Mike Defensor
Mike Defensor | |
|---|---|
 Defensor in 2022 | |
| Member of the Philippine House of Representatives for Anakalusugan | |
| In office June 30, 2019 – June 30, 2022 | |
| Malacañang Chief of Staff | |
| In office February 15, 2006 – February 10, 2007 | |
| President | Gloria Macapagal Arroyo |
| Preceded by | Rigoberto Tiglao |
| Succeeded by | Joey Salceda |
| 28th Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources | |
| In office August 31, 2004 – February 15, 2006 | |
| President | Gloria Macapagal Arroyo |
| Preceded by | Elisa Gozun |
| Succeeded by | Angelo Reyes |
| 1st Chairman of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council | |
| In office January 20, 2001 – June 30, 2004 | |
| President | Gloria Macapagal Arroyo |
| Preceded by | Karina Constantino David |
| Succeeded by | Noli de Castro |
| Member of the Philippine House of Representatives from Quezon City's 3rd district | |
| In office June 30, 1995 – January 20, 2001 | |
| Preceded by | Dennis Roldan |
| Succeeded by | Maria Theresa Defensor |
| Member of the Quezon City Council from the 3rd district | |
| In office June 30, 1992 – June 30, 1995 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Michael Tan Defensor June 30, 1969 Manila, Philippines |
| Party | Reform PH (2024–present) |
Other political affiliations | |
| Spouse | Julie Rose Tactacan |
| Relations | Miriam Defensor Santiago (aunt) Arthur Defensor Jr. (second cousin) Lorenz Defensor (second cousin) |
| Children | 5 |
| Parents |
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| Education | University of the Philippines Diliman (BA, MPA) |
| Occupation |
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| Criminal information | |
Criminal status | Incarcerated; awaiting trial |
Criminal charge | |
Date apprehended | July 6, 2026 |
| Imprisoned at | New Quezon City Jail |
Michael Tan Defensor (Tagalog pronunciation: [dɪfɛnˈsɔɾ], born June 30, 1969) is a Filipino politician and businessman who served as the party-list representative for Anakalusugan from 2019 to 2022. He is also the chief executive officer of Pax Libera Mining, Inc.
A member of the Defensor political family, Defensor is the nephew of former senator Miriam Defensor Santiago. He began his political career in Quezon City, where he served as a member of the city council from 1992 to 1995. He was elected to the House of Representatives representing Quezon City's 3rd congressional district in 1995, becoming the youngest member of Congress at the time. As a congressman, he was a member of the "Spice Boys", who led congressional efforts to impeach President Joseph Estrada. The impeachment trial and the widespread protests of the Second EDSA Revolution in January 2001 resulted in Estrada's resignation and Vice President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's accession to the presidency.
Defensor later served in various positions in the Arroyo administration, including chairman of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council, Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources, and Malacañang Chief of Staff. He was also appointed to positions at Ninoy Aquino International Airport and the Philippine National Railways.
In 2019, he was elected again to the House of Representatives as the representative of the Anakalusugan party-list. He was among the 70 representatives who voted against the renewal of the ABS-CBN franchise. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he promoted and distributed the antiparasitic drug ivermectin as a possible prophylaxis and treatment for COVID-19, despite the lack of scientific evidence supporting its efficacy. In 2026, he and 18 other individuals drew controversy over their claims that kickbacks from flood control projects were being sent to several politicians and activists. Defensor unsuccessfully ran for senator in 2007 and for Mayor of Quezon City in 2010 and 2022.
Defensor was arrested on July 6, 2026, after the Sandiganbayan charged him with plunder and issued an arrest warrant in connection with an undeclared ₱75 million donation that he and two others allegedly made to Senator Rodante Marcoleta during the 2025 election campaign. He is currently awaiting trial.