Senator Tañada, the grand old man of the Philippine politics.
Senator Tañada the longest-serving senator in
Philippine history was born on August 10, 1898 in Gumaca, Quezon. He started
primary school at the elementary schools in Gumaca and Antimonan, Quezon and
completed his intermediate and secondary education at De La Salle College. He
obtained his AB. and law degrees from the University of the Philippines; Master
of Laws from Harvard University; and Doctor of Civil Law from the University of
Santo Tomas.
Lorenzo married Expedita Zaballero Ebarle in 1927
with whom he had 9 children. He died on August 9, 1992 at the age of 93.
Tañada, often called as the "grand old man of
the Philippine politics", dedicated his life to the untiring struggle for
nationalism, independence and sovereignty in the country. He served as a
Philippine senator for 24 years.
In 1929, he became assistant city fiscal of Manila.
In 1936, after having received his doctorate degree, Justice Francisco Delgado
invited him to form the law of Delgado and Tañada. In 1945, President Osmeña
appointed him judge of the Court of the First Instance of Manila. That same
year, he was made solicitor general and chief of the Office of Special
Prosecutors. It was in the latter capacity where he projected his type of
persuasion; he believed that truth and social justice and honest government
were the means to keep the people happy in the pursuit of their sovereign
rights.
Tañada was elected senator in 1948. He got re - elected
in 1953, 1959 and 1965. He is the president of the nationalist - citizens Party
under whose banner he ran for vice - president together with presidential
candidate Claro M. Recto.
The legislative record of Tañada speaks well for
itself; he sponsored the bill requiring government officials to make public
their assets and liabilities; the Tañada Picketing Law which gives protection
to laborers on strike; the law changing the Philippine Independence Day from
July 4th to June 12; and the infamous bill which prohibits discrimination in
the employment of persons by corporations. An important bill to his credit is
the law, which prohibits and penalizes wiretapping and other related violations
of the privacy of communication.
Because of this distinguished record as public
official, several organizations have singled him out for numerous awards.
Senator Tañada has demonstrated that a career in public service and a Christian
way of life is possible, as it should be emulated.
On his birthday in 1986, Tañada received the
Philippine Legion of Honor, the country’s highest award, from President Corazon
Aquino for opposing the presence of American troops in the country.
Reference:
Senate Government
Philippines News Agency
Philippines News Agency
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