Accused before the People’s Court in 1946 for serving the Japanese Military Administration during World War II, President Laurel defended himself, saying that there is no law in this world that prohibits a citizen from serving the interest of one’s country. Asked by an American official, President Laurel replied: "If I were standing by a river bank and saw three men drowning – one a Filipino, the other an American, and the third a Japanese – my duty as a Filipino is to save the Filipino first. If I could, I would save the American and Japanese too, but I would save my countryman first. That is exactly what I did during the war. And I would do it again, given another chance." President Laurel stressed that what motivated him was to work "for the good of the country at a time when national survival was of main concern." "Nobody can profess to love the Filipino," he declared, "more than the Filipino people themselves.

He envisioned a strong, unified, and economically independent Filipino nation. He enjoined his countrymen to be self-reliant, self-sacrificing, and self-sufficient. Unlike many countries, the Philippines did not suffer from famine and hunger during World War II.

President Jose P. Laurel Sr. was born on March 9, 1891. From a lowly messenger in the Bureau of Forestry, he rose to higher positions in the government. He became undersecretary, then secretary of interior, senator, associate justice of the Supreme Court, delegate to the 1934 Constitutional Convention, and, during World War II, President of the Republic of the Philippines. Honor and Integrity characterize his many years serving his country and people. President Laurel Sr. died on November 6, 1959. He bequeathed a sterling record of exemplary public service, great ideals, and genuine patriotism.

May our public officials emulate President Jose P. Laurel Sr.’s deeds.