#TodayinHistory in 1890, poet, nationalist, political thinker, jurist, & statesman, Claro M. Recto, was born in Tiaong, Quezon Province. Recto reshaped modern #PH political thought, pushing for nationalist policies when the U.S. heavily influenced post-war PH affairs. THREAD.
Born to Don Claro Recto Sr. of Rosario Batangas & Doña Micaela Mayo of Lipa, among 5 other siblings, 3 of whom died, Claro lived in a generation of great awakening. In 6 years time after his birth, #PH Revolution vs. Spain broke out.
Recto studied Latin at Instituto de Rizal in Lipa, Batangas from 1900 to 1901 & pursued Bachelor og Arts in 1905 at @ateneodemanilau, achieving the highest grade—maxima cum laude. He pursued Law in 1909 at @UST1611official & wrote for several newspapers to support his education.
Meanwhile, he worked as secretary to Vicente Ilustre of the Philippine Commission. In 1916, Recto served as consultant of the instituted Philippine Senate. Finally he pursued politics in 1919, winning elections as Assemblyman of Batangas' 3rd district.
Recto was part of the Independent Missions that campaigned for #PH independence in the U.S. Congress. He temporarily left politics for pvt law practice (1928-1931) but soon returned, winning a senate seat in 1931, defeating Quezon-backed JP Laurel of Tanauan.
Recto was elected President of the 1934 Consti Convention tasked to draft a constitution that would be in effect in the 10-yr transition to independence. Upon personally giving the draft to POTUS FD Roosevelt, w/ Quezon, he was appointed as SC Justice.
He wasn't able to fully dispense his senate powers upon being reelected in 1941 due to #WWII. He was accused of collaborating w/ the Japanese. Instead of availing presidential amnesty, he took the harder route of seeking acquittal from the People's Court.
Recto's long track record in post-war #PH Senate was legendary. He campaigned for strengthening the separation of church & state amidst the Catholic Church's influence, pushed for independent foreign policy that ran contrary to the U.S. agenda, & opposed U.S. bases retention.
Recto often rebuked #PH presidents who seemed too eager to support U.S. interests (e.g. Ramon Magsaysay). He was a passionate Rizalian, & a true Constitutionalist. The 1935 Consti was, accd to political experts, the best consti PH ever had, thanks to his leadership in drafting it
He tried to run for the #PH presidency in 1957 but lost to Carlos P. Garcia. Due to his acknowledged literary achievements in Tagalog, Spanish, & English, he was made cultural envoy w/ rank of ambassador & sent to represent PH in Europe & Latin America. He died in Rome in 1960.
A Recto #QOTD:
Photos:
- Presidential Museum & Library
- Cornejo's Commonwealth Directory of the Philippines
- @AskNLP
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