MANILA REMEMBERS JUSTICE FOR THE POOR AUTHOR

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim led the celebration of the 81^st birth anniversary of the late Vice-President of the Republic Salvador “Doy” Laurel in the wreath-laying ceremony held at the Roxas Boulevard corner Pedro Gil Street .  The celebration was also attended by Laurel ’s wife, Mrs. Celia Diaz-Laurel and family and close friends.

Others who offered wreaths were, National Historical Institute Executive Director Ludovico Badoy, Manila Historical and Heritage Commission Vice-Chairperson Gemma Cruz-Araneta, City School Superintendent Dr. Ponciano Menguito, Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino Chairman Joe Lad Santos.

Lim told the students present of an interesting background of Laurel being the fifth son of the late President Jose P. Laurel and served as Vice-President of teh Republic together with then President, the late Corazon Aquino. 

He also commended Laurel ’s action in giving way for his presidential bid for President Aquino in the snap election. He was the founder and standard bearer of the United Nationalists Democratic Organizations (UNIDO).

The mayor admired Laurel ’s stand and fought against the Martial Rule during the Marcos Regime.  “Bihira lang ang mga taong tumayo at lumaban sa diktaturya na kagaya ni Doy Laurel ”, Lim added.

Lim challenged everyone present that the key is in their hands towards change.  “Kayo ang hahatol kung sino ang dapat na iluklok sa pwesto at iyan ang hamon sa atin ni Doy at President Jose P. Laurel”, Lim stated.

Doy Laurel ’s wife, Celia, cited one of the most notable deeds when Doy Laurel authored five “Justice for the Poor” laws, also known as “LaurelLaws.

Mrs. Laurel said, “Doy Laurel never failed to think about the country though he was in abroad and sick”.  She shared the words of Doy saying, “You don’t have to be in the government to serve people.  Your neighbors are already enough.  Serving them means serving the country because they are citizens of this country.”

“Love for country is something that no one can take away from you”, the words from Celia Laurel which she asked the future generations to remember.  Through this, the dream of President Laurel and her husband, Doy, will come true, she added.

Lim commended the students from Jose P. Laurel High School who rendered a song number that touched and impressed the people present and said that they must be given a scholarship in music in order to develop more of their singing talent.