Cornelio Villareal

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Cornelio T. Villareal

In office
1962 – 1967
Preceded by Daniel Romualdez
Succeeded by Jose Laurel, Jr.

In office
1971 – 1972
Preceded by Jose Laurel, Jr.
Succeeded by Querube Makalintal[1]

In office
1941 – 1972
Preceded by Jose A. Dorado
Succeeded by seat abolished

In office
1987 – 1992
Preceded by newly created
Succeeded by Vicente J. Andaya, Jr.

Born September 11, 1904(1904-09-11)
Mambusao, Capiz, Philippines
Died December 22, 1992 (aged 88)
Metro Manila, Philippines
Nationality Filipino
Political party Liberal Party
Spouse Angeles Lerma
Alma mater Silliman University, Philippine Law School
Occupation lawyer

Cornelio T. Villareal (September 11, 1904December 22, 1992) was a Filipino politician who served as Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Philippines from 1962 to 1967, and again from 1971 to 1972. Popularly known as Kune, his congressional career representing the Second District of Capiz spanned six decades.

Contents

[edit] Early life

Villareal was born in Mambusao, Capiz. He finished his intermediate and secondary education in Capiz, and enrolled at the Silliman University for his pre-law course. In 1929, he received his law degree from the Philippine Law School and passed the bar exams later that year.

[edit] Political career

Villareal's political career began in 1934, when he was elected as a delegate to the 1935 Constitutional Convention. In 1941, Villareal won his first election as a Member of the House of Representatives, representing the Second District of Capiz. His term was interrupted by the Japanese invasion in late 1941, but he reassumed his seat in 1945[2] He was re-elected in 1946 under the banner of the Liberal Party, and served continuously until 1972. In 1951, Villareal unsuccessfully sought election to the Philippine Senate, for the seat vacated by Fernando Lopez upon the latter's election as Vice-President.

Villareal was first elected Speaker of the House of Representatives during the 5th Congress, in March of 1962. During the 6th Congress, he was unseated as speaker in 1967 by Jose Laurel, Jr. of the Nacionalista Party. Villareal regained the Speakership from Laurel, Jr. during the 7th Congress in 1971, and served in that capacity until Congress was abolished upon the declaration of martial law by President Ferdinand Marcos in September of 1972.[3]

Villareal withdrew from politics until Congress was restored following the ouster of Marcos. At age 83, he was again elected to his congressional seat in the Second District of Capiz in 1987. He was the oldest member of the 8th Congress, while his colleague from Capiz, Gerardo "Dinggoy" Roxas, Jr., was the youngest member of Congress. Ironically, Roxas would outlive Villareal only by a few months.

Villareal did not seek re-election following the expiration of his term in June of 1992. He died six months later, aged 88.[4]

During his congressional career, Villareal advocated liberal economic and trade policies such as decontrol and decentralization.[5]

[edit] Notes

  1. ^ Congress abolished in 1972, substituted by the Batasang Pambansa from 1978 to 1986
  2. ^ Paras & La Vina, p. 116
  3. ^ Paras & La Vina, p. 116
  4. ^ Paras & La Vina, pp. 116-117
  5. ^ Paras & La Vina, p. 116-117

[edit] Reference

  • Corazon L. Paras; La Vina, Dean Karlo B. (1996). The Speakers of the Philippine Legislative Branch. House of Representatives of the Philippines. ISBN 971-92100-0-1. 
Preceded by
Daniel Romualdez
Speaker of the House of Representatives
1962–1967
Succeeded by
Jose Laurel, Jr.
Preceded by
Jose Laurel, Jr.
Speaker of the House of Representatives
1971–1972
Succeeded by
Querube Makalintal[1]
Preceded by
Jose A. Dorado
Representative, 2nd District of Capiz
1941–1972
Succeeded by
seat abolished
Preceded by
newly created
Representative, 2nd District of Capiz
1987–1992
Succeeded by
Vicente J. Andaya, Jr.