cuenco entered politics in 1912 when he was elected to the philippine assembly representing the fifth district of cebu. he was re-elected from 1916 to 1928. he ran for the governorship of cebu in 1931 and became the president of the league of provincial governors of the philippines. in 1934, he was elected delegate to the constitutional convention where he was chosen floor leader. cuenco was secretary of public works and communications from 1936 to 1939. he was also appointed acting secretary of the agriculture, commerce and labor departments while serving as secretary of public works and communications in 1938.