Jose Fuentebella
| The Honourable Jose T. Fuentebella | |
|---|---|
| Senator of the Philippines from the 6th Senatorial District | |
|
In office 1928–1931 | |
| Preceded by | Juan B. Alegre |
|
In office 1931–1934 | |
| Succeeded by | Domingo Imperial |
| Member of the Philippine House of Representatives from Ambos Camarines' 3rd District | |
|
In office 1909–1912 | |
| Preceded by | Francisco Alvarez |
|
In office 1912–1916 | |
| Succeeded by | Sulpicio V. Cea |
| Governor of Ambos Camarines | |
|
In office 1916–1916 | |
| Preceded by | Mariano Fuentebella |
| Succeeded by | Manuel Crescini |
| Member of the Philippine National Assembly from Camarines Sur's Second District | |
|
In office November 25, 1935 – August 15, 1938 | |
| Preceded by | Luis N. De Leon |
| Member of the Philippine National Assembly from Camarines Sur's Second District | |
|
In office January 24, 1939 – December 16, 1941 | |
| Member of the Congress of the Commonwealth of the Philippines from Camarines Sur's Second District | |
|
In office 1945–1946 | |
| Succeeded by | Sebastian C. Moll, Jr. |
| Commissioner of the 5th Military District | |
|
In office September 1943 – December 1944 | |
| President | José P. Laurel |
| Philippine Ambassador to Indonesia | |
|
In office 1955–1961 | |
| President | Ramon Magsaysay |
| Presidential Adviser on Foreign Affairs | |
| President | Ferdinand E. Marcos |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Jose Tria Fuentebella June 17, 1883 Sagñay, Ambos Camarines, Captaincy General of the Philippines |
| Died | July 25, 1982 (aged 99) |
| Nationality | Filipino |
| Political party | Nacionalista Party |
| Residence | Sagñay, Camarines Sur |
| Alma mater |
Colegio de San Buenaventura (Albay) Ateneo de Manila Escuela de Leyes |
| Profession | Lawyer |
| Religion | Catholicism |
Jose T. Fuentebella , widely known as "Pepe" was one of the greatest Fuentebella politician in Philippine history for his tumultuous contributions to the country. He is the first Fuentebella to foray into the national arena of politics.
Early Life and Education
Jose studied at Colegio de San Buenaventura in Albay. He finished his Bachelor of Arts in Ateneo de Manila in 1902, obtained his Bachelor of Laws from Escuela de Leyes in 1905 and passed the bar in 1906. Jose practiced law for three years before entering politics at the age of 26.
Political and Professional Career
He was elected representative of Ambos Camarines for the Second Philippine Legislature in 1909. He also served to the Third Philippine Legislature until 1916.
He convinced his father, Mariano Fuentebella, to run for governor of Ambos Camarines in 1912. Together they formed a powerful tandem and were able to obtain benefits for the province from the colonial government. When his father died, although he was in a higher office as a representative, Jose accepted the appointment as governor to finish his father's term and implement their joint projects.
In 1916, he returned to private practice. But in 1931, he made his return to Senate in 1928 and served two terms (1928-1931 and 1931-1934).
The Senate was abolished in 1935. In the legislative polls later that year, Jose won a seat in the unicameral National Assembly and served two terms until 1941.
Although the Senate was restored in 1941, Jose ran for a seat in the Lower House in the November polls. However, the 1st Congress of the Commonwealth of the Philippines did not seat until 1945 as World War II came to the Philippines.
During the Japanese Occupation, from September 1943 to December 1944, Jose was appointed Commissioner of the 5th Military District comprising the entire Bicol Region. After consulting guerilla leaders, he accepted the appointment from the Laurel government reluctantly and only to prevent more Japanese atrocities.
After the war, he finished his term as representative and successfully defended himself from accusations that he had collaborated with the Japanese.
Crowning his long and illustrious service to the nation, Jose was appointed Philippine Ambassador to Indonesia by then Philippine President Ramon Magsaysay. He exercised deft democracy from 1955 to 1961, a crucial time in Philippine and Indonesian relations. Subsequently, Philippine President Ferdinand E. Marcos appointed him Presidential Adviser on Foreign Affairs.
Jose was an ardent nationalist and founder of the Nacionalista Party in Bicol. He is one who espoused the "Filipino First" policy of then Philippine President Carlos Garcia. One of his greatest achievements as a politician was the extension of the Philippine National Railways to Bicol, establishing Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges in Naga City, and being the author of the "Flag Law".
Death
He died on July 25, 1982.
References
- Building Institutions: The Fuentebella Legacy by Coylee Gamboa