He was born in Almeida, graduated in Law at the University of Coimbra and became a high-school teacher.

A member of the moderate Republican Union, he was one of the promoters of its fusion with the Evolutionist Party which originated the Republican Liberal Party.

He was President of the Ministry (Prime Minister), from 15 November to 17 December 1923, in a minority government.

[3] He resigned due to the opposition of President Manuel Teixeira Gomes of dissolving the parliament, after an insurrection attempt.

He was also previously Minister of Public Instruction from May to October 1921 in the cabinet of Tomé de Barros Queirós.