Henry Sevilla Oaminal Sr. (born October 11, 1958) is a Filipino politician, lawyer, and businessman serving as the governor of Misamis Occidental since 2022. He previously served as the Representative of Misamis Occidental's 2nd district from 2013 to 2022 and was a House Deputy Speaker from 2019 to 2022.
Early Life and Education
Henry Sevilla Oaminal was born on October 11, 1958, in Clarin, Misamis Occidental, Philippines. He is a lawyer by profession.
Political Career
Oaminal began his political career as a member of the Misamis Occidental Provincial Board, serving from 2007 to 2010. He was then elected Vice Governor of Misamis Occidental, serving from 2010 to 2013 under Governor Herminia M. Ramiro.
In 2013, he was elected to the Philippine House of Representatives, representing the 2nd district of Misamis Occidental. He served three consecutive terms from 2013 to 2022. During his tenure, he served as a House Deputy Speaker from 2019 to 2022.
In 2022, Oaminal was elected Governor of Misamis Occidental, succeeding Philip T. Tan. He assumed office on June 30, 2022.
Political Affiliation
Oaminal has been affiliated with the Nacionalista Party (2007–2017; 2019–present), Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (2017–2019), and Asenso Pinoy Party (2024–present).
Notable Legislation
During his time in Congress, Oaminal authored numerous bills, including those establishing special non-working holidays in municipalities within his district (Bonifacio Day, Clarin Day, Tangub Day, Tudela Day), the conversion and establishment of schools (Felina Sevilla Oaminal National High School, University of Northwestern Mindanao), and legislation concerning the Philippine National Police, barangay health workers, and healthcare infrastructure.
Controversies
Lam-an Housing Project
In early 2020, at least five houses were demolished in Barangay Lam-an, Ozamiz City, to make way for a free housing project for informal settlers. Residents alleged harassment and lack of legal basis for the eviction. Oaminal denied the claims, stating his family was "observant of the rule of law." House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco ordered hearings and gave Oaminal three weeks to compensate affected families.
DPWH Corruption Allegations
In 2020, Oaminal was included in a list of nine lawmakers allegedly involved in corruption related to infrastructure projects. He stated the report was "not a condemnation or indictment" and should not be taken as "the gospel of truth."
House Session Attendance Despite Positive COVID-19 Test
Oaminal attended the opening session of the House of Representatives on July 26, 2021, despite testing positive for COVID-19 the day before President Rodrigo Duterte's State of the Nation Address. He stated he received his antigen test result in the evening and subsequently tested negative via lab test before the SONA.
PNB Case
In 2021, the Supreme Court granted a petition by the Philippine National Bank to revive criminal charges against Oaminal for six bouncing checks worth approximately ₱12.8 million in 2002, directing the trial court in Ozamiz City to resume proceedings.
Supreme Court Suspension from Law Practice
In March 2023, the Supreme Court of the Philippines suspended Oaminal from the practice of law for three years for violating Canon 11 of the Code of Professional Responsibility. The case stemmed from a 2008 incident in which Oaminal brought then-Clarin Mayor David Navarro and five armed bodyguards to a court hearing before Judge Rico Tan, who was presiding over criminal cases filed by the Philippine National Bank against Oaminal. The Court found that Oaminal had intended to intimidate the judge, stating that "intimidation, or the threat of intimidation, upon those positioned to decide on controversies, is incompatible with the rule of law."
Assassination Attempt
On October 15, 2023, Oaminal survived an improvised explosive device (IED) attack on his convoy in Clarin, Misamis Occidental.
Personal Life
Oaminal is married to Pearl Grace F. Oaminal. They have three children: Althea Isobel, Henry Jr., and Sancho Fernando.
