Loading ...Arturo Modesto Tolentino (September 19, 1910 – August 2, 2004) was a prominent political figure in the Philippines who briefly held the position of vice president in 1986. He is more well known as the father of the Philippine “archipelagic doctrine” and expert on the Law of the Sea.
Tolentino was also a former congressman (1949 – 1957) and senator 1957 – 1972). He held the Senate Presidency from (1965 – 1967). He was appointed as Minister of Foreign Affairs during the Marcos administration (1984 – 1985), served in the Batasang Pambansa. He was elected and again served in the Philippine Senate (1992 – 1995).
As a student, Tolentino was noted for his excellent scholarship. He was valedictorian of the Manila East High School (now V. Mapa High School)(1928); valedictorian (cum laude) University of the Philippines College of Law (1934); a bar topnotcher (1934). He obtained the degree of Bachelor of Philosophy (cum laude) with a gold medal award from the UP in 1938, and received the degrees of Master of Law (meritissimus) and Doctor of Civil Law (meritissimus) from the University of Santo Tomás.
As a debater and orator, he won seven gold medals (including the Quezon Medal) and two silver loving cups. He held the title of “Inter-Collegiate Oratorical Champion of the Philippines” in 1934. He successfully debated with American students from the University of Oregon in 1933 and from the University of Washington in 1934. In U.P., he was also editor-in-chief of the Philippine Collegian and a member of the Upsilon Sigma Phi.
Tolentino engaged in the practice of law after passing the bar in 1934, and was a recognized legal luminary.
He was a law professor in the University of the Philippines, University of Santo Tomás, University of the East, University of Manila, Arellano University, FEU, Manila Law College, Philippine Law School, San Beda College and Quezon College.
Other Information
- Name : Arturo Modesto Tolentino
- Birthday : September 19, 1910
- Birthplace : Tondo, Manila
- Died : August 2, 2004 (aged 93), Quezon City, Metro Manila
- Nationality : Filipino
- Political parties : Nationalist People’s Coalition, Kilusang Bagong Lipunan, Nacionalista
- Schools Attended :
- High school education, valedictorian, Manila East High School (now V. Mapa High School)(1928)
- Valedictorian (cum laude), University of the Philippines College of Law (1934)
- Bachelor of Philosophy, cum laude with a gold medal award, UP (1938)
- Master of Law (meritissimus), University of Santo Tomas
- Doctor of Civil Law (meritissimus), University of Santo Tomas
- Spouses:
- Constancia Conde
- Consuelo David
- Rosita Robles
- Children : 7
- Arturo Jr.
- Evelyn
- Consuelo David
- Bernadette
- Salvador
- Victorio
- Ma. Elenita
- Religion : Roman Catholic
Career Highlights
- 9th Vice President of the Philippines, 1st Vice President of the 4th Republic (February 16 – February 25, 1986)
- Minister of Foreign Affairs, (1984 – 1985)
- President of the Senate of the Philippines, (1966–1967)
- Senator of the Philippines, (1957–1972, 1992–1995)
- Mambabatas Pambansa, Manila (1984–1986)
- Regional Assemblymen, National Capital Region (1978–1984)
- Representative, 3rd District of Manila (1949–1957)
Benigno Aquino III
Dinky Soliman
Manny Villar