José Laurel III

Jose Sotero Hidalgo Laurel III (August 27, 1914 – January 6, 2003) 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 (now Taiwan) and Shanghai, 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 (PHILFEJA), 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. His remains were cremated. He also had 23 grandchildren. 30px Grand Cross of the Order of Sikatuna, Rank of ‘Datu’ (1987).