JPL PRELIM REVIEWER orchestra.

He left the orchestra in order to

concentrate in his studies. He finally
The life of Dr. Jose Laurel can be described Graduated in 1911.
as adventurous, exciting and full of ups and
downs. Nevertheless, he became one of the
prominent personalities in the history of our
nation. Let us find out his humble
beginnings as a young boy from Batangas
up to his academic achievements as a well
decorated Doctor of Civil Laws. We will also
us look back into his career highlights as a
Public servant and as a President of our
country.

1. Early life and Education

Early Life

Jose Paciano Laurel was born on March 9,

1891 in Tanauan, Batangas. It was said that
his name Jose was derived from San Jose,
Elpidio Quirino, Sabino Padilla and Jose
the foster father of Jesus who happened to
Laurel. Image
be celebrating its feast on the month of
March. His name Paciano came from no
In his teenage years, Jose was involved in a
less than our national hero's brother,
brawl and was indicted for attempted
Paciano Rizal. The Rizals and the Laurels
murder for almost killing a rival suitor to a
were known to be good family friends.
Tanauan woman he stole a kiss from. He
was later acquitted.

Jose needed to earn extra money to

Laurel Family Home in Tanauan, Batangas.
source: tanauancity.gov.ph
His parents were Don Sotero Laurel and
Dona Jacoba Garcia. His father was a
secretary of interior in the revolutionary
cabinet of Aguinaldo but was taken as a
prisoner during the Filipino-American War.
Unfortunately, Sotero died inside the prison
in 1902.
continue his studies and for his
expenditures. He worked as a messenger in
the Bureau of Forestry and as a Clerk in the
Code of Committee for the codification of
Philippine laws. During this time, he was
mentored by no less than Thomas Street,
who would eventually become a future
Supreme Court Justice. In May 19, 1911. He
married Paciencia Hidalgo and was blessed
with 9 children.
He graduated in UP College of Law in 1915
and was able to obtain masters of laws in
UST in 1919. He was also sent by the Gov't
to Yale Law school in the US where he
obtained his Doctor's degree.

Jose's Education 2. Political Career and Presidency

In 1906, Jose studied in San Juan de Letran
but transferred to Manila South High School
(Araullo High School) after getting a failing
grades to which he attributed in his
participation as a musician in the Tanauan
Dr. Jose Laurel spent the better part of his life
in being a public servant. Let us look back into
his career highlights as a Public servant and
as a President of our country.
Department of Interior
In 1922, after a fresh stint from studying
abroad and his time with the executive
committee, he was promoted as the
secretary of the interior but resigned from
his post in 1923 after frequently clashing
with Governor General Leonard Wood which
ultimately led into the Cabinet Crisis of 1923
due to the Ray Conley Case Controversy.
While in private practice, he opened a law
office and wrote various books.
Commonwealth Government
He sought to ran for a seat in the senate and
was elected in 1924 and became the
Majority floor leader. In 1934 to 1935, he
helped drafting the 1935 constitution as a
representative of Batangas. After the
establishment of the Commonwealth
government, He was appointed by President
Manuel Quezon as an Associate Justice for
the Supreme Court and was later recalled for
the position as Secretary of Justice in 1941.
Presidency and World War II
When the Japanese invaded the country in
1942, he was tasked by Manuel Quezon to
take over and cooperate with the Japanese
as the Commonwealth government and
American officials escape to US. He
assumed office as the President of the 2nd
republic from 1943-1945. His term as
President tried to stop further bloodshed
lessening the damage brought by the war by
giving basic necessities to the Filipinos and
making the government functional in the
midst of the tension while trying to secure
peace and negotiating with the Japanese to
give independence for the Philippines. After
the Japanese Occupation, he was
imprisoned in Bilibid and was charged with
treason. He wanted to prove his innocence
and face trial but he and other accused were
granted amnesty by President Manuel
Roxas.
Post-War Life
In 1949, He lost a Presidential election
against Elpidio Quirino but was victorious as
a top vote getter in the 1951 elections. He
was able to accomplish the Laurel-Langley
Agreement and the Rizal Law
After retiring in Politics, he concentrated in
the development of the Lyceum of the
Philippines University that he instituted in
1952. Jose Laurel died in Nov. 6, 1959 after
suffering a massive heart attack and stroke.
He was buried in Tanauan Batangas.
Jose Laurel Legacy: Legislative
Jose laurel has his imprints all over our
legislative branch. He became one of the
biggest contributor in building the backbone
of our government and nationhood, our
constitution. His experience as a legislator
also became fruitful as he was able to
legislate laws that lasted the test of time
through the Rizal law and he also
spearheaded the independence of
Philippine economy from the cudgels of US
imperialism. In this chapter, let us know
more about the contributions of JPL in the
legislative branch of the government.
1. 1935 Bill of Rights
The Constitution is the integral part of
building a state. It serves as the backbone
for the institutionalization of the
government, its laws and citizenship of the
people. We can also say that without the
constitution, we cannot have a basis for
creating laws that would ensure the safety
and security as well as the development of
the country. It is safe to say that with the
creation of the 1935 constitution, our path to
freedom and sovereignty became more
clear
1. The 1935 Bill of Rights History
In 1935, the Filipino representatives drafted
and approved a constitution that would be
later on be ratified by the US President
Roosevelt which were followed by a
National Election held on September 1935.
The 1935 constitution became the legal
basis for the institutionalization of the
Commonwealth Government which in turn
became the transition government that
would later grant independence to the
Philippines as soon as the country adapt to
the American based constitution and
eventually pattern our form of government
to the US Government
system.
Jose Laurel and the Bill of Rights
In the process of making the constitution,
Jose Laurel became an integral part of its
creation. He became the main sponsor of
the 1935 Bill of Rights as a representative of
Batangas. The Bill of Rights is a very
important part of the constitution that
ensures the citizens to enjoy their civil rights
and protect them from infringement and
abuse from public officials and private
individuals. This bill of rights would later
soon be adapted by the present
constitution.
1.1. Bill of Rights Provisions
ARTICLE III.—BILL OF RIGHTS
SECTION 1. (1) No person shall be deprived
of life, liberty, or property without due
process of law, nor shall any person be
denied the equal protection of the laws.
(2) Private property shall not be taken for
public use without just compensation.
(3) The right of the people to be secure in
their persons, houses, papers, and effects
against unreasonable searches and
seizures shall not be violated, and no
warrants shall issue but upon probable
cause, to be determined by the judge after
examination under oath or affirmation of the
complainant and the witnesses he may
produce, and particularly describing the
place to be searched, and the persons or
things to be seized.
(4) The liberty of abode and of changing the
same within the limits prescribed by law
shall not be impaired.
(5) The privacy of communication and
correspondence shall be inviolable except
upon lawful order of the court or when public
safety and order require otherwise.
(6) The right to form associations or
societies for purposes not contrary to law
shall not be abridged.
(7) No law shall be made respecting an
establishment of religion, or prohibiting the
free exercise thereof, and the free exercise
and enjoyment of religious profession and
worship, without discrimination or
preference, shall forever be allowed. No
religious test shall be required for the
exercise of civil or political rights.
(8) No law shall be passed abridging the
freedom of speech, or of the press, or the
right of the people peaceably to assemble
and petition the Government for redress of
grievances
(9) No law granting a title of nobility shall be
enacted, and no person holding any office of
profit or trust shall, without the consent of
the National Assembly, accept any present,
emolument, office, or title of any kind
whatever from any foreign state.
(10) No law impairing the obligation of
contracts shall be passed.
(11) No ex post facto law or bill of attainder
shall be enacted.
(12) No person shall be imprisoned for debt
or nonpayment of a poll tax.
(13) No involuntary servitude in any form
shall exist except as a punishment for crime
whereof the party shall have been duly
convicted.
(14) The privilege of the writ of habeas
corpus shall not be suspended except in
cases of invasion, insurrection, or rebellion,
when the public safety requires it, in any of
which events the same may be suspended
wherever during such period the necessity
for such suspension shall exist.
(15) No person shall be held to answer for a
criminal offense without due process of law.
(16) All persons shall before conviction be
bailable by sufficient sureties, except those
charged with capital offenses when
evidence of guilt is strong. Excessive bail
shall not be required.
(17) In all criminal prosecutions the accused
shall be presumed to be innocent until the
contrary is proved, and shall enjoy the right
to be heard by himself and counsel, to be
informed of the nature and cause of the
accusation against him, to have a speedy
and public trial, to meet the witnesses face
to face and to have compulsory process to
secure the attendance of witnesses in his
behalf.
(18) Bo person shall be compelled to be a
witness against himself.
(19) Excessive fines shall not be imposed,
nor cruel and unusual punishment inflicted.
(20) No person shall be twice put in jeopardy
of punishment for the same offense. If an
cat is punished by a law and an ordinance,
conviction or acquittal under either shall
constitute a bar to another prosecution for
the same act.
(21) Free access to the courts shall not be
denied to any person by reason of poverty.
1. Rizal Law History
1. Rizal Law History
The then Rizal bill was sponsored by the
Senators Jose P. Laurel and Claro M. Recto.
The purpose of the bill was to teach to young
students the life and works of Jose Rizal
particularly his two novels, Noli Me Tangere
and El Filibusterismo. The original Rizal bill
would state that the two novels would be
compulsory readings for the students, with
focus on the original versions of the two
novels. Obviously, this made the Catholic
church as the staunch opposition of the bill
because they believe that this novels would
greatly affect the religion. They contended
that the compulsory reading of the novels
would be against faith and religious
freedom.
The bill was ultimately revised and the
compulsory reading was removed. Even so,
in the contemporary period, the two novels
are still included as part of the lesson and
reading requirements as no academic
institutions openly requested from
exemption on the reading of the novels.
Finally the bill was finally made into a law in
June 12, 1956.
2. Rizal Law
2.1. Rizal Law Provisions
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 1425
AN ACT TO INCLUDE IN THE CURRICULA OF
ALL PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SCHOOLS,
COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES COURSES
ON THE LIFE, WORKS AND WRITINGS OF
JOSE RIZAL, PARTICULARLY HIS NOVELS
NOLI ME TANGERE AND EL
FILIBUSTERISMO, AUTHORIZING THE
PRINTING AND DISTRIBUTION THEREOF,
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
WHEREAS, today, more than any other
period of our history, there is a need for a re-
dedication to the ideals of freedom and
nationalism for which our heroes lived and
died;
WHEREAS, it is meet that in honoring them,
particularly the national hero and patriot,
Jose Rizal, we remember with special
fondness and devotion their lives and works
that have shaped the national character;
WHEREAS, the life, works and writing of
Jose Rizal, particularly his novels Noli Me
Tangere and El Filibusterismo, are a
constant and inspiring source of patriotism
with which the minds of the youth, especially
during their formative and decisive years in
school, should be suffused;
WHEREAS, all educational institutions are
under the supervision of, and subject to
regulation by the State, and all schools are
enjoined to develop moral character,
personal discipline, civic conscience and to
teach the duties of citizenship; Now,
therefore,
SECTION 1. Courses on the life, works and
writings of Jose Rizal, particularly his novel
Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, shall
be included in the curricula of all schools,
colleges and universities, public or private:
Provided, That in the collegiate courses, the
original or unexpurgated editions of the Noli
Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo or their
English translation shall be used as basic
texts.
The Board of National Education is hereby
authorized and directed to adopt forthwith
measures to implement and carry out the
provisions of this Section, including the
writing and printing of appropriate primers,
readers and textbooks. The Board shall,
within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of
this Act, promulgate rules and regulations,
including those of a disciplinary nature, to
carry out and enforce the provisions of this
Act. The Board shall promulgate rules and
regulations providing for the exemption of
students for reasons of religious belief
stated in a sworn written statement, from
the requirement of the provision contained
in the second part of the first paragraph of
this section; but not from taking the course
provided for in the first part of said
paragraph. Said rules and regulations shall
take effect thirty (30) days after their
publication in the Official Gazette.
SECTION 2. It shall be obligatory on all
schools, colleges and universities to keep in
their libraries an adequate number of copies
of the original and unexpurgated editions of
the Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo,
as well as of Rizal’s other works and
biography. The said unexpurgated editions
of the Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo
or their translations in English as well as
other writings of Rizal shall be included in
the list of approved books for required
reading in all public or private schools,
colleges and universities.
The Board of National Education shall
determine the adequacy of the number of
books, depending upon the enrollment of
the school, college or university.
1. History
On September 6, 1955, the Laurel-Langley
Agreement was approved by both the
American and Philippine governments
following the conclusion of negotiations
between Senator Jose P. Laurel and James
M. Langley in December 1954.

SECTION 3. The Board of National

Education shall cause the translation of the
Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, as
well as other writings of Jose Rizal into
English, Tagalog and the principal Philippine
dialects; cause them to be printed in cheap,
popular editions; and cause them to be
distributed, free of charge, to persons
desiring to read them, through the Purok
organizations and Barrio Councils
throughout the country.

SECTION 4. Nothing in this Act shall be

construed as amendment or repealing
section nine hundred twenty-seven of the
Administrative Code, prohibiting the
discussion of religious doctrines by public
school teachers and other person engaged
in any public school.
SECTION 5. The sum of three hundred
thousand pesos is hereby authorized to be
appropriated out of any fund not otherwise
appropriated in the National Treasury to
carry out the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 6. This Act shall take effect upon
its approval.
Approved: June 12, 1956
Published in the Official Gazette, Vol. 52, No.
6, p. 2971 in June 1956.
3. Laurel-Langley Act
In this chapter, let us see how the advocacy
of Dr. Jose Laurel in making a much
independent and Philippines produce one of
his best contributions as a legislator, the
Laurel-Langley Act. Let us know more about
the details and how it helps establish our
freedom from the cudgels of American
economic influence.
The Laurel-Langley treaty was a revised
United States-Philippines Trade Agreement
replacing the Bell Trade Act, which became
unpopular among Filipino nationalists due
to provisions which tied the Philippine
economy to the U.S. economy.
The treaty, which took effect on January 1,
1956, expired in 1974. It abolished the U.S.
authority to control the exchange rate of the
peso, made parity privileges reciprocal,
extended the sugar quota, extended the time
period for the reduction of other quotas and
for the progressive application of tariffs on
Philippine goods exported to the U.S.
3.1. Economic Significance
The Laurel Langley Trade Act was a game
changer for the Philippine Economy. It
became a liberating factor that would
greatly help our country to further its desire
to rise from the ashes after the effects of the
world war 2. Let us now read an article
written by one of our premiere Filipino
Economist, Dr. Gerardo Sicat

During Magsaysay’s presidency, the country
concluded two agreements with important
economic consequences for the future.
The first was with the United States (to
revise our economic adjustment program
after independence) and the second, with
Japan (to agree on war reparations as
prelude to normalization of peace-time
political relations.)
Revised Phl-US trade agreement, or the
Laurel-Langley agreement. The US
Congress passed in 1946 a law called the
Philippine Trade Act. More popularly known
as the Bell Trade Act, after its principal
author the senator from Missouri, this US
law spelled out the trade and economic
relations of the United States with the newly
independent Philippine republic.
A US- appointed Joint Commission of
American and Philippine Commonwealth
officials studied the future economic
adjustment of the prospective Philippine
independent republic. The
recommendations of the study were made a
basis of the adjustment law, lengthening,
however, the period of adjustment because
of the ruined state of the Philippine
economy after the war.
A separate law to assist economic
rehabilitation from the war destruction for
the new republic was passed. This involved
the appropriation of a total of $520 million
of war damage compensation, of which
$120 million to rebuild destroyed public
properties and $400 million as
compensation for private property damage.
This was a very large sum of economic aid
at the time.
To accept the provisions of the Philippine
Trade Act would mean that the young
republic would conclude its first major
economic treaty with a foreign power! This
event, however, did not come easy
politically.
The trade law provided that Americans be
accorded equal rights with Filipino citizens.
But after political independence, all non-
Filipino citizens became foreigners,
including Americans. This was the “parity”
rights issue.
Under the 1935 constitution, three areas of
economic activities were reserved to Filipino
citizens and corporations: ownership of
land, operation of public utilities, and
exploitation of natural resources. The newly-
elected Philippine Congress was put in
turmoil soon after independence. The
Congress tried to amend the constitution
but could not fully muster the required three-
fourths vote to amend. It did so only by
expelling some members that opposed it
from the chamber. This led to a
constitutional challenge in the Supreme
Court.
The remedy, therefore, was to have a
national referendum on the question. After
campaigning hard for the amendment, the
government secured a comfortable margin
to amend the constitution, with 79 percent
of votes. That was on March, 1947. Though
the constitution was amended, the stain on
national sovereignty had been planted.
Some leaders felt that the newly
independent nation was humbled at a time
of great weakness. And then there was also
the provision in the independence act that
the peso exchange rate could not be
changed without the approval of the US
president. Such control by a foreign power
of the nation’s currency was inconsistent
with independence.
When Magsaysay became president, he
listened to these important issues and
pressed for change. When he secured the
US president Dwight Eisenhower’s consent
to renegotiate, Magsaysay asked senator
Jose Laurel to head the Philippine panel. An
era of new goodwill was in the offing.
Under the Laurel-Langley Agreement, the US
acceded to the removal of the provision that
the peso exchange rate be subject to
American approval. But the US did not back
down on the matter of parity rights, leaving
that to the interpretation of the courts. We
must note that in international diplomatic
practice, “national treatment” is granted to
foreign investors. So, the issue was not
really a big deal, except in the Philippines. If
only the Philippine constitution did not have
such provisions to begin with and had local
laws to deal with foreign investments, the
matter would not have arisen.
Many other provisions of the economic
relations improved with the conclusion of
the Laurel-Langley agreement. US control of
the peso exchange rate was removed. The
US did not yield its position on parity rights,
left the matter to be interpreted in Philippine
courts. The schedule for preferential tariff
rates for Philippine exports to the US were
improved while those for US imports into the
Philippines remained the same under the
same schedule of preferences. The previous
tariff preferential discounts were uniform
percentages for both US and Philippine tariff
rates.
In the case of the Philippines, getting the
reparations questions settled first opened
the way for later future relations in which
Japan’s foreign development assistance
could play a critical role in helping to meet
the nation’s growing development needs –
beyond reparations and along channels of
trade, investment, and development
assistance.
In May 1955, the Philippines concluded the
reparations agreement with Japan. The
agreement provided for the payment of the
dollar equivalent of $550 million. Separately,
there was promised loans to the private
sector amounting to $250 million on a
commercial basis. The country could have
played a long waiting game by demanding
large reparations. But by committing to a
level that was deemed feasible for Japan to
pay at the time, Magsaysay made it possible
for the former enemy to play a more positive
and normal role as a peacetime partner in
development.
This strategy worked well. Japan became by
the 1970s, the largest trading partner and
also the largest source of economic
development assistance to the country.

Many issues pertaining to US import quotas

on Philippine exports to the US were
adjusted toward mutual
satisfaction. Japanese reparations as
prelude to normalization. Ramon
Magsaysay’s presidency would make it
possible to conclude the normalization of
relations with Japan, sooner rather than
later. When most countries concluded the
peace treaty with Japan in 1951, the
Philippines held its reservations pending
resolution of other issues, including
reparations. By making it sooner, the
benefits of helping Japan also normalize its
relations with neighbors would help that
country play a more positive regional role
sooner.