The Filipino Profiles

Emmanuel Neri Pelaez (November 30, 1915 – July 27, 2003) was a politician and Vice-President of the Philippines.

Pelaez was born in Medina, Misamis Oriental to Gregorio Pelaez, Sr. and Felipa Neri. He studied in Cagayan de Misamis (former name of Cagayan de Oro) Elementary School where he got the highest honors. He then went to the Ateneo de Manila High School and got his Associate in Arts at the Cebu UP Junior College.

He received his law degree from the University of Manila in 1938, and in the same year topped the Bar examinations. He worked as a Senate Clerk at the Journal Division from 1934 to 1935, Debate Reporter from 1935 to 1937, and court translator from 1937-1938. He was employed as assistant court reporter at the Court of Appeals from 1939 to 1940, then later Special Prosecutor of the People’s Court from 1945 up to 1946. Peláez practiced law and at the same time professor of law at the University of Manila from 1946 up to 1963. In 1949, he was voted Congressman, representing his home province. During his term as representative (1949-53) he was adjudged one of the Ten Outstanding Congressmen by the Congressional Press Club, one of the Ten Most Useful Congressmen by the Philippine Free Press, and one of the two Most Outstanding Congressmen by the League of Women Voters of the Philippines.

Such achievements in the Lower House of Congress literally brought him to the Senate floor in 1953-60. He was unanimously chosen Most Outstanding Senator by two organizations, the League of Women Voters of the Philippines and the Senate Press Club.

Pelaez married Edith Fabella with whom he has nine children: Emmanuel Jr., Ernesto, Elena, Esperanza, Eloisa, Eduardo, Enrique, Edmundo and Elvira. A failed assassination attempt prompted Pelaez to end his political career and devote his life to Bible studies. He served twice as President of the Bible Society and Chairman of its Board of Directors, and was later made Honorary President for life by the organization.

He died July 27, 2003 at the Asian Hospital and Medical Center in Muntinlupa City due to cardiac arrest.

Other Information

• Name : Emmanuel Neri Pelaez
• Birthday : November 30, 1915
• Birthplace : Medina, Misamis Oriental
• Died :July 27, 2003 (aged 87), Muntinlupa City, Metro Manila
• Nationality :Filipino
• Political party: Liberal
• Schools Attended :
• Elementary School, Cagayan de Misamis (former name of Cagayan de Oro)
• High school, Ateneo de Manila High School
• Associate in Arts, Cebu UP Junior College
• Law degree, University of Manila (1938)
• Father : Gregorio Pelaez, Sr.
• Mother : Felipa Neri
• Spouse: Edith Fabella
• Children : 9
• Emmanuel Jr.
• Ernesto
• Elena
• Esperanza
• Eloisa
• Eduardo
• Enrique
• Edmundo
• Elvira
• Religion: Roman Catholic

Career Highlights

• 7th Vice President of the Philippines (December 30, 1961 – December 30, 1965)
• Secretary of Foreign Affairs (1961–1963)
• Ambassador to the United States (1986–1992)
• Senator of the Philippines (1953–1959, 1967–1972)
• Representative, Lone District of Misamis Oriental (1949–1953, 1965–1967)
• Regional Mambabatas Pambansa, Region X (1978–1984)

Awards and Recognitions

• Most Outstanding Senator, League of Women Voters of the Philippines and the Senate Press Club