Jose P. Laurel

Jose Paciano Laurel Y Garcia, was born on March 9, 1891 in Tanauan (now Tanauan City), Batangas. Since the administration of President Diosdado Macapagal (1961-1965), Laurel has been recognized as a legitimate president of the Philippines.

Laurel's Supreme court tenure may have been over-shadowed by his presidency, yet he remains one of the most important Supreme Court justices in Philippine history. He authored several leading cases still analyzed to this day that defined the parameters of the branches of government as well as their powers.

On November 6, 1959, Laurel died (aged 68) at the Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Manila, from a massive heart attack and a stroke. He is buried in Tanauan City, Batangas.