Ernesto S. Mata (November 7, 1915 – March 7,[citation needed] 2012) was a Filipino General and the 15th Secretary of National Defense of the Republic of the Philippines, serving in that capacity from 21 January 1967 to 3 February 1970.

[1][2] Mata was also a former Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff, the only retired officer to be recalled to active duty to occupy this position.

[1] During World War II he fought in the United States Army Forces in the Far East and was a commanding officer for the 3rd Battalion, 74th Infantry Regiment in Negros.

He retired in June 1964 but was recalled back to duty on 22 January 1966 by President Ferdinand Marcos and was appointed as Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

He was able to collect his accumulated salary as Defense Secretary in September 1972, more than two years after he relinquished the post.