The late Salvador "Doy" Laurel Jr., who would have turned 97 on the 18th of November, wasn’t just a prominent figure in Philippine politics, he was also someone whose life story feels like a deeply personal journey of dedication and love for his country.

Doy showed an incredible passion for justice, especially for the underprivileged. As a young senator in the Nacionalista Party, he was known for pushing laws that helped the poor and for his unwavering integrity, earning him repeated recognition as an outstanding legislator. But Doy’s story is much more than titles and awards—it’s about how he genuinely cared for the Filipino people.

My connection with Doy was, of course, mediated by his leadership role in the Nacionalista Party. Ever since he was elected as the youngest post-war senator at just 39, Doy carried the party’s ideals with unrivaled fervor. But his career wasn’t always easy—things took a darker turn when our democracy was under attack and Doy, with all his courage, stood up bravely and defended our freedom, knowing full well the risks involved. This shift from lawmaker to defender of democracy showed just how much he believed in democracy and was willing to fight for it.

One of the most remarkable parts of his life was how he brought people together to fight for the restoration of democracy. While some people became famous for their ambitions, Doy became legendary for how he put country above ambition, stepping back from his own presidential dreams so that the opposition, and hence the country, can unite. In my view, this sacrifice, this historic event is the most underrated episode in Philippine democracy. Doy’s humility and selflessness reflected a deeper love—a love for the Filipino nation that far outweighed personal gain.

As a public servant, he performed his duties with passion and resolve: as Vice President, Prime Minister, and Secretary of Foreign Affairs. These positions allowed him to help rebuild the nation’s democracy and shape its foreign relations, especially toward China. But even in such high ranks, he stayed true to his principles. When things didn’t align morally, he chose to resign rather than compromise his values—a move that speaks volumes about his character. An act that defined his life in politics—country first before ambition.

Even in the twilight of his life, Doy was thinking about the country. Just before he passed away in 2004 in the United States, he asked me to meet with him and told me that he wanted to pass the leadership of the Nacionalista Party to me. This was more than just politics—it was a symbolic act of trust and hope for the future. It was a daunting task but I was proud that Doy trusted me as the custodian of the Party's enduring legacy. Looking back, that singular act was a display of true leadership that is all about passing the torch with trust, ensuring the flame of democracy continues to burn bright for generations to come.

Thinking about Doy in a personal way, it is impossible not to feel inspired by his humility, courage, and deep sense of duty. His story is not just about political milestones; it’s about a man who chose love of country over everything else. Salvador "Doy" Laurel—the statesman, the public servant, the epitome of sacrifice for the common good—remains not just a historical figure but a beacon of hope and honor, someone whose values and spirit should be an inspiration to all Filipinos who cherish democracy.

As he was reflecting on whether to give up his ambitions for the greater good, Doy famously stated: “I can sacrifice myself. I can sacrifice the presidency. But I cannot sacrifice my party and my principles.” Moreover, Doy emphasized that he “cannot sacrifice the people who have suffered so much and worked so hard all these years, risking life, liberty, even honor,” for the future of the country.

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