The Rotary Balita no. 621 (May 26, 1948)

The eminent politician, jurist and lawyer, Dr. Jose P. Laurel, of Batangas, presidential aspirant in the coming elections and at present the most controversial figure in the Philippines, delivered before the Rotarians today an inspired and inspiring speech with his characteristic fire and flawless oratory. The distinguished doctor deplored graft and corruption in high places in the government and expressed the fear that if such a state of things goes on unchecked, a civil war, similar to the one in China, will be eventually inevitable. A government that fails to meet the needs of the people for bread and freedom is not a good government, Dr. Laurel stressed, and requires change. In what Rotarians considered an impassioned plea for support, Dr. Laurel forcefully pointed the weaknesses of the present administration, including partiality in tax collection, which is not only ruinous to the government but also discouraging to businessmen. On the subject of communism, Dr. Laurel made it plain that any system of government that would deny or do away with the existence of the Supreme Being that guides the destinies of men and nations cannot count with his support because any atheistic system is fundamentally wrong and is eventually bound to fail. As to his alleged anti-Americanism, Dr. Laurel dismissed his critics with the statement that his spirit of nationalism is really nothing but the result of his American education which has taught him to love his country above all else. He said that his advocacy of nationalism should not be construed as against international brotherhood, because there can be strong nationalism even while advocating the idea of One World among nations. Rotarians were held practically spellbound during Dr. Laurel's almost one-hour address and were unanimous in considering today's speaker as one of the best so far.