Jose M. Aldeguer was a political strong man in his congressional district, an efficient factor in secret and confidential moves in the house that had brought the rise and fall of house leaderships, congressman Jose M. Aldeguer has the confidence of his citizens in bringing home every centavo of public works.
A Lawyer
On September 1, 1908, Congressman Aldeguer was born in Sara, Iloilo. Aldeguer finished his elementary studies in Sara before moving to Manila to finish his further education. He had a passion for sports and was an athlete in both high school and college. He loved athletics and participated in track and field, football, and basketball while a student at the Ateneo de Manila. He was also the top basketball player in the College of Law. He worked as a lawyer in Iloilo City after receiving his degree and passing the bar.
Aldeguer, a wealthy man, did not give the rates he should demand his legal services much thought. He frequently handled matters for the underprivileged and working class without payment and without considering receiving payment in the future.
A delegate to the Philippine Constitutional Convention of 1934
He was quickly chosen as an Iloilo representative to the Philippine Constitutional Convention of 1934, which created the Constitution for the Commonwealth of the Philippines, thanks to his natural affinity for politics and the political standing of his family.
The Japanese occupation
Aldeguer patriotically joined the resistance movement against the Japanese occupying troops when the Pacific War started on December 8, 1941. He even held the position of deputy governor for the Free Guerrilla Government of Iloilo’s 8th Administrative District. The Japanese military put a price on his head, and punitive expeditions were dispatched out to catch him and overthrow his government, but they were never able to do so.
After Liberation
He served as Iloilo’s provincial board secretary following Liberation up until the 1949 election campaigns. His clients showed their appreciation by supporting him as their choice for the House seat representing the Fifth District, and Aldeguer won. In addition, his supporters gave him a second term on November 10, 1953.
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Aldeguer faithfully represented the Liberal party in the House. Aldeguer left the Liberal party and joined the Democratic group after the House sugar bloc, to which he belonged, split from the Quirino Liberals to form the Democratic party, which backed the Romulo-Lopez presidential ticket.
The House committees on Accounts, Rules, Ways and Means, National Defense, and Revision of Laws all include Congressman Aldeguer as a member.
He is wed to Sara, Iloilo resident Esther Salcedo. He is a legitimate resident of Sara, and they only have one kid together, a girl named Sonia. He moved his residence from Central Boulevard in Quezon City to 61 Raymundo Street in Pasay.
