Emmanuel Pelaez biography launched

CEBU, Philippines - The biography of former vice-president Emmanuel Pelaez was launched last July 31 at the Casa Gorordo. 'What's Happening to Our Country: The Life and Times of Emmanuel Pelaez' is written by political commentator Nelson Navarro and was presented to Cebu civic leaders and students of political history by the foundation named after the former statesman in partnership with his nephew, business leader Efrain T. Pelaez Jr.

The coffeetable book of over 340 pages is both a biography and compelling narrative woven around the key political figures from the Quirino up to the Aquino administrations. It clearly illustrates the patriotism exhibited by pre-Marcos political figures and serves as a worthy reminder for the need for genuine servant leadership among those seeking public office.

According to Efrain Pelaez, the book also expounds on "what it takes to be an effective leader who can bring about lasting change." Guest speakers during the launch were Ernesto Aboitiz, and Antonio G.M. La Vina, dean of the Ateneo School of Government in Manila.

Touted as the heir apparent of the extremely popular Pres. Ramon Magsaysay, Pelaez, then the youngest senator in 1954 at age 38, was considered presidential timber in the run-up to the 1957 and 1961 elections for the presidency. Nevertheless, his youth predisposed him to bide his time.

When he was ready to seek the highest post in the land prior to the 1964 race, Pelaez lost the nominations to be the Nacionalista party bet to Ferdinand Marcos in a convention marred by coercion and massive vote buying. Marcos' assumption to power forever dashed Pelaez' chances in fulfilling a life-long ambition. Nevertheless, he continued to serve his country in various capacities. As congressman and senator, he authored laws like the Rural Electrification Act of 1969 which brought electricity to the homes of the most humble folk and changed their lives forever.

As assemblyman in the early 80s, he waged a fiery crusade against the coconut levy, "perhaps the biggest of all Marcosian scandals," according to Navarro. As a result of his unrelenting pursuit of truth and justice for the coconut farmer in a period when political opposition was hardly tolerated, Pelaez was ambushed and nearly died in 1982. The coconut monopoly was dismantled soon after.

In the Aquino era, Pelaez was appointed ambassador to Washington where he eventually gained the respect of key personalities on Capitol Hill and helped pave the way for the massive infusion of American aid to the Philippines following the devastation of the Philippine economy by Ferdinand Marcos.