In the Know: Ramon Revilla Sr. aka Nardong Putik

NARDONG PUTIK. Former Sen. Ramon Revilla Sr., a former actor, is said to have fathered at least 80 children. Only 40 children are acknowledged in a book found at the MemoRevilla Gallery/Museum in Cavite.

MANILA, Philippines—Former Sen. Ramon Revilla Sr. gained fame for his movie portrayal of Nardong Putik, a bandit from Cavite province whose fantastic escapes from police dragnets, supposedly with the help of amulet, made him a folk hero.

He was a bit player in movies while working in a gasoline station, then a senior intelligence officer with the rank of major at the Bureau of Customs from 1965 to 1972.

In 1986, he ran for senator, but lost after the Commission on Elections nullified votes for Ramon Revilla, his screen name, which he failed to register with the Comelec, running instead as Jose Bautista, his real name.

Six years later, he finally won a seat in the Senate where he held office until 2004. Revilla cited Republic Act No. 8150, or the Public Works and Highways Infrastructure Program Act of 1995, among his landmark legislation.

He suffered a stroke and underwent angioplasty in November 2008. He went through therapy to strengthen the right side of his body following the stroke. Doctors have since been closely monitoring his health.

The actor-turned-politician is said to have fathered at least 80 children. Only 40 children are acknowledged in a book found at the MemoRevilla Gallery/Museum in Cavite. Revilla’s family said more of his children had come forward through the years.

In 2011, the clan figured in a family tragedy when Ramgen—eldest son of Revilla with Genelyn Magsaysay—was murdered. His brother Ramon Joseph and sister Ramona were suspects in the killing.

Revilla was born on March 8, 1927, in Imus, Cavite, to businessman Ildefonso Bautista and Andrea Acuña. He attended grade school at Imus Elementary School and finished high school at Imus Institute. He then took up commerce at Far Eastern University. Inquirer Research

Sources: Inquirer Archives, CCP Encyclopedia of Philippine Art, senate.gov.ph

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