Raul Manglapus

Senator Raul Manglapus

distinguished himself as a student, soldier, statesman, newspaperman and as a civic leader.

He finished grade school and high school at the Ateneo de Manila with first honors and finished law at the University of Santo Tomas. He was the national inter - university oratorical champion of 1940.

In 1942, he was arrested in Manila by the Japanese military police and imprisoned at Fort Santiago for propaganda activities. Sentenced to imprisonment at Muntinlupa in 1943, he escaped in August, 1944 and joined Hunters Guerillas.

In 1946, he passed the bar examinations with flying colors.

The Filipino people can well be proud of his academic standing in the Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.

As a newspaperman and literary writer, Senator Manglapus had lucid style and originality that he was one of the most - read writers of the New Era. His masterful language and diction did honor to his standing in the halls of Congress. He wrote nine books and contributed articles to international magazines and serials.

As a senator, he became chairman of the Senate committee on investigation (Blue Ribbon), and revision of laws. He was senator from 1961-1967. Reelected senator in 1987, he was appointed Secretary of Foreign Affairs in September of the same year.

He was also professor of constitutional law, the first assistant attorney of the Tañada, Palaez and Teehankee law firm, a partner in the Feria, Manglapus and Associates law Office; and was appointed Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs by President Magsaysay in 1954. He became Secretary of Foreign Affairs in 1957.

He was a member of the Philippine Veterans Legion, president of the Catholic Action of the Philippines from 1951 to 1953, founder and chairman of the Cultural Foundation of the Philippines. His speaking engagements took him to all parts of the globe where he delivered messages and reaped honors for the Republic of the Philippines.

Senator Manglapus was born on October 20, 1918 in Manila, to Congressman Valentin Manglapus of Ilocos Sur, and the former Justina Sevilla of Malabon, Rizal. He was married to Pacita La O.

He died on July 25, 1999.