MEET ORLANDO
Public service has always been a core value for me. This commitment is deeply rooted in my Filipino-American upbringing, as my parents instilled in me the importance of giving back to our community. However, it was my time at the United States Military Academy at West Point that truly solidified this core value.
​
At West Point, I majored in comparative politics and minored in systems engineering, but more importantly, I learned what leadership is all about. “Duty. Honor. Country.” is the West Point motto. It was at the Academy where I developed a strong sense of duty to serve the public, and I knew that I wanted to devote my life to making a positive impact.
My experiences at West Point taught me that leadership is not just about taking charge and giving orders. It's about leading by example and putting the needs of others before your own. I learned that true leaders are those who are committed to serving others and making a difference in their communities. It was at West Point where I was blessed to meet my wife, Jessica, a fellow Academy grad, and someone who shares my commitment to public service.
After graduation, Jessica and I both served our country as officers in the U.S. Army. I served on active duty as an Infantry Officer and Finance Officer with the 3rd Infantry Division at Fort Stewart, Georgia. Jessica served alongside me as a Human Resources Officer. It was a challenging and rewarding experience for both of us, but it ingrained in us the importance of leadership, discipline, and service.
​
When I left active duty, Jessica and I decided to move to her hometown of Cincinnati to raise our family. While helping to raise our children, I obtained my master's degree in taxation from the University of Cincinnati and my law degree from Georgetown Law. In the course of my advanced studies, I also worked as a Certified Public Accountant at Ernst & Young, LLP and interned at the U.S. Department of Justice, Human Rights & Special Prosecutions Section of the Criminal Division and also with the Financial Litigation Unit of the Tax Division.
.jpeg)
During my time as a practicing CPA, I became even more committed to serving my community. When I decided to leave Big 4 Accounting, I co-founded a local financial planning firm focused on helping young families achieve financial security. I saw firsthand the positive effects that financial stability can have on families. I was inspired by the stories of the families we worked with and their determination to improve their financial situations. These experiences solidified my belief that public service is about more than just government work—it’s about finding ways to make a positive impact on people’s lives and helping them achieve their goals.
I am honored to continue my commitment to public service with the Hamilton County Prosecutor's Office. As an Assistant Prosecutor, I work to ensure that justice is fairly served and that our community remains safe. I witness every day the tireless work of our first responders while also observing the desperate need for common-sense criminal justice reform. It is a challenging but rewarding job, and it reminds me every day of the importance of serving others.
​
My strong commitment to public service, dedication to protecting life—from the unborn to the elderly—and support of our God-given Constitutional rights has not only been a career path but a way of life. It is a value that I instill in my four children and one that I hope to inspire in others. It has also led me to take the next step in my journey by running for U.S. Congress. I believe that my experiences as a former military officer, business professional, and lawyer have prepared me to be an effective legislative leader. I am committed to working tirelessly to represent the needs and interests of the Ohioans of the First Congressional District, and to fight for policies that will make a positive difference in their lives.
