José Laurel III


José Sotero "Pepe" Laurel III y Hidalgo, also known as José S. Laurel III, was the aide-de-camp of President Jose P. Laurel during the World War II period. He later became ambassador of the Philippines to Japan.

Early life

He was born on August 27, 1914. He mastered the Japanese language and culture in the Imperial Japanese Army Academy from 1934 to 1937.
In 1976, he initiated the Philippine Federation of Japan Alumni, a congregation of former students who graduated in Japanese colleges and universities including grantees of training programs. The association aims to strengthen Philippine-Japan relationship through educational and professional exchanges.

Personal life

He is the 2nd of 9 siblings. He is the son of José P. Laurel with his wife Pacencia Laurel and brother to Jose Jr., Salvador and Sotero Laurel II. He was married to Beatrice Laurel with children, including José Laurel V.