Press Release
September 16, 2009

Villar Pays Tribute to Sotero Laurel

Nacionalista Party (NP) President Manny Villar grieves the passing of former Senate President Pro Tempore and nationalist, Sotero Laurel, who died yesterday at age 90 and whose remains lie at the Heritage Park in Taguig City.

"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," stated the senator. "On behalf of my family and the Nacionalista Party, we express our sincerest condolences to his wife, Lorna, and their eight children."

Laurel was the third son of then Former President Jose P. Laurel and the brother of former Vice President Salvador "Doy" Laurel, who worked under then President Corazon P. Aquino's administration.

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

The former senate president pro tempore was also an educator. He 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. He also promoted the welfare of Filipino workers by creating equal job opportunities for all.

"While he may be gone, his legacy of commitment to advancing the best interests of Filipinos still lives on. His deeds guide and inspire us to do our best and unconditionally serve our country," said Villar.

The former senate president pro tempore left behind his wife Lorna and their eight children.

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