Debunking the Puppet President Concept:

Jose P. Laurel’s Administration Years under the Japanese Imperial Rule in the
Philippines (1943-1945)

A Thesis Presented to the Faculty of Institute of Arts and Sciences,

Mabalacat City College, Mabalacat City, Pampanga

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements

For the Degree of Bachelor of Arts in History

By

Elmer Elquiero Buendia Jr.

Virgilio Jr. Dizon Cunanan
Christian Manguerra Jimenez
 Acknowledgement

The completion of this research was made possible with the great contributions of
the following people, that the researchers wishes to express their most gratitude:

To their adviser, Prof. Rene C. Romero, whose guidance and teachings created a
way towards the achievement of the goals of this research;

To the Jose P. Laurel Memorial Foundation and its very hospitable librarian staff,
Ms. Divine Ritual Jope, for sharing their time and resources that helps the researchers to
build ideas upon their study;

To their panelists, Mr. Miguel Jimenez and Mr. Angelito David, whose
recommendations and advice helped the development of this research;

To their college instructor, John Edward Alfonso, who’s magnificent dissertation

inspired us to pursue another perspective of the topic,

To their family and loved ones, whose continuous support pushed the researchers
to see their work to its end;

To those who helped to finish this research, whose contributions were helpful to
the completion of this study; Words are insufficient to express the researcher’s gratitude to
those who have been part of this successful journey.

May the Almighty God continue to bless us with graces upon us, always and
forever.
 Abstract

When the Japanese Forces invaded the Philippines as a sign of the beginning of

World War II, America was unprepared for the sudden attack of the Japanese in the

Philippines. To avoid capture, America pulled out Manuel L. Quezon to present a

government in exile to the Japanese. Before leaving, Quezon left an important instruction

to the government officials to do everything in power to save the Filipinos from great

suffering under the Japanese. Towards the encounter of the officials left in the Philippines

with the Japanese invaders, they were left with no choice but to follow the orders of the

occupying power to avoid the further danger. They conformed to the demands of the

Japanese to form a government with the provision of the Imperial Japanese. Eventually

under the circumstances, Jose P. Laurel was chosen to be the President of the Second

Republic. Having been given the office, he was then perceived as a puppet of the Japanese

because of the acceptance of the independence given by the Japanese. Although placed in

a risky situation, Laurel in all of his efforts do what ought to be done in order to alleviate

the sufferings of the Filipino people under the authority of the Japanese. He was able to

help the Filipinos survive during war times. Regardless, he was still perceived by the

majority of Filipinos as a president that became a puppet of the Japanese up to this date.

This study aims to uncover the validity of the puppet concept being perceived

towards Laurel as the President of the Second Republic. A compilation of historical

narratives which composed of primary and secondary sources was done in order to

constitute a more authentic description of the reputation of Jose P. Laurel as the president

during the Japanese Occupation in the Philippines.

Keywords: collaboration, traitor, puppet, loyalty, Puppet Concept, Jose P. Laurel,

Imperial Japanese, Japanese Occupation

Contact Information:

Elmer Elquiero Buendia Jr./#Blk 105 Lot 16 Dist 6 Epza, Pulung Cacutud, Angeles

City/Phone: 09068548372 Email: elmobuendia@gmail.com

Virgilio Jr. Dizon Cunanan/#230 Gatiawin, Arayat, Pampanga/Phone: 09155018974

Email: jrdizoncunanan@gmail.com

Christian Manguerra Jimenez/Manuela St. Sta. Clara Subdivision, Sapang Maisac,

Mexico,Pampanga/Phone:09068872426

Email: christian.m.jimenez.history@gmail.com
 Table of Contents

1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background of the Study
1.2 Statement of the Problem
1.3 Significance of the Study
1.4 Scope and Limitation
1.5 Related Literature
1.6 Research Methodology
1.7 Theoretical Framework
1.8 Thesis Outline
2.0 Body
2.1 Possible Origin and Reasons behind the Puppet Concept and Laurel’s
Defense
2.2 Significant Personalities and Perception of Some Filipinos towards Laurel
2.3 Laurel as a Pro-Filipino President

3.0 Conclusion
4.0 Synthesis
 CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

December 7, 1941 when the Japanese forces unexpectedly bombed the pearl harbor

signifying the beginning of World War II. The situation escalated quickly as Manila was

also bombed on the day after the incident. When this situation rose, the current president

that time was President Manuel L. Quezon. He was pulled by the Americans in order to

present a concept of a government in exile towards the Imperial Japanese that invaded the

Philippines. But before Quezon left the country, on December 22, 1941 advised Jorge B.

Vargas, Jose P. Laurel and the other officials that would be left in the Philippines, to do

everything in their power to minimize the sufferings that the Filipinos might experience in

the upcoming chaos.

During those times, the Executive Commission composed of government officials

are the ones who supervise the government. Under the Japanese Military Administration,

the head of the executive commission that time was Jorge B. Vargas. Eventually, Jose P.

Laurel was elected by governors and mayors with the support of the executive commission

to be the president of the Philippines in National Assembly held on Sept 25, 1943. Being

the President of the new republic under the Japanese Occupation, Laurel then was

misunderstood by many people as a “Japanese Collaborator”, “Traitor”, and a “Puppet

President” because He persistently served under these crucial times. Regardless, Jose P.

Laurel, carrying the authorization of Quezon to do everything to protect the Filipino

people’s welfare acted on his will to fulfill his duty as the President of the Second Republic

under the Japanese Occupation.

Statement of the Problem

Seeing Laurel from the general overview of literary works and biographies about

him, most of these works provide facts that Laurel, in most of his efforts did not absolutely

submitted to the orders of the Imperial Japanese, rather, acted on his powers to do what he

ought to do as needed by the current situation. This provides an incongruency towards the

concept of Laurel being the puppet of the Japanese Authorities. After all, this issue has not

been specifically dealt with, whether this puppet concept towards Laurel should still be

allowed to be read in textbooks or should it be debunked. Therefore, this research aims to

answer the main question: Did Jose P. Laurel really become the puppet of the Imperial

Japanese?

1. What are the reasons why Laurel was identified as a puppet of the Japanese? And

to what extent are these accusations being valid?

2. Do the actions of Laurel align with the instructions and policies of the Imperial

Japanese for him to be called as a puppet?

3. Does the weight of data, facts and evidence gathered is enough to debunk the puppet

president concept towards Jose P. Laurel?

Significance of the Study

Most existing literatures written about Jose P. Laurel focuses on different aspects

like his character, efforts during the Second Republic, and few written literatures that says

Laurel was not a Japanese Collaborator. None if it focused on directly contradicting the

idea that Laurel became a Puppet of the Japanese. It is the conviction of this research to

compile necessary historical narratives and formulated ideas that testifies to the fact that
Laurel did not actually become a Puppet of the Japanese. Hoping it would clear the

misconception on today’s textbooks taught in our schools.

Scope and Limitation

This research is focused on finding out whether the "Puppet President" concept that

is being portrayed as a representative of President Jose P. Laurel during world war II in our

textbooks is factual. This research gathered, compiled historical narratives and facts about

Jose P. Laurel too, to further clarify the truth about this puppet president concept to

produce a much more truthful and authentic image of Jose P. Laurel in our textbooks.

Related Literature

The sources that are used in this research will be all about literatures connected to

Jose P. Laurel such as memoirs, books, and manuscripts that designed to narrate the

happenings during the Japanese occupation in the Philippines.

Secondary sources were used to attain a proper historical context of the topic and

primary sources were also used to further have a vivid picture of the actual happenings

during the service term of Jose P. Laurel as the president of the Second Republic.

Primary Sources

War memoirs (1962) - This is the diary wrote by Jose P. Laurel himself while he

was imprisoned in Japan. It contains the defense of Laurel on the allegations against the
members of the Executive Commission and the Third Republic that they are collaborators.

Also, this is essential since it contains the national policy, political ideology, and moral

philosophy of Laurel which he utilized during that time. The researchers view this primary

source as a big help to the study since this diary contains the thoughts of Laurel, it gives a

very credible thought of Laurel whether he and the second republic really became a puppet

of the Japanese Authorities. The printed copy of this document is currently placed in Jose

P. Laurel Memorial Foundation.

Living with the Enemy, (1999) a diary of Pacita Pestaño-Jacinto, a woman who

lived through the Japanese Occupation and wrote her observations of the happenings

during that time. The diary also provides her personal insights about the presidency of

Laurel. Pacita was one of the people that believed that only Laurel has the best capabilities

to handle the Philippines under the abusive and violent ruling of the Japanese Authorities

during the Japanese occupation.

Dear Mother Putnam: Life and Death in Manila during the Japanese

Occupation 1941-1945 by Marcial P. Lichauco is first-hand account of an individual

during the Japanese Occupation in the Philippines. This work presents the observations of

Marcial Lichauco towards the events during the Japanese Occupation and also his

observations towards the performance of Laurel as the president of the Second Republic

based on his diary. It is relevant in this study for it helps provide a glimpse of how the

performance of Laurel was perceived through the eyes of an individual, and also the

perception of the people around Lichauco as well. The book is currently housed in the Jose

P. Laurel Memorial Foundation.

The Good fight by Manuel L. Quezon, are the memoirs of Quezon regarding his service as

the President of Commonwealth and also the Japanese invasion included. Found in his

memoirs are his perceptions of the officials he left in the Philippines when he was pulled

by the Americans to present a government in exile. The printed version of the book is

currently found in Jose P. Laurel Memorial Foundation.

Website of Malacañang. Gov. ph – the website provides the public speeches of

Laurel when he was still the president of the second republic. The researchers find it

necessary to examine the elements of nationalism in Laurel’s public speeches because it

contains his aspirations towards the current situation of the Philippines under the Imperial

Japanese. The speeches are available and accessible on the website given.

Secondary Sources

The Second Philippine Republic: Laurel’s Presidency under the Japanese

Occupation – A thesis by John Edward E. Alfonso provides a detailed, comprehensive and

objective picture of Laurel’s Presidency and the Second Republic during the Japanese

occupation. Apart from its contents, it is also lending a great help to the researchers because

it pinpoints very credible sources that most of the researchers used in this research. The

researchers were authorized by the author to have a soft copy of this thesis.

Kulaboretor! The Issue of Political Collaboration During World War II by

Augusto V. de Viana. This book comprehensively examines whether the Filipinos who
were implicated in the issue of collaboration during world war II were really qualified to

be called as Japanese Collaborators and be charged with acts of treason. It delves into the

very meaning of the term collaboration and clarifies up to what extent does the term

collaboration imply with those who were involved including Jose P. Laurel. It contributes

a great support to this thesis since it also empathizes and analyzed not only the people who

are accused of collaboration, but also those people who sorted out who are the Japanese

Collaborators. The book can be bought in the University of the Philippines, Diliman but

the Jose P. Laurel Memorial foundation has a copy of the book.

The Laurel Story: The Life and times of Dr. Jose P. Laurel the President of

the Second Republic. Written by Carlos Lozada Quirino, a Philippine biographer and

historian. This book contains the biography of Laurel's life from childhood until his last

days serving the country. This book gives a real story of how Laurel resisted the Japanese

authorities subtly and how he stayed loyal to the Filipino people during his presidential

terms under the Japanese occupation.

Research Methodology

The researchers used narrative-analytical method in finding the truth about the

puppet president concept. As the researchers narrate the events that happened, it will be

followed by analyzation and interpretation of the historical narratives that took place.

Through this method, it will help this research to attain its objectives by putting together

the scattered facts, thoroughly examining every part of the narratives and interpretation of

it in a deeper sense to further extract the conclusion.

Theoretical Framework

The researchers used Alejandro Lichauco's framework of nationalism. In Alejandro

Lichauco's framework, he pointed out that it is not enough for an individual to have sense

of nationalism by just simply loving his country, rather, must it also manifest in

empowering the state. He further explains that nationalism is both power and philosophy.

Power, in a sense that it becomes a driving force to forge a nation, and philosophy for it is

a method for which the body gains power. 1

The researchers made use of this framework to determine if Laurel was successful

in doing his duty instructed to him, through the lens of Lichauco's framework. By looking

at Laurel’s philosophy, his actions, his national policy, programs he made through his

administrative powers as the President, should define Laurel’s nationalist concept. It is in

this framework, that the validity of the puppet concept through Laurel’s nationalism will

be perceived.

1
Lichauco Alejandro, Nationalist Economics, (Quezon City: Institute for Rural Industrialization,
Inc., 1988) p 2
 Thesis Outline

This study is composed of the following components:

Chapter 1 constitutes the introduction. It presents the background of the study, the

main problem that the researchers wanted to answer, the gap in the body of knowledge that

the research intends to fill, the significance of this work, the theoretical framework upon

which this thesis is founded, the scope of the study and its limitations, the related literature,

and the methodology employed.

Chapter 2 looks into the possible origins of the puppet president concept. It

examines different situations which may have been the reason why the Filipinos had the

frame of mind that Laurel became a puppet of the Japanese. It also gives the possible

reasons why Laurel was given the puppet nomenclature under the Japanese occupation and

also includes Laurel’s defense towards it according to his memoirs and other sources and

the analysis on how valid these accusations against Laurel are.

Chapter 3 delves into different accounts of significant personalities concerned

towards the timeline wherein Laurel was depicted as puppet and provides a different

outlook on Laurel’s performance as the President of the Second Republic under the

Japanese occupation contrary to the common stereotypes about him.

Chapter 4 presents different occasions wherein signs of reluctancy in Laurel were

seen which also projects his behavior contrary to the Pro-Japanese gestures that he was

stereotyped most of the time. It also presents the programs that Laurel designed to achieve

his ideal society that is cored to his national policy of national survival.
 Chapter 5 provides the synthesis of the study. It presents a summary of the research

findings to answer the main problem of this study, which is to find out whether Jose P.

Laurel really became a puppet of the Japanese throughout his presidency under the

Japanese occupation in the Philippines.

 CHAPTER 2

Possible Origin and Reasons behind the Puppet President Concept and Laurel’s
Defense
As for the Filipino People who had the impression of Laurel is a puppet of the

Japanese, they might have gotten it because of the colleagues of Laurel in the Executive

Commission who are being way too submissive to the demands and orders of the Japanese

like Jorge B. Vargas and Benigno Aquino Sr. Unlike Laurel, Jorge B. Vargas just follows

the orders of his Japanese adviser because he too was threatened to be in danger, and in

fear of being reluctant and disobedience may be interpreted as a hostile act by the Japanese

Authorities.

“Vargas preoccupation following the wishes of Kihara and the Japanese

Military Administration gave him little opportunity to alleviate the worsening
condition of the people. The actions of both Kihara and the Japanese military
preempted any initiative of Vargas to act on his own. From the view of the
people, Vargas Existed only to serve the interests of the Japanese, not of the
Filipinos. He was therefore no more than a puppet of the invaders.”2

Apart from Vargas, Aquino too was perhaps the most obvious pro-Japanese and the

most willing to adhere to the sentiments of the Japanese. Based on the book of Augusto De

Viana, Aquino even campaigned pro-Japanese sentiments among the people from different

places and assured them that it is safe to collaborate with the Japanese. Some of the

colleagues of Aquino even complained because Aquino has gone overboard with even

promoting to fight for the Imperial Japanese.

“Aquino became the most vocal drum beater of the Japanese. He was
more vigorous compared to Vargas in expressing support for Japan. Since his

2
De Viana Augusto, “Kulaboretor! The Issue of Collaboration during the World War II Revised
Edition” (UST Publishing House Manila, Philippines 2016) pg. 44
 installation as Director-General of the KALIBAPI, he stumped on the
countryside to gain more adherents to the organization. A large bulk of its
membership came from his home province of Tarlac. Aquino acted more
strongly than the other officials. His actions as KALIBAPI chief were
propelled by his own volition rather than Japanese compulsion.”3

But of course, this is not the only contributing factor why Filipinos think such

towards Laurel, but also because the majority of the Filipinos during this time had their

sympathy towards America. When Laurel was inaugurated as the President of the Second

Republic of the Philippines under Japanese Occupation, President Theodore Roosevelt

openly announced on the radio that the true officials are in exile, and that the Republic that

was newly established, is merely a puppet just like other countries like China and Burma

that is currently being a puppet of the Imperial Japanese.

“‘The latest puppet whom the Japanese have set up in Manila to head
the government which they have established there’. Said Roosevelt ‘has
proclaimed the so-called Republic of the Philippines. I wish to make it clear
that neither that government nor its immediate predecessor known as
Philippine Executive Commission, has been or ever will be recognized by the
American Government and their acts are neither lawful or binding. The only
accredited Filipino officials are temporarily here in Washington.’”4

It was in moments like these, that the frame of mind of Filipinos towards Laurel are

greatly influenced by the Americans.

One of the reasons why Laurel was depicted as a Puppet President by the Americans

was because Laurel accepted the office and the independence given by the Japanese. The

Americans were afraid that in doing so, Laurel would also lead the country to fight in the

side of the Japanese against America. But contrary to that belief, Laurel accepted the office

3
De Viana Augusto, “Kulaboretor! The Issue of Collaboration during the World War II Revised
Edition” (UST Publishing House Manila, Philippines 2016) pg. 55
4
Limchauco Marcial, Dear Mother Putnam: Life and Death in Manila during the Japanese
Occupation 1941-1945, (Inkstone Books, 2015) Pg. 179
because the first and foremost reason is that, he is hoping it would be the Executive

Commission’s opportunity to alleviate the worsening condition of the Filipinos. The

dignity of Filipinos has never been so worse since the Imperial Japanese governed over

them. From confiscation of food supplies and properties, slapping Filipino people and

disregarding their dignity up to the judicial processes that are often dishonored by

informally dismissing the cases whenever a Japanese is involved, Laurel witnessed these

things and hoped that accepting the office and the independence would grant the Filipinos

and the Executive commission more freedom to act and govern their own country. This

was proved to be true, according to the memoirs of Laurel:

The frequent change of command of the Japanese Army (From Homma

to Tanaka to Kuroda to Terauchi to Yamashita) the arrests, tortures and
disappearance of good people, the inattention to and disregard of our pleas in
behalf of our people; the commandeering of houses, animals, automobiles,
trucks and properties of private citizens the confiscation of food supplies; the
complete disregard of human dignity, the conqueror's complex; the low non-
Christian civilization of the great mass of these conquerors their domination of
and dictation to our Government and Government officials- the preaching
contrary to actual deeds- these and more made it evident that the Filipinos were
doomed under Japanese Occupation or influence and that we were correct in
simply trying to do what had to be done for the purpose of tiding our people
over to better times; and that I was correct in repeatedly announcing that the
primordial policy of the government was that of "national survival".5

Another reason why Laurel was called a puppet because there are evidences of his

filmed accepting collaborating with the Japanese Officials, receiving awards from the

Japanese Emperor and praising them in his speeches. These things would probably be

initially interpreted as Pro-Japanese gestures or adhering to the Imperial Japanese. But

Laurel’s defense to these accusations was also found in his memoirs:

5
Jose Laurel, War Memoirs of Dr. Jose P. Laurel (Manila, Philippines by Lyceum Press, Inc. 1980)
Pg. 19
 “It is easy to speak on loyalty, courage and determination by radio,
removed from zone of danger, but when you find yourself at the point of the
bayonet from all directions in an occupied territory where disobedience or any
gesture of hostile character meant not only sure death for you but perhaps
desolation and wholesale massacre of people around you on any pretext it
would seem to be a different story.”6

Laurel justified himself by stating that he had no choice but to follow the orders of

the Japanese since his disobedience means not only his life will be put into danger but also

the life of the Filipino people. In fact, Laurel’s stand was reasonable since all Filipinos

were subjected to the Military Order No. 1 of the Imperial Japanese which states that if

anyone disobeys or shows any hostile act against the Japanese Authorities will face death.

Apart from that, it is also parallel to the International Law, which states that people in

enemy occupied areas were bound to follow and obey the orders of the occupying forces or

face the consequences.7

6
Jose Laurel, War Memoirs of Dr. Jose P. Laurel (Manila, Philippines by Lyceum Press, Inc. 1980)
Pg. 52
7
De Viana Augusto, “Kulaboretor! The Issue of Collaboration during the World War II Revised
Edition” (UST Publishing House Manila, Philippines 2016) pg. 279
 CHAPTER 3

Significant Personalities and People’s Perception towards Laurel

Quezon’s Account

Regarding the account of Manuel L. Quezon towards Laurel, there was no direct

evidence that could really tell the perception of Quezon about Laurel. But according to the

historical narratives during the Japanese Occupation in the Philippines, whenever

McArthur will express his doubts that there is a collaboration happening between the

Filipino Officials left in the Philippines and the Imperial Japanese, Quezon always

responds in refutation that the government officials had no choice in their situation but to

follow the Imperial Japanese in a cause of greater good or welfare of the Filipinos.

“On January 28, 1942, Radio Tokyo broadcast news that a provisional
government headed by Filipinos under the Japanese had been formed. General
Mac Arthur voiced his concern to Quezon regarding Filipino Officials joining
the enemy administration. Quezon’s Reply was that the officials who accepted
positions in the Japanese-controlled government were merely following his
instructions to protect the civilian population.”

In the memoirs of Quezon, he mentioned clearly his stand, regarding the

government officials who are left in the Philippines, that are being branded by McArthur

as traitors. In page 240 of his book entitled “The good fight” he stated:

“In reference to the men who have accepted positions in the

commission established by the Japanese, every one of them wanted to come to
Corregidor, but you told me that there was no room for them here. They are
not "quislings." The "quislings" are the men who betray their country to the
enemy. These men did what they have been asked to do, while they were free,
under the protection of their government. Today they are virtually prisoners of
the enemy. I am sure they are only doing what they think is their duty. They
are not traitors. They are the victims of the adverse fortunes of war and I am
sure they have no choice. Besides, it is most probable that they accepted their
positions in order to safeguard the welfare of the civilian populations in the
occupied areas. I think, under the circumstances, America should look upon
their situation sympathetically and understandingly.”
 In September 3, 1946, when Laurel was pleading for bail during his trial, he also

mentioned this statement of Quezon in his autobiography as a supporting evidence that

even Quezon’s perception about him is not a traitor. But Tañada, one of the Judges in trial

of his case argued that these statements are not valid anymore since Quezon is already dead

and cannot be cross examined anymore.8 But the researchers think that these constant

messages of Quezon are already self-explanatory and clear enough not to be needed to

cross examine. In fact, there is a letter that shows a written statement, that can be

considered a last dying statement of Quezon towards Laurel. On September 27, 1943, third

son of Laurel, Sotero H. Laurel, former clerk-stenographer of Vice President Osmena that

time, wrote a resignation letter to Quezon during the outbreak of the pacific war. And these

words were found in Quezon’s reply to Sotero’s letter of resignation:

“I may say in passing that I am not convinced that your father is a traitor
either to the United States nor to the Philippines. I know him personally and
have been closely connected with him officially for years. I believe he is doing
what he honestly believes is in the best interest of the Filipino people, for time
being and not because he has become a tool of the Japanese”9

From the memoirs of Quezon, normal conversations with him and McArthur, up to

his last dying statement towards Laurel, these facts alone needed no explanation anymore

because these facts alone already depict the constant perception of Quezon that Laurel is

not a traitor, a Pro-Japanese and a Puppet of the Japanese.

8
De Viana Augusto, “Kulaboretor! The Issue of Collaboration during the World War II Revised
Edition” (UST Publishing House Manila, Philippines 2016) pg. 280
9
Quezon Manuel, Letter of Manuel L. Quezon to Sotero H. Laurel, Washington D.C, September
30, 1943.
McArthur’s Account

When Quezon was about to leave from Corregidor, while instructing Vargas, Laurel

and other officials with him, Laurel raised a very important question. Laurel asked Quezon

if, in case the Japanese force them to do things that would brand them as traitors, should

they flee into the mountains to avoid the situation? Quezon then instructed Laurel to stay

and protect the people. After saying that, Quezon called Vargas to ask McArthur to forward

the question raised by Laurel. And McArthur’s response was this:

“[We] Can’t do anything about it, George [referring to the imminent

Japanese takeover of the Philippines]. There is nothing you can do about it.
Under International Law the occupying army must govern, and rule and you
cannot do anything but to obey what they tell you to do. Do anything except
one thing, that is take the oath of allegiance to the Japanese.”10

McArthur’s instruction to the Philippine officials were also seen in the account of an

American journalist present during those times, wrote an article concerning the very

moment that Quezon and McArthur were leaving for Corregidor:

“In effect, General MacArthur and President Quezon, who was also
leaving for Corregidor, told Jorge Vargas and other Filipino leaders left behind:
Go ahead. Do the best you can. Make what bargains you have to with those
people. Try to keep the Philippines (17,000,000 people) together in one piece.
Try to protect the people from Japan’s brutality and avarice. You have some
tough decisions to make. But the job must be done. Does it for the future
Philippines? ”11
Through this compiled response of Mc Arthur proved that he already had

knowledge of the possible outcomes of the actions of the officials beforehand. That if ever

the officials shall be forced to conform to the demands of the Japanese, it will be a choice

that is out of their will and intention. McArthur even stated the International Law,

10
De Viana Augusto, “Kulaboretor! The Issue of Collaboration during the World War II Revised
Edition” (UST Publishing House Manila, Philippines 2016) pg. 19
11
Alfonso John, The Second Philippine Republic: Laurel’s Presidency under the Japanese
Occupation (M.A Thesis presented at University of Santo Tomas, 2016) Pg. 35
instructed to do what they can, and gave his word that they would not be branded as traitors

if placed in such situation. That is why, somehow there is an error in the instruction and

command of Mc Arthur. He failed to understand the gravity of the situation of the officials

who were left even with prior knowledge that it was not of their intention to comply to the

demands of the Japanese in the first place.

Guerilla’s Perception

It is quite hard for the Guerillas to see things from the point of view of Laurel and

the Second Republic because these men are always on the front lines, fighting the Japanese

Forces or if not, doing everything to delay, or cause an inconvenience to the Japanese to

somehow give rest to the other guerilla units in other places. If asked about their perception

of Laurel, they might as well answer that Laurel is a Japanese Collaborator, just because

of the fact that he accepted the office under the Imperial Japanese and that his form of

sacrifice is not as risky as the guerilla’s sacrifice in combat. They see themselves as

patriots, fighting for the freedom of their motherland, hence seeing other Filipinos who did

not resist the Japanese, as traitors or collaborators also. But there is still a common ground

between the guerillas and Laurel. Just for instance, the account of Neneng de Ocampo,

daughter of Hunters ROTC Guerilla Veteran Col. Emmanuel De Ocampo. In a

documentary about the story of Hunters ROTC Guerillas, she told a story about how her

father, one of the under-cover guerillas managed to join a meeting in Malacañang. The

guerilla tried to test Laurel if he is a pro-Japanese by asking three questions. First, are you

going to declare war against the United States? Laurel answered in confusion, “A state of

war already exists, I do not understand the question”, and the guerilla followed up another

question, are you going to conscript the Filipino Youths? Laurel Responded, No. and the
guerilla, asked the Last question, why did you accept your position? Laurel Responded,

“Because somebody is going to accept it, and probably someone who is a Pro-Japanese

might.” Neneng said in the documentary, “and that was when the guerillas knew, that he

was not a Pro-Japanese (pertaining to Laurel)” 12

Apart from Neneng de Ocampo, a former USAFFE veteran from bataan

named Alejandro Garcia, and currently became a leader of guerillas in Nueva Ecija that

time, also had an encounter with the President when Laurel was going places to talk

guerillas down in peace in order to attain reduction of the killing of Filipinos in the fight

against the Japanese.

“Because Garcia doubted Laurel's sincerity, the latter wrote out on a

piece of paper the following words; "My loyalty to America can only be
removed by cutting my head off." He then signed his name. Garcia struck by
Laurel' spontaneous action, immediately affixed his own signature on the
paper. He then carefully folded the sheet and put it under his breast pocket to
show it to his province mate. Copies of the document were spread to the
underground units in that province. Nueva Ecija's peaceful atmosphere
returned.”13

Apparently, Laurel was successful in observing peace in places by putting Order

Divisions in the Department of Interior composed of Bataan and Corregidor veterans for

the purpose of advising fellow rebels not to cause disturbance in places by fighting the

kempeitais to reduce the casualties in the war between guerillas and the Japanese forces.

12
Unsurrendered 2. Directed by Bani Lagrono (2015, Manila, Mai Guillermo) DVD
13
Quirino Carlos, The Laurel Story: The Life and Times of Dr. Jose P. Laurel, President of the
Second Republic of the Philippines (Jose P. Laurel Memorial Corporation, 1992) Pg. 91
The Perception of some Filipinos

Aside from perceptions of personalities concerned towards the image of Laurel, it

is also necessary to know the perception of some Filipinos towards the president under the

Japanese Occupation. It is safe to say that majority of Filipinos during the Japanese

Occupation find Laurel as a puppet of the Japanese. But there are also few perceptive and

analytical individuals who find Laurel as the opposite of these stereotypes about Him. Just

like for instance, Marcial Lichauco, a brilliant analytical man who took the courage to write

the things he observed during the Japanese Occupation. In one of his entries dated

September 3, 1943, he expressed his sympathy towards Laurel when America discredited

the Executive Commission when Laurel declared Philippines as an independent nation.

“It is very well for President Roosevelt to discredit the Filipinos

heading the puppet government that has been set up here. It is easy to be brave
when the enemy is 10,000 miles away. It is easy to say that the only true
officials for the Philippine government are temporarily in Washington. But
how can 18,000,000 Filipino People live in these islands without some form of
government? Someone must head the government here unless, of course, it is
to be substituted by an organization run entirely by Japanese officials and such
irresponsible and discredited Filipinos of the past who would be only too glad
to jump at the opportunity to assume the positions of power”14

According to his autobiography, Lichauco was the first Filipino to graduate at

Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts is taking law and also a strong advocate

of Philippine Independence, which gives an idea, why he was a keen observer of the

government during the Japanese Occupation. Apart from the part where he expressed his

sympathy towards Laurel, he also gave a glimpse of the perception of the people around

14
Lichauco Marcial, Dear Mother Putnam: Life and Death in Manila during the Japanese
Occupation 1941-1945, (Inkstone Books, 2015) Pg. 179
him towards Jose P. Laurel as the president under Japanese Occupation. In the second

paragraph of his entry dated September 24, 1944 he stated:

“It is difficult to judge the true attitude of the people in Manila towards
Laurel. Most of them seem to be indignant at his war declaration, but large
number of people from all stations in life whom I have interviewed believe that
what president Laurel and the other members of the Philippine Executive
Commission has done since they assumed office early in 1942, has been the
lesser of two evils which we had to face.”15

Apparently, not all Filipinos view Laurel as just a mere puppet of the Japanese. In

this entry, it is said that a large number of people whom Lichauco had interviewed said that

they believe Laurel’s decisions promotes the common good of the Filipino people. Apart

from Lichaucho, there is also Pacita Pestano Jacinto, who also wrote a diary during the

Japanese Occupation. Just like Marcial Lichauco, Pestano also believed in the capability

of Laurel to handle the government under the Imperial Japanese. In her entry dated

September 24, 1944, she depicts the perception of the people towards Laurel, that he is the

only one who is best suited to tide the Filipino people over better times.16 Another notable

primary account during the Japanese Occupation was the account of Juan Labrador. He

mentions in his entry on July 2, 1944 that Laurel is not campaigning pro-Japanese

sentiments, rather, Laurel is only doing everything he can, to help maintain the unity of the

Filipino people and lessen the severity of the situation. Only it is overpowered by the

conflicts met between the conqueror complex of the Japanese authorities and the solutions

proposed by Laurel and the officials of the Republic.17

15
Lichauco Marcial, Dear Mother Putnam: Life and Death in Manila during the Japanese
Occupation 1941-1945, (Inkstone Books, 2015) Pg. 237
16
Alfonso John, The Second Philippine Republic: Laurel’s Presidency under the Japanese
Occupation (M.A Thesis presented at University of Santo Tomas, 2016)
17
Alfonso John, The Second Philippine Republic: Laurel’s Presidency under the Japanese
Occupation (M.A Thesis presented at University of Santo Tomas, 2016)
 These different personalities that share the same perception about Laurel proves

that not all the people during the Japanese occupation adhere to the concept of Laurel being

the Puppet of the Japanese. If Jose P. Laurel really did become the puppet of the Japanese,

there will never be no people sympathizing with Laurel. But since Laurel did his best to

minimize the severity of the situation being experienced by the Filipinos, there existed

these accounts that testifies that a portion of the Filipino people believed in Laurel and

have seen and observed his determination in leading the Filipino in better times.
 CHAPTER 4

Laurel as a Pro-Filipino President

Jose P. Laurel as the President of the Second Republic was perhaps the most

reluctant individual that the Japanese have had during their occupation here in the

Philippines. There are many occasions in which Laurel’s reluctances to the orders of the

Japanese proved that he did not really become a puppet of the Japanese. The first one was

when he flew to Japan to talk to the Prime Minister of Japan Hideki Tojo and that was the

first moment Laurel showed that he was not a puppet of the Japanese. The Prime Minister

told Laurel that Japan would grant the Philippines independence if the Filipinos will side

with the aspirations of the Imperial Japanese and also wage war against the Americans.

But Laurel refused to obey the request for the Philippines to wage war against the United

States for the following reasons: first, he reasoned out that he was not a popular leader

among the Filipinos to execute this. Second, America and the Philippines had a friendship

and they cannot wage war in their former allied country. And third, he reasoned out that

his people would not have approved of this. Despite fearing for his life, Laurel still insisted

on his own sense of right judgement to protect the Filipinos from war.18

Another observed gesture that Laurel was not a puppet of the Japanese was the

moments that he openly shows the public that he is not a Pro-Japanese, that just like his

fellow Filipinos, he too shares the sentiment that the Imperial Japanese does not deserve

the authority to rule the Filipino people in reference to the atrocities, and complete

disregard of human dignity of the Filipino people. This was observed when he gave the

18
Jose Laurel, War Memoirs of Dr. Jose P. Laurel (Manila, Philippines by Lyceum Press, Inc. 1980)
Pg. 17
closing remarks at an event prepared for the visit of Premier Hideki Tojo to the Philippines

to observe the cooperation of the Filipinos, unaware that the prepared celebration, was

staged by the Executive Commission to impress the Premier.

“Dr. Laurel as the most prominent commissioner made the closing

remarks in English praising Tojo and the Japanese military for their
benevolence and interest in the Philippines, and then he suddenly switched to
Tagalog to say, “Once we’re independent, we’ll kick out all this kempeitais
from our country!” He was wildly cheered, for the crowd hated the sadistic
military police. Fortunately, none of the kempeitais knew Tagalog, or Laurel
would have been taken to forth Santiago for the second time.”19

Apart from this, there is also an incident in which Laurel refused to obey the

demands of the Japanese. Laurel was dismayed when he heard about the sudden

interference of the Japanese Military with the judicial process in various fiscal in Manila.

On one occasion, while in a course of an investigation, a Japanese Officer began slapping

everybody in the court, leaving the people in fear. Laurel then issued a circular prohibiting

the dismissing of cases under trial or pending a trial except in due course of the producer.

He was then requested by the Japanese to Fort Santiago for issuing this and requested him

to withdraw the circular. He was detained for three hours. But for that length of time that

the Japanese were grilling him, he did not repeal his order. Instead, he only said before he

left, “I’ll think about it.”20 It was in moments like these that Laurel proved in his manner

that he refused to be dragged by the orders of the Japanese whenever or in any way that

pleases them.

Laurel’s colleagues in the Executive Commission also witnessed the fearless

reluctancy of Laurel to simply submit to the unlawful orders of the Japanese. There are

19
Quirino Carlos, The Laurel Story: The Life and Times of Dr. Jose P. Laurel, President of the
Second Republic of the Philippines (Jose P. Laurel Memorial Corporation, 1992) Pg. 73
20
De Viana Augusto, “Kulaboretor! The Issue of Collaboration during the World War II Revised
Edition” (UST Publishing House Manila, Philippines 2016) Pg. 41
many occasions where in Laurel refused to be a puppet of the Japanese. Just like for

instance sometime in Malacañang when a high official Japanese police went to the Palace

to informally arrest Roxas, bringing with him letters of guerillas and letters of a spy of Mac

Arthur addressed to Roxas as an evidence. Laurel then refused to be disrespected and

overruled by the Japanese official, yelled and responded in anger.

"You granted our independence with honor," Laurel pointed out, "and I
expect you to respect that independence. "You may call this Republic a puppet
or anything you want. I don't care, but as long as I am the President of this
Republic, I shall enforce its laws and protect its good name and honor. If you
ever lay hands on him, you will have to do it over my dead body!"21

The Japanese official was struck speechless for that was the first time he was

opposed by a Filipino. Realizing that Laurel had a connection with the Premiere Hideki

Tojo, the Japanese official just left, swallowing off the words of Laurel for the

embarrassing situation he was put into. However, this incident can be considered minor

compared to the incident that happened also in Malacañang in which the presidential Guard

Major Vargas was requested by the kempeitai through the telephone to be summoned to

Fort Santiago for questioning. Laurel considering the fact that Vargas knows every officer

of guerillas that Laurel have been secretly keeping in contact with, might be extracted from

Maj. Vargas in a horrendous manner, Laurel assertively refused the request of the

kempeitai official and ordered Maj. Vargas to prepare the presidential guards to shoot off

any kempeitai that would enter the Palace grounds.

“He called for Lt. Valentin Salgado, commander of the Palace Guards, and
asked him to distribute to the 400 soldiers all the firearms in the armory across
the Pasig river, consisting of a half a dozen machineguns, ammunition and
Springfield cal. 30-06 rifles. He assembled his guards and asked them if they

21
Quirino Carlos, The Laurel Story: The Life and Times of Dr. Jose P. Laurel, President of the
Second Republic of the Philippines (Jose P. Laurel Memorial Corporation, 1992) Pg. 90
 were ready to fight the Japanese. A thunderous "yes, sir!" erupted, for almost
all of them were veterans of Bataan and the Death March, and we’re itching to
get back at eh enemy. "Then station yourselves within the Palace grounds and
shoot at any kempeitai that enters the ground to arrest your officer, Major
Vargas." The kempeitai heard of Laurel's order, and never appeared at the
Palace.”22

These various situations in which Laurel disobeyed, assertively disagreed and

declined the orders, commands and requests of the Imperial Japanese constitutes that

Laurel in his own decisions and sense of right judgement, refused to be a puppet of the

Japanese. And that in all of his decisions, including the decision he made to the Executive

Commission, contributes to the amelioration of the atrocities, and the restoration of the

welfare of the Filipino people.

In accordance with Alejandro Lichauco's framework of nationalism, Nationalism

can be applied in many ways. In the case of Laurel, He used his nationalism as a power

through his authority to promulgate administrative orders that will help uplift the nation to

better times. Instead of being a passive president that conforms to the demands of the

Japanese, Laurel did the opposite. Since his very motive for accepting the office and the

independence was to ameliorate the sufferings that was being experienced by Filipinos

under the authorities of the Imperial Japanese, as soon as Laurel was inaugurated as the

President of the Second Republic, he did not waste any time. Together with the help of his

well learned Executive Committee, they formed Ordinances and Executive Orders that are

centralized in his National policy, which is to constitute crucial decisions that promotes

National Survival. Laurel started this by formally giving himself as a President more power

together with the Executive Committee.

22
Quirino Carlos, The Laurel Story: The Life and Times of Dr. Jose P. Laurel, President of the
Second Republic of the Philippines (Jose P. Laurel Memorial Corporation, 1992) Pg. 92
 “During the existence of the Second Republic, the National Assembly was
only able to have one regular session. On February 2, 1944, the Assembly
passed an Act authorizing the President to promulgate rules and regulations to
safeguard the safety, health, and tranquility of the inhabitants of the
Philippines, which was signed by Laurel on the 23rd of the same month
(Avanceña & Maramag, 1980, p. 124). Through the passage of this bill, all
ordinances, executive and administrative orders of the President would have
the same effect as that of statutory laws. Thus, Laurel’s semi-dictatorial
presidency was now formalized. He was now able to formulate and enact his
policies to steer the country towards the goal of national survival”23

One of the biggest problems that Laurel had to deal with was the scarcity of food.

In order to attain the stability of food production, Laurel then first settled the problems with

the guerillas in order to attain peace that will enable the societies to work together in the

midst of crisis. Laurel made this possible through Proclamation No. 2 which grants

amnesty to the guerillas and other people who are guilty of sedition and political crimes.

Through this proclamation, over 30,000 guerillas made use of it, thus making way to the

success of Laurel’s peace campaign. After settling the peace and order, Laurel then started

to deal with the food scarcity. He promulgated Ordinance No. 2 which enables idle and

private lands to be cultivated for food production. The aim of this ordinance was to enable

the production of fast-growing crops as a solution to the food shortage and also to settle

the problem with the unemployment. In addition, Laurel then followed this by

Proclamation No. 10 and Executive Order No. 37 in which the President called out to the

religious organizations, educational institutions and able bodied citizens to set aside a day

in their schedules to help conduct agricultural activities, farming and planting of food crops

to help stabilize the food production. Furthermore, Laurel did not only focus on the

23
Alfonso John, The Second Philippine Republic: Laurel’s Presidency under the Japanese
Occupation (M.A Thesis presented at University of Santo Tomas, 2016) Pg. 55
production of food crops, instead he also gave attention to the food regulation. This gesture

was seen through Executive Order No. 55 Wherein Laurel ordered the confiscation of

excess rice in Manila and Central Luzon. After duly paying the confiscated rice, it was

distributed to the people who are in need. Laurel also paid attention to the people and

communities who were greatly affected by the war. Through the Executive Order No. 19,

Laurel created a relief committee in which committee assessed priorities of the distribution

and ensures the proper distribution of the relief goods to the citizens in great need.24

Apart from helping through Executive Orders, Proclamations and Ordinances,

Laurel in a less serious topic also tried his best to help his fellow citizens in his little humble

acts of service. Realizing the gravity of the situation regarding the food scarcity, Laurel

stated in his memoirs that he even ordered everything they have in Malacañang to be given

to the people. Limiting the course into one and giving the rest to the less fortunate.

“My deep and sincere concern was the salvation of our people. I ordered
everything that Malacañang had be given to the people, especially to the poor
and suffering masses… Even in official banquets in which we had to give, only
one course had to be served. I silently endeavored to share and feel the suffering
of our people.”25

On September 23, 1943, he delivered a speech wherein he sympathized in behalf

of the people, widows, and orphans who were affected by the war. Laurel celebrated

Christmas still having the sentiment to help the Filipino people in their current situation.

Laurel expressed this, by opening the palace to serve the citizens and children, giving food,

cash, medicine etc.

“On the 23rd of December, he and the First Lady opened the gates of
Malacañang to the indigents of Manila. They were able to entertain around

24
Alfonso John, The Second Philippine Republic: Laurel’s Presidency under the Japanese
Occupation (M.A Thesis presented at University of Santo Tomas, 2016) Pg. 56, 61-63
25
Jose Laurel, War Memoirs of Dr. Jose P. Laurel (Manila, Philippines by Lyceum Press, Inc. 1980)
Pg. 20
 6,000 poor children, war orphans and widows, invalids, and indigents, to whom
they gave food, toys, medicine, cash and some Christmas presents. He consoled
the people, reiterating in his welcome speech that the government was doing
everything in its power to cope with the problems of the people.”26

In all of his efforts, Laurel created these administrative orders that are aligned to

his national policy of national survival in order to cope up with the needs of the Filipino

people. Laurel said in his memoirs that there was nothing which Government did not

attempt to do to keep the people alive and there was nothing which the Government had

which it did not give out to the people. Laurel in all of his endeavors, proved to the Filipino

people through his service, that he did not become a puppet of the Japanese in a sense that

he aligned all of his programs with his national policy, the national survival, which is very

appropriate for the Filipino people during war times.

26
Alfonso John, The Second Philippine Republic: Laurel’s Presidency under the Japanese
Occupation (M.A Thesis presented at University of Santo Tomas, 2016) Pg. 83
 CHAPTER 6

Synthesis

Japanese Forces unexpectedly bombed the pearl harbor and soon it

eventually reached the Philippines as it was then considered as part of the territory of the

Americans. Fearing that the Philippines might fall into the hands of the Japanese, America

then decided to pull out President Manuel L. Quezon to present a government in exile

towards Japan. Before leaving for Corregidor, McArthur, together with Manuel L. Quezon,

instructed the government officials that will be left here in the Philippines, to make bargains

with the Japanese, protect the Filipino people and to do everything in their power to

minimize the sufferings that the Filipinos might experience in the hands of the Japanese

forces. Laurel eventually was unexpectedly chosen as the President of the Second Republic

under the provisions of the Imperial Japanese. Laurel then being placed in a situation where

he faces an unavoidable collaboration with the said conqueror, accepted the office and the

independence that was given by the Japanese, with hope in mind that this is the only

opportunity to alleviate the sufferings of the Filipino people under the authority of the

Imperial Japanese. Because of the unavoidable collaboration with the Japanese, Laurel then

was misinterpreted by the Americans and his fellow Filipinos as a puppet of the Japanese.

Possibilities are because of his colleagues in the Executive Commission that are either too

submissive or already pro-Japanese like Vargas and Aquino. But mainly because the

loyalty of Filipinos is still in America, and that because Filipinos were heavily influenced

by the Americans, their perception of Laurel also changed according to the perception of

the Americans. For this reason, it is somehow unfair for Laurel in his situation to be given

the nomenclature of a puppet of the Japanese through the political influence of loyalty of
Filipinos to America. Because Laurel's actions and policies are centered to the needs of the

Filipinos. The researchers believe that if not of the influence of the Americans, the

formation of the puppet concept towards Laurel in the minds of the Filipinos would not

have existed.

It is in the definition of loyalty that the Americans and Filipinos have come up with

puppet concept. Their definition not being a puppet of the Japanese means retaining your

loyalty to the Americans. But Laurel's loyalty was not of the Japanese, but because of his

loyalty to the Filipinos that made him accept the position and unavoidable collaboration

with the Japanese.

But contrary to that popular belief, Laure's actions can be justified by the following

reasons:

First, it was Quezon’s instruction. Before Quezon left, he gave orders to the

officials to do everything in power to minimize the severity of the situation. It was not

Laurel's fault that this instruction can only be fulfilled inside an unavoidable collaboration

with the Japanese. Regardless, it was found in the constant statements of Quezon from his

conversations with McArthur, in his letter to Laurel's third son Sotero H. Laurel and lastly

in his memoirs that his perception towards the officials left in the Philippines, Laurel

included, that they were merely following instructions, and that does not make them a

traitor, collaborator or a puppet of the Japanese. Hence, it does not qualify Laurel as a real

puppet of the Japanese if being puppet of the Japanese meant to follow Quezon's broad

instruction to do everything in power to ameliorate the sufferings of Filipino people.

 Second, there was a threat not only on Laurel's life, but also on the Filipino people.

With the Military Order No. 1 and International Law, the gravity of the responsibility

handed to Laurel gave him no choice but to accept the office and the independence given

by the Japanese, in the service of greater good. Laurel's concept of nationalism differs from

the definition of nationalism of those people who chose to resist against the Japanese.

Guerilla's concept of nationalism meant either fighting against the Japanese or die refusing

to take an oath. Laurel's definition of nationalism means everything that is in the best

interest of the Filipinos. Laurel's definition of nationalism, as serving under the Authority

of the Japanese does not affect the authenticity of his loyalty to America, and most of all

to the Filipinos. Thus, accepting the office in the service of greater good does not make

him valid to be a puppet of the Japanese.

Regardless of the situation, Laurel's efforts throughout the Japanese occupation

were recognized by some of the Filipinos. These were the guerillas and a few individuals

that wrote their observations towards the Japanese Occupation. These first-hand accounts

contain testimonies of faith towards the efforts of the Second Republic which affirms the

fact that Laurel did not really become a puppet of the Japanese. Apart from the perception

of the few individuals towards Laurel, there were also many occasions in which Laurel

refused to adhere to the demands of the Japanese. First one was when the Prime Minister

of Japan requested Laurel to declare war against America, not like other countries that time

who conformed to the request of Japan like India, Burma and China that immediately

declared war as soon as Japan instructed them, Laurel refused to comply in order to protect

the Filipinos from war. Laurel also expressed this constant reluctance when he protected

his colleagues in the Executive commission from the unlawful orders of the Japanese
Authorities. It was also evident when he protested in behalf of the Filipinos, against the

interference of the Japanese Officials to the judicial trials of the government and refused

to withdraw his action even if the Japanese officials requested him to. It was in moments

like these that Laurel proved through his manner that he refused to be a puppet of the

Japanese.

Furthermore, Laurel's policies evidently proved that he is more of a Pro-Filipino

president than a puppet of the Japanese. As soon as Laurel was Inaugurated as the

President, he immediately made use of his administrative powers to design his programs

to cope up with the very need of the Filipino People. He promulgated Ordinances,

Executive Orders and Proclamations that helped the Filipinos attain peace and order, unity

and stability in food production. In conformity with Lichauco's framework of nationalism,

Laurel's nationalism evidently manifested through the programs he made to help the nation

during the war times. He structured his nationalist sentiment within the national policy of

national survival, to cater the needs and best interest of Filipinos rather than serving the

interest of the Imperial Japanese. By doing so, through the lens of Lichauco's framework

of nationalism, Laurel's nationalism furthermore proved that he is not just a mere puppet

of the Japanese, but more of a pro-Filipino president.

Bibliography

Books and Articles

Alfonso John, (2016) The Second Philippine Republic: Laurel’s Presidency under the
Japanese Occupation (M.A diss. University of Santo Tomas)
Black, Jonathan, "Jose P. Laurel and Jorge B. Vargas: Issues of Collaboration and Loyalty
during the Japanese Occupation of the Philippines" (2010). CMC Senior
Theses.Paper 69. http://scholarship.claremont.edu/cmc_theses/69

Buenefe, Manuel E. (1950) War-time Philippines (Manila)

Castillo, Teofilo del. (1949) The Saga of Jose P. Laurel. (Manila & Delaware: Associated
Authors Company)

Collas, J. (1945) Man of Destiny. (Manila)

De Viana Augusto, (2016) “Kulaboretor! The Issue of Collaboration during the World War
II Revised Edition” (UST Publishing House Manila, Philippines)

Hartendorp, A. V. H. (1967) The Japanese Occupation of the Philippines. (Manila)

Jose Laurel, (1980) War Memoirs of Dr. Jose P. Laurel (Manila, Philippines by Lyceum
Press, Inc.)

Limchauco Marcial, (2015) Dear Mother Putnam: Life and Death in Manila during the
Japanese Occupation 1941-1945, (Inkstone Books)

Quirino Carlos, (1992) The Laurel Story: The Life and Times of Dr. Jose P. Laurel,
President of the Second Republic of the Philippines (Jose P. Laurel Memorial
Corporation)

Quezon Manuel Luis, The Good Fight (1985), ((Manila: Cacho Hermanos, Inc., 1985)

Letters and Laurel’s War Documents gathered from Jose P. Laurel Memorial
Foundation

Letter of Manuel L. Quezon, Manuel Quezon to Sotero H. Laurel; Washington D.C,

September 30, 1943.

Laurel, Jose P. (1953) Bread and Freedom. (Manila: Advocate Book Supply Co.)
Jorge B. Vargas, "Report of the Chairman of the Philippine Executive Commission to the
Commanderin-Chief, covering the period January23, I942, to March3 I, 1943,"
unpubl. document of August 23, I943, pp. 40-4I.)

Newspapers from the Tribune

Camote given free to the poor. (1943, December 4). The Tribune, p. 2.

Cooked rice given to poor families. (1943, December 29). The Tribune, p. 1.

Del Rosario, E. (1943, December 24). President and first lady fete indigent folk

at Malacañan. The Tribune, pp. 1 & 4.

Dizon, F. (1944, January 20). The true reason. The Tribune, p. 3.

Economic planning board discusses rice situation. (1944, April 12). The

Tribune, p. 1.

Food campaign. (1944, January 15). The Tribune, p. 4.

Garden contest. (1944, January 20). The Tribune, p. 4.

Home gardens. (1944, January 20). The Tribune, p. 4.

Jacinto, J. S. (1944, September 30). Trust in gov’t. The Tribune, p. 4.

Magno, J. D. (1943, October 1). The best man. The Tribune, p. 3.

Lambujon, E. C. (1943, November 11). Father of his country. The Tribune, p. 3.

Laurel cancels Jan. 1 reception. (1943, December 30). The Tribune, p. 1.

President appeals to guerillas to help Republic. (1944, January 20). The

Tribune, p. 1

President urges all to unite in defense of P.I. independence. (1944, September

29). The Tribune, pp. 1 – 2.

Priests help. (1944, April 5). The Tribune, p. 3.

Public kitchens serve thousands. (1944, May 18). The Tribune, p. 1.

School gardens. (1943, November 27). The Tribune, p. 5.

Songco, E. (1944, April 8). Not Justified. The Tribune, p. 4.

Tarlac pledges loyalty to Laurel. (1943, October 22). The Tribune, p. 5.

Documents Gathered from Malacañang Presidential Museum and Library

The Official Journal of the Japanese Military Administration by The Japanese Military
Administration, Volumes 1-7 & 10-13

Documentary Related to Jose P. Laurel from Jose P. Laurel Memorial Foundation

Unsurrendered 2. (2015) Directed by Bani Lagrono, (Manila, Mai Guillermo) DVD

CUNANAN, VIRGILIO Jr. DIZON
0915-501-8974| jrdizoncunanan@gmail.com
230 Gatiawin, Arayat, Pampanga

OBJECTIVE:

A highly organized and hard-working individual looking for a responsible position to gain
practical experience and to expand my learning, knowledge, and skills in history.

QUALIFICATIONS:

 Completed coursework in Philosophy of History and Introduction of Writing

History.
 Experienced researcher in field work.
 Can work over time and under pressure.

ON THE JOB TRAINING EXPERIENCE :

MUSEUM OF PHILIPPINE HISTORY (February 2019-up to present)

Santo Entiero St. Cor. Miranda St., Angeles City Pampanga

 Serve as Museum Guide and Museum Assistant

Successfully aided in the preparation, execution and follow through of
museum exhibits and day to day requirements in a museum environment.
Assisted in labeling, numbering, photographing, and storing museum artifacts
and documents. Designed and edited historical photographs for exhibit display.
Helped Curator with day to day tasks.

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:

I. Tertiary- Bachelor of Arts Major in History, Mabalacat City College

2016-Present
Dolores, J.P Rizal Street, Mabalacat City, Pampanga

Bachelor of Elementary Education, Pampanga State Agricultural University

Magalang, Pampanga (Undergraduate)
2006-2008
II. Secondary- Magalang National High School - Magalang, Pampanga (2006)

III. Elementary - San Vicente Elementary School - Magalang, Pampanga (2002)

SKILLS:

 Proficient user of Microsoft Office

 Drawing and Drafting

Conferences Attended:
 “Sibul Kabiasnan: The 1st IAS RESESARCH COLLOQUIOIM”, held at
MabalaacatCity College during the 10th day of May, 2019.
 “Basic Guidelines in Writing Historical Research Paper”, held at Mabalacat
City College during 10th day of November, 2017.
 “Pagpopook at Pagdadalumat: Kasaysayang Lokal Tungo sa Kasaysayang
Nasyonal”, held at Mabalacat City College during 21st to 22nd day of February,
2017.

 “The rise and fall of Mabalacat Prominent Families”, held at Mabalacat City
College during the 29th day of November, 2017.
 “English Profiency Seminar”, held at Mabalacat City College during the 10th day
of November 2018.
Character References

Mr. Raymond John D. Vergara

Dean, Institute of Arts & Sciences, Mabalacat City College
Email: rj_diwangbusko@yahoo.com

Mr. Karlo Soto Tolentino

Instructor, Mabalacat City College

I hereby certify that all the information provided above are all true and legitimate.

__________________________
Virgilio D. CunananJr.
Applicant’s Signature
 JIMENEZ, CHRISTIAN MANGUERRA.
0906-887-2426| christian.m.jimenez.history@gmail.com
796 Manuela St. Sta. Clara Subd., Sapang Maisac, Mexico, Pampanga
EDUCATION

Bachelor of Arts Major in History, Mabalacat City College

2015-Present
Dolores, J.P Rizal Street, Mabalacat City, Pampanga

Bachelor of Science in Architecture, Don Honorio Ventura Technological State

University,
Bacolor, Pampanga (undergrad)
2012-2015

SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS
 Good in reading, analyzing and collecting data in history.
 Completed coursework in Philosophy of History and Introduction of Writing
History.
 Experienced researcher in field work.
 Can work over time and under pressure.
 Passionate at work and wants to be an advocator for the heritage houses in the
Philippines.

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE

RESEARCH COMMITTEE

“Queen Mabalacat City 2018: Historical Heritages and Tourist Spots & Caragan
Festival” Dec.2017-Feb. 2018
(Head of Research Committee) Jimenez, Christian Manguerra, Co-Researchers Dalida,
Francis Magbato, Manalang, Chester Renz De Guzman, Elmer E. Buendia Jr., Virgilio D.
Cunanan Jr.
Mabalacat City Tourism Office, Mabalacat City

 Conducted Research about remaining historical heritages like houses and places
within Mabalacat it is early times and created scripts to promote History in
Mabalacat.
 Conducted promotional shoots with the scripts for the candidates of Queen
Mabalacat city in selected Historical houses and tourist Spots.
 Emphasize to the city Government about the lack of preservation on the Ancestral
houses.
CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS

Jimenez, Christian Manguerra., “The Jewish Migration to the Philippines Surviving

Holocaust 1939-1947”, Presented at Undergraduate research paper in 3rd Annual
Talastasan held in Mabalacat City College, Cultural Hall, Last November 29, 2017.
Conferences Attended
 “History and Theory”, held at Jade Hall, Mabalacat City during 30th day of April
2018.

 “Basic Guidelines in Writing Historical Research Paper”, held at Mabalacat

City College during 10th day of November, 2017.

 “Pagpopook at Pagdadalumat: Kasaysayang Lokal Tungo sa Kasaysayang

Nasyonal”, held at Mabalacat City Collee during 21st to 22nd day of February,
2017.

 “Martial Law @ 44: Rekindling the ‘forgotten past’”, held at Mabalacat City
College during 27th day of September, 2016.

 “22nd Ambula: KATATAGAN Brown Bag Lecture Series for the celebration
of the Heritage Month held at Museum of Philippine Social History”, Angeles
City during May 30, 2017.

 “PUGUT: The Filipino-American War in the Philippines”; held at Museum of

Philippine Social History”, Angeles City, Pampanga during August 4, 2018.

 “Annual Student Leadership Training of the College Student Leaders”; held

at Mirador Jesuit Villa, Lourdes Grotto, Baguio City, Philippines during July
26, 27, and 28 2017. (Member of Institute of Arts and Sciences Student Council;
Chairman of Committee on Communication and Correspondence)

 “Rediscovering the Persona Through Art Expression Therapy”; “Mind and

Body Wellness: Our Lives, Our Health R Our Future” held during the
Guidance Week Celebration, October 3-7, 2016 at Mabalacat City College.
  “DNA Junk and Allergen Attack Seminar”, held at Mabalacat City College,
Cultural Hall during September 22, 2016

 “Anti-Drug Awareness and prevention Symposium” held at Mabalacat City

College during February 11, 2017.

 “RETORIKA: Sining ng Pakikipagtalastasan” held at Jade Hall, Lot Only,

Xevera Subdivision, Mabalacat City, Pampanga during October 11, 2016

On the Job-Trainee at Museum of Philippine Social History Sto. Entierro cor.

Miranda St., Angeles City, Pampanga under the National Historical Commission of
the Philippines.

Character References
Mr. Raymond John D. Vergara
Dean, Institute of Arts & Sciences, Mabalacat City College
Email: rj_diwangbusko@yahoo.com
09175102086

Mr. Karlo Soto Tolentino

Instructor, Mabalacat City College
09159971158

I hereby certify that all the information provided above are all true and legitimate.

___________________________
Christian Manguerra
Jimenez
Applicant’s Signature
 BUENDIA JR. ELMER ELQUIERO
0906-854-8372| elmobuendia@gmail.com
Blk 105, Lot16 Dist 6 EPZA Pulung Cacutud Angeles City
EDUCATION

Bachelor of Arts Major in History, Mabalacat City College

2015-Present
Dolores, J.P Rizal Street, Mabalacat City, Pampanga

Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation,

Jose C. Feliciano College Foundation,
Dau Exit, NLEX, Mabalacat Pampanga, (undergrad)
2012-2015

SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS
 Good in reading, analyzing and collecting data in history.
 Completed coursework in Philosophy of History and Introduction of Writing
History.
 Can work overtime and under pressure.
 Passionate at work

CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS

Buendia Jr. Elmer Elquiero., “Understanding Kapampangan’s Culture of Eating

Exotic Food (A Historical Trace”, Presented at Undergraduate research paper in 2nd
Annual Talastasan held in Mabalacat City College, New Building, Dolores Mabalacat
City Last October 27, 2016.

Conferences Attended
 “Basic Guidelines in Writing Historical Research Paper”, held at Mabalacat
City College during 10th day of November, 2017.

 “Pagpopook at Pagdadalumat: Kasaysayang Lokal Tungo sa Kasaysayang

Nasyonal”, held at Mabalacat City Collee during 21st to 22nd day of February,
2017.
  “Martial Law @ 44: Rekindling the ‘forgotten past’”, held at Mabalacat City
College during 27th day of September, 2016.

Character References
Mr. Raymond John Vergara
Dean Institute of Arts & Sciences, Mabalacat City College
09175102086

Ms. Bettina Arriola

Curator at Museum of Philippine Social History
09175538107
09323943601

Alfredo Punzalan
Senior Pastor at Christ Harvester Church
09209669985

I hereby certify that all the information provided above are all true and legitimate.

__________________
Elmer E. Buendia Jr.
Applicant’s Signature