Jose P. Laurel: biography, quotes, political philosophy, education
The name Jose P. Laurel may whisper war and history to many millennial Filipinos. His undeniable genuine efforts to fight for the rights of the Philippines were crystal clear, during his controversial presidency. The Filipino senator, and the eminent president of the Japanese-sponsored Republic of the Philippines, proved to be a true patriot.
Source: Instagram
As a distinguished judge, he had a promising career as a Supreme Court justice. President Jose P. Laurel is remembered for his timely responses in dealing with food shortage and general dissent.
Jose P. Laurel presidential term was between 14th October 1943, and 17th August 1945. The date of the inaugural address of president Jose P. Laurel was 14th October 1943.
Profile summary
- Full names: Jose Paciano Laurel Y Garcia
- Date of birth: March 9, 1891
- Place of birth: Tanauan, Batangas
- Nationality: Filipino
- Died: November 6, 1959
- Jose P. Laurel cause of death: Heart attack
Jose P. Laurel biography
Jose P. Laurel autobiography is a vivid example of some of the feist politicians the Filipinos have encountered. He was born on March 9, 1891, in Tanauan, Batangas. His parents were Sotero Laurel I (Father), and Jacoba Garcia (Mother).
During his teenage days, he was indicted for attempted murder which he later received an acquittal. He married Paciencia Hidalgo on April 9, 1911. Jose P. Laurel children were nine, and they included 6 sons and 3 daughters.
Jose P. Laurel education
In 1915, he received his law degree from the University of the Philippines, and in 1919, a Master of Laws from the University of Santo Tomas. He later obtained his J.S.D degree from Yale Law School. His first appointment after Yale University was as an undersecretary of the Interior Department. In 1922, he was promoted as the secretary of the interior.
Ancestral house
Jose P. Laurel ancestral house is located in corner Santo Sepulcro street in Paco District. He purchased it in 1926, and it served as their residence for 29 years before his retirement. He retired in the year 1957, and on November 6, 1959, he passed on.
Source: UGC
Contributions of Jose P. Laurel
Jose P. Laurel contribution to education in the Philippines was tremendous. He advocated for education for the Filipinos, and their economic progress on books such as Education for Filipinos: Address Delivered at the Commencement Exercises – Manila: University of the East, 1952.
He started as a part-time laborer at the Bureau of Forestry. He served the three branches of the government.
He was involved in making the constitution which included the Bill of Rights of the 1935 Constitution, which was the so-called Seven Wise Men of the Convention. He was the senator of the Third Republic and the author of Rizal Law, and at the same time was the negotiator of the Laurel –Langley Trade agreement.
READ ALSO: Miguel Malvar biography, quotes, contribution, books
Quotes
Some of Jose P. Laurel quotes that many Filipinos can relate to currently, include the following:
- Truthfulness, honesty, justice, and charity are qualities of the man of character.
- We should realize that national and individual progress can only be attained through work, more work, and more hard hard work.
- Strong of will and true of honor, the leader, like a magnet, attracts, respects, and commands obedience.
Source: UGC
- There is one eternal God, Creator, and Sustainer of the universe.
- How can we love our country? Not by words but by deeds.
- Honor is closely associated with virtue and finds its most sublime expression in defense of the purity of womanhood.
- The seeds of moral discipline must be nurtured from within… not from without.
- The holding of a public office is not an occasion for personal enrichment or aggrandizement but an opportunity for public service.
- Leadership without faith, is idolatry, nay, opportunism.
- A true leader can impart vigor and vitality and inspire the highest obedience from the people.
- More than anything else mankind… needs faith.
- A Godless education is an end without a beginning.
Source: UGC
Political philosophy
Jose P. Laurel political philosophy is considered to be among the best in the Philippines. He has several contributions to the building of the 2nd Republic of the Philippines. His political philosophy is deeply rooted in his love and belief in his country.
He envisioned his fellow countrymen having assertive nationalism, which is commonly known as Filipinism. This was in an attempt to bring about political, social, and economic reforms to the Philippines.
Civic duty and social responsibility are some of the outstanding attributes of Filipinism. He was a strong believer in justice and greatness, and this steered him towards defining the country as one nation.
The following are some of the achievements named after him:
- Jose P. Laurel memorial foundation: He was recognized as one of the country's illustrious statesmen during the Japanese Occupation in World War II.
- Jose P. Laurel elementary school: This is a public elementary school that was named after the infamous president of the Japanese-sponsored government of the Philippines.
- Jose P. Laurel high school: The school is part of the Education Sector, and Industry, located in Tondo, Manila.
- Jose P. Laurel monument: The monument depicts Laurel's achievements as the president of the Philippines.
The trials of Rizal bill by Jose P. Laurel
The books of Rizal, specifically Noli Me Tangere, and El Filibusterismo were the base of argument raised by Senator Rodrigo. The heated disputes included the law that was sponsored by Sen. Jose P. Laurel. This law was enacted on June 12, 1956, with the purpose to disseminate Rizal’s ideas.
The original Rizal which was opposed by the Catholic church, since it impaired their religious freedom, was later revised. The final version removed the idea of compulsion, and it exempted others by reason of faith. This led to citizens having mixed feelings on the bill, but since the unexpurgated version was not pushed through, the Catholics felt that their needs were put into account.
Jose P. Laurel programs implemented
- Jose P. Laurel was the president of the Second Philippine Republic, popularly known as the Japanese puppet state.
- He was elected to the Philippine Senate in 1925, where he was able to sponsor the Bill of Rights and the establishment of the Commonwealth of the Philippines. His most essential contribution to jurisprudence includes the Angara v. Electoral Commission, 63 Phil. 139, (1936).
- He managed to provide domestic policies that brought consumer goods under control and ensured that there was no food shortage.
- He was also involved in foreign policies such as the Philippine-Japanese Treaty of Alliance that was signed by Claro M. Recto. He played an essential role in the Greater East Asia Conference. He later declared the country under martial law in 1944, which made known the existence of the state of war between the Philippines and the United States.
Jose P. Laurel remains to be one of the most controversial presidents in the Philippines that will be remembered for his patriotic ways of governing his country.
READ ALSO: Mark William Calaway bio - who is the undertaker from WWE?
Source: KAMI.com.gh
