October 14, 1943 – August 17, 1945

José Paciano Laurel y García

(March 9, 1891 – November 6, 1959) was the president of the Republic of
the Philippines, a Japanese-sponsored administration during World War II,
from 1943 to 1945. Since the administration of President Diosdado
Macapagal (1961–1965), Laurel has been recognized as a legitimate
president of the Philippines.
José Paciano Laurel y García
was born on March 9, 1891 in the town of Tanauan, Batangas. He was married to
Pacencia Hidalgo in 1915, and had nine children.

His parents were Sotero Laurel, Sr. and Jacoba García. His father had been an
official in the revolutionary government of Emilio Aguinaldo and a signatory to
the 1898 Malolos Constitution.

While a teen, Laurel was indicted for attempted murder when he almost killed a
rival suitor of his girlfriend. While studying and finishing law school, he argued
for and received an acquittal.
EDUCATION

• Jose P. Laurel received his law degree from the University of the Philippines
College of Law in 1915, where he studied under Dean George A. Malcolm,
whom he would later succeed on the Supreme Court.

• He then obtained a Master of Laws degree from University of Santo Tomas in

1919.

• Laurel then attended Yale Law School, where he obtained a Doctorate of Law.
PRESIDENCY
The presidency of Laurel understandably remains one of the most controversial
in Philippine history. After the war, he would be denounced in some quarters as
a war collaborator or even a traitor, although his indictment for treason was
superseded by President Roxas' Amnesty Proclamation, and evidenced by his
subsequent electoral success.

Today, Laurel is considered as doing his best in interceding, protecting and

looking after the best interests of the Filipinos against the harsh wartime
Japanese military rule and policies. However, the fact remains that he violated
his Oath of Office and headed an illegal government of the Philippines.
President Laurel is the only Philippine president who served
the three branches of government.

Executive:
Bureaucracy: Undersecretary, Department of
Justice (1922)
Cabinet: Commissioner of Justice (1942-1943)

Legislative:
Upper House: Senator of the Fifth Senatorial District
(Batangas, Mindoro, Tayabas, Cavite and Marinduque)
(1925-1931) | Upper House: Senator (1951-1957)

Judicial:
Associate Justice of the Supreme Court (1936-1941)
What were the major problems or challenges that
Jose P. Laurel encountered during his
administration as President?
ECONOMY

During Laurel's tenure as President, hunger was the main worry. Prices of
essential commodities rose to unprecedented heights. The government exerted
every effort to increase production and bring consumers' goods under control.
However, Japanese rapacity had the better of it all. On the other hand, guerrilla
activities and Japanese retaliatory measures brought the peace and order situation
to a difficult point. Resorting to district-zoning and domiciliary searches, coupled
with arbitrary asserts, the Japanese made the mission of Laurel's administration
incalculably exasperating and perilous.
FOOD SHORTAGE

During his presidency, the Philippines faced a crippling food shortage which
demanded much of Laurel's attention. Laurel also resisted in vain Japanese demands
that the Philippines issue a formal declaration of war against the United States.
There were also reports during his presidency of the Japanese military carrying out
rape and massacre towards the Filipino population.
KALIBAPI

In 1944, Laurel issued an executive order organizing the Kapisanan sa

Paglilingkod sa Bagong Pilipinas (KALIBAPI) as the sole political organization
to back the government. An attempt was made to organize a women's section of
the KALIBAPI, and Laurel hosted several women leaders in Malacañang Palace
to plead his case. After he spoke, a university president, speaking in behalf of the
group, responded, "Mr. President, sa kabila po kami". ("Mr. President, we are on
the other side.") Laurel joined the others assembled in hearty laughter and the
KALIBAPI women's section was never formed.
MARTIAL LAW

Laurel declared the country under martial law in 1944 through Proclamation No.
29, dated September 21. Martial law came into effect on September 22, 1944 at
9am. Proclamation No. 30 was issued the next day, declaring the existence of a
state of war between the Philippines and the United States and the United
Kingdom. This took effect on September 23, 1944 at 10:00 am.
POST-PRESIDENCY

1949 Presidential Election

On August 15, 1945, the Japanese forces surrendered to the United States. Gen.
Douglas MacArthur ordered Laurel arrested for collaborating with the Japanese.

In 1946 he was charged with 132 counts of treason, but was never brought to trial
due to the general amnesty granted by President Manuel Roxas in 1948.

Laurel ran for president against Elpidio Quirino in 1949 but lost in what was then
considered as the dirtiest election in Philippine electoral history.
RETIREMENT AND DEATH

Jose P. Laurel considered his election to the Senate as a vindication of his

reputation. He declined to run for re-election in 1957.

He retired from public life, concentrating on the development of the Lyceum

of the Philippines established by his family.

On November 6, 1959, Laurel died at the Lourdes Hospital, in Manila, from

a massive heart attack and a stroke.
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.
 JOSE P. LAUREL'S THOUGHTS
1. PRO DEO ET PATRIA ( FOR GOD AND COUNTRY)

2. ANG BAYAN HIGIT SA LAHAT (THE COUNTRY ABOVE ALL)

3. JOSE P. LAUREL'S FILIPINISM

4. JOSE P. LAUREL ON DEMOCRACY AND

CONSTITUTIONALISM

5. JOSE P. LAUREL ON MORALITY

6. JOSE P. LAUREL ON FREEDOM

7. JOSE P. LAUREL ON NATIONALISM

8. JOSE P. LAUREL ON LEADERSHIP

9. "THE CHEERFUL TEACHER

10. A FRIENDLY ADVISE

1I. SEVERAL QUOTES OF JOSE P. LAUREL

1. PRO DEO ET PATRIA ( FOR GOD AND COUNTRY)

The Ten Basic Principles of Jose P. Laurel

1. I believe in one Eternal God, Creator and Sustainer of the Universe.

2. There is no power but of God: The powers that be are ordained of God.

3. I am a Christian and as such hold that every man is man’s brother and equal. I am
against any discrimination on account of race, creed or color.

4. Man lives in a triple world: physical, intellectual and moral. To live a purposive and
fruitful life he must abide by the laws that govern this triple world.

5. The foundation of good government is morality: The basis of morality is

righteousness which is divine.

6. Freedom is a divine endowment and is not a matter of grant or concession by the

earthly powers that be.
7. The fruitful enjoyment of freedom does not depend upon any fixed political formula but
upon the observance of freedom’s own inherent limitations.

8. The essence of republicanism is popular representation and control. Republicanism

vitalized by state socialism is the best form of government for the Filipinos in this epoch.

9. Until the unity of religion is achieved, the Church and the State must remain completely
apart and separate.

10. Not mere material prosperity or physical prowess but intellectual development and
moral perfection should be the Goal. National planning is essential if the Philippines is to
extricate herself from her present condition of helplessness and puppetry and if she is to
play a more effective role in the moral integration of the world and the establishment of
universal peace.
2. ANG BAYAN HIGIT SA LAHAT (THE COUNTRY ABOVE ALL)

» The foundation of good leadership is morality, and the basis of morality is righteousness…
righteousness means devotion to truth and justice; it is fortitude and benevolence; it is courage
in action.

» In the Philippines… we have abundant resources, The challenge to this generation, therefore,
is to put our available manpower to work on the resources of the country to produce abundance
enough for all, but also in the fullest atmosphere of freedom.

The most that we can do… is to be able to launch and assist in the best way we can our young
champions of integrity and patriotism, of genuine love for the common people… As they strive
ceaselessly in unselfish dedication and with the good of the greatest number steady in their
mind’s vision, I am confident that they will succeed.
3. JOSE P. LAUREL'S FILIPINISM

Filipinism is the assertion of one’s national birthright with patriotism defined as

love of country as a primary element.

It takes the form of a passion for self-development alone. A colonized people cannot
hope to be developed by its masters except along lines that suit the vanity and
cupidity of the masters.

For a nation to find itself and its souls and achieve its God-given destiny, it has to
develop itself with as little help from outsiders as possible.

The supreme ideal is to have one flag, one heart, one soul, one language.
Filipinism, we must study, learn, appreciate, and love our country, the
Philippines, together with her culture, and all she stands for.

Filipinism is the universality and love for the common people. It is the
mainspring of all good Filipinos’ efforts to bring about social, political, and
economic reforms.

Filipinism is incorruptible love of country and people, the courageous taking up

of the cause of the people and heedful of their cries, uniting of one’s self with
them.

No other people can love the Philippines better than the Filipinos themselves.
4. JOSE P. LAUREL ON DEMOCRACY AND
CONSTITUTIONALISM

The essence of republicanism is popular representation and control. Republicanism

vitalized by social control for the promotion of the people’s welfare is the desirable
government for Filipinos.

What secures to a representative democracy its popular character is the ultimate

control that the people possess over their government. This implies not only the
adoption of a clean, honest, and wise electoral system, but the political education of
the citizens that they may intelligently participate in the affairs of government.

Republicanism can only compete with communism successfully in a country like the
Philippines by centering its efforts principally on the wide though fairly concrete area
of social justice and social economic reforms.
5. JOSE P. LAUREL ON MORALITY
The basis of morality is righteousness. Righteousness is neither passion nor affectation
nor ardor. However vaguely or inaccurately defined, righteousness implies devotion to truth,
justice, and goodness.

Righteousness is the key to brotherhood among men and to lasting peace among
nations. It is the moral guide for the individual whatever his religion.

Government without morality is gangsterism or banditry. Law is that which differentiates

between good and evil between just and unjust. It is law which safeguards honor, lives,
liberties, and estates.

Social justice means the promotion of the welfare of all people, of the adaptation by the
government of measures calculated to insure economic stability of the component elements of
society through the maintenance of a proper economic and social equilibrium in the
interrelation of the members of the community.
6. JOSE P. LAUREL ON FREEDOM
Freedom not slavery nor subjection nor subservience to the will of another is the
natural God-given status of a man and of a nation.

A nation fights for independence and tries to achieve the maximum of safety, and
not only because it is its God-given right to be independent and free from molestation
but because, without freedom and security it does not have full opportunity to work out
its own destiny nor will it have fair and ample opportunities to develop its own
resources for its own benefit, and the capabilities of its citizens for their happiness and
success.

The fruitful enjoyment of freedom does not depend upon any fixed political
formula but upon the observance of its inherent limitations.

To live a purposive life, man must abide by the laws that govern his physical,
intellectual, and spiritual-moral life.
7. JOSE P. LAUREL ON NATIONALISM
Love of country is not shown by words but by deeds… not an occasional virtue to be
exhibited now and then. It is an unflinching determination to serve and defend one’s country
at all times and at all costs.

A nation will not long endure if it is wrought in the midst of foreign and exotic
ideals. Just as a tree will not grow straight, strong, and luxuriant unless it is native to the soil
and air, so a nation will not acquire girth and strength unless its roots are planted deep in its
own traditions.

We, the Filipinos today, are a free people. We should think and act as free men not
freed men. We must confidently and courageously depend upon ourselves… fully assume the
grave responsibility of seeking, devising, carrying out, and maintaining what’s best for our
people.
8. JOSE P. LAUREL ON LEADERSHIP

Government is duty-bound to safeguard the health of the people, to render justice to

all, to provide adequate defense and security, extend equal opportunities for advancement
of all who are under its jurisdiction, to promote international cooperation and encourage
universal education.

The Leader must lead towards definite objectives whether material or spiritual. It is
not merely a command and obedience. The leader confines himself to people, lives with
them, understands them, and develops and progresses with them. His ideas must lead, but
his heart must follow.

The foundation of good leadership is morality and the basis of morality is

righteousness. The true leader neither tolerates nor connives with those who easily fall prey
to the temptations of wealth, power, and glory. He is devoted to truth and justice, fortitude
and benevolence, courage in action…
9. THE CHEERFUL TEACHER
Teaching is a noble profession.

A selfless teacher toiling uncomplainingly, diligently in abnegation makes ours a

happy world.

At dusk, when the day’s work becomes a prelude to another, a teacher smiles with
pride and in solid contentment–for he has unselfishly contributed his just share to the
cause of PUBLIC SERVICE.

A teacher has every reason to be cheerful,

He has
10. A FRIENDLY ADVISE

A Friendly Advise

Be reserved, but not sour;

Grave, but not formal;
Bold, but not rash;
Humble, but not servile;
Patient, but not insensible;
Constant, but not obstinate;
Cheerful, but not light;
Rather, be sweet-tempered than familiar;
Familiar, rather than intimate;
And intimate with very few, and on
Good ground with all around you.
1I. SEVERAL QUOTES OF JOSE P LAUREL

 "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 magnet, attracts, respects,
and commands obedience." "There is one eternal God, Creator and
Sustainer of the universe."

 "How can we love our country? Not by words but by deeds.“

 "The starting point in life and education is the recognition of and faith in
one eternal God, the Creator and Sustainer of the universe."

 Honor is closely associated with virtue and finds its most sublime
expression in defense of the purity of womanhood."

 "Under modern condition, with economic productivity as the paramount

concern of every nation. An unhealthy man is not only an unhappy man, he
is also a forfeited economic asset of the country."
What are the contributions of Jose P. Laurel in
governance?

 Jose P. Laurel's Supreme Court tenure may have been by his

presidency, yet he remains one of the most important Supreme Court
justices in Philippine history.

 He authored several leading cases still analyzed to this day that

defined the parameters of the branches of government as well as their
powers.
 Jose P. Laurel contribution to education in the Philippines was tremendous. He
advocated for education for the Filipinos, and their economic progress on books

 He’s the Founder of the Lyceum of the Philippines

 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.
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.
Thank You 