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Picture of Basilio J. Valdes

Basilio J. Valdes

Basilio J. Valdes, M.D. (July 10, 1892 –January 26, 1970), soldier, doctor, cabinet member, businessman. Chief of Staff, Philippine Army, 1939-1945; Secretary of National Defense in the Quezon and Osmeña War Cabinets, 1941-45. Professor of Surgery at the University of Santo Tomas (UST), Medical Director of Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, 1948-1970.
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August 1, 1944 – Tuesday

Attended Mass at 7 a.m.

At 8 a.m. Miss Labrador called me by phone to rush to Camp McMartin as President Quezon was dying. Passed away at 8:20 am. Busy all day arranging with funeral parlor, embalming, dressing him, etc. finished at 6 p.m., when we placed him in Chapel. Retired to my hotel.