Cherrylyn Santos (''formerly'' Akbar) ( Lakas-Kampi-CMD) is the 1st lady mayor of Isabela City,

Basilan Basilan, officially the Province of Basilan (; ; ; ), is an island province of the Philippines located primarily in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. Basilan Island is the largest and northernmost of the major islands of the Sulu Archipelago ...

Philippines The Philippines, officially the Republic of the Philippines, is an Archipelagic state, archipelagic country in Southeast Asia. Located in the western Pacific Ocean, it consists of List of islands of the Philippines, 7,641 islands, with a tot ...

and former wife of deceased strongman Wahab Akbar. She was vice mayor of Isabela City for 2016 to 2019, a part of and former provincial capital of

that is administratively part of

Zamboanga Peninsula Zamboanga Peninsula (; ; ) is an administrative region in Mindanao, Philippines, designated as Region IX. It consists of the provinces of Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga Sibugay and Zamboanga del Sur, and the cities of Isabela and Zamboang ...

, and was previously elected as mayor in the same city for 3 terms.All in the family in Philippine local politics. Reuters UK, April 24, 2007.

Background

Cherrylyn was born in 1976 in Isabela City, Basilan. She graduated at Claret College of Isabela and became a Barangay official for many years and she became an employee at the provincial capital during Wahab Akbar's term as governor. Born Roman Catholic, she converted to

Islam Islam is an Abrahamic religions, Abrahamic monotheistic religion based on the Quran, and the teachings of Muhammad. Adherents of Islam are called Muslims, who are estimated to number Islam by country, 2 billion worldwide and are the world ...

when she became Akbar's second wife. She holds a master's degree in public administration from the Basilan State College and a master's degree in business administration from the Furigay College Institute.

Political Activity

Cherry told reporters in 2007 that despite her husband, fellow wives, and several children running for office, "We're not trying to build a political dynasty. We just want to serve the people of Basilan and we could do it better if our family is elected into office... Dynasties are not necessarily evil. My husband had worked hard for his position and we will do the same. If we deserve to win, so be it." She was appointed Assistant Secretary in the Office of the President last June 22, 2020.

References

Lakas–CMD politicians Mayors of places in Basilan People from Isabela, Basilan Living people Converts to Sunni Islam from Roman Catholicism Filipino former Christians Filipino Muslims Women mayors of places in the Philippines Year of birth missing (living people) {{Philippines-politician-stub