Atty. Manuel A. Rodriguez II is a seasoned law practitioner and scholar with extensive experience in politics, governance, and public policy. He currently serves as Chief Political and Legislative Liaison of the Department of Finance and is on his third term as an elected officer of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines – Manila IV Chapter. Atty. Rodriguez also teaches at the Far Eastern University Institute of Law and Philippine Law School. His government service includes key roles at the DENR and as former National Coordinator of the Philippine Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative. Holding degrees in Law, Public Administration, and Management major in Environmental Planning, he is pursuing a Ph.D. in International Law. His expertise bridges legal theory, state practice, and international governance.