Jose Laurel III


José Sotero Hidalgo Laurel III, was a Filipino diplomat and the aide-de-camp of his father, Jose P. Laurel, when he was president of the collaborationist Second Philippine Republic. He later became ambassador of the Philippines to Japan.

Early life

Laurel was born on August 27, 1914. He mastered the Japanese language and culture in the Imperial [Japanese Army Academy] from 1934 to 1937. He served as a junior aide-de-camp to President Manuel L. Quezon from 1937-1940.

Arrest during the Japanese occupation

Beginning in March 1945, Laurel, together with his family, Camilo Osías, Benigno Aquino Sr., Gen. Tomas Capinpin, and Jorge B. Vargas evacuated to Baguio. Shortly after the city fell, they traveled to Tuguegarao, where they embarked a bomber plane to Japan via Formosa and Shanghai, China (1912–1949)|China]. Alongside his father and Aquino, he was taken into U.S. custody on September 15, 1945, days after the Japanese forces formally surrendered to the United States. They were imprisoned in Yokohama until they were transferred to Sugamo Prison on November 16. On July 23, 1946, they left Tokyo for Manila, having been turned over to the Republic of the Philippines.

Career

Laurel was admitted to the Philippine bar on June 10, 1950.
From 1966 to 1971, Laurel served as ambassador of the Philippines to Japan.
In 1976, Laurel initiated the Philippine Federation of Japan Alumni, a congregation of former students who graduated in Japanese colleges and universities including grantees of training programs. The association aims to strengthen Philippine-Japan relationship through educational and professional exchanges. He was also active in the Laurel Law Office up to his later years.

Death

Laurel died on January 6, 2003, at the age of 88 due to pneumonia. His remains were cremated.

Personal life

Laurel is the second of nine siblings. He is the son of former President José P. Laurel with his wife Pacencia Laurel and brother to Jose Jr., Salvador, Sotero, and Arsenio Laurel. He was married to Beatrice Castillo-Laurel with children, including José Laurel V and Ma. Elena Laurel-Loinaz. He also had 23 grandchildren.

Awards

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