANGKASANGGA reflects his ability to operate within these complex political structures. The Garin family’s influence extends beyond Guimbal, impacting provincial politics in Iloilo. This broader influence provides Colada with additional leverage in the House of Representatives. The connection between Colada and the Garin clan is a central aspect of his political identity. It underscores the importance of family ties in Philippine electoral politics. Jennifer Garin’s role as mayor continues to be a vital component of the family’s political strategy. Her leadership in Guimbal ensures that the Garin name remains prominent in local affairs. Colada’s political career benefits from this sustained local presence. The Garin clan’s political legacy in Iloilo is a testament to the enduring power of family-based political machines in the Philippines. Colada’s marriage to Jennifer Garin is a key factor in his political success. The Garin family’s influence in Guimbal and Iloilo provides Colada with a strong foundation for his national political career. This alliance is a critical element of his political profile.

See also