(This is a series of biographies of the Governors of Capiz from 1898 to 1988, some of whom were unrecorded, unrecognized, and unknown.)
Ad interim governor Pastor Laserna Vidal became the local chief executive of the province by virtue of provincial succession when then governor Manuel A. Roxas had to assume the office as Representative of the First District of Capiz in June 1922.
The biographical sketch of Vidal is not extensive. He was born in 1869 in Capiz (now Roxas City), Capiz and was married to Dominadora Andrada.
During the Spanish period, Vidal served as Musical Director of the Municipal Band.
Given his prominence in local affairs, it was no surprise that Vidal was elected Municipal Councilor of the Municipality of Capiz in 1901.
In 1903, Vidal was appointed a member of the special board tasked with suppressing the locust pest infestation.
By 1905, Vidal was re-elected as municipal councilor. But he did not complete his term when he was appointed to the Insular Government as a public school teacher in August 1907.
On December 31, 1907, Vidal directed the operetta Pauline for La Juventud Capiceña, the dramatic society of Capiz High School.
Politics, however, remained to be Vidal’s calling. He retired from teaching and was elected as Third Member of the Provincial Board from July to October 1916, serving the unexpired term of Eugenio Picazo—who was the stepfather of President Manuel A. Roxas and resigned as provincial board member.
From 1916 to 1919, Vidal served as Municipal Vice President of Capiz.
On June 3, 1919, Vidal again ran and won as Third Member of the Provincial Board. He was again re-elected in 1922.
When then governor Manuel A. Roxas was elected as First District Representative and had to vacate the gubernatorial seat in June 1922, Governor-General Leonard Wood subsequently appointed Vidal as ad interim governor.
Vidal’s appointment was crucial as incoming governor Ramon S. Hontiveros would assume office by October 16, 1922.
Thus, Vidal became the duly authorized official to oversee provincial affairs of Capiz during the four-month interim period.
