Recto was admitted to the Philippine Bar in 1914. He became congressman in 1919 and was minority floor leader of the House of Representatives.
In 1931, he was chosen senator and became majority floor leader and president pro tempore. He was chosen president of the 1934 Constitutional Convention.
Recto ranks in history as nationalist, parliamentarian and jurist. He died in Rome, Italy on Oct. 2, 1960.
