Former senator Sotero Laurel, 90

MANILA, Philippines - Former Senate President Pro Tempore Sotero Laurel, son of President Jose Laurel, died of a lingering illness yesterday, his family said in a statement.

He was 90 years old.

Laurel, or “Teroy” to friends, passed away peacefully, his family added.

He is survived by his wife Lorna and their eight children.

Laurel was known for his hard stance against the stay of the US bases in the country in 1991.

He was one of the “Magnificent 12” who voted against the extension of the US bases.

Laurel was a senator from 1987 to 1992, during former President Corazon Aquino’s administration. He was Senate President Pro-Tempore from 1990-1991.

Laurel is the third son of President Laurel and until his demise, was the only surviving brother among former Speaker Jose Laurel Jr., former Vice President Salvador “Doy” Laurel, former Ambassador to Japan Jose Laurel III, banker Mariano Laurel and sportsman Dodjie Laurel.  He also had three sisters, Nene L. Guinto, Rose L. Avacena and Nita L. Yupangso, the last two are still alive.

Laurel earned his law degree from the University of the Philippines and took his graduate degree at the University of Santo Tomas. He then studied international and constitutional law at Harvard University.

Laurel was also an educator, having taught law at the Far Eastern University, Philippine Law School and Lyceum of the Philippines.

As a public servant, his agenda centered on education and economic recovery.

During his term, he envisioned a Philippines where education is made accessible to all Filipinos. He formulated proposals for a constitutional provision for free high school education.

Laurel’s remains lie in state at Heritage Park in Taguig City.

The Senate has placed the Philippine flag at half-mast in respect to the passing of a former colleague. 

The Senate will also offer a necrological service for Laurel at 2 p.m. today at the Senate plenary hall.

Senators pay tribute to Laurel

Senators Manuel Villar Jr., Francis Escudero and majority leader Juan Miguel Zubiri extended condolences to Laurel’s family.

“Laurel is not just a government official but a public servant. As a Filipino, he has contributed much to our country’s growth and stability. His death is truly a great loss to us Filipinos,” said Villar, president of the Nacionalista Party.

Escudero admired Laurel for taking a stand for the country and the Filipino people. “May we all learn to follow his example,” he said.

Zubiri regarded Laurel for his fiercely independent stance on national issues.  

“The former Senate president pro tempore earnestly stood against the ratification of the bilateral deal during the hostile debates over the proposal to extend the RP-US Military Bases Agreement. He insisted that fairness, justice, self determination, independence, self respect and equality are values that cannot be given away in exchange for any monetary assistance,” Zubiri said.