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Roderick Paulate
Roderick Paulate
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Roderick Mendenilla Paulate[1] (Tagalog pronunciation: [paʊ̯ˈlaː.tɛ], born April 4, 1960) is a Filipino actor, TV host, comedian and former politician. Paulate had previously hosted TV shows like Vilma On 7, Tonight With Dick & Carmi, Magandang Tanghali Bayan, and The Singing Bee. Paulate is also a comedian in shows Abangan Ang Susunod Na Kabanata, Oki Doki Doc, Mana Mana, Ang Tanging Ina: The Comedy Series, and Tweets For My Sweets. Paulate was also a dramatic actor in the TV shows, Malayo Pa Ang Umaga, Makita Ka Lang Muli, Rosalinda, Munting Heredera and the long-running action drama series, FPJ's Ang Probinsyano, in which he plays a mayor-politician.

Key Information

Biography

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Child actor

[edit]

Paulate began his career as a child actor. He received his first Best Child Actor award from the Manila Film Festival for the movie Kasalanan Kaya in 1968. His first FAMAS award was for Anghel Na Walang Langit in 1970.[2]

Gay roles

[edit]

Roderick's first foray in gay roles was in 1979 when he appeared in Maryo J. De Los Reyes' High School Circa ’65. He became Roda Coburns in the early evening sitcom, "Tepok Bunot" over BBC-Channel 2 with Bibeth Orteza, Isabel Rivas and Tony Mabesa. A producer then gave him the lead role in Charot, a movie inspired by Dustin Hoffman's gender-bending performance in Tootsie. His movie Inday Inday sa Balitaw was a huge success, that in 1987 he made four gay movies in a span of eight months: Jack en Poy, Bb. Tsuperman, Kumander Gringa, and 1+1=12+1.[3] Paulate continued to play gay roles in movies and television. Paulate' influenced Vice Ganda, Allan K., and Paolo Ballesteros.

Non-gay roles

[edit]

Paulate soon after tackled non-gay roles on both movies and television, displaying his versatility. His first known non-gay role during his peak years as a comedian was Last Two Minutes which he played a vertically challenged basketball coach with PBA Legends Alvin Patrimonio, Jerry Codiñera & Paul "Bong" Alvarez, and Regal teen stars Zoren Legaspi, Jeffrey Santos, Aljon Jimenez, Carmina Villarroel, Ruffa Gutierrez & Aiko Melendez. He also played the role of Ding, a mentally-challenged homeless mute in 1980 in the first Philippine TV series Malayo Pa Ang Umaga, about village life in the Philippines in the second world war under Japanese Imperial Army occupation. Paulate's 1st fantasy drama role was Engkanto, released in 1992 with the late hip hop king Francis Magalona. He played a straight tree man who saves the environment from nasty illegal loggers.

Singer and performer

[edit]

Dubbed as the Rick Astley Of The Philippines, Paulate also ventured into singing where he was influenced by his singing idol Rick Astley. He was in-demand as a performer/host in various defunct variety shows, notably Tonight With Dick & Carmi, Vilma & Magandang Tanghali Bayan.

Awards

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All in all, Paulate has received six Best Child Actor awards and 17 awards during his adult years starting with Inday, Inday sa Balitaw in 1986 (co-starring Maricel Soriano) when he received the Best Supporting Actor trophy.[2] In 1996, Paulate was named Best Actor in Drama at the Asian Television Awards,[2] and then in 2000, for his role in the Maalaala Mo Kaya episode "Wristwatch" and again in 1981, for his very difficult role in Malayo Pa Ang Umaga, the very first successful TV series in the Philippines.[4]

Paulate is also inducted to the Philippines Eastwood City Walk Of Fame in 2012 for contributing his acting, singing, hosting and also being a comedian.

Political career

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Paulate was elected as councilor for Quezon City's 2nd district in 2010.[5] Paulate was removed from office by the Office of the Ombudsman as councilor of Quezon City because of hiring ghost employees.[6] He was barred from running for any public office.

Despite barring him from running for public office, Paulate ran for his third term as a councilor and was eventually elected.[7]

On December 12, 2016, however, the Court of Appeals overturned the ruling of the Office of the Ombudsman's dismissing Paulate together with 3 other officials of the Quezon City local government from the public service.[8]

Paulate unsuccessfully ran for vice mayor in 2019, as the running mate of former 2nd district representative Chuck Mathay. He also sought a return to the city council in 2022 for the 2nd district under the Malayang QC ticket of Mike Defensor, but was also unsuccessful.

On December 2, 2022, the Sandiganbayan convicted him of one count of graft and nine counts of falsification of public documents in connection with his hiring of ghost employees. He faces between 10 1⁄2 to 62 years in prison, a total fine of ₱90,000, and is permanently barred from holding public office. Paulate and his accomplice, his driver and liaison officer Vicente Bajamunde, were also ordered to compensate the government with the amount of public funds they embezzled, amounting to ₱1.109 million with 6% interest per annum until full payment.[9][10] He filed a motion for reconsideration but it was denied by the court on January 23, 2023.[11]

Personal life

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Paulate is single. He has previously dated Jackie Aquino,[12] a daughter of former Senator Butz Aquino.

Education

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He attended his primary education at José Rizal College and graduated in 1976.[13]

He attended his secondary education at José Rizal College and graduated in 1984.[14]

He attended his tertiary education at University of the Philippines, Manila campus and studied Political science, then shifted to Theater arts.[15]

Electoral history

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Electoral history of Roderick Paulate
Year Office Party Votes received Result
Total % P. Swing
2010 Councilor (Quezon City–2nd) NPC 178,831 9.74% 5th N/a Won
2013 IND 74,432 11.54% 3rd +1.80 Won
2016 NPC 109,298 10.73% 6th -0.81 Won
2019 Vice Mayor of Quezon City KDP 112,697 13.23% 3rd N/a Lost

Filmography

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Film

[edit]
Year Title Role
1964 Ito Ang Lalake
1967 Mga Kaibigan Kong Sto. Niño Bong
1968 Bulag na Matador
Bandana Himself
The Karate Champions Himself
Kasalanan Kaya?
Mga Tigre sa Looban
Oh! My Papa Ronald
1969 Sugapaan!
7 Fantastic Judo Karate Brothers
Zoom-Zoom Apollo
Musmos na Mandirigna
Petrang Paminta
1970 Magic Makinilya
Lover For Hire
Si Ponso, Si Elena at Si Boy
Mga Anghel na Walang Langit Bong
1971 Family Planning
Bella Bandida
Kurikit
Ang Tigre at Ang Diablo
Banderang Kapos
Sangre
Romantiko
1972 Kung Matapang Ka!
Dirty Hari
Poor Little Rich Girl
Superbeast Pepe
El Vibora Anton
1973 Alamat ni Limahong
Fight! Batman, Fight! Robin
Dugo ng Bayan
A Taste of Hell Pedro
1974 Somewhere Over The Rainbow
Shazam Boom
As Long As There's Music
Tama Na, Erap The Children
Bagsik at kamandag ni Pedro Penduko
Ugat
Guo Shu Shi Duan
1975 Sandugo
Anong Lahi Meron Si Adan
Hit and Run
Supercock Child
Teribol Dobol Totoy
Alkitrang Dugo Andy
1976 Ang Erpat Kong Groovy
Magsikap: Kayod sa Araw, Kayod sa Gabi
Let's Do The Salsa
Isang Pag-ibig, Isang Pangarap at Isang Bulaklak
Walang Karanasan Boyet
Ligaya Ko'y Inagaw Mo
Scotch on the Rocks to Remember, Black Coffee to Forget
1977 Tinimbang Ka, Bakit Husto? Pandoy
Hostage!.. Hanapin si Batuigas
Asiong Aksaya
Banta ng Kahapon
1978 Boy Imus
1979 High School Circa '65
Halik sa Paa, Halik sa Kamay
Tsikiting Master
1980 Awat Na, Asiong Aksaya!
John & Marsha '80
Target! Kanang Kamay ni Nardo
Totoy Boogie
Aguila Quintin
1981 Totoo Ba Ang Tsismis?
1982 Dormitoryo! Buhay Estudyante Joji
Walang Atrasan
Just Say You Love Me
1983 Porontoy
1984 Hulihin Si... Boy Sputnik
Bitag
Rambo Tanggo Part III
Charot Charot
1985 Hee-Man: Master of None
John en Marsha '85
Inday Bote Duwende
1986 Praybet Depektib Akademi
Johnny Rocky Tanggo Part IV Roda
Sobra Na, Tama Na, Asiong Aksaya
Inday Inday sa Balitaw Tonette
No Blood, No Surrender Dick
1987 Ako si Kiko, Ako si Kikay Kiko/Kikay
Bunsong Kerubin Garutay
Mga Anak ni Facifica Falayfay Rodrigo Manalastas
1+1=12+1
Kumander Gringa Kumander Gringa
Jack en Poy: Hale-Hale Hoy!
Binibining Tsuperman Rogelio/Binibining Tsuper-man
1988 Leroy Leroy Sinta Leroy/Liwayway
Penoy... Balut
Me & Ninja Liit Sha
Petrang Kabayo at ang Pilyang Kuting Pedrolino/Petra
1989 Engkantadang Kangkarot and Her Magic Talong
Tamis ng Unang Halik Pomomoy
Gorio & Tekla Tekla
Bote... Dyaryo... Garapa!
Last Two Minutes
1990 Petrang Kabayo 2: Anong Ganda Mo! Mukha Kang Kabayo Peter/Petra
Small and Terrible
1991 Underage Too
1992 Engkanto Yorac
Buddy en Sol: Sine Ito!
1993 Mga S'yanong Parak Hunyo Sixto
1994 Bala at Lipistik Roberto "Bobby"/Bambi
2000 Pera o Bayong (Not da TV!) Lolo/Host
2004 Pa Siyam Nilo
2005 Can This Be Love Delfin
2009 Oh, My Girl!: A Laugh Story... Crisp Pop Montojo
Ded na si Lolo Junee
2011 Zombadings 1: Patayin sa Shokot si Remington Pops
2012 D' Kilabots Pogi Brothers Weh?! Male Partner
2013 Kung Fu Divas San-ing
2023 In His Mother's Eyes Bibs
2025 Mudrasta: Ang Beking Ina! Victor “Beki” Labrador

Television

[edit]
Year Title Role
1972 Bahay-bahayan Rod
1993–1995 Malayo Pa Ang Umaga Ding
1988–1991 Tonight With Dick & Carmi
1991–1997 Abangan Ang Susunod Na Kabanata Benny Dela Croix
1994–1996 Game Na Game Na! Himself / Host
1998–2000 Oki Doki Doc Dickson
1998 Wansapanataym Christmas Special
1998–2003 Magandang Tanghali Bayan Himself / Host
2001 Eto Na Ang Susunod Na Kabanata Benny Dela Croix
2003 Sana'y Wala Nang Wakas Truman
Ang Tanging Ina Goliath
2005 M.R.S. (Most Requested Show) Himself / Host
Bora: Sons of the Beach Dodong
2006–2007 Makita Ka Lang Muli Valetin Barba / Vicar Barbarosa
2007–2008 That's My Doc Major Ret Retualo
2009 Rosalinda Florencio
2011–2012 Munting Heredera Emmanuel "Manny" Mejia
2011 Spooky Nights Presents: Ang Munting Mahadera Rody
2012 Tweets for My Sweet JB Mercado
Protégé: The Battle for the Big Artista Break Mentor
2012–2013 H.O.T. TV Himself / Host
2013 The Ryzza Mae Show Himself / Guest
It's Showtime
Gandang Gabi Vice
2013–2015 The Singing Bee Himself / Host
2016 Magpakailanman: Gay Organ Donor - The Genesis Laviana Story Geni
Magandang Buhay Himself / Guest
2017 Wansapantaym: Amazing Ving Chris Cristobal
2018–2019 FPJ's Ang Probinsyano Mayor Adonis Dimaguiba
2019–2020 One of the Baes Paps Fernando
2024–2025 Da Pers Family Chef K
2025 Mga Batang Riles Pol Alhambra
Rainbow Rumble Himself / Contestant

Accolades

[edit]
Year Award-giving body Category Nominated work Results
1987 Metro Manila Film Festival Best Supporting Actor 1+1=12+1 Won
1996 Asian Television Awards Best Actor in a Leading Role Maalaala Mo Kaya: "Abo" Won[16]
2000 Best Actor in a Leading Role Maalaala Mo Kaya: "Wristwatch" Won[17]
2002 12th KBP Golden Dove Awards Best Variety Show/Program Host MTB Won[18]
2012 Eastwood City Walk Of Fame Celebrity Inductee N/a Won
2015 Golden Screen TV Awards Helen Vela Lifetime Achievement Award for Comedy N/a Won[19]
2021 PMPC Star Awards for Television Best Drama Supporting Actor One of the Baes Won

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Roderick Mendenilla Paulate (born April 4, 1960) is a Filipino , , television host, and former recognized for his long-spanning career in entertainment, particularly in comedic portrayals and roles, as well as his tenure as a Quezon City councilor marred by a high-profile . Paulate began his professional life as a child actor, earning early acclaim with a Best Child Actor award at the 1968 Manila Film Festival for his role in Kasalanan. Over decades, he built a reputation in Philippine cinema and television through versatile performances in films such as Grandpa Is Dead (2009), for which he received a Golden Screen Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role (Musical or Comedy), and In His Mother's Eyes (2023), earning him a top acting honor at the 40th Luna Awards alongside co-star Maricel Soriano. His comedic style often featured exaggerated characters, including notable drag roles like Petra in Petrang Kabayo At Ang Pilyang Kuting, contributing to his nickname "Kuya Dick" among audiences. On television, he hosted variety programs such as Vilma On 7 and Magandang Tanghali Bayan, and starred in sitcoms like Oki Doki Doc. In politics, Paulate served as a councilor for Quezon City's 2nd District following his 2010 election victory, focusing on local governance issues before facing removal from office by the over allegations of dishonesty. He was re-elected in despite the prior dismissal but encountered further legal scrutiny, culminating in a 2022 Sandiganbayan conviction for one count of graft and nine counts of falsification of public documents related to hiring ghost employees and misappropriating approximately P1.109 million in public funds from 2010 to 2011, resulting in a sentence of up to 62 years imprisonment—though perpetual disqualification from public office was the effective bar to further service. This highlighted systemic issues in Philippine local politics involving candidates, yet Paulate continued acting post-conviction, appearing in projects like the 2025 film Mudrasta.

Early Life and Background

Childhood and Family Origins

Roderick Mendenilla Paulate was born on April 4, 1960, in , . His parents were Estodito Arao Paulate (1918–1986) and Paz Serrano Mendenilla Paulate (c. 1923–2009), who married on January 31, 1944, in . indicate Paulate had several siblings, including brothers Diosdado Mendenilla Paulate and Herminio Mendenilla Paulate, though comprehensive details on the full composition remain limited. Paulate grew up in Manila during the 1960s and 1970s, a period marked by the expansion of the Philippine film and television industries amid post-war economic recovery and urbanization. His early education included elementary schooling associated with Jose Rizal institutions in Manila, reflecting the urban working-class environments common for families in the capital at the time. He later completed secondary education at Jose Rizal College High School (now part of José Rizal University) in 1984. Limited verifiable information exists on his parents' professions, but the family's Manila residence positioned it within proximity to emerging media hubs, though no direct entertainment ties are documented prior to Paulate's own activities.

Initial Entry into Entertainment

Paulate debuted in the Philippine entertainment industry as a with a role in the 1968 drama film Kasalanan Kaya?, directed by Luis Enriquez and starring and . Released on June 16, 1968, the production was an official entry to the Manila Film Festival, exemplifying the era's studio-driven output that frequently cast young performers in supporting roles to heighten familial and moral storylines amid a burgeoning local cinema scene. At around five years old, Paulate's appearance aligned with the demand for child talent to portray innocence and vulnerability, a staple in 1960s Filipino films produced under martial law precursors where youth-oriented narratives gained traction for broad audience appeal. This early exposure yielded immediate recognition, as Paulate received the Best Child Actor award at the 1968 Film Festival for his performance, signaling his potential within an industry transitioning from imported Hollywood influences to homegrown melodramas. The accolade, one of several child acting honors he would accumulate, facilitated initial visibility through minor TV cameos and film cameos in the early , such as in Lollipops and Roses (1971), before escalating to more substantial parts amid the decade's expansion in television variety shows and B-movies that prioritized versatile young actors. Accounts from Paulate's later reflections emphasize this phase as foundational, grounded in opportunistic auditions rather than formal training, reflecting the informal talent scouting prevalent in 's entertainment hubs during the period.

Entertainment Career

Child Acting Roles

Paulate entered the Philippine entertainment industry at age four, debuting in films during the late 1960s. His early work included a supporting role in the 1967 drama Maruja, which showcased his initial presence in family-oriented narratives typical of the era's local cinema. In 1968, at age five, Paulate earned the Best Child Actor award at the Manila Film Festival for his performance in Kasalanan Kaya, a recognition that highlighted his emerging talent in dramatic youth roles amid the competitive child actor scene. This accolade was followed by appearances in films such as Tubog sa Ginto (1970), establishing a pattern of versatile parts in light entertainment and coming-of-age stories that appealed to family audiences. By the mid-1970s, as a pre-teen and teen , Paulate transitioned to more prominent supporting roles, including in Alkitrang Dugo (1975) and Hinog sa Pilit (1976), where he portrayed characters in socially themed dramas that drew on his established child performer image. This phase reflected broader industry challenges for young actors, who often faced in juvenile or familial archetypes due to limited role diversification in Philippine media at the time, though specific viewership metrics for these productions remain undocumented in available records. Paulate's pre-adult television work culminated in the role of Ricky in the drama series (1980–1985), a family-centric production that aired during his late teens and reinforced his adaptability in ensemble casts focused on domestic and relational dynamics.

Breakthrough with Gay Comedy Characters

Paulate's portrayal of Petra in the 1988 film Petrang Kabayo at ang Pilyang Kuting, directed by Luciano B. Carlos, represented a pivotal breakthrough in his comedic career. In the movie, he depicted a flamboyant character cursed by the goddess of horses to gradually transform into an equine at age 21, stemming from his father's abusive history as a ; the plot follows Petra's comedic quests to avert the curse amid adventures with street-smart allies. Co-starring as Cindy, as Pinky, and child performers like Aiza Seguerra, the film achieved commercial success as a box-office hit, solidifying Paulate's appeal in the genre and spawning a franchise of similar entries centered on his character. This role propelled Paulate into a series of drag-inflected gay comedy characters during the late 1980s and 1990s, leveraging tropes of exaggerated effeminacy, witty banter, and physical humor drawn from longstanding Filipino bakla comedic traditions in local cinema. Notable examples include his dual role as gay twin Kikay opposite a macho sibling in Ako si Kiko, Ako si Kikay (1987), the titular cross-dressing commander in Kumander Gringa (1987), and a lipstick-wielding action figure in Bala at Lipistik (1994), each emphasizing formulaic gags like gender-bending disguises and campy confrontations. These performances relied on Paulate's timing and physicality to deliver broad, audience-pleasing laughs rooted in cultural familiarity with such archetypes. The empirical draw of these roles evidenced in their repeated production and Paulate's sustained casting in analogous parts, as producers capitalized on the proven ticket sales and viewership from films like , which later inspired high-grossing remakes. This pattern elevated his stardom within Philippine entertainment, transitioning him from to comedy mainstay, though the stereotypical depictions drew conservative critiques for reinforcing caricatured views of over nuanced representation.

Expansion to Non-Gay and Dramatic Roles

Following his breakthrough in gay comedic roles during the late , Paulate pursued non-gay characters to demonstrate versatility and counter , including straight comedic parts in films like Last Two Minutes (), a basketball-themed where he played a coach. This marked an early diversification effort amid an industry where effeminate portrayals often dominated his offers, though he selectively declined additional gay scripts to prioritize broader range. In the 1990s and early 2000s, Paulate increasingly took on dramatic television roles, earning recognition for serious performances that contrasted his comedic persona. He received the Best Actor in a Leading Role award at the 1996 Asian Television Awards for his work in the anthology series Maalaala Mo Kaya episode "Abo," showcasing emotional depth in a non-comedic narrative. Similarly, in 2000, he won the same award for the Maalaala Mo Kaya episode "Wristwatch," further evidencing his capability in dramatic leads and contributing to his reputation as a multifaceted performer capable of sustaining audience interest outside familiar tropes. These shifts aligned with a common trajectory in Philippine , where comedians sought dramatic credits for prestige and longevity, though Paulate's transitions yielded mixed commercial results compared to his high-grossing comedies, with episodes prioritizing critical validation over box-office metrics. No major prestige drama breakthroughs emerged, but the awards underscored successful adaptation by peers and critics to his expanded scope.

Television Hosting and Variety Performances

Paulate transitioned into television hosting during the , utilizing his comedic timing and improvisational abilities in live variety programming. He co-hosted Tonight with Dick and Carmi, a dance-variety show on Channel 2, alongside starting in 1988. The format included sketches, musical performances, and audience interactions, allowing Paulate to showcase ad-libbed humor that complemented Martin's dramatic flair. Earlier, Paulate served as host for Vilma on 7 on GMA Network's Channel 7, a variety program that featured guests and segments tailored to his effervescent on-screen energy. His involvement in these shows marked a shift toward sustained presence, where live formats rewarded his quick-witted persona over the episodic nature of work. In the late 1990s, Paulate co-hosted Magandang Tanghali Bayan (later rebranded as MTB), a noontime variety staple on from onward, contributing to comedy sketches, game segments, and interviews until departing in 2003. This role underscored his adaptability in ensemble hosting, with the program's multi-year run highlighting the enduring appeal of his relatable, improvisational style in interactive broadcasts.

Singing and Stage Ventures

Paulate's singing efforts were primarily linked to his projects, where he provided vocals for themes in the late and . In 1990, he sang the upbeat theme song "Anong Ganda Mo!" for the comedy Anong ganda mo! Mukha kang kabayo, collaborating with co-stars including , , , , and , under composition and arrangement by Mon del Rosario. Similar contributions appeared in other productions, such as the theme for the 1994 action-comedy Bala at Lipistik, reinforcing his on-screen persona through musical elements without separate commercial releases. On stage and in live settings, Paulate incorporated comedic musical numbers, often covering Western pop hits to complement his humorous style. During the 1988 event Regal Celebration of Love, he delivered a rendition of 's "," showcasing his delivery in a performative context. In 1991, he performed a medley alongside on The Sharon Cuneta Show, blending parody and entertainment. These appearances extended to concerts, including a 2008 collaboration with at Manila's , where they jointly sang "" live. Paulate's musical output remained ancillary to his core entertainment pursuits, with no evidence of standalone albums, singles, or significant chart achievements, underscoring its role as an extension of his comedic versatility rather than a primary focus. Performances like a 2013 duet of "Together Forever" with Carmi Martin on ASAP further emphasized nostalgic, lighthearted tributes over original recordings.

Political Involvement

Entry and Election to Quezon City Council

Roderick Paulate entered local politics in 2010, running for a seat as councilor in 's 2nd district during the national and local elections held on May 10. His candidacy capitalized on his established visibility as an , , and television host, which provided significant in a competitive field requiring outreach to urban voters. Paulate was proclaimed as one of the winning councilors shortly after the polls, securing a position among the multi-member district's elected officials. Quezon City, as the most populous political unit in Metro Manila with over 2.9 million residents as of the 2010 census, features electoral contests where celebrity candidates frequently succeed due to the advantages of media exposure and public familiarity in large, diverse constituencies. This pattern reflects a broader dynamic in Philippine local governance, where entertainment figures transition into political roles as an extension of their performative public engagement, often without prior policy experience but benefiting from established rapport with audiences. In the same 2010 cycle, actor won the mayoralty, illustrating the viability of such candidacies in the city's political landscape. Upon assuming office in June 2010, Paulate's early legislative efforts centered on community-oriented services, including recommendations for staffing to support constituent assistance programs typical for incoming councilors in urban districts. These initiatives aligned with standard priorities for councilors addressing local urban challenges such as resident welfare and administrative support.

Legislative Record and Policy Positions

During his tenure as a Quezon City Councilor from 2010 to 2016 and 2016 to 2019, Roderick Paulate sponsored and co-sponsored ordinances primarily addressing administrative restructuring, local efficiency, and economic facilitation, with several achieving passage into . Notable among these was Ordinance No. SP-2505, S-2016, which adopted the Revised Quezon City Veterinary Code to update regulations on animal control, registration, and anti-rabies measures, reflecting a focus on and welfare through enhanced veterinary services. Similarly, Ordinance No. SP-2465, S-2016, amended prior to extend the business deadline to February 5, 2016, providing temporary fiscal to local enterprises amid economic pressures. Paulate also contributed to organizational reforms, such as Ordinance No. SP-2563, S-2017, which merged the Barangay Operations Center and Community Relations Office into the Barangay and Community Relations Department to streamline and emergency response functions at the level. In 2017, he sponsored Ordinance No. SP-2672, rationalizing the functional structure of the Planning and Development Department to improve processes. Co-authorship extended to broader economic policies, including Ordinance No. SP-2219, S-2013, which adopted the Economic Development Incentives Code of to attract investments through tax rebates and streamlined permitting for priority sectors like and services. These legislative efforts emphasized procedural enhancements over large-scale projects, with approved ordinances demonstrating a passage rate aligned with consensus on administrative matters but lacking documented metrics on impacts such as savings or service delivery improvements. Paulate's positions, as evidenced by sponsorships, supported localized economic incentives and regulatory updates without for overarching fiscal or frameworks during his term. In 2010, Roderick Paulate, then a councilor, authorized the hiring of job-order personnel through his office, including individuals classified as ghost employees due to the complete absence of verifying records such as daily time records, attendance logs, and performance evaluations. The Office of the Ombudsman's probe, initiated around 2016, revealed falsified service acceptance and relief orders (SAROs) and vouchers that enabled the of salaries to these fictitious staff, resulting in government financial loss estimated at over ₱1.1 million across the period from 2010 to 2016. This misappropriation formed the basis for formal charges filed in April 2018: one count of graft under Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019 for causing undue injury through evident bad faith, and nine counts of falsification of public documents under Article 171 of the . On December 2, 2022, the Third Division convicted Paulate on all counts, sentencing him to six to eight years of prision mayor for the graft charge—perpetual disqualification from public office—and additional penalties for falsification, with the aggregate maximum term reaching up to 62 years of imprisonment, though eligible for concurrent service reducing effective time served. The court relied on , including unsigned payrolls, unclaimed salary vouchers, and the lack of transactions or identification records for the alleged employees, establishing that Paulate personally approved the anomalous hires despite knowing their non-existence. Paulate was also ordered to indemnify the government for the disbursed amounts and pay fines equivalent to the injury caused. Paulate's defense contended that the prosecution constituted partisan targeting amid his political rivalries in , framing the case as driven by electoral motivations rather than substantive wrongdoing. The rejected these allegations in its rulings, including a 2019 order and the 2023 denial of reconsideration, underscoring that the hinged on verifiable , archival discrepancies, and the prosecution's demonstration of causal links between Paulate's approvals and fund diversions, unmarred by evidence of broader conspiracy. This affirmation in January 2023 solidified the findings, with the court prioritizing empirical proof of falsification and pecuniary harm over unsubstantiated claims of political persecution.

Post-Political Career

Return to Acting and Recent Projects

In 2025, Paulate returned to feature films with Mudrasta: Ang Beking Ina, a comedy-drama directed by Julius Alfonso, in which he portrayed Victor "Beki" Labrador, a flamboyant gay stepmother navigating family dynamics and inheritance disputes amid pandemic-era challenges. The film premiered in Philippine cinemas on August 20, 2025, following a trailer launch at the Mudrasta MediaCon earlier that month, where Paulate showcased his signature humor to enthusiastic audiences. The project extended internationally with screenings in , including a premiere on October 26, 2025, at the Montecassino Hotel & Event Centre in , featuring multiple showtimes to cater to the Filipino . Reviews highlighted Paulate's enduring comedic timing at age 65, blending campy spoofs, , and nostalgic elements reminiscent of his earlier character roles, though some critiqued the film's reliance on his performance over broader narrative innovation. Amid the film's promotion, Paulate addressed and debunked August 2025 online rumors alleging he had criticized or "sermoned" 's comedy style, clarifying no such confrontation occurred and reaffirming his earlier January 2025 defense that bore no fault for audience preferences in humor. He emphasized selecting roles based on personal instinct rather than external trends, stating in interviews that gut feel guided his acceptance of the Mudrasta lead despite industry shifts.

Ongoing Recognitions and Public Appearances

In September 2025, Roderick Paulate was awarded the Entertainment Media Icon honor at the 3rd Finest Business Awards and Outstanding Achievers ceremony, held on September 30 at the in City. The event, organized by La Visual Media Productions, recognized Paulate alongside figures such as for contributions to entertainment and media. Paulate maintained public visibility through promotions for his lead role in the comedy film Mudrasta: Ang Beking Ina, which premiered in Philippine cinemas on August 20, 2025. He participated in a MediaCon event and led advance screenings, engaging audiences with nostalgic comedy elements from his career. These activities extended internationally, including a premiere on October 26, 2025, at Montecassino Hotel and Event Centre, organized for overseas Filipino communities. Such engagements reflect continued audience draw amid prior graft conviction challenges, as evidenced by the film's domestic release and screenings proceeding as planned.

Personal Life

Marriage and Family Dynamics

Roderick Paulate has remained unmarried throughout his life and has no known children. In a interview, he explained his single status by emphasizing his unparalleled devotion to his mother, noting that no romantic partner could surpass that emotional bond. He has maintained privacy regarding his personal relationships, with limited public details available beyond past . Paulate previously dated Jackie Aquino, of former Senator Agapito "Butz" Aquino, during the 1980s; the pair co-starred in films such as Bb. Tsuperman (1981), but their relationship ended without marriage. As the youngest of ten children—two of whom predeceased their parents—Paulate was raised by his father, Estodito Arao Paulate, a former composing chief at the pre-martial law Manila Times, and mother, Paz Serrano Mendenilla Paulate. His father died in 1986 at age 67, leaving Paz to raise the family single-handedly as both mother and father figure, a role she fulfilled until her death on November 1, 2009, at age 86. In his mother's later years, Paulate provided direct care, housing her in his home and administering her daily insulin injections for diabetes over the final five years of her life; he frequently expressed affection publicly, such as dedicating "I love you, Mama" on television appearances. This maternal bond underscored his family dynamics, with no documented involvement of siblings in his career transitions or post-conviction period.

Lifestyle and Public Image

Paulate's public image has undergone a notable evolution, transitioning from a and comedic staple known for flamboyant portrayals of characters in films such as at Ang Pilyang Kuting to a resilient figure navigating post-political scrutiny. These early roles, often emphasizing exaggerated mannerisms for humor, established him as a typecast in Philippine cinema during the and , a portrayal reinforced by media coverage that frequently highlighted such without broader character depth. Following his 2022 graft conviction and subsequent return to , Paulate has projected an image of quiet determination and instinct-driven recovery, resuming film work mere months after the ruling with projects like In His Mother's Eyes in 2023. By 2025, he revisited comedic gay leads in Mudrasta, describing the choice as aligned with his career instincts rather than a departure from past . This phase underscores a mature persona, marked by industry persistence amid legal fallout, as evidenced by his receipt of the Entertainment Media Icon Award at the Finest Business Awards on October 2, 2025. Observers have consistently noted Paulate's calming positivity and affable demeanor, traits attributed to innate character and honed over decades, earning him descriptors like "Mr. Nice Guy" in media profiles. In a 2023 interview, he resonated with enduring industry hardships akin to those faced by peers like , emphasizing resilience without bitterness. At age 65 in 2025, his public appearances reflect an aging yet enduring presence in entertainment, prioritizing selective projects over volume.

Career Output and Honors

Filmography

1970s
  • Alkitrang Dugo (1975), role: Andy.
1980s
  • at ang Pilyang Kuting (1988), role: Petra, directed by Luciano B. Carlos.
1990s
  • 2: Anong Ganda Mo! Mukha Kang Kabayo (1990), role: Peter/Petra, directed by Luciano B. Carlos.
2000s
  • Ded na si Lolo (also known as , 2009).
  • OMG (Oh, My Girl!) (2009).
2010s
  • Zombadings 1: Patayin sa Shokot si Remington (also known as Remington and the Curse of the Zombadings, 2011), role: Pops.
  • Kung Fu Divas (2013).
2020s
  • In His Mother's Eyes (2023), role: Bibs.

Television Appearances

Paulate co-hosted the GMA Network variety program Tonight with Dick and Carmi with Carmi Martin during the 1980s, featuring comedy sketches, musical performances, and celebrity guests in a lighthearted format typical of Philippine evening entertainment. He served as co-host on Vilma On 7, a Friday evening starring on GMA-7, where he contributed comedic segments and interacted with guest performers in episodes aired during the mid-1980s. From 1998 to 2002, Paulate was a host on ABS-CBN's noontime Magandang Tanghali Bayan (MTB), alongside figures like and , delivering games, dances, and prizes to midday audiences as part of the program's daily format. In 2013, Paulate took over as co-host of The Singing Bee on with , reviving the karaoke-based previously led by ; the tandem emphasized musical challenges and contestant competitions through at least 2015.

Awards and Nominations

Paulate earned early recognition as a child performer, winning the for Best Child Performer in 1971 for his role in . His accolades continued into adulthood, with notable honors for comedic and dramatic performances in film and television during the and , reflecting peer acknowledgment at festivals and industry ceremonies, though specific wins from this era include contributions to ensemble comedies like Inday, Inday sa Balitaw (1986). In television, Paulate secured Best Actor awards at the twice: in 1996 for the drama ABO, portraying an Aeta adapting to urban life, and in 2000 for the Maalaala Mo Kaya episode "Wristwatch". These victories highlighted a peak in dramatic roles amid his comedic reputation. Later, he received the Golden Screen Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role (Musical or Comedy) in 2010. A relative lull in major wins coincided with his political involvement and legal issues in the and , during which he garnered nominations such as the 2012 FAP Award for for the comedy Zombadings 1: Patayin sa Shokot si Remington. His return to prominence yielded the Luna Award for in 2024 for In His Mother's Eyes, alongside a nomination for Movie Actor of the Year at the for the same film. That year, he also received a Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2025, Paulate was presented the Entertainment Media Icon Award at the 3rd Finest Business Awards, recognizing his enduring contributions.
YearAwardCategoryWorkOutcome
1971FAMAS AwardsBest Child PerformerMga Anghel na Walang LangitWin
1996Asian Television AwardsBest Actor (Drama)ABOWin
2000Asian Television AwardsBest Actor"Wristwatch" (Maalaala Mo Kaya)Win
2010Golden Screen AwardsBest Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role (Musical or Comedy)UnspecifiedWin
2012FAP AwardsBest Supporting ActorZombadings 1: Patayin sa Shokot si RemingtonNomination
2024Luna AwardsBest ActorIn His Mother's EyesWin
2024Star Awards for MoviesMovie Actor of the YearIn His Mother's EyesNomination
2024UnspecifiedLifetime AchievementCareer body of workWin
2025Philippines Finest Business AwardsEntertainment Media IconCareer body of workWin

References

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