CEBU, Philippines — M.J. Cuenco was a prominent figure of Cebu print media before he shifted to public service. He was a native of the Municipality of Carmen.
Cuenco served as a representative of Cebu’s fifth district from 1916 to 1928. He became governor for two terms after winning in 1928 and 1931 elections. During his second term, he was the president of the League of Provincial Governors in the Philippines. He excelled in maintaining the fiscal resources of Cebu province; half went to public works, special school, and health funds.
Cuenco lost to Sotero Cabahug in 1934 elections. However, he became the floor leader of Constitutional Convention. He was also the Secretary of Public Works and Communications, at the same time served as Acting Secretary of the Agriculture, Commerce, and Labor Departments from 1936 to 1939 after his term as governor.
He was elected to the senate during the Japanese occupation and served as a senator until 1965 where he largely contributed to an efficient legislative body. (FREEMAN)