Governance

Jesus Melchor “Boy” Vega Quitain, born on January 6, 1945, is a seasoned Filipino lawyer and public servant known for his longstanding service in both local and national government. He served as Chief Presidential Legal Counsel and Special Assistant to the President during Duterte’s term, the position he held from 2016 to 2022. He is widely credited as the principal speechwriter behind many of President Duterte’s most notable speeches, including his inaugural and State of the Nation addresses. 

A native of Davao City, Quitain earned his law degree from San Beda College of Law in 1970.  He is also a member of Upsilon Sigma Phi in his college days. After being admitted to the bar, he entered private law practice in 1971 and later became Dean of the College of Law at the University of Mindanao.

His public service career began in 2001, when then Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte appointed him as City Legal Officer. He subsequently served as City Councilor, City Administrator, and Resident Ombudsman of Davao City, for which he was recognized as the Outstanding Resident Ombudsman of the Philippines in 2008. He also became the first National President of the Association of Resident Ombudsman in Government Agencies and served as President of the Rotary Club of South Davao.

In national government, Quitain held several key roles, including Officer-in-Charge of the Office of the Special Assistant to the President, before being appointed Chief Presidential Legal Counsel in 2021.

He is the father of former Davao City Vice Mayor Atty. J. Melchor Bumpus Quitain Jr. and Dr. Grace Ann Quitain – Pecson.

He is married to Anita Bumpus Quitain who was a Commissioner of the Social Security System Commission for a period of eight years. 

He joined the University of Mindanao as member of the Board of Trustees on June 1, 2005.