Jose Martinez Aldeguer (September 1, 1908 – after 1973) was a Filipino lawyer and politician who served as the longest-serving representative of Iloilo's 5th congressional district in the House of Representatives, serving for 24 years. He was also the last speaker pro tempore of the House before Congress was abolished in 1973 following the declaration of martial law.
Early life and education Aldeguer was born in Sara, Iloilo, on September 1, 1908, to Mateo Aldeguer and Enriqueta Martinez. He attended Colegio de San Agustin for his primary education and later enrolled at Ateneo de Manila University for his secondary and collegiate studies, graduating summa cum laude with an Associate in Arts degree. He subsequently studied at the University of the Philippines, where he earned his Bachelor of Laws degree. He placed 13th in the 1933 Bar examinations.
Career Early career In 1934, Aldeguer was elected as one of Iloilo's delegates to the Constitutional Convention. During the Japanese occupation, he served as deputy governor of the ninth administrative district of the free guerrilla government in Panay and Romblon. Following the liberation of the Philippines, he served as secretary of the Iloilo Provincial Board.
House of Representatives Aldeguer was elected in 1949 to represent Iloilo's 5th congressional district in the House of Representatives under the Nacionalista Party. He joined the Democratic Party in 1953, when he won a second term, before returning to the Nacionalista Party in 1957. He was subsequently re-elected to four consecutive terms, serving until his tenure was cut short by the declaration of martial law and the subsequent adoption of the 1973 Constitution, which abolished Congress. Aldeguer held several leadership positions in the House, including majority floor leader and chairperson of the House Committee on Rules during the 4th Congress from 1958 to 1961, and speaker pro tempore during the 6th and 7th Congresses from 1967 to 1973.
Personal life Aldeguer was married to Esther Salcedo, with whom he had a daughter, Sonia.
Electoral history + Electoral history of Jose Aldeguer Year Office Party Votes received Result Total % . Swing 1934 Constitutional Convention Delegate (Iloilo) Nonpartisan 1949 Representative (Iloilo–5th) Nacionalista 1st 1953 Democratic 19,727 59.12% 1st 1957 rowspan="4" Nacionalista 1st 1961 1st 1965 29,396 57.81% 1st 1969 1st
References