In Luzon's rich but rough province of Batangas, the Laurel family hangs onto political power like an heirloom. Three generations of Laurels have served the ruling Nacionalista Party with tooth and claw. Jose Laurel Sr. was a puppet President of the Philippines under the Japanese occupation. His son, Jose Laurel Jr., spent four years as Speaker of the House, baiting the U.S. and sampling nightclubs. He lost his bid for the vice-presidency in 1957 after a tumultuous campaign in which he handed out switchblades as souvenirs. In the same election, Jose Jr.'s son, Jose Laurel IV, 29, won his...
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