U.S. Naval Base Subic Bay
As Senator from 1987 to 1992, Laurel opposed the extension of the U.S. Naval Base Subic Bay and the Clark Air Base, leading to their closure in 1991. He was a member of the so-called "Magnificent 12" who voted against the extension. He was also the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce and Industry and was the Senate President Pro-Tempore from 1990 to 1991. He was the oldest serving senator also at that time.