Mr. Certeza graduated from the Ateneo de Manila University School of Law where he obtained his Bachelor of Laws degree. He also holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of the East. He is a member of the faculty of the Ateneo de Manila University School of Law and the College of Law of the Lyceum University where he lectures on Civil Law, Labor Law and Franchise Law.
Mr. Certeza has been in the practice of law since 1984. He started as a litigation lawyer where he focused on criminal and civil cases. In 1992, he joined the Jollibee Foods Corporation (Jollibee), the biggest fast-food chain in the country where he concurrently served as Vice President for Legal and Vice President for Corporate Affairs. He was later elected Director of Jollibee and also a member of its Management Committee. After he retired from Jollibee, Mr. Certeza resumed private practice and acted as legal counsel to Fuji Xerox Philippines and various fast-food companies such as Julie’s Franchise Corporation, Aristocrat, Solerex, Crystal Clear, and Del Sol Foods Corporation, owners of the Goodah! Restaurant chain. His area of practice is Corporate Law, Criminal and Civil Litigation, Intellectual Property, and Franchising. Mr. Certeza is currently on official leave from SPCMB as he was appointed as the City Administrator of Makati City.