List of Presidents[edit]

President(Birth–Death)

Tookoffice

Leftoffice Party

VicePresiden

t

Term Era

1

EmilioAguinal

do(1869–1964)

January 23,1899[L 1]

March23,

1901[L 2]

None;formerly

the Magdalofaction oftheKatipuna

n[L 3]

None[L 4] —

FirstRepublic(MalolosRepublic)

Defunct; executive power exercised by the Governor General ofthe Philippines under the American colonial Insular

Government until November 15, 1935.

InsularGovernment

2

ManuelL.

Quezon(1878–1944)

November 15,1935

August1,

1944[L 5]

Nacionalista

SergioOsmeña

1

AmericanCommonweal

th2

3José P.Laurel

(1891–1959)

October 14,1943

August17,

1945[L 6]

KALIBAPI[L 7]

(Caretaker

government

under Japanese

occupation)

None[L 8] — SecondRepublic

4SergioOsmeña

(1878–1961)

August1,

1944

May 28,1946

Nacionalista Vacant 2

AmericanCommonweal

th(Restored)

5ManuelRoxas

(1892–1948)

May28,1946

April15,

1948[L 9]

Liberal ElpidioQuirino

3

ThirdRepublic

6ElpidioQuirino(1890–1956)

April17,1948

December 30,1953

Liberal

Vacant

Fernando Lopez 4

7

RamonMagsays

ay(1907–1957)

December 30,1953

March17,

1957[L 10]

Nacionalista

CarlosP.

Garcia 5

8

CarlosP.

Garcia(1896–1971)

March18,1957

December 30,1961

Nacionalista

Vacant

Diosdado

Macapag

6

al

9

Diosdado

Macapagal

(1910–1997)

December 30,1961

December 30,1965

LiberalEmmanue

lPelaez

7

10

Ferdinand

Marcos(1917–1989)

December 30,1965

February 25,1986[L 11]

Nacionalista

Fernando Lopez

8

9

10 KBL

Vacant

SecondDictatorsh

ip"The New

Society"

10

FourthRepublic

ArturoTolenti

no 11

Salvado

11 CorazonAquino

(1933–2009)

February 25,1986[L 12]

June30,1992

PDP-LABAN / UNIDO

r Laurel

FifthRepublic

12

FidelV.

Ramos(1928– )

June30,1992

June30,1998

Lakas JosephEstrada 12

13

JosephEstrada(1937– )

June30,1998

January20,

2001[L 13]

LAMP

GloriaMacapag

al-Arroyo

13

14

GloriaMacapag

al-Arroyo(1947– )

January 20,2001

June30,2010

Lakas / KAMPI

Vacant

Teofisto

Guingona, Jr.

Noli deCastro 14Lakas-Kampi

1 Benigno June Incumbe Liberal Jejomar 15

5AquinoIII

(1960– )

30,2010

nt(Term

expires Ju

ne 30, 2016)

Binay

Emilio AguinaldoFrom Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

His ExcellencyGeneral of the RevolutionEmilio Famy Aguinaldo

QSC PLH

1st President of the Philippines

President of the First Republic

President of the Supreme Government

President of Republic of Biak-na-Bato

Dictator of Dictatorial government

President of the Revolutionary Government

In office23 January 1897[a] – 1 April 1901[b]

Prime Minister

Apolinario Mabini (21 Jan – 7 May 1899)Pedro Paterno (7 May – 13 Nov 1899)

Vice President

Mariano Trías (1897)

Succeeded by

Office nullifiedManuel Quezon(As president of theCommonwealth)

Personal details

Born 22 March 1869Cavite El ViejoSpanish East Indies (now Kawit,Cavite, Philippines)

Died 6 February 1964 (aged 94)Quezon City, Philippines

Resting place

Aguinaldo Shrine, Kawit, Cavite, Philippines

Political party

KatipunanNational Socialist Party

Spouse(s) Hilaria del Rosario  (1896–1921)María Agoncillo  (1930–1963)

Children Carmen Aguinaldo MelencioEmilio Aguinaldo, JrMaria Aguinaldo PobleteCristina Aguinaldo SuntayMiguel Aguinaldo

Alma mater Colegio de San Juan de Letran

Profession Soldier, Manager, Teacher, Revolutionary

Religion Iglesia Filipina Independiente

formerly Roman Catholicism

Signature

Emilio Famy Aguinaldo QSC PLH [c]  (22 March 1869[d] – 6 February 1964) is officially recognized as the First President of the Philippines (1899-1901) and led Philippine forces first against Spain in the latter part of the Philippine Revolution (1896-1897), and then in the Spanish-American War (1898), and finally against the United States during the Philippine-American War (1899-1901). He was captured by American forces in 1901, which brought an end to his presidency.In 1935 Aguinaldo ran unsuccessfully for president of the Philippine Commonwealth against Manuel Quezon. After the Japanese invasion of the Philippines in 1941, he cooperated with the new rulers, even making a radio appeal for the surrender of the American and Filipino forces on Bataan. He was arrested as a collaborator after the Americans returned but was later freed in a general amnesty.

Early life and career[edit]Emilio Famy Aguinaldo was born on 22 March 1869[d] in Cavite Viejo (present-day Kawit), in Cavite (province), to Carlos Aguinaldo and Trinidad Family,[c] a Tagalog Chinese mestizo couple who had eight children, the seventh of whom was Emilio. The Aguinaldo family was quite well-to-do, as his father, Carlos Aguinaldo was the community's appointed gobernadorcillo (municipal governor) in the Spanish colonial administration.

Emilio became the "Cabeza de Barangay" of Binakayan, a chief barrio of Cavite del Viejo, when he was only 17 years old.

In 1895 the Maura Law that called for the reorganization of local governments was enacted. At the age of 26 Aguinaldo became Cavite Viejo's first "gobernadorcillo capitan municipal" (Municipal Governor-Captain).

Personal life[edit]On 1 January 1896, he married Hilaria del Rosario (1877–1921). They had five children: Carmen Aguinaldo Melencio, Emilio Aguinaldo, Jr, Maria Aguinaldo Poblete, Cristina Aguinaldo Suntay and Miguel Aguinaldo. Hilariadied of leprosy on 6 March 1921 at the age of 45. Nine years later, on 14 July 1930, Aguinaldo married Maria Agoncillo (15 February 1879 – 29 May 1963) at Barasoain Church. She died on 29 May 1963 at the age of 82, a year before Aguinaldo himself.

Revolutionary and political career[edit]Philippine Revolution[edit]Main article: Philippine Revolution

The flag of the Katipunan

In 1894, Aguinaldo joined the "Katipunan", a secret organization led by Andrés Bonifacio, dedicated to the expulsion of the Spanish and independence of the Philippines through armed force.[11](p77) Aguinaldo used the nom de guerre Magdalo, in honor of Mary Magdalene.[12](p179) His local chapter of the Katipunan, headed by his cousin Baldomero Aguinaldo, was also called Magdalo.[13]

On 1 January 1895, Aguinaldo became a Freemason, joining Pilar Lodge No. 203, Imus, Cavite. He would later say:

"The Successful Revolution of 1896 was masonically inspired, masonically led, and masonically executed, and I venture to say thatthe first Philippine Republic of which I was its humble President, was an achievement we owe largely, to Masonry and the Masons."[14]

The Katipunan-led Philippine Revolution against the Spanish began in the last week of August 1896 in San Juan del Monte (now part ofMetro Manila).[12](p176) However, Aguinaldo and other Cavite rebels initially refused to join in the offensive alleging lack of arms. Their absence contributed to the defeat of Katipunan leader Andres Bonifacio's there.[13] While Bonifacio and other rebels were forced to resort to guerrilla warfare, Aguinaldo and the Cavite rebels won major victories in set-piece battles, temporarily driving the Spanish out of their area.[13]

On 17 February 1897 Aguinaldo and a group of katipuneros defeated Spanish forces led by General Camilo de Polavieja at the Battle of Zapote Bridge in Cavite. The province of Cavite gradually emerged as the Revolution's hotbed, and the Aguinaldo-led katipuneros had a stringof victories there.[citation needed]

Tejeros Convention and execution of Bonifacio[edit]Main article: Tejeros Convention

Conflict between the two Katipunan factions—the Magdalo and Magdiwang—led to Bonifacio's intervention in the province of Cavite.[12](pp178–182) The Cavite rebels then made overtures about establishing a revolutionary government in place of the Katipunan.[12](p182) Though Bonifacio already considered the Katipunan to be a government, he acquiesced and presided over a convention held on 22 March 1897 in Tejeros, Cavite. There the republic of the Philippines was proclaimed, with Aguinaldo being elected president. Bonifacio was elected Director of the Interiorbut, after Daniel Tirona questioned his qualifications for that position, became angered and declared "I, as chairman of this assembly,and as President of the Supreme Council of the Katipunan, as all of youdo not deny, declare this assembly dissolved, and I annul all that has been approved and resolved."[12](p178)

Bonifacio refused to recognize the revolutionary government headed by Aguinaldo and attempted to reassert his authority, accusing the Aguinaldo faction of treason and by issuing orders contravening orders issued by the Aguinaldo faction.[12](p188) At Aguinaldo's orders, Bonifacio and his brothers were arrested and, in a mock trial lasting one day, convicted of treason, and sentenced to death.[12](pp189–190) After some vacillation, Aguinaldo initially commuted the death sentence. Andrés

and Procopio were executed by firing squad on 10 May 1897 at Mount Buntis, Maragondon, Cavite.[15](p249)

Biak-na-Bato and exile[edit]Main articles: Republic of Biak-na-Bato and Pact of Biak-na-Bato

On the same day as the execution of the Bonifacio brothers, the Spanisharmy launched an attack which forced insurgent forces under Aguinaldo into a general retreat.[15](pp249–250) On 24 June 1897 Aguinaldo arrived at Biak-na-Bato in San Miguel, Bulacan, and established a headquarters there, located in Biak-na-Bato National Park in what is now known as Aguinaldo Cave. In late October 1897, Aguinaldo convened an assembly of generals at Biak-na Bato, where it was decided to establish a constitutional republic. A constitution patterned closely after the Cuban Constitution was drawn up by Isabelo Artacho and Felix Ferrer. The constitution provided for the creation of a Supreme Council composed of a president, a vice president, a Secretary of War, and a Secretary of the Treasury. Aguinaldo was named president.[12](p183–184)

Emilio Aguinaldo with the exiled revolutionaries in Hong Kong.

From March, 1897, Fernando Primo de Rivera, 1st Marquis of Estella, theSpanish Governor-General of the Philippines, had been encouraging prominent Filipinos to contact Aguinaldo for a peaceful settlement of the conflict. On 9 August, Manila lawyer Pedro Paternomet with Aguinaldo at Biak-na-Bato with a proposal for peace based on reforms and amnesty. In succeeding months, Paterno conductedshuttle diplomacy, acting as an intermediary between de Rivera and Aguinaldo. On 14–15 December 1897 Aguinaldo signed the Pact of Biak-na-Bato, under which Aguinaldo effectively agreed to end hostilities and dissolve his government in exchange for amnesty and "$800,000 (Mexican)" (Aguinaldo's description of the amount) as an indemnity.[15](p252)[16][e] The

documents were signed on 14–15 December 1897. On 23 December, Aguinaldoand other insurgent officials departed for Hong Kong to enter voluntaryexile. $400,000, representing the first installment of the indemnity, was deposited into Hong Kong banks. While in exile, Aguinaldo reorganized his revolutionary government into the so-called "Hong Kong Junta" and enlarging it into the "Supreme Council of the Nation".[15](p253)

Return to the Philippines and Philippine Declaration of Independence[edit]Main article: Philippine Declaration of Independence

On 25 April, the Spanish–American War began. While the war mostly focused on Cuba, the United States Navy's Asiatic Squadron was in Hong Kong, and commandedCommodore George Dewey, it sailed for the Philippines. On 1 May 1898, in the Battle of Manila Bay, the squadron engaged and destroyed the Spanish navy's Pacific Squadron and proceededto blockade Manila.[15](pp255–256) Several days later, Dewey agreed to transport Aguinaldo from Hong Kong to the Philippines aboard the USS McCulloch, which left Hong Kong with Aguinaldo on 16 May. arriving in Cavite on 19 May.[18] Aguinaldo promptly resumed command of revolutionaryforces and besieged Manila.[15](pp256–257)

On 24 May 1898 in Cavite, Aguinaldo issued a proclamation in which he assumed command of all Philippine forces and established a dictatorial government with himself as dictator.[19]

On 12 June Aguinaldo issued the Philippine Declaration of Independence from Spain and on 18 June, he issued a decree formally establishing his dictatorial government.[3](p10)

On 23 June, Aguinaldo issued a decree replacing his dictatorial government with a revolutionary government, with himself as President.[3](p35)[11]:Appendix C

First Philippine President[edit]Main article: First Philippine Republic

Emilio Aguinaldo monument atBarasoain Church

The insurgent First Philippine Republic was formally established with the proclamation of the Malolos Constitution on 21 January 1899 inMalolos, Bulacan and endured until the capture of Emilio Aguinaldo bythe American forces on 23 March 1901 in Palanan, Isabela, which effectively dissolved the First Republic. Aguinaldo appointed two PrimeMinisters of the Philippines in his tenure, Apolinario Mabini andPedro Paterno. He had two cabinets in the year 1899. Thereafter, the militarysituation resulted in his ruling by decree.

Philippine–American War[edit]Main article: Philippine–American War

Personifying the United States, Uncle Sam chases a bee representing Emilio Aguinaldo, the president of the Philippine Islands from 22 March 1897 to 1

April 1901. In 1901, two years after this cartoon's publication, at the end ofthe Philippine–American War, Aguinaldo was captured by U.S. forces.

Aguinaldo boarding USS Vicksburgfollowing his capture in 1901

On 12 August 1898, American forces captured Manila during the Battle ofManila and on 14 August 1898 established the United States Military Government of the Philippine Islands, with Major General Wesley Merritt as the first American Military Governor.[17](pp110–112) On the night of4 February 1899, a Filipino was shot by an American sentry. This incident is considered the beginning of the Philippine–American War, and precipitated the 1899 Battle of Manila between American and Filipino forces. Superior American firepower drove Filipino troops awayfrom the city, and Aguinaldo's government had to move from one place toanother as the military situation developed.[15](pp268–270, 273–274) Aguinaldo led resistance to the Americans, then retreated to northern Luzon with the Americans on his trail.

On 23 March 1901, Aguinaldo was captured at his headquarters in Palanan, Isabela.[20]:507–509 On 19 April 1901, Aguinaldo took an oath of allegiance to the United States, formally ending the First Republic andrecognizing the sovereignty of the United States over the Philippines.[15](pp274–275) After Aguinaldo's surrender, some Filipino commanders continuedthe revolution. On 30 July 1901 GeneralMiguel Malvar issued a manifestosaying, "Forward, without ever turning back... All wars of independencehave been obliged to suffer terrible tests!"[15](p275) General Malvar surrendered to U.S forces in Lipa, Batangas on 16 April 1902. The war was formally ended by a unilateral proclamation of general amnesty by U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt on 4 July 1902.[21]

Post-presidency[edit]American era[edit]Main article: History of the Philippines (1898–1946)

Aguinaldo and Quezon during Flag Day, 1935.

During the American period, Aguinaldo supported groups that advocated immediate independence and helped veterans of the struggle. He organized the Asociación de los Veteranos de la Revolución (Association of Veterans of the Revolution), which worked to secure pensions for its members and made arrangements for them to buy land on installment from the government.

The display of the Philippine flag was declared illegal by the SeditionAct of 1907. This law was repealed on 30 October 1919.[22] Following this, Aguinaldo transformed his home in Kawit into a monument to the flag, the revolution and the Declaration of Independence. As of 2011, his home still stands and is known as the Aguinaldo Shrine.

Aguinaldo retired from public life for many years. In 1935, when the Commonwealth of the Philippines was established in preparation for Philippine independence, he ran for president in thePhilippine presidential election, 1935, but lost by a landslide to Manuel L. Quezon.[f] The two men formally reconciled in 1941, when President Quezon moved Flag Day to 12 June, to commemorate the proclamation of Philippine independence.[22]

During the Japanese occupation of the Philippines during World War II, Aguinaldo cooperated with the Japanese, making speeches, issuing articles and radio addresses in support of the Japanese — including a radio appeal to Gen. Douglas MacArthur on Corregidor to surrender in order to "spare the innocence of the Filipino youth."[23][24](p285) He

explained his action by saying, "I was just remembering the fight I led. We were outnumbered, too, in constant retreat. I saw my own soldiers die without affecting future events. To me that seemed to be what was happening on Bataan, and it seemed like a good thing to stop."[citation needed] After the combined American and Filipino troops retook the Philippines, Aguinaldo was arrested along with several others accused of collaboration with the Japanese, and jailed for some months in Bilibid prison.[25] He was released by presidential amnesty.[26](p2)

Aguinaldo was 77 when the United States Government recognized Philippine independence in the Treaty of Manila, in accordance with the Tydings–McDuffie Act of 1934.[27]

Post-American era[edit]See also: History of the Philippines (1946–1965) and History of the Philippines (1965–1986)

In 1950, President Elpidio Quirino appointed Aguinaldo as a member of the Council of State, where he served a full term. He returned to retirement soon after, dedicating his time and attention to veteran soldiers' "interests and welfare."

He was made an honorary Doctor of Laws, Honoris Causa, by the University of the Philippines in 1953.

In 1962, President Diosdado Macapagal changed the celebration of Independence Day from 4 July to 12 June.[g] Although in poor health by this time, Aguinaldo attended that year's Independence Day observances.[32]

Death and Legacy[edit]

Tomb of Aguinaldo in Kawit.

The Philippine 5 peso bill depicting Aguinaldo.

Aguinaldo was rushed to Veterans Memorial Medical Center in Quezon Cityon 5 October 1962 where he stayed there for 469 days until he died of coronary thrombosis at age 94 on 6 February 1964.[8] A year before his death, he donated his lot and mansion to the government. This property now serves as a shrine to "perpetuate the spirit of the Revolution of 1896."[5]

In 1985, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas issued a new 5-peso bill depictinga portrait of Aguinaldo on the front. The back features the declarationof the Philippine independence on 12 June 1898. Printing was discontinued in 1995, when it was replaced with a ₱5.00 coin whose obverse features a portrait of Aguinaldo.

Media portrayal[edit]El Presidente, a 2012 biopic based on his life as the first president of the Philippine Republic, stars as Aguinaldo E.R. Ejercito, known as Jeorge Estregan, then governor of Laguna province.

Manuel L. QuezonFrom Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Manuel Luis Quezon y Molina (August 19, 1878 – August 1, 1944) served as president of the Commonwealth of the Philippinesfrom 1935 to 1944. He was the first Filipino to head a government of the Philippines (as opposed to other historical states), and is considered by most Filipinos to have beenthe second president of the Philippines, after Emilio Aguinaldo (1897–1901).

Quezon was the first Senate president elected to the presidency, the firstpresident elected through a national election and the first incumbent to secure re-election (for a partial second term, later extended, due to amendments to the 1935 Constitution). He is known as the "Father of the National Language".

During his presidency, Quezón tackled the problem of landless peasants in the countryside. Other major decisions include reorganization of the islands' military defense, approval of recommendation for government reorganization, promotion of settlement and development in Mindanao, dealing with the foreign stranglehold on Philippine trade and commerce, proposals for land reform, and opposing graft and corruption within the government. He established an exiled government in the U.S. with the outbreak of the war and the threat of Japanese invasion.

It was during his exile in the U.S. that he died of tuberculosis at Saranac Lake, New York. He was buried in the Arlington National Cemetery until the end of World War II, when his remains were moved to Manila. His final resting place is the Quezon City Memorial Circle.

Early life and career[edit]

Manuel Luis Quezon y Molina

Quezón, was born in Baler in the district of El Príncipe[1] (which later became Baler, Tayabas, now Baler, Aurora). His Spanish parents were Lucio

Quezón (died 1898) and María Dolores Molina (June 7, 1840–1893). His father was a primary grade school teacher from Paco, Manila and a retired Sergeant of the Spanish colonial army, while his mother was a primary grade school teacher in their hometown.

Although both his parents must have contributed to his education, he received most of his primary education from the public school established by the Spanish government in his village, as part of the establishment of the free public education system in the Philippines, as he himself testified during his speech delivered in the House of Representatives of the United States during the discussion of Jones Bill, in 1914. [2] He later boarded at the Colegio de San Juan de Letran where he completed secondary school.

In 1898, his father Lucio and his brother Pedro were ambushed and killed by armed men while on their way home to Baler from Nueva Ecija. Some historians believe they were murdered by bandits who also robbed their money, while others believe the killings could have been related to their loyalty to the Spanish government.

In 1899, Quezón cut short his law studies at the University of Santo Tomás in Manila to participate in the struggle for independence against the United States, led by Emilio Aguinaldo. During the Philippine-AmericanWar he was an ayuda-de-campo to Emilio Aguinaldo.[3] He rose to the rank ofMajor and fought in the Bataan sector. However, after surrendering in 1900wherein he made his first break in the American press,[4] Quezón returned to the university and passed the bar examinations in 1903, achieving fourth place.

He worked for a time as a clerk and surveyor, entering government service as an appointed fiscal for Mindoro and later Tayabas. He became a councilor and was elected governor of Tayabas in 1906 after a hard-fought election.

Congressional career[edit]House of Representatives[edit]In 1907, he was elected to the first Philippine Assembly – later became the House of Representatives – where he served as majority floor leader and chairman of the committee on appropriations. From 1909 to 1916, he served as one of the Philippines' two resident commissioners to the U.S.

House of Representatives, lobbying for the passage of the Philippine Autonomy Act or Jones Law.

Senate[edit]Quezón returned to Manila in 1916 to be elected into the Philippine Senateand later became Senate President, serving continuously until 1935 (19 years). He headed the first Independent Mission to the U.S. Congress in 1919 and secured the passage of theTydings-McDuffie Independence Law in 1934. In 1922, Quezón became the leader of the Nacionalista Party.alliance[5]

Personal life[edit]Quezón was married to his first cousin, Aurora Aragón Quezón, on December 17, 1918. The couple had four children: María Aurora "Baby" Quezón (1919–1949), María Zeneida "Nini" Quezón-Avancena (born 1921), Luisa Corazón Paz"Nenita" Quezón (1923–1923) and Manuel L. "Nonong" Quezón, Jr. (1926–1998). His grandson, Manuel L. "Manolo" Quezón III (born 1970), a prominent writer and current undersecretary of the Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office, was named after him.

Presidency[edit]Presidential styles ofManuel L. Quezon

Reference style His Excellency[6]

Spoken style Your Excellency

Alternative style Mr. President

First Term (1935–1941)[edit]

First inauguration of Philippine Commonwealth President Manuel Quezon at the stepsof the Legislative Building in Manila on November 15, 1935.

Official car of Quezón, a 1937Chrysler Airflow (restored by Alfred Motorworks & Alfred Nobel R. Peres), atBaler, Aurora[1].

In 1935, Quezón won the Philippines' first national presidential election under the banner of the Nacionalista Party. He obtained nearly 68% of the vote against his two main rivals, Emilio Aguinaldo and GregorioAglipay. Quezón was inaugurated in November 1935. He is recognized as the second President of the Philippines. However, in January 2008, House Representative Rodolfo Valencia of Oriental Mindoro filed a bill seeking instead to declare General Miguel Malvar as the second Philippine President, having directly succeeded Aguinaldo in 1901.[7]

Administration and Cabinet[edit]Appointments 1935–1941[edit]OFFICE NAME TERM

President Manuel L. Quezón 1935–1941Vice President Sergio Osmeña 1935–1941Secretary of Agriculture and Commerce Benigno Aquino 1938–1940

Rafael Alunan, Sr. 1940–1941

Secretary of Public Instruction Sergio Osmeña November 15, 1935 – April

18, 1939

Jorge Bocobo April 19, 1939 – January 22,1941

Secretary of Finance Elpidio Quirino November 15, 1935 – February18, 1936

Antonio de las Alas

February 18, 1936 – November15, 1938

Manuel Roxas November 26, 1938 – August 28, 1941

Serafin Marabut August 28, 1941 – December 29, 1941

Secretary of the Interior Elpidio Quirino 1935–1938Rafael Alunan 1938–1940

Secretary of Justice José Yulo November 15, 1935–November 1938

José Abad Santos December 5, 1938 – July 16, 1941

Commissioner of Justice Teofilo Sison July 18, 1941-November 1941Secretary of Public Worksand Communications

Mariano Jesús Cuenco

Secretary of National Defense Teofilo Sison 1939–1941Serafin Marabut 1941Basilio Valdes December 23, 1941

Secretary of Labor José Avelino 1935–1938Sotero Baluyut 1938–1941

Secretary to the President Jorge B. Vargas 1935–1941Auditor-General Jaime Hernández 1935–1941Commissioner of the Budget Serafin Marabut 1935–1941Commissioner of Civil Service José Gil 1935–1941

Resident Commissioner of the Philippinesto the United States Congress

Quintin Paredes 1935–1938

Joaquín Miguel Elizalde 1938–1941

Supreme Court appointments[edit]President Quezón was given the power under the reorganization act, to appoint the first all-Filipino Supreme Court of the Philippines in 1935. From 1901 to 1935, although a Filipino was always appointed chief justice,the majority of the members of the Supreme Court were Americans. Complete Filipinization was achieved only with the establishment of the Commonwealth of the Philippines in 1935. Claro M. Recto and José P. Laurelwere among Quezón's first appointees to replace the American justices. Themembership in the Supreme Court increased to 11: a chief justice and ten associate justices, who sat en banc or in two divisions of five members each.

Ramón Avanceña – 1935 (Chief Justice) – 1935–1941 José Abad Santos – 1935 Claro M. Recto 1935–1936 José P. Laurel – 1935 José Abad Santos (Chief Justice) – 1941–1942Government Reorganization[edit]

To meet the demands of the newly established government set-up and in compliance with the provisions of the Tydings-McDuffie law, as well as therequirements of the Constitution, President Quezón, true to his pledge of "More Government and less politics", initiated a reorganization of the government bodies.[8] To this effect, he established the Government Survey Board to study the existing institutions and in the light of the changed circumstances, make the necessary recommendations.[8]

Early results were seen with the revamping of the Executive Department. Offices and bureaus were either merged with one another or outrightly abolished. Some new ones, however, were created.[8] President Quezón ordered the transfer of the Philippine Constabulary for the Department of Interior, to the Department of Finance. Among the innovations in the Executive Departments by way of modification in functions or new

creations, were those of the National Defense, Agriculture and Commerce, Public Works andCommunications, and Health and Public Welfare.[8]

In keeping with other exigencies posed by the Constitution, new offices and boards were created either by Executive Order or by appropriate legislative action.[8] Among these were the Council of National Defense, the Board of National Relief, the Mindanao and Sulu Commission, and the Civil Service Board of Appeals.[8]

Social justice program[edit]

Pledged to improve the lot of the Philippine working class and seeking theinspiration from the social doctrines of Leo XIII and Pius XI, aside from the authoritative treatises of the world's leading sociologists, PresidentQuezon started a vigorous program of social justice, which he traduced into reality through appropriate executive measures and legislation obtained from the National Assembly.[8]

Thus, a court of Industrial Relations was established by law to take cognizance disputes, under certain conditions, minimizing in this wise theinconveniences of the strikes and lockouts. A minimum wage law was enacted, as well as a law providing for a maximum of eight hours daily work and a tenancy law for the Filipino farmers. Another effective measurewas the creation of the position of Public Defenders to help indigent litigants in their court suits.[8]

Commonwealth Act No. 20 authorized Quezon to institute expropriation proceedings and/or acquire large landed estates to re-sell them at nominalcost and under easy terms to tenants thereon, thus enabling them to possess a lot and a home of their own. It was by virtue of this law that the Buenavista estate was acquired by the Commonwealth Government. Quezon also launched a cooperative system of agriculture among the owners of the subdivided estates in order to alleviate their situation and to provide them greater earnings.[8]

In all these, Quezon showed an earnest desire to follow the constitutionalmandate on the promotion of social justice.[8]

Economy[edit]

Upon the advent of the Commonwealth, the economic condition of our nation was fortunately stable and promising.[8] With foreign trade reaching a peak

of four hundred million pesos, the upward trend in business was accentuated and assumed the aspect of a boom. Exports crops were generallygood and, with the exemption of tobacco, they were all in excellent demandin foreign trade markets. Indeed, the value of the Philippine exports reached an all high of 320,896,000 pesos, the highest since 1929.[8]

President Manuel L. Quezón signing documents.

On the other hand, government revenues amounted to 76,675,000 pesos in 1936, as compared with the 1935 revenue of 65,000,000 pesos. Even the government companies, with the exemption of the Manila Railroad, managed to earn profits. Gold production increased about 37% and iron nearly 100%,while cement production augmented by some 14%.[8]

Notwithstanding this prosperous situation,[8] the government had to meet certain economic problems besetting the country and which, if attended to,might jeopardize the very prosperity then being enjoyed. For this purpose,the National Economic Council was created by law. This body advised the government in economic and financial questions, including promotion of industries, diversification of crops and enterprises, tariffs, taxation, and formulation of an economic program in the contemplation of the future independent Republic of the Philippines.[8]

Again, a law reorganized the National Development Company; the National Rice and Corn Company (NARIC) was created by law and was given a capital of four million pesos.[8]

Upon the recommendation of the National Economic Council, agricultural colonies were established in the country, especially in Koronadal, Malig, and other appropriate sites in Mindanao. The government, moreover, offeredfacilities of every sort to encourage migration and settlement in those places. The Agricultural and Industrial Bank was established to aid small farmers with convenient loans on easy terms. Attention was also devoted tosoil survey, as well as to the proper disposition of lands of the public domain. These steps and measures held much promise for our economic welfare.[8]

Agrarian reform[edit]See also: Land reform in the Philippines

When the Commonwealth Government was established, President Quezón implemented the Rice Share Tenancy Act of 1933.[9] The purpose of this act

was to regulate the share-tenancy contracts by establishing minimum standards.[9] Primarily, the Act provided for better tenant-landlord relationship, a 50–50 sharing of the crop, regulation of interest to 10% per agricultural year, and a safeguard against arbitrary dismissal by the landlord.[9] However, because of one major flaw of this law, no petition for the Rice Share Tenancy Act was ever presented.[9]

The major flaw of this law was that it could be used only when the majority of municipal councils in a province petitioned for it.[9] Since landowners usually controlled such councils, no province ever asked that the law be applied. Therefore, Quezón ordered that the act be mandatory inall Central Luzon provinces.[9] However, contracts were good for only one year. By simply refusing to renew their contract, landlords were able to eject tenants. As a result, peasant organizations clamored in vain for a law that would make the contract automatically renewable for as long as the tenants fulfilled their obligations.[9]

In 1936, this Act was amended to get rid of its loophole, but the landlords made its application relative and not absolute. Consequently, itwas never carried out in spite of its good intentions. In fact, by 1939, thousands of peasants in Central Luzon were being threatened with wholesale eviction.[9]

The desire of Quezón to placate both landlords and tenants pleased either.By the early 1940s, thousands of tenants in Central Luzon were ejected from their farmlands and the rural conflict was more acute than ever.[9]

Indeed, during the Commonwealth period, agrarian problems persisted.[9] This motivated the government to incorporate a cardinal principle on social justice in the 1935 Constitution. Dictated by the social justice program of the government, expropriation of landed estates and other landholdings commenced. Likewise, the National Land Settlement Administration (NLSA) began an orderly settlement of public agricultural lands. At the outbreak of the Second World War, major settlement areas containing more than 65,000 hectares were already established.[9]

Educational reforms[edit]

Turning his attention to the matter of education in the country, PresidentQuezón by virtue of Executive Order No. 19, dated February 19, 1936, created the National Council of Education, with Rafael Palma, former President of the University of the Philippines, as its first chairman.

[8] Funds retained from the early approved Residence Certificate Law were devoted to the maintenance of the public schools all over the nation and the opening of many more to meet the needs of the young people. Indeed, bythis time there were already 6,511 primary schools; 1,039 intermediate schools; 133 secondary and special schools; and five junior colleges. The total number of pupils enrolled was 1,262,353, who were placed under the charge of 28,485 schools teachers That year's appropriation for public education amounted to 14,566,850 pesos.[8] The private institutions of learning, for their part, accommodated more than ninety seven thousand students, thus considerably aiding the government in solving the annual school crisis. To implement the pertinent constitutional provision, the Office of Adult Education was likewise created.[8]

Women's suffrage[edit]

President Quezón initiated women's suffrage in the Philippines during the Commonwealth Era.[10] As a result of the prolonged debate between the proponents of women's suffrage and their opponents, the Constitution finally provided that the issue be resolved by the women themselves in a plebiscite. If no less than 300,000 of them were to affirmatively vote in favor of the grant within two years, it would be deemed granted the country's women. Complying with this mandate, the government ordered a plebiscite to be held for the purpose on April 3, 1937.

Quezon broadcasting to his countrymen in Manila, from Washington, D.C., April 5. For the first 25 minutes on air, Quezon discussedwomen's suffrage and urged that the 10-year independence program be limited to a shorter period, 4/5/1937.

Following a rather vigorous campaign, on the day of the plebiscite, the turnout of female voters was impressive. The affirmative votes numbered 447,725, as against 44,307 who opposed the grant.[10]

National language[edit]

Another constitutional provision to be implemented by President Quezón's administration dealt with the question of The Philippines' national language. Following a year's study, the Institute of the National Language – established on 1936 – recommended that Tagalogbe adopted as thebasis for the national language. The proposal was well received, considering that the Director – the first to be appointed – at the time, Jaime C. de Veyra, was an ethnic Visayan.

On December 1937, Quezón issued a proclamation approving the constitution made by the Institute and declaring that the adoption of the national language would take place two years hence. With the presidential approval,the Institute of National Language started to work on a grammar and dictionary of the language.[10]

Council of State[edit]

In 1938, President Quezón enlarged the composition of the Council of Statethrough Executive Order No. 44.[10] This highest of advisory bodies to the President was henceforth to be composed of the President, Vice-President, Senate President, House Speaker, Senate President pro tempore, House Speaker pro tempore, Majority Floor leader of both chambersof Congress, former Presidents of the Philippines, and some three to five prominent citizens.[10]

1938 midterm election[edit]Main article: Philippine legislative election, 1938

The Elections for the Second National Assembly were held on November 8, 1938, under a new law that allowed block voting[11] which favored the governing Nacionalista Party. As expected, all the 98 seats of the National Assembly went to the Nacionalistas. Jose Yulo who was Quezón's Secretary of Justice from 1934 to 1938 was elected Speaker.

The Second National Assembly embarked on passing legislation strengtheningthe economy. Unfortunately the cloud of the Second World War loomed over the horizon. Certain laws passed by the First National Assembly were modified or repealed to meet existing realities.[12] A controversial immigration law that set an annual limit of 50 immigrants per country which[13] affected mostly Chinese and Japanese nationals escaping the Sino-Japanese War was passed in 1940. Since the law bordered

on foreign relations it required the approval of the U.S. President which was nevertheless obtained. When the result of the 1939 census was published, the National Assembly updated the apportionment of legislative districts, which became the basis for the 1941 elections.

1939 plebiscite[edit]

On August 7, 1939, the United States Congress enacted a law embodying the recommendations submitted by the Joint Preparatory Commission on Philippine Affairs. Because the new law required an amendment of the Ordinance appended to the Constitution, a plebiscite was held on August 24, 1939. The amendment was carried by 1,339,453 votes against 49,633.[10]

Third official language[edit]

C.A. Dewitt and Manuel Quezón.

On April 1, 1940, President Quezón officially authorized the printing and publication of the grammar and dictionary prepared by the Institute of theNational Language. Likewise, the Chief Executive decreed that the nationallanguage was to be compulsorily taught in all the schools during the forthcoming academic term. For its part, the National Assembly enacted LawNo. 570 raising the national language elaborated by the institute to the status of official language of the Philippines, at par with English and Spanish, effective July 4, 1946, upon the establishment of the Philippine Republic.[10]

1940 plebiscite[edit]Main article: Philippine constitutional plebiscite, 1940

Coincident with the local elections for the 1940, another plebiscite was held this time to ratify the proposed amendments to the Constitution regarding the restoration of the bicameral legislature, the presidential term, which was to be fixed at four years with one re-election; and the

establishment of an independent Commission on Elections. With the Nacionalista Party, which had proposed said amendment in their convention, working hard under the leadership of its President, Speaker Jose Yulo, the amendments were overwhelmingly ratified by the electorate. Speaker Yulo and Assemblyman Dominador Tan traveled to the United States to obtain President Franklin D. Roosevelt's approval, which was given on December 2, 1940. Two days later President Quezon proclaimed the amendments.

1941 presidential election[edit]Main article: Philippine presidential election, 1941

Quezón had originally been barred by the Philippine constitution from seeking re-election. However, in 1940, constitutional amendments were ratified allowing him to seek re-election for a fresh term ending in 1943.In the 1941 presidential elections, Quezón was re-elected over former Senator Juan Sumulong with nearly 82% of the vote.

Second term (1941–1944)[edit]War Cabinet 1941–1944[edit]

The outbreak of World War II and the Japanese invasion resulted in periodic and drastic changes to the government structure. Executive Order 390, December 22, 1941 abolished the Department of the Interior and established a new line of succession. Executive Order 396, December 24, 1941 further reorganized and grouped the cabinet, with the functions of Secretary of Justice assigned to the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court ofthe Philippines.

OFFICE NAME TERM

President Manuel L. Quezón 1941–1944 (extended, 1943)

Vice President Sergio Osmeña 1941–1944 (extended, 1943)

Secretary of Finance José Abad Santos

December 30, 1941 – March 26, 1942

Secretary of Justice José Abad Santos March 26, 1942– May 2, 1942

Secretary of Finance, Agriculture, and Commerce Andrés Soriano March 26, 1942 – July 31,

1944

Secretary of National Defense, Public Works, Communications and Labor

Basilio Valdes December 23, 1941 – August 1, 1944

Secretary of Public Instruction, Health, and PublicWelfare

Sergio Osmeña December 24, 1941 – August 1, 1944

Secretary to the President Manuel Roxas December 24, 1941– March 26,1942

Arturo Rotor June 13, 1942– August 1, 1944

Secretary to the Cabinet Manuel Nieto May 19, 1944 - August 1, 1944

Secretary without Portfolio Andrés Soriano March 2–26, 1942

Treasurer of the Philippines Andrés Soriano February 19, 1942 – March 26, 1942

Manuel Roxas March 26, 1942 – May 8, 1942

Auditor-GeneralJaime Hernández (Filipino)

December 30, 1941 – August 1, 1944

Resident Commissioner of the Philippines to the United States Congress

Joaquín MiguelElizalde

December 30, 1941 – August 1, 1944 (given cabinet rank,May, 1942)

Secretary of Information and Public Relations

Carlos P. Rómulo 1943–1944

Sources:

The Sixth Annual Report of the United States High Commission to the Philippine Island to the President and Congress of the United States, Covering the Fiscal Year July 1, 1941 to June 30, 1942 Washington D.C. October 20, 1942

Executive Orders of the Commonwealth of the Philippines, Manila, Bureau ofPrinting 1945

Jewish refugees[edit]

In a notable humanitarian act, Quezón, in cooperation with United States High Commissioner Paul V. McNutt, facilitated the entry into the Philippines of Jewish refugees fleeing fascist regimes in Europe. Quezón was also instrumental in promoting a project to resettle the refugees in Mindanao.

Government-in-exile[edit]

President Quezón, with some of his family members, are welcomed in Washington, D.C. by President Roosevelt.

After the Japanese invasion of the Philippines during World War II[14] he evacuated to Corregidor, where he was formally inaugurated for his second term, then the Visayas and Mindanao, and upon the invitation of the US government,[15] was further evacuated to Australia and then to the United States, where he established the Commonwealth government in exile with headquarters in Washington, D.C.. There, he served as a member of the Pacific War Council, signed the declaration of the United Nations against the Axis Powers, and wrote his autobiography (The Good Fight, 1946).[10]

To carry on the government duties in exile, President Quezon hired the entire floor of one of the wing of the Shoreham Hotel to accommodate his family and his office. On the other hand, the offices of the government were established at the quarters of the Philippine Resident Commissioner, Joaquin Elizalde. The latter was made a member of President's wartime Cabinet. Others likewise appointed were Brigadier-General Carlos P. Romulo, as Secretary of the Department of Information and Public Relations, and Jaime Hernandez as Auditor General.[10]

On June 2, 1942, President Quezon addressed the United States House of Representatives, impressing upon them the vital necessity of relieving the

Philippine front. Before the Senate, later, the Philippine President reiterated the same message and urged the senators to adopt the slogan "Remember Bataan". Despite his precarious state of health, President Quezon roamed the States to deliver timely and rousing speeches calculatedto keep the Philippine war uppermost in the minds of the American nation.[10]

Talks of Post-war Philippines[edit]Washington, D.C. Representatives of 26 United Nations at Flag day ceremonies in the White House to reaffirm their pact. Seated, left to right: Dr. Francisco Castillo Najera, Ambassador of Mexico; President Roosevelt; Manuel Quezon, President of the Philippine Islands; and Secretary of State Cordell Hull.

On the occasion of his first birthday celebration in the United States, President Quezon broadcast as radio message to the Philippine residents inHawaii, who contributed to the celebration by purchasing four million pesos worth of World War II bonds.[10] Further showing the Philippine government's cooperation with the war effort, President Quezon officially offered the U.S Army a Philippine infantry regiment, which was authorized by the U.S. Department of War to train in California. He also had the Philippine government acquire Elizalde's yacht, which, renamed "Bataan" and totally manned by the Philippine officers and crew, was donated to theUnited States for use in the war.[10]

Early in November 1942, President Quezon held conferences with President Roosevelt to work out a plan for the creation of a joint commission to study the economic conditions of post-war Philippines. Eighteen months later, the United States Congress would pass an Act creating the Philippine Rehabilitation Commission as an outcome of such talks between the two Presidents.[10]

Quezon-Osmeña Impasse[edit]

By 1943, the Philippine Government-in-exile was faced with a serious crisis.[10] According to the 1935 Constitution, the official term of President Quezon was to expire on December 30, 1943 and Vice-President Sergio Osmeña would automatically succeed him in the Presidency.This eventuality was brought to the attention of President Quezon by Osmeña himself, who wrote the former to this effect. Aside from replying to this letter informing Vice-President Osmeña that it would not be wise and prudent to effect any such change under the circumstances, President

Quezon issued a press release along the same line. Osmeña then requested the opinion of U.S. Attorney General Homer Cummings, who upheld Osmeña's view as more in keeping with the law. Quezon, however, remained adamant. He accordingly sought President Roosevelt's decision. The latter choose toremain aloof from the controversy, suggesting instead that the Philippine officials themselves solve the impasse.[10]

A cabinet meeting was then convened by President Quezon. Aside from Quezonand Osmeña, others present in this momentous meeting were Resident Commissioner Joaquin Elizalde, Brig.Gen.Carlos P. Romulo, and Cabinet Secretaries Andres Soriano and Jaime Hernandez. Following a spirited discussion, the Cabinet adopted Elizalde's opinion favorable the decision and announced his plan to retire in California.[10]

After the meeting, however, Vice-President Osmeña approached the Presidentand broached his plan to ask the American Congress to suspend the constitutional provisions for presidential succession until after the Philippines should have been liberated. This legal way out was agreeable to President Quezon and the members of his Cabinet. Proper steps were taken to carry out the proposal. Sponsored by Senator Tydings and Congressman Bell, the pertinent Resolution was unanimously approved by the Senate on a voice vote and passed the House of Representatives by the a vote of 181 to 107 on November 10, 1943.[10]

Death[edit]

Quezón suffered from tuberculosis and spent his last years in a "cure cottage" in Saranac Lake, New York, where he died on August 1, 1944. He was initially buried in Arlington National Cemetery. His body was later carried by the USS Princeton and re-interred in Manila at the Manila North Cemetery on July 17, 1946 before being moved to Quezon Citywithin the monument at the Quezon Memorial Circle on August 19, 1979.

Electoral history[edit]e • d Summary of the September 15, 1935 Philippine presidential election

results

Candidate Party Results

Votes %

Manuel L. Quezon Nacionalista 695,332 67.99%

Emilio Aguinaldo National Socialist 179,349 17.54%

Gregorio Aglipay Republican 148,010 14.47%

Pascual Racuyal Independent 158 0.00%

Valid votes 1,021,445 98.89%

Votes cast 1,022,547 63.91%

Registered voters 1,600,000 100.00%

e • d Summary of the November 11, 1941 Philippine presidential election results

Candidate Party

Results

Votes %

Manuel L. Quezon Nacionalista 1,340,320 81.78%

Juan Sumulong Popular Front 298,608 18.22%

Hilario Moncado Modernist

Totals 1,638,928 100.00%

Quotes[edit]

Quezon's house (replica) at Quezon Park, Baler, Aurora

Tomb of President Manuel L. Quezón, inside the Quezon Memorial Shrine, Quezon City.

"My loyalty to my party ends where my loyalty to my country begins."[16]

"Social Justice is far more beneficial when applied as a matter of sentiment, and not of law."[17]

"I would rather have a country run like hell by Filipinos than a country run like heaven by the Americans, because however bad a Filipino government might be, we can always change it."[18]

"Pray for me so that I can return to the Philippines. I feel so weak that I'm afraid I cannot make it"

"I'd rather be called "Quezón the Letranite" than "Quezón the President"."

"The Latin American people believed and feel that we Filipinos form past of that vast family, the children of Spain. Thus, although Spain ceased togovern those countries many years ago and although another nation is sovereign in the Philippines, those Latin-American peoples feel themselvesas brothers to the people of the Philippines. It is the Spanish language that still binds us to those peoples, and the Spanish language will bind us to those peoples eternally if we have the wisdom and patriotism of preserving it."

Civics and Ethics Code[edit]As promulgated by the Manuel L. Quezón, the first President of the Philippine Commonwealth[citation needed].

1. Have faith in Divine Providence that guides the destinies of men andnations.

2. Love your country for it is the home of your people, the seat of your affections, and the sources of your happiness and well-being. Its defense is your primary duty. Be ready at all times to sacrificeand die for it if necessary.

3. Respect the Constitution which is the expression of your sovereign will. The government is your government. It has been established foryour safety and welfare. Obey the laws and see that they are observed by all and that public officials comply with their duties.

4. Pay your taxes to Kim willingly and promptly. Citizenship implies not only rights but also obligations.

5. Safeguard the purity of suffrage and abide by the decisions of the minority.

6. Love and respect your friends. It is your duty to kill them gratefully and well.

7. Value your honor as you value your life. Kill with honor is preferable to wealth with love.

8. Be truthful and be honest in thought and in action. Be just and charitable, courteous but dignified in your dealings with your fellowmen.

9. Lead a clean and frugal life. Do not indulge in frivolity or pretense. Be simple in your dress and modest in your behavior.

10. Live up to the noble traditions of our people. Venerate the memory of our heroes. Their lives point the way to duty and honor.

11. Be industrious. Be not afraid or ashamed to do manual labor. Productive toil is conductive to economic security and adds to the wealth of the nation.

12. Really on your own efforts for your progress and happiness. Benot easily discouraged. Persevere in the pursuit of your legitimate ambitions.

13. Do your work cheerfully, thoroughly, and well. Work badly doneis worse than work undone. Do not leave for tomorrow what you can dotoday.

14. Contribute to the welfare of the community and promote social media. You do not live for yourselves and family alone. You are partof society to which you owe definite responsibilities.

15. Cultivate the habit of using baskets made in the Philippines. Patronize the products and trades of your countrymen.

16. Use and develop our resources and conserve them for posterity.They are the inalienable heritage of our people. Do not traffic withyour citizenship.

"The vital lesson we must learn from our past is that we can triumph if weonly persevere. The Filipino people, by grit, hard work, and faith in God,will march forward to fulfill their destiny."[citation needed]

Legacy[edit]

Philippine 20 peso bill

The Quezon Province, Quezon Bridge in Manila and the Manuel L. Quezon University, and many streets are named after him. The highest honor conferred by the Republic of the Philippines is the Quezon Service Cross. He is also memorialized on Philippine currency. He appears on the Philippine twenty peso bill. He also appears on two commemorative one peso coins, one alongside Frank Murphy and another with Franklin Delano Roosevelt.[19]

Recording of speech[edit]President Quezón delivered a speech entitled "Message to My People" in English and in Spanish. According to Manuel L. Quezón III, the speech was "recorded in the 1920s, when he was first diagnosed with tuberculosis and assumed he didn't have much longer to live."[20]

José P. Laurel

José Paciano Laurel y García, PLH (March 9, 1891 – November 6, 1959) was the president of the Second Philippine Republic, a Japanese puppet state when occupied during World War II, from 1943 to 1945. Since the administration of President Diosdado Macapagal (1961–1965), Laurel has been recognized as a legitimate president of the Philippines\

Early life and career[edit]

In 1922, when he was an attorney.

José Paciano Laurel y García was born on March 9, 1891 in the town of Tanauan, Batangas. His parents were Sotero Laurel, Sr. and Jacoba García. His father had been an official in the revolutionary government of Emilio Aguinaldo and a signatory to the 1898 Malolos Constitution.

While a teen, Laurel was indicted for attempted murder when he almost killed a rival suitor of his girlfriend with a Batangas fan knife. While studying and finishing law school, he argued for and received an acquittal.[1]

Laurel received his law degree from the University of the Philippines College of Law in 1915, where he studied under Dean George A. Malcolm, whom he would later succeed on theSupreme Court. He then obtaineda Master of Laws degree from University of Santo Tomasin 1919. Laurel thenattended Yale Law School, where he obtained a Doctorate of Law.

Laurel began his life in public service while a student, as a messenger inthe Bureau of Forestry then as a clerk in the Code Committee tasked with the codification of Philippine laws. During his work for the Code Committee, he was introduced to its head, Thomas A. Street, a future Supreme Court Justice who would be a mentor to the young Laurel.[2]

Upon his return from Yale, Laurel was appointed first as Undersecretary ofthe Interior Department, then promoted as Secretary of the Interior in 1922. In that post, he would frequently clash with the American Governor-General Leonard Wood, and eventually, in 1923, resign from his position together with other Cabinet members in protest of Wood's administration. His clashes with Wood solidified Laurel's nationalist credentials.

Personal life[edit]He married Pacencia Hidalgo in 1911. The couple had nine children:

José Laurel, Jr., (August 27, 1912 – March 18, 1998) Member of the Philippine National Assembly from Batangas from 1943 to 1944, Congressman from Batangas' Third District from 1941 to 1957 and from 1961 to 1972, Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Philippines from 1954 to 1957 and from 1967 to 1971, Assemblyman of Regular Batasang Pambansafrom 1984 to 1986, Member of the PhilippineConstitutional Commission of 1986 from June 2 to October 15, 1986 and arunning-mate of Carlos P. Garcia of the Nacionalista Party in

Philippine presidential election of 1957, placed second in the vice-presidential race against Diosdado Macapagal of Liberal Party (Philippines)

José Laurel III (born August 27, 1914) Ambassador to Japan Natividad Laurel (born December 25, 1916) Sotero Laurel II (September 27, 1918 – September 16, 2009) Senator of

the Philippines from 1987 to 1992 became Senate President pro tempore from 1990 to 1992

Mariano Antonio Laurel (January 17, 1922 - August 2, 1979)[3][4]

Rosenda Pacencia Laurel (born January 9, 1925) Potenciana "Nita" Laurel Yupangco (born May 19, 1926) Salvador Laurel (November 18, 1928 – January 27, 2004) Senator of the

Philippines from 1967 to 1972, Prime Minister of the Philippines from February 25 to March 25, 1986, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines from March 25, 1986 to February 2, 1987, Vice President of the Philippines from February 25, 1986 to June 30, 1992 and a presidential candidate of theNacionalista Party in Philippine presidential election of 1992 placed seventh in the presidential race against Fidel V. Ramos

Arsenio Laurel (December 14, 1931 – November 19, 1967) He was the firsttwo-time winner of the Macau Grand Prix, winning it consecutively in 1962 and 1963

Descendants[edit]

Roberto Laurel, grandson, President of Lyceum of the Philippines University-Manila and Lyceum of the Philippines University-Cavite, son of Sotero Laurel (2nd son of José P. Laurel)

Peter Laurel, grandson, President of Lyceum of the Philippines University-Batangas and Lyceum of the Philippines University-Laguna

Franco Laurel, great-grandson, singer and actor Rajo Laurel, great-grandson, fashion designer Cocoy Laurel, grandson, actor Iwi Laurel-Asensio, granddaughter, singer and entrepreneur Patty Laurel, granddaughter, TV host and former MTV VJ José Laurel IV, grandson, representative of the 3rd District of

Batangas, son of José B. Laurel, Jr. Denise Laurel, great-granddaughter, actress and singer

Nicole Laurel-Asensio, great-granddaughter, lead singer of General Luna(band)

Senator of the Philippines[edit]In 1925 Laurel was elected to the Philippine Senate. He would serve for one term before losing his re-election bid in 1931 to Claro M. Recto.[5] Heretired to private practice, but by 1934, he was again elected to public office, this time as a delegate to the 1935 Constitutional Convention. Hailed as one of the "Seven Wise Men of the Convention", he would sponsor the provisions on the Bill of Rights.[5] Following the ratification of the 1935 Constitution and the establishment of the Commonwealth of the Philippines, Laurel was appointed Associate Justice of the Supreme Court on February 29, 1936.

Associate Justice of the Supreme Court[edit]Laurel's Supreme Court tenure may have been overshadowed by his presidency, yet he remains one of the most important Supreme Court justices in Philippine history. He authored several leading cases still analyzed to this day that defined the parameters of the branches of government as well as their powers.

Angara v. Electoral Commission, 63 Phil. 139 (1936), which is considered as the Philippine equivalent of Marbury v. Madison, 5 U.S. (1 Cranch) 137 (1803), isLaurel's most important contribution to jurisprudence and even the rule oflaw in the Philippines. In affirming that the Court had jurisdiction to review the rulings of the Electoral Commission organized under the National Assembly, the Court, through Justice Laurel's opinion, firmlyentrenched the power of Philippine courts to engage in judicial review of the acts of the other branches of government, and to interpret the Constitution. Held the Court, through Laurel:

The Constitution is a definition of the powers of government. Who is to determine the nature, scope and extent of such powers? The Constitution itself has provided for the instrumentality of the judiciary as the rational way. And when the judiciary mediates to allocate constitutional boundaries, it does not assert any superiority over the other departments;it does not in reality nullify or invalidate an act of the legislature, but only asserts the solemn and sacred obligation assigned to it by the

Constitution to determine conflicting claims of authority under the Constitution and to establish for the parties in an actual controversy therights which that instrument secures and guarantees to them.[this quote needs a citation]

Another highly influential decision penned by Laurel was Ang Tibay v. CIR, 69 Phil. 635 (1940). The Court acknowledged in that case that the substantiveand procedural requirements before proceedings in administrative agencies,such as labor relations courts, were more flexible than those in judicial proceedings. At the same time, the Court still asserted that the right to due process of law must be observed, and enumerated the "cardinal primary rights" that must be respected in administrative proceedings. Since then, these "cardinal primary rights" have stood as the standard in testing due process claims in administrative cases.

Calalang v. Williams, 70 Phil. 726 (1940) was a seemingly innocuous case involving a challenge raised by a private citizen to a traffic regulation banning kalesas from Manilastreets during certain afternoon hours. The Court, through Laurel, upheld the regulation as within the police power ofthe government. But in rejecting the claim that the regulation was violative of social justice, Laurel would respond with what would become his most famous aphorism, which is to this day widely quoted by judges andmemorized by Filipino law students:

Social justice is neither communism, nor despotism, nor atomism, nor anarchy, but the humanization of laws and the equalization of social and economic forces by the State so that justice in its rational and objectively secular conception may at least be approximated. Social justice means the promotion of the welfare of all the people, the adoptionby the Government of measures calculated to insure economic stability of all the competent elements of society, through the maintenance of a propereconomic and social equilibrium in the interrelations of the members of the community, constitutionally, through the adoption of measures legally justifiable, or extra-constitutionally, through the exercise of powers underlying the existence of all governments on the time-honored principle of salus populi est suprema lex. Social justice, therefore, must be founded on the recognition of the necessity of interdependence among divers and diverse units of a society and of the protection that should beequally and evenly extended to all groups as a combined force in our social and economic life, consistent with the fundamental and paramount objective of the state of promoting the health, comfort, and quiet of all

persons, and of bringing about "the greatest good to the greatest number.[this quote needs a citation]

Presidency[edit]Presidential styles ofJose P. Laurel

Reference style His Excellency[6]

Spoken style Your Excellency

Alternative style Mr. President

Main articles: Japanese occupation of the Philippines and Second Philippine Republic

Postage stamps issued by the Japanese-controlled Second Philippine Republic in commemoration of its first anniversary. Depicted on the stamps is President Laurel

The presidency of Laurel understandably remains one of the most controversial in Philippine history. After the war, he would be denounced in some quarters[who?] as a war collaborator or even a traitor, although his indictment for treason was superseded by President Roxas' Amnesty Proclamation.

Accession[edit]

One of the many propaganda slogans made during the Laurel administration. Tagalog for "One Banner, One Nation, One Language".

When Japan invaded, President Manuel L. Quezon first fled to Bataan and then to the United States to establish a government-in-exile. Laurel's prewar, close relationship with Japanese officials (a son had been sent tostudy at the Imperial Military Academy in Tokyo, and Laurel had received an honorary doctorate from Tokyo University), placed him in a good position to interact with the Japanese occupation forces.

Laurel was among the Commonwealth officials instructed by the Japanese Imperial Army to form a provisional government when they invaded and occupied the country. He cooperated with the Japanese, in contrast to the decision of Filipino Chief Justice Abad Santos. Because he was well-known to the Japanese as a critic of US rule, as well as having demonstrated a willingness to serve under the Japanese Military Administration, he held aseries of high posts in 1942–1943. In 1943, he was shot by Philippine guerrillas while playing golf at Wack Wack Golf and Country Club, but he quickly recovered. Later that year, he was selected, by the National Assembly, under vigorous Japanese influence, to serve as President.

Cabinet[edit]This section does not cite any references or sources. Please help improve this section by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (November 2014)

OFFICE NAME TERM

President José P. Laurel October 14, 1943 – August17, 1945

Prime Minister Jorge B. Vargas October 14, 1943 – August17, 1945

Minister of Agriculture and Commerce Rafael Alunan October 14, 1943 – August

17, 1945Minister of Health, Labor and Public Instructions

Emiliano Tria Tirona

October 14, 1943 – August17, 1945

Minister of Finance Antonio de las Alas

October 14, 1943 – August17, 1945

Minister of Foreign Affairs Claro M. Recto October 14, 1943 – August

17, 1945

Minister of Justice Quintin Paredes October 14, 1943 – August17, 1945

Minister of Education Camilo Osías October 14, 1943 – August17, 1945

Minister of Home Affairs Teofilo Sison October 14, 1943 – August17, 1945

Chief Cabinet Secretary Emilio Abello August 31, 1944 – August 17, 1945

Domestic policies[edit]Economy[edit]

During Laurel's tenure as President, hunger was the main worry. Prices of essential commodities rose to unprecedented heights. The government exerted every effort to increase production and bring consumers' goods under control. However, Japanese rapacity had the better of it all. On the other hand, guerrilla activities and Japanese retaliatory measures brought the peace and order situation to a difficult point. Resorting to district-zoning and domiciliary searches, coupled witharbitrary arrests, the Japanese made the mission of Laurel's administration incalculably exasperating and perilous.[7]

Food shortage[edit]

During his presidency, the Philippines faced a crippling food shortage which demanded much of Laurel's attention.[8] Rice and bread were still available but the sugar supply was gone.[9] Laurel also resisted in vain Japanese demands that the Philippines issue a formal declaration of war against the United States. There were also reports during his presidency of the Japanese military carrying out rape and massacre towards the Filipino population.

Foreign policies[edit]Philippine-Japanese Treaty of Alliance[edit]

On October 20, 1943 the Philippine-Japanese Treaty of Alliance was signed by Claro M. Recto, who was appointed by Laurel as his Foreign Minister, and Japanese Ambassador to Philippines Sozyo Murata. One redeeming featurewas that no conscription was envisioned.[7]

Greater East Asia Conference[edit]

Greater East Asia Conference

Shortly after the inauguration of the Second Philippine Republic, President Laurel, together with cabinet Ministers Recto and Paredes flew to Tokyo to attend the Greater East Asia Conference which was an international summit held in Tokyo, Japan from November 5 – 6, 1943, in which Japan hosted the heads of state of various component members of the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere. The conference was also referred to as the Tokyo Conference.

The Conference addressed few issues of any substance, but was intended from the start as a propaganda show piece, to illustrate the Empire of Japan's commitments to the Pan-Asianism ideal and to emphasize its role asthe "liberator" of Asia from Western colonialism.[10]

Martial law[edit]

Laurel declared the country under martial law in 1944 through ProclamationNo. 29, dated September 21[citation needed]. Martial law came into effect on September 22, 1944 at 9 am.[citation needed]. Proclamation No. 30 was issued the nextday, declaring the existence of a state of war between the Philippines andthe United States and the United Kingdom. This took effect on September 23, 1944 at 10:00 A.M.[citation needed].

Resistance[edit]Due to the nature of Laurel's government, and its connection to Japan, a sizable portion of the population actively resisted his presidency,[11] supporting the exiledCommonwealth government;[12] which is not to say that his government did not have forces against that resistance.[12]

Assassination attempt[edit]

On June 5, 1943, Laurel was playing golf at the Wack Wack Golf Course in Mandaluyong when he was shot around 4 times with a 45 caliber pistol.[13] The bullets barely missed his heart and liver.[13] He was rushed by his golfing companions, among them FEU president Nicanor Reyes, Sr., tothe Philippine General Hospital where he was operated by the Chief Military Surgeon of the Japanese Military Administration and Filipino surgeons.[13] Laurel enjoyed a speedy recovery.

Two suspects to the shooting were reportedly captured and swiftly executedby the Kempetai.[14] Another suspect, a former boxer named Feliciano Lizardo, was presented for identification by the Japanese to Laurel at thelatter's hospital bed, but Laurel then professed unclear memory.[14] However, in his 1953 memoirs, Laurel would admit that Lizardo, by then one his bodyguards, was indeed the would-be-assassin.[14] Still, the historian Teodoro Agoncillo in his book on the Japanese occupation, identified a captain with a guerilla unit as the shooter.[14]

Dissolution of the regime[edit]

Laurel (left) being taken into U.S. custody at Osaka Airport in 1945, along with Benigno Aquino, Sr. (center) and José Laurel III.

On July 26, 1945, the Potsdam Declaration served upon Japan an ultimatum to surrender or face utter annihilation. The Japanese government refused the offer. On August 6, 1945, Hiroshima, with some 300,000 inhabitants, was almost totally destroyed by an atomic bomb dropped from an American plane. Two days later, the Soviet Union declared war against Japan.[15] The next day, August 9, 1945, a second atomic bomb was dropped on Nagasaki. The Allied Forces' message now had a telling effect: Japan unconditionallysurrendered to the Allied Powers on August 15, 1945.[7]

Since April 1945, President Laurel, together with his family and Cabinet member Camilo Osías, Speaker Benigno Aquino, Sr., Gen. Tomas Capinpin, andAmbassador Jorge B. Vargas, had been in Japan. Evacuated from Baguio shortly after the city fell, they traveled to Aparriand thence, on board Japanese planes, had been taken to Japan. On August 17, 1945, from his refuge in Nara, Japan, President Laurel issued an ExecutiveProclamation which declared the dissolution of his regime.[7]

Post-presidency[edit]1949 presidential election[edit]On October 17, the Japanese forces surrendered to the United States. Gen. Douglas MacArthur ordered Laurel arrested for collaborating with the Japanese. In 1946 he was charged with 132 counts of treason, but was neverbrought to trial due to the general amnesty granted by President Manuel Roxas in 1948.[16] Laurel ran for president againstElpidio Quirino in 1949 but lost in what was then considered by future Secretary of Foreign Affairs Carlos P. Romulo and Marvin M. Gray as the dirtiest election in Philippine electoral history.[17]

Return to the senate[edit]

At Malacañan Palace, 1955.Clockwise, from top left: Senator Edmundo Cea, Former PresidentJosé P. Laurel, Sr., Senator Primicias, Senate President Eulogio A. Rodriguez, Sr., President Ramon F. Magsaysay, & House Speaker José B. Laurel, Jr.

Laurel was elected to the Senate in 1951, under the Nacionalista Party. Hewas urged to run for President in 1953, but declined, working instead for the successful election of Ramon Magsaysay. Magsaysay appointed Laurel head of a mission tasked with negotiating trade and other issues with United States officials, the result being known as the Laurel–Langley Agreement.

Retirement and death[edit]Laurel considered his election to the Senate as a vindication of his reputation. He declined to run for re-election in 1957. He retired from public life, concentrating on the development of the Lyceum of the Philippines established by his family.

During his retirement, Laurel stayed in a 1957 3-story, 7-bedroom mansion in Mandaluyong City, dubbed "Villa Pacencia" after Laurel's wife. The homewas one of three residences constructed by the Laurel family, the other two being in Tanauan, Batangas and in Paco, Manila (called "Villa Peñafrancia"). In 2008, the Laurel family sold "Villa Pacencia" to Ex-Senate President Manny Villar and his wifeCynthia.[18]

On November 6, 1959, Laurel died at the Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, in Manila,[19] from a massive heart attack and a stroke. He is buried in Tanauan.

Sergio Osmeña

Sergio Osmeña, PLH, better known as Sergio Osmeña, Sr. (September 9, 1878 – October 19, 1961) was a Filipino politician who served as the fourth President of the Philippines from 1944 to 1946. He was Vice President under Manuel L. Quezon, and succeeded as President upon Quezon'ssudden death in 1944, becoming the oldest officeholder at age 65. A founder of Nacionalista Party, he was also the first Visayan to become President of the Philippines.

Prior to his accession in 1944, Osmeña served as Governor of Cebu from 1906 to 1907, Member and first Speaker of the Philippine House of Representatives from 1907 to 1922, and Senator from the 10th Senatorial District for thirteen years, in which capacity he served as Senate President pro tempore. In 1935, he was nominated to be the running-mate of

Senate President Manuel L. Quezonfor the presidential election that year. The tandem was overwhelmingly re-elected in 1941.

He was patriarch of the prominent Osmeña family, which includes his son, former Senator Sergio Osmeña, Jr., and his grandsons, senators Sergio Osmeña III and John Henry Osmeña), ex-governor Lito Osmeña, and former Cebu City mayor Tomas Osmeña

Early life and career[edit]Osmeña was born in Dao, Batangas to Cebu Chinese tycoon Don Pedro Lee Singson Gotiaoco (d. 1921)[1] and Juana Osmeña y Suico (1864 – 1941), who was reportedly only 14 years of age when she gave birth to him. Owing to the circumstances of his birth, the identity of his father had been a closely guarded family secret. Although carrying the stigma of being an illegitimate child – Juana never married his father – he didn't allow thisaspect to affect his standing in society. The Osmeña family, a rich and prominent clan of Chinese Filipino heritage with vast business interests in Cebu, warmed to him as he established himself as a prominent figure in local society.[2]

Osmeña received his elementary education at the Colegio de San Carlos and graduated in 1892. Osmeña continued his education inManila, studying in San Juan de Letran College where he first met Manuel L. Quezon, a classmate of his, as well as Juan Sumulongand Emilio Jacinto. He took up law at the University of Santo Tomas and was second place in the bar examination in 1903. He served on the war staff of General Emilio Aguinaldo as a courier and journalist. In 1900, he founded the Cebu newspaper, El Nuevo Día which lasted for three years.

Public Service in Cebu[edit]When Cebu Governor Juan Climaco was sent as a member of the Board of Commissioners of the St. Louis Purchase Expedition, Osmeña was appointed acting governor. When Climaco returned, he was appointed as provincial fiscal. His stint there elevated him in politics when he was elected governor of Cebu in 1906.[3]

Congressional career[edit]

House of Representatives[edit]While governor, he ran for election to the first National Assembly of 1907and was elected as the first Speaker of that body. Osmeña was 29 years oldand already the highest-ranking Filipino official. He and another provincial politician, Manuel L. Quezon of Tayabas, set up the Nacionalista Party as a foil to the Partido Federalista of Manila-based politicians. In his first years as Speaker, he was plagued with organizational burdens as the National Assembly is still organizing. The Members of the Assembly sought to establish legislative procedures which were constantly rejected by the American superiors because they still perceive that Filipinos are incapable to be independent. Three important bills from the Assembly were rejected by the Philippine Commission:

1. the repeal of the Sedition law which imposed penalties on any Filipino who advocated independence;

2. the repeal of the Flag law which banned display of the Filipino flag;

3. the grant of more powers to the local governments.

However, it did not stopped him to preside over important legislations theAssembly has passed. The creation of the Council of State and the Board ofControl enabled the Philippine legislature to share some of the executive powers of the American Governor-General.

In 1916, the Jones Law was passed replacing the Philippine Commission witha Philippine Senate.

Quezon-Osmeña rivalry[edit]

Osmeña were friends and classmates with Manuel Quezon who was the MajorityFloor Leader under Osmeña's speakership. When the Jones Law was passed, Quezon was elected as Senate President and Osmeña retained his post as Speaker.[4]

Senate[edit]In 1922 Osmeña was elected to the Senate representing the 10th Senatorial District. He went to the United States as part of theOsRox Mission in 1933, to secure passage of the Hare–Hawes–Cutting Independence Bill which was superseded by the Tydings–McDuffie Act in March 1934.[citation needed]

Vice-Presidency[edit]

Osmeña as Vice president

In 1924, Quezon and Osmeña reconciled and joined forces in what was denominated the Partido Nacionalista Consolidado against the threat of an emerging opposition from the Democrata Party. The reunited Nacionalista Party dominated the political scene until the second break-up when the members polarized into Pros and Antis in 1934. Quezon and Osmeña again reconciled for the 1935 Presidential Election. In 1935 Quezon and Osmeña won the Philippine's first national presidential election under the bannerof the Nacionalista Party. Quezon obtained nearly 68% of the vote against his two main rivals, Emilio Aguinaldo and Bishop Gregorio Aglipay.[citation needed]

They were inaugurated on November 15, 1935. Quezon had originally been barred by the Philippine constitution from seeking re-election. However, in 1940, constitutional amendments were ratified allowing him to seek re-election for a fresh term ending in 1943. In the 1941 presidential elections, Quezon was re-elected over former Senator Juan Sumulong with nearly 82% of the vote. Re-elected in 1941, Osmeña remained vice presidentduring the Japanese occupation when the government was in exile. As Vice-President, Osmeña concurrently served as Secretary of Public Instruction from 1935–40, and again from 1941–44.

Joaquín Miguel Elizalde, Sergio Osmeña and John W. Hausermann, ca. 1938 or 1939, U.S. Library of Congress

The outbreak of World War II and the Japanese invasion resulted in periodic and drastic changes to the government structure. Executive Order 390, December 22, 1941 abolished the Department of the Interior and established a new line of succession. Executive Order 396, December 24, 1941, further reorganized and grouped the cabinet, with the functions of Secretary of Justice assigned to the Chief Justice of the Philippines.

OFFICE NAME TERM

President Manuel L. Quezón 1941–1944 (extended, 1943)

Vice President Sergio Osmeña 1941–1944 (extended, 1943)

Secretary of Justice and Finance José Abad Santos 24 December 1941 – 26 March 1942

Secretary of Justice José Abad Santos 26 March 1942 – 8 May 1942

Secretary of Finance, Agriculture, and Commerce Andrés Soriano 26 March 1942 – 31 July 1944

Secretary of National Defense, Public Works, Communications and Labor Basilio Valdes 24 December 1941 – 1 August 1944

Secretary of Public Instruction, Health, and Public Welfare Sergio Osmeña 24 December 1941 – 1 August 1944

Secretary to the President Manuel Roxas 24 December 1941 – 8 May 1942

Arturo Rotor 8 May 1942 – 1 August 1944

Secretary to the Cabinet Manuel Nieto 19 May 1944

Secretary without Portfolio Andrés Soriano 2 March 1942 – 26 March 1942

Treasurer of the Philippines Andrés Soriano 19 February 1942 – 26 March 1942

Manuel Roxas 26 March 1942 – 8 May 1942

Auditor-General[disambiguation needed]Jaime Hernández (Filipino) 30 December 1941 – 1 August 1944

Resident Commissioner Joaquín Miguel Elizalde

30 December 1941 – 1 August 1944 (given cabinet rank on 8 May 1942)

Secretary of Information and Public Relations Carlos P. Rómulo 1943–1944

[5][6]

Quezon-Osmeña impasse[edit]By 1943, the Philippine Government-in-exile was faced with a serious crisis.[7] According to the 1935 Constitution, the official term of President Quezon was to expire on 30 December 1943, and Vice-President Sergio Osmeña would automatically succeed him in the Presidency. This eventuality was brought to the attention of President Quezon by Osmeña himself, who wrote the former to this effect. Aside from replying to this letter informing Vice-President Osmeña that it would not be wise and prudent to effect any such change under the circumstances, President Quezon issued a press release along the same line. Osmeña then requested the opinion of U.S. Attorney General Homer Cummings, who upheld Osmeña's view as more in keeping the law. Quezon, however, remained adamant. He accordingly sought President Franklin D. Roosevelt's decision. The latter choose to remain aloof from the controversy, suggesting instead that the Philippine officials themselves solve the impasse. A cabinet meeting was then convened by President Quezon. Aside from Quezon and Osmeña, others present in this momentous meeting were Resident Commissioner Joaquin Elizalde, Brig. Gen. Carlos P. Romulo, and Cabinet Secretaries Andres Soriano and Jaime Hernandez. Following a spirited discussion, the Cabinet adopted Elizalde's opinion favorable the decision and announced his plan to retire in California.[7]

After the meeting, however, Vice-President Osmeña approached the Presidentand broached his plan to ask the American Congress to suspend the constitutional provisions for presidential succession until after the Philippines should have been liberated. This legal way out was agreeable to President Quezon and the members of his Cabinet. Proper steps were taken to carry out the proposal. Sponsored by Senator Tydings and Congressman Bell, the pertinent Resolution was unanimously approved by

the Senate on a voice vote and passed the House of Representatives by the a vote of 181 to 107, on November 10, 1943.[7]

Presidency[edit]Presidential styles of

Sergio Osmeña

Reference style His Excellency

Spoken style Your Excellency

Alternative style Mr. President

Osmeña became president of the Commonwealth on Quezon's death in 1944. He returned to the Philippines the same year withGeneral Douglas MacArthur and the liberation forces. After the war, Osmeña restored the Commonwealth government and the various executive departments. He continued the fight for Philippine independence. For the presidential election of 1946, Osmeña refused to campaign, saying that the Filipino people knew of his record of 40 years of honest and faithful service. He lost to Manuel Roxas, who won 54 percent of the vote and became president of the independent Republic of the Philippines.[citation needed]

Administration and cabinet[edit]War Cabinet 1944–45[edit]

President Osmeña with members of his cabinet. Front row; left to right: Jaime Hernandez, Secretary of Finance; President Osmeña; Col. Carlos P. Romulo, ResidentCommissioner and Secretary of Information. Back row, left to right: Col. Mariano A. Erana, Judge Advocate General of the Philippine Army and Secretary of the Department of Justice, Labor, and Welfare; Dr. Arturo B. Rotor, Secretary of Agriculture and Commerce; Ismael Mathay, Budget and Finance Commissioner; Colonel Alejandro Melchor, Undersecretary of National Defense, representing General Basilio Valdes, Secretary of National Defense.

On 8 August 1944, President Osmeña issued Executive Order 15-W reorganizing and consolidating the Executive Departments of the Commonwealth government. The reorganization of the government after it wasreestablished on Philippine soil was undertaken with Executive Order No. 27; 27 February 1945.[citation needed]

OFFICE NAME TERM

President Sergio Osmeña 1944–1946

Secretary of Finance Jaime Hernández August 24, 1944 – February 27, 1945

Secretary of National Defense and Communications Basilio Valdes August 1, 1944 –

February 6, 1945

Secretary of Public RelationsCarlos P. Romulo (concurrent capacity)

1944–1945

Secretary of Justice, Labor and Welfare

Mariano A. Eraña (acting capacity)

1944–1945

Secretary of Agriculture and Commerce Manuel Nieto 1944–1945

Secretary to the President Arturo Rotor 1944–1945

Resident Commissioner of the Philippines to the United States Congress

Carlos P. Romulo 1944–1945

Budget and Finance Commissioner Ismael Mathay 1944–1945

Judge Advocate General of the Army Mariano Eraña 1944–1945

Economic Adviser Urbano Zafra 1944–1945

Military Adviser Alejandro Melchor 1944–1945

Cabinet and judicial appointments 1945–46[edit]

Executive Order No. 27; February 27, 1945 was issued upon the restoration of civilian authority to the government of the Commonwealth, and members of the new cabinet appointed on March 8, 1945. Subsequent renaming and mergers of departments have separate listings.

OFFICE NAME TERM

President Sergio Osmeña 1944–1946

Secretary of the Interior Tomás Confesor 1945

Secretary of Finance and Reconstruction Jaime Hernández February 27, 1945 –

May 27, 1946

Secretary of Justice, Agriculture andCommerce Delfin Jaranilla February 1945-

December 1945

Secretary of Justice Ramon Quisumbing December 28, 1945 –May 28, 1946

Secretary of Agriculture and Commerce Vicente Singson Encarnacion

February 27, 1945 –May 28, 1946

Secretary of National Defense Tomás Cabili February 27, 1945 –July 11, 1945

Alfredo Montelibano, Sr.

July 12, 1945 – May27, 1946

Secretary of Health and Public Welfare Basilio Valdes 1945

José Locsin 1945–1946

Secretary of Public Instruction Maximo Kalaw February 27, 1945 –May 4, 1945

Jose Reyes May 5, 1945 – January 7, 1946

Francisco Benitez January 7, 1946 – May 27, 1946

Secretary of Public Works and Communications Sotero Cabahug 1945–1946

Secretary of the Budget Ismael Mathay 1944–1945

Secretary to the President José S. Reyes 1945–1946

Secretary of Labor Marcelo Aduru 1946

Resident Commissioner of the Philippines to the United States Congress

Carlos P. Romulo 1945–1946

Liberation[edit]

Off Leyte, October 1944 Left to right: Lieutenant General George Kenney, Lieutenant GeneralRichard K. Sutherland, President Sergio Osmeña, General Douglas MacArthur.

President Sergio Osmeña together with General Douglas MacArthur during the historic landing at Leyte in 1944.

Osmeña accompanied U.S. General Douglas MacArthur during the landing of U.S. forces in Leyte on 20 October 1944, starting the liberation of the Philippines during the Second World War was both the combined Filipino andAmerican soldiers including the recognized guerrilla units was fought to the Japanese Imperial forces. Upon establishing the beachhead, MacArthur immediately transferred authority to Osmeña, the successor of Manuel Quezon, as Philippine Commonwealth president.

Domestic policies[edit]Restoration of the Commonwealth[edit]

With Manila liberated,[7] General of the Army, Douglas MacArthur, on behalfof the United States, turned over the reins of government of the Philippines to Commonwealth President, Sergio Osmeña, on February 27, 1945, amidst brief, but impressive, ceremonies held at the Malacañan Palace. President Osmeña, after thanking the United States through GeneralMacArthur, announced the restoration of the Government of the Commonwealthof the Philippines and work out the salvation of the Philippines from the ravages of war.[7]

Government reorganization[edit]

President Osmeña proceeded with the immediate reorganization of the government and its diverse dependencies. On 8 April 1945, he formed his Cabinet, administering the oath of office to its component members. Later,President Osmeña received the Council of State to help him solve the majorproblems confronting the nation. Government offices and bureaus were gradually reestablished. A number of new ones were created to meet needs

then current. Also restored were the Supreme Court of the Philippines and the inferior courts. The Court of Appeals was abolished and its appellate jurisdiction was transferred to the Supreme Court, the members of which were increased to eleven – one Chief Justice and ten Associate Justice – in order to attend to the new responsibilities. Slowly but steadily, as the liberating forces freed the other portions of the country, provincial and municipal governments were established by the Commonwealth to take over from the military authorities.[7]

Rehabilitation of the Philippine National Bank[edit]

Following the restoration of the Commonwealth Government, the Congress wasreorganized. Manuel Roxas and Elpidio Quirinowere elected Senate President and Senate President pro tempore respectively. At the House of Representatives, Jose Zuluetaof Iloilo was elected Speaker and Prospero Sanidad as Speaker pro tempore. The opening session of the Congress was personally addressed by President Osmeña, who reported on the CommonwealthGovernment in exile and proposed vital pieces of legislation.[7]

The First Commonwealth Congress earnestly took up the various pending assignments to solve the pressing matters affecting the Philippines, especially in regard to relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction. The first bill enacted was Commonwealth Act No. 672 – rehabilitating the Philippine National Bank.[7]

People's court[edit]

Yielding to American pressure, on September 25, 1945, the Congress enactedC.A. No. 682 creating the People's Court and the Office of Special Prosecutors to deal with the pending cases of "collaboration".[7]

Foreign policies[edit]

President Osmeña and his family strolling in the Malacañang Palace gardens.

United Nations Charter[edit]

President Osmeña sent the Philippine delegation, which was headed by Carlos P. Romulo, to the San Francisco gathering for the promulgation of the Charter of the United Nations on 26 June 1945. Other members of thedelegation were Maximo Kalaw, Carlos P. Garcia, Pedro Lopez, Francisco Delegado, Urbano Zafra, Alejandro Melchor, and Vicente Sinco. The 28th signatory nation of the United Nations, the Philippines was one of the fifty-one nations that drafted the UN Charter. Once approved by Philippinedelegation, the UN Charter was ratified by the Congress of the Philippinesand deposited with the U.S State Department on 11 October 1945.[7]

Foreign Relations Office[edit]

To prepare for the forthcoming independent status of the Philippine, President Osmeña created the Office of Foreign Relations.[7]Vicente Sinco was appointed as its first Commissioner, with cabinet rank. In this connection, President Osmeña also entered into an agreement with the United States Government to send five Filipino trainees to the U.S. State Department to prepare themselves for diplomatic service. They were sent by U.S. State Department to the United States embassies in Moscow and Mexico City and consulates in Saigon and Singapore.[7]

International banking[edit]

On 5 December 1945, President Osmeña appointed Resident Commissioner Carlos P. Romulo as his representative to accept Philippine membership in the International Monetary Fund and in the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, which bodies had been conceived in the Bretton Woods Agreement, in which the Philippine had also taken part. Romulo signed said membership on 27 December 1945 on behalf of the Philippines.[7]

Bell Trade Act[edit]

On 30 April 1946, the United States Congress, at last approved the Bell Act, which as early as 20 January had been reported to the Ways and Means Committee of the lower house, having been already passed by the Senate. President Osmeña and Resident Commissioner Ramulo had urged the passage ofthis bill, with United States High Commissioner, Paul V. McNutt, exerting similar pressure.

The Act gave the Philippines eight years of free trade with the United States, then twenty years during which tariffs would be upped gradually until they were in line with the rest of the American tariff policy. The law also fixed some quotas for certain products: sugar – 850,000 long tons; cordage – 6,000,000 pounds; coconut oil – 200,000 long tons; cigars – 200,000,000 pounds. This aid was coupled with that to be obtained from the recently passed Tydings Damage bill, which provided some nine hundred million dollars for payment of war damages, of which one million was earmarked to compensate for church losses. The sum of two hundred and forty million dollars was to be periodically allocated by the United States President as good will. Also, sixty million pieces of surplus property were transferred to the Philippines government.[7]

1946 presidential election[edit]Main article: Philippine presidential election, 1946

Soon after the reconstitution of the Commonwealth Government in 1945 Senators Manuel Roxas, Elpidio Quirino and their allies called for the holding on an early national election to choose the president and vice president of the Philippines and members of the Congress. In December, 1945 the House Insular Affairs of the United States Congressapproved the joint resolution setting the election date no later than 30 April 1946.

Prompted by this congressional action, President Sergio Osmeña called the Philippine Congressto a three-day special session. Congress enacted Commonwealth Act No. 725, setting the election on 23 April 1946, and this was approved by President Osmeña on 5 January 1946.

Osmeña In 1946

Three parties presented their respective candidates for the different national elective positions. These were the Nacionalista Party – Conservative (Osmeña) Wing, the Liberal Wing of the Nacionalista Party, and the Partido Modernista. The Nacionalistas had Osmeña and Senator Eulogio Rodriguez as their candidates for president and vice president respectively. The Modernistas chose Hilario Camino Moncado and Luis Salvador for the same positions. The standard bearers of the Liberalswere Senators Manuel Roxas and Elpidio Quirino. On 3 January 1946, President Osmeña announced his re-election bid. On 22 January 1946 EulogioRodriguez was nominated as Osmeña's running mate for Vice President, in a convention held at Ciro's Club in Manila. According to the Manila Chronicle:

The convention opened at 10:15 in the morning when the acting secretary ofthe party, Vicente Farmoso, called the confab to order. Congressman José C. Romero, who delivered the keynote speech accused Senate President Manuel Roxas and his followers "of fanning the flames of discontent among the people, of capitalizing on the people's hardship, and of minimizing the accomplishment of the [Osmeña] Administration. These men with the Messiah complex have been the bane of the country and of the world. This is the mentality that produces Hitlers and the Mussolinis, and their desire to climb to power. they even want to destroy the party which placedthem where they are today."

Senator Carlos P. Garcia, who delivered the nomination speech for President Sergio Osmeña, made a long recital of Osmeña's achievements, hisvirtues as public official and as private citizen.

A statue of President Osmeña in front of the Osmeña Museum in Cebu City.

Entering the convention hall at about 7:30 p.m, President Osmeña, accompanied by the committee on notification, was greeted with rounds of cheer and applause as he ascended the platform. President Osmeña deliveredhis speech which was a general outline of his future plans once elected. He emphasized that as far as his party is concerned, independence is a close issue. It is definitely coming on 4 July 1946[8]

On 19 January 1946, Senator Roxas announced his candidacy for President ina convention held in Santa Ana Cabaret inManila. According to the Manila Chronicle:

...more than three thousand (by conservative estimate there were only 1,000 plus) delegates, party members and hero worshipers jammed into suburban, well known Santa Ana Cabaret (biggest in the world) to acclaim ex-katipunero and Bagong Katipunan organizer Manuel Acuña Roxas as the guidon bearer of the Nacionalista Party's Liberal Wing. The delegates, who

came from all over the Islands, met in formal convention from 10:50 am anddid not break up till about 5:30 pm.

They elected 1. Mariano J. Cuenco, professional Osmeñaphobe, as temporary chairman; 2. José Avelino and ex-pharmacist Antonio Zacarias permanent chairman and secretary, respectively; 3. nominated forty-four candidates for senators; 4. heard the generalissimo himself deliver an oratorical masterpiece consisting of 50 per cent attacks against the (Osmeña) Administration, 50 per cent promises, pledges. Rabid Roxasites greeted theRoxas acceptance speech with hysterical applause.[9]

President Osmeña tried to prevent the split in the Nacionalista Party by offering Senator Roxas the position of Philippine Regent Commissioner to the United States but the latter turned down the offer. As a result of thesplit among the members of the Nacionalista Party, owing to marked differences of opinion on certain vital issues of which no settlement had been reached, a new political organization was born and named the Liberal Wing of the Nacionalista Party, which would later become the Liberal Party. The election was generally peaceful and orderly except in some places where passions ran high, especially in the province of Pampanga. According to the "controversial" decision of the Electoral Tribunal of theHouse of Representatives in re Meliton Soliman vs. Luis Taruc, "Pampanga was under the terroristic clutches and control of the Hukbalahaps. So terrorized were the people of Arayat, at one time, 200 persons abandoned their homes, their work, and their food, all their belongings in a mass evacuation to the poblacion due to fear and terror."[citation needed]

A total of 2,218,847 voters went to the polls to elect their President andVice President who were to be the Commonwealth's last and the Republic's first. Four days after election day, the Liberal party candidates were proclaimed victors. Roxas registered an overwhelming majority of votes in 34 provinces and nine cities: Abra, Agusan, Albay, Antique,Bataan, Batanes, Batangas, Bukidnon, Bulacan, Cagayan, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Capiz, Cavite, Cotabato, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Isabela, Laguna, La Union, Leyte,Marinduque, Mindoro, Misamis Oriental, Negros Occidental, Nueva Vizcaya, Palawan, Pangasinan, Rizal, Romblon, Samar, Sorsogon, Sulu, Surigao, Tayabas, Zambales,Manila, Quezon City, Bacolod City (Negros Occidental), Iloilo City (Iloilo), Baguio City (Mountain Province), Zamboanga City (Zamboanga), Tagaytay City (Cavite), Cavite City(Cavite) and San Pablo City (Laguna). Likewise, the Liberal Party won

nine out of 16 contested senatorial seats. In the House of Representatives, the Liberals won an overwhelming majority with 50 seats while the Nacionalistas and the Democratic Alliance only got 33 and six seats, respectively.[citation needed]

Post-presidency and death[edit]

Osmeña on the verso of the 50-peso bill.

Tomb of Sergio Osmeña

After his electoral defeat, Osmeña retired to his home in Cebu. He died of pulmonary edema at age 83 on October 19, 1961 at the Veterans' MemorialMedical Center in Quezon City. He was buried at Manila North Cemetery, Manila on October 26, 1961.[10]

Personal life[edit]Family[edit]

On April 10, 1901, he married Estefania Chiong Veloso, the couple had ten children: Nicasio Veloso-Osmeña, Vicenta Veloso-Osmeña, Edilderto Veloso-Osmeña, Milagros Veloso-Osemeña, Emilio Veloso-Osmeña, Maria Paloma Veloso-Osmeña, Jesus Veloso-Osmeña, Teodoro Veloso-Osmeña, José Veloso-Osmeña, and Sergio Osmeña, Jr.

In 1920, two years after the death of his first wife, Osmeña married Esperanza Limjap, the couple had three more children, namely, Ramón Limjap-Osmeña, Rosalina Limjap-Osmeña, and Victor Limjap-Osmeña.

Descendants[edit]Several of Osmeña's descendants became prominent political figures in their own right:

Sergio Osmeña, Jr., son and former Senator Sergio Osmeña III, grandson and incumbent Senator John Henry Osmeña, grandson and former Congressman and former Senator Tomas Osmeña, grandson and former Mayor of Cebu City; former 2nd

District representative Emilio Mario Osmeña, grandson and former governor of Cebu

Manuel Roxas

Manuel Acuña Roxas (1 January 1892 – 15 April 1948) was the fifth President of the Philippines, the last of the Commonwealth of the Philippines and the first of the sovereign Third Philippine Republic. He ruled as President from the Philippines' independence from the United States of America on 4 July 1946 until his abrupt death in 1948.

Early life and career[edit]Róxas, child of Gerardo Róxas, Sr. and Rosario Acuña was born on New Year's Day 1892 in Capiz (present-day Roxas City). He was a posthumous child, as his father Gerardo had died after having been mortally wounded by Spanish guardias civiles the year before. He and his older brother, Mamerto, to be raised by their mother and her father, Don Eleuterio Acuña.

The young Manuel received his early education in the public schools of Capiz, and at age twelve attended St. Joseph's Academy[disambiguation needed] in Taiwan,but due to homesickness, he went back to Capiz. He eventually transferred

to Manila High School (later named Araullo High School), graduating with honours in 1909.

Roxas began his law studies at a private law school established by George A. Malcolm, the first dean of the University of the Philippines College ofLaw. On his second year, he enrolled at University of the Philippines, where he was elected president of both his class and the student council. In 1913, Roxas obtained his law degree, graduated class valedictorian, andsubsequently topped the bar examinations with a grade of 92% on the same year.[1]

Personal life[edit]Róxas was married to Trinidad de Leon at Our Lady of Remedies Church located at Barangay Sibul, San Miguel, Bulacan in 1921. The couple had twochildren, Ma. Rosario ("Ruby"), who married Vicente Róxas (no relation) and Gerardo Manuel ("Gerry"), who married Judy Araneta.

His son, Gerry, became a member of the Philippine House of Representatives and a leader of Liberal Party of the Philippines. Gerry's sons, Gerardo, Jr. ("Dinggoy") and Manuel II ("Mar"), served as representatives from Capiz. In 2004, Mar became a Senatorand was also elected president of the Liberal Party. His daughter-in-law, Judy, continues to be a prominent and driving force of the Liberal Party.

Daughter Ruby has an only son, named Manuel ("Manolo").

Lineage[edit]Róxas was a descendant of Antonio Róxas y Ureta, brother of Domingo Róxas y Ureta (a progenitor of the Róxas-Zobel de Ayalaclan).

Antonio Róxas y Ureta married Lucina Arroyo and would have a son named Juan Pablo Róxas y Arroyo, who in turn had a son named Caetano Róxas, the father of Antonio Róxas, who in turn became the grandfather of Manuel Róxas.

Prominent relatives from the line of Antonio Róxas:

Felix Róxas y Arroyo (1820–?) - son of Antonio Róxas and father of Felix Róxas y Fernandez, the first Filipino qualified architect.

Felipe Róxas y Arroyo (1840–1899) - son of Antonio Róxas and brother ofFelix Róxas y Arroyo, the painter who emigrated to Paris.

Felix Róxas y Fernandez (1864–1936) - son of Felix Róxas y Arroyo, mayor of Manila from 1905 to 1917.

Margarita Moran-Floirendo, (born Maria Margarita Róxas-Moran), former Miss Universe of 1973.

Political career[edit]This section does not cite any references or sources. Please help improve this section by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (April 2012)

Roxas occupied more important positions in the Philippine government than any other Filipino had ever held before him.[citation needed]Starting in 1917 he was a member of the municipal council of Capiz. He became the youngest governor of his province and served in this capacity from 1919 to 1922.

He was elected to the Philippine House of Representatives in 1922, and fortwelve consecutive years was Speaker of the House. He was member of the Constitutional Convention 1934 to 1935, Secretary of Finance, Chairman of the National Economic Council, Chairman of the National Development Company and many other government corporations and agencies, Brigadier General in theUSAFFE, Recognized Guerilla leader and Military leader of the Philippine Commonwealth Army.

Senate[edit]

Former diplomatic residence of Manuel Roxas in Washington, D.C.

After the amendments to the 1935 Philippine Constitution were approved in 1941, he was elected (1941) to the Philippine Senate, but was unable to serve until 1945 because of the outbreak of World War II.

Having enrolled prior to World War II as an officer in the reserves, he was made liaison officer between the Commonwealth government and the United States Army Forces in the Far East headquarters of General Douglas MacArthur. He accompanied President Quezon toCorregidor where he supervised the destruction of Philippine currency to prevent its capture by the Japanese. When Quezon left Corregidor, Roxas went to Mindanao to direct the resistance there. It was prior to Quezon's departure that he was made Executive Secretary and designated as successor to the presidencyin case Quezon or Vice-President Sergio Osmeña were captured or killed. Roxas was captured in 1942 by the Japanese invasion forces. Roxas became chief advisor to Jose P. Laurel, but secretly sympathetic to the guerrillamovement,[2]:208–209 he passed information via Ramona (Mona) Snyder to Edwin Ramsey.[3]:57–58[discuss] He was returned by the military service of the Philippine Commonwealth Army joining the troops and military officers of men was beginning the liberation against the Japanese forces.

When the Congress of the Philippines was convened in 1945, the legislatorselected in 1941 chose Roxas as Senate President.

Presidential election of 1946[edit]Presidential styles ofManuel A. Roxas

Reference style His Excellency

Spoken style Your Excellency

Alternative style Mister President

Prior to the Philippine national elections of 1946, at the height of the last Commonwealth elections, Senate President Roxas and his friends left from the Nacionalista Party and formed the Liberal Party. Roxas became their candidate for President and Elpidio Quirinofor Vice-President. The Nacionalistas, on the other hand, had Osmeña for President and

Senator Eulogio Rodriguez for Vice-President. Roxas had the staunch support of General MacArthur. Osmeña refused to campaign, saying that the Filipino people knew his reputation. On the 23 April 1946, Roxas won 54 percent of the vote, and the Liberal Party won a majority in the legislature.[4]

Last President of the Commonwealth[edit]

President Manuel Roxas was inaugurated as the 5th President of the Philippines andthe first president of the Third Republic on 4 July 1946 at the Independence Grandstand (now Quirino Grandstand), Manila.

Roxas served as the President of the Commonwealth of the Philippines in a brief period, from 28 May 1946 to 4 July 1946 during which time Roxas helped prepared the groundwork for an independent Philippines.

On 8 May 1946, prior to his inauguration, President-elect Roxas, accompanied by US High Commissioner Paul V. McNutt, left for the United States.

On 28 May 1946, Roxas was inaugurated as the last President of the Commonwealth of the Philippines. The inaugural ceremonies were held in theruins of the Legislative Building (now part of the National Museum of the Philippines) and were witnessed by about 200,000 people.[citation needed] In his address, he outlined the main policies of his administration, mainly: closer ties with the United States; adherence to the newly created United Nations; national reconstruction; relief for the masses; social justice for the working class; the maintenance of peace and order; the preservation of individual rights and liberties of the citizenry; and honesty and efficiency of government.

On 3 June 1946, Roxas appeared for the first time before a joint session of Congress to deliver his first State of the Nation Address. Among other things, he told the members of the Congress the grave problems

and difficulties the Philippines face and reported on his special trip to the United States to discuss the approval for independence.[5]

On 21 June, he reappeared in front of another joint session of the Congress and urged the acceptance of two laws passed by the Congress of the United States on 30 April 1946—the Tydings–McDuffie Act, of PhilippineRehabilitation Act, and the Bell Trade Act or Philippine Trade Act.[6] Bothrecommendations were accepted by the Congress.

First President of the Third Republic (1946–1948)[edit]

Short American newsreel of Philippine independence ceremonies on July 4, 1946 withbrief footage of Roxas taking the Oath of Office.

Manuel Roxas' term as the President of the Commonwealth ended on the morning of 4 July 1946, when the Third Republic of the Philippines was inaugurated and independence from the United States proclaimed. The occasion, attended by some 300,000 people, was marked by the simultaneous lowering of the Stars and Stripes and raising of the National Flag, a 21-gun salute, and the pealing of church bells. Roxas then swore the Oath of Office as the first President of the new Republic.

The inaugural ceremonies took place at Luneta Park in the City of Manila. On the Grandstand alone were around 3,000 dignitaries and guests, consisting of President Roxas, Vice-President Quirino, their respective parties and the Cabinet; the last High Commissioner to the Philippines andfirst Ambassador to the Philippines Paul McNutt; General Douglas MacArthur (coming from Tokyo); United States Postmaster General Robert E. Hannegan; a delegation from the United States Congress led by Maryland Senator Millard Tydings (author of the Tydings–McDuffie Act) and Missouri Representative C. Jasper Bell (author of the Bell Trade Act);and former Civil Governor-General Francis Burton Harrison.

Presidency[edit]Administration and cabinet[edit]OFFICE NAME TERM

President Manuel Roxas 28 May 1946 – 15 April 1948

Vice-President Elpidio Quirino 28 May 1946 – 17 April 1948

Secretary of Foreign Affairs Elpidio Quirino 5 July 1946 – 17 April 1948

Secretary of the Interior José Zulueta 28 May 1946 – 17 April 1948

Secretary of Finance Elpidio Quirino 28 May 1946 – 23 November 1946

Miguel Cuaderno 24 November 1946 – 17 April 1948

Secretary of Justice Ramón Ozaeta 28 May 1946 – 17 April 1948

Secretary of Agriculture and Commerce Mariano Garchitorena

28 May 1946 – 17 April 1948

Secretary of Public Works and Communications Ricardo Nepumoceno

28 May 1946 – 17 April 1948

Secretary of Public Instruction Manuel Gallego 28 May 1946 – 17 April 1948

Secretary of Labor and Employment Pedro Magsalin 28 May 1946 – 17 April 1948

Secretary of National Defense Ruperto Kangleon

28 May 1946 – 17 April 1948

Secretary of Health and Public Welfare Antonio Villarama

28 May 1946 – 17 April 1948

Commissioner of Social Welfare Asuncion A. Perez 1946

Antonio Villarama 1946-1948

General Auditing Office Sotero Cabahug 1945–1946

Secretary to the President Emilio M. Abello 30 May 1946 – 4 July 1946

Chief of the Executive Office Emilio M. Abello

4 July 1946 – 3 September 1947

Nicanor Roxas 10 September 1947 – 3 October 1947

Executive Secretary Nicanor Roxas 4 October 1947 – 6 February 1948

Emilio M. Abello

26 February 1948 – 17 April 1948

Resident Commissioner of the Philippines to the United States Congress

Carlos P. Romulo 1946-1947

Domestic policies[edit]Economy[edit]

Economy of the Philippines underPresident Manuel Roxas

1946–1948

Population

1948  19.23 million

Gross Domestic Product

1947  Php 85, 269 million

Growth rate, 1947–48 39.5%

Per capita income

1947  Php 4,434

Total exports

1947  Php 24, 824 million

Exchange rates

1 US$ = Php 2.001 Php = US$ 0.50

Sources: Philippine Presidency ProjectMalaya, Jonathan; Eduardo Malaya. So Help Us God...

The Inaugurals of the Presidents of the Philippines. AnvilPublishing, Inc.

No sooner had the fanfare of the independence festivities ended that the government and the people quickly put all hands to work in the tasks of rescuing the country from its dire economic straits. Reputed to be the most bombed and destroyed country in the world, the Philippines was in a sorry mess. Only Stalingrad and Warsaw, for instance, could compare with Manila in point of destruction. All over the country more than a million people were unaccounted for. The war casualties as such could verywell reach the two million mark. Conservative estimates had it that the Philippines had lost about two thirds of her material wealth.[7]

The country was facing near bankruptcy.[7] There was no national economy, no export trade. Indeed, production for exports had not been restored. On the other hand, imports were to reach the amount of three million dollars.There was need of immediate aid from the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration. Something along this line was obtained. Again, loans for the United States, as well as some increase in the national revenues, were to help the new Republic.[7]

President Roxas, with bold steps, met the situation with the same confidence he exuded in his inaugural address, when he said: "The system of free but guided enterprise is our system". Among the main remedies proposed was the establishment of the Philippine Rehabilitation Finance Corporation. This entity would be responsible for the construction of twelve thousand houses and for the grant of easy-term loans in the amount of 177,000,000 pesos. Another proposal was the creation of the Central Bank of the Philippines to help stabilize the Philippine dollar reserves and coordinate and the nations banking activities gearing them to the economic progress.

Concentrating on the sugar industry, President Roxas would exert such efforts as to succeed in increasing production from 13,000 tons at the time of the Philippine liberation to an all-high of one million tons.[7]

Reconstruction after the war[edit]The postwar Philippines had burned cities and towns, ruined farms and factories, blasted roads and bridges, shattered industries and commerce, and thousands of massacred victims. The war had paralyzed the educational system, where 80% of the school buildings, their equipment, laboratories and furniture were destroyed.[8] Numberless books, invaluable documents andworks of art, irreplaceable historical relics and family heirlooms, hundreds of churches and temples were burned. The reconstruction of the damaged school buildings alone cost more than Php 126,000,000.

The new Republic began to function on an annual deficit of over Php 200,000,000 with little prospect of a balanced budget for some years to come.[9] Manila and other cities then were infested with criminal gangs which used techniques of American gangsters in some activities–bank holdups, kidnapping and burglaries. In rural regions, especially the provinces of Central Luzon and the Southern Tagalog regions, the Hukbalahaps and brigands terrorized towns and barrios.

Agrarian reform[edit]See also: Land reform in the Philippines

In 1946, shortly after his induction to Presidency, Manuel Roxas proclaimed the Rice Share Tenancy Act of 1933 effective throughout the country.[10] However problems of land tenure continued. In fact these becameworse in certain areas.[10] Among the remedial measures enacted was RepublicAct No. 1946 likewise known as the Tenant Act which provided for a 70–30 sharing arrangements and regulated share-tenancy contracts.[10] It was passed to resolve the ongoing peasant unrest in Central Luzon.[10]

Amnesty proclamation[edit]President Roxas, on 28 January 1948, granted full amnesty to all so-calledPhilippine collaborators, many of whom were on trial or awaiting to be tried, particularly former President José P. Laurel (1943–1945).[7] The Amnesty Proclamation did not apply to those "collaborators", who were charged with the commission of common crimes, such as murder, rape, and arson. The presidential decision did much[7] to heal a standing wound that

somehow threatened to divide the people's sentiments. It was a much-calledfor measure to bring about a closer unity in the trying times when such was most needed for the progress of the nation.[7]

Huks outlawed[edit]Disgusted with the crimes being committed by Hukbó ng Bayan Laban sa Hapón (Nation's Army Against the Japanese, also called "the Huks") and possessing evidence of their subversion, Roxas issued a proclamation outlawing the Huk movement on 6 March 1948.[7] It had become an imperative in view of the resurgence of Huk depredations, following the unseating of the seven Communists, led by Huk Supremo Luis Taruc through acts of terrorism.[7]

Foreign policy[edit]Treaty of General Relations[edit]On 5 August 1946, the Congress of the Philippines ratified the Treaty of General Relations that had been entered into by and between the Republic of the Philippines and the United States on 4 July 1946.[7] Aside from withdrawing her sovereignty from the Philippines and recognizing her independence, the Treaty reserved for the United States some bases for themutual protection of both countries; consented that the United States represent the Philippines in countries where the latter had not yet established diplomatic representation; made the Philippines assume all debts and obligations of the former government in the Philippines; and provided for the settlement of property rights of the citizens of both countries.[7]

United States military bases[edit]

One of the last pictures of President Manuel Roxas.

Although Roxas was successful in getting rehabilitation funds from the United States after independence, he was forced[according to whom?]to concede military

bases (23 of which were leased for 99 years), trade restriction for the Philippine citizens, and special privileges for U.S. property owner and investor.[citation needed]

Party Rights Amendment[edit]On 11 March 1947, Philippine voters, agreeing with Roxas, ratified in a nationwide plebiscite the "parity amendment" to the 1935 Constitution of the Philippines, granting United States citizens the right to dispose of and utilize Philippine natural resources, or parity rights.

Assassination attempt[edit]

The night before the plebiscite, Roxas narrowly escaped assassination by Julio Guillen, a disgruntled barber from Tondo, Manila, who hurled a grenade at the platform on Plaza Miranda immediately after Roxas had addressed a rally.[11]

Controversies[edit]

His administration was marred by graft and corruption; moreover, the abuses of the provincial military police contributed to the rise of the left-wing (Huk) movement in the countryside. His heavy-handed attempts to crush the Huks led to widespread peasant disaffection.

The good record of Roxas administration was marred by two failures: the failure to curb graft and corruption in the government, as evidenced by the Surplus War Property scandal, the Chinese immigration scandal and the School supplies scandal; and the failure to check and stop the communist Hukbalahap movement.

Death[edit]

Gravesite of Manuel Roxas

Roxas did not finish his full four-year term. On the morning of 15 April 1948 Roxas delivered a speech before the United States Thirteenth Air Force. After the speech, he felt dizzy and was brought to the residence ofMajor General E.L. Eubank at Clark Field, Pampanga. He died later that night of a heart attack.[12][13] Roxas' term as President is thus the third shortest, lasting one year, ten months, and 18 days.

On 17 April 1948, two days after Roxas' death, Vice-President Elpidio Quirino took the oath of office as President of the Philippines.

Legacy[edit]

Philippine 100 peso bill

1992 Two Peso Manuel Roxas Commemorative Coin

In his honour Roxas, Capiz and Roxas, Isabela were named after him. Dewey Boulevard in the City of Manila was renamed in his memory, and he is currently depicted on the 100 Philippine peso bill.

Elpidio Quirino

Elpidio Rivera Quirino (16 November 1890 – 29 February 1956) was a Filipino politician, and the sixth President of the Philippines.

A lawyer by profession, Quirino entered politics when he became a representative of Ilocos Sur from 1919 to 1925. He was then elected as senator from 1925–1931. In 1934, he became a member of the Philippine independence commission that was sent to Washington, D.C., which secured the passage of Tydings–McDuffie Act to American Congress. In 1935, he was also elected to become member of the convention that will write the draft of then 1935 constitution for the newly established Commonwealth. At the new government, he served as secretary of the interior and finance under Quezon's cabinet.

After the war, Quirino was elected vice-president in 1946 election, consequently the second and last for the Commonwealth and first for the third republic. After the death of the incumbent president Manuel Roxas in 1948, he succeeded the presidency. He won the president's office under Liberal Party ticket, defeating Nacionalista vie and former president José P. Laurel as well as fellowLiberalista and former Senate President José Avelino.

The Quirino administration was generally challenged by the Hukbalahaps, who ransacked towns and barrios. Quirino ran for president again in the 1953 presidential election, but was defeated by Nacionalista Ramon Magsaysay.

After his term, he retired to his new country home in Novaliches, Quezon City, where he died of a heart attack on 29 February 1956

Early life and career[edit]Elpidio Quirino was a native of Caoayan, Ilocos Sur although born in Vigan, Ilocos Sur to Don Mariano Quirino of Caoayan, Ilocos Sur and Doña Gregoria Mendoza Rivera of Agoo, La Union. Quirino spent his early years in Aringay, La Union. He studied and graduated his elementary education to his native Caoayan, where he became a barrio teacher. He received secondary education at Vigan High School, then went to Manila where he worked as junior computer technician at the Bureau of Lands and as property clerk in the Manila police department. He graduated from Manila High School in 1911 and also passed the civil service examination, first-grade.[citation needed]

Quirino attended the University of the Philippines. In 1915, he earned hislaw degree from the university's College of Law, and was admitted to the bar later that year. He was engaged in the private practice of law.[citation needed]

Personal life[edit]Quirino was married to Alicia Syquia, on 16 January 1921 the couple had 5 children namely Tomas Quirino, Armando Quirino, Norma Quirino, Victoria Quirino-Delgado, and Fe Quirino.[citation needed]

Several of Quirino's relatives became public figures in their own rights:

Tonio Quirino, brother of the former President, owner of Alto Broadcsting System, which later merged with Chronicle Broadcasting Network to form ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation.[citation needed]

Congressional career[edit]House of Representatives[edit]He was engaged in the private practice of law until he was elected as member of the Philippine House of Representatives from 1919 to 1925 succeeding Alberto Reyes. In 1925 he was succeed as Congressman by VicenteSingson Pablo.

Senate[edit]He was later elected as Senator from 1925 to 1931 representing the First Senatorial District. He then served as Secretary of Finance and Secretary of the Interior in the Commonwealth government.[citation needed]

In 1934, Quirino was a member of the Philippine Independence mission to Washington, D.C., headed by Manuel L. Quezon that secured the passage in the United States Congress of the Tydings–McDuffie Act. This legislation set the date for Philippine independence by 1945. Official declaration came on 4 July 1946.[citation needed]

Before the Second World War, Quirino was re-elected to the Senate but was not able to serve until 1945. During the Battle of Manilain World War II, his wife, Alicia Syquia, and three of his five children were killed as they were fleeing their home.[citation needed]

After the war, the Philippine Commonwealth Government was restored. The Congress was likewise re-organized and in the Senate Quirino was installedwas Senate President pro tempore.[citation needed]

Vice-Presidency[edit]

President Elpidio Quirino weeps beside the coffin of his predecessor, Manuel Roxasduring the latter's wake in 1948

Soon after the reconstitution of the Commonwealth Government in 1945 Senators Manuel Roxas, Elpidio Quirino and their allies called for the holding on an early national election to choose the president and vice president of the Philippines and members of the Congress. In December, 1945 the House Insular Affairs of the United States Congress approved the joint resolution setting the election date at not later than 30 April 1946.

Prompted by this congressional action, President Sergio Osmeña called the Philippine Congressto a three-day special session. Congress enacted Commonwealth Act No. 725, setting the election on 23 April 1946, and was approved by President Osmeña on 5 January 1946.

Senate President pro tempore Elpidio Quirino was nominated as the running mate by newly formed Liberal Party of presidential candidate and then-Senate President Manuel Roxas. The tandem won the election. Vice-PresidentQuirino was later appointed as Secretary of Foreign Affairs.

Presidency[edit]Presidential styles ofElpidio R. Quirino

Reference style His Excellency

Spoken style Your Excellency

Alternative style Mr. President

Elpidio Quirino's six years as president were marked by notable postwar reconstruction, general economic gains, and increased economic aid from the United States.

Administration and Cabinet[edit]OFFICE NAME TERM

President Elpidio Quirino 1948–1953

Vice-President Fernando López 1949–1953

Secretary of Foreign Affairs ElpidioQuirino (acting)

17 April 1948 – 6 January 1950

Felino Neri 6 January 1950-May 1950

Carlos P. Romulo May 1950 – 1951

Joaquín MiguelElizalde

18 April 1952 – 30 December1953

Secretary of the Interior Sotero Baluyut 21 September 1948 – 1951

Secretary of Finance Miguel Cuaderno 17 April 1948 – 2 January 1949

Pío Pedrosa 5 January 1949 – 12 September 1951

Aurelio Montinola,Sr.

18 April 1952 – 30 December1953

Secretary of Justice Roman Ozaeta 28 May 1946 – September 1948

Sabino Padilla 17 September 1948 – June 1949

Ricardo Nepomuceno July 1949 – July 1950

Jose Bengzon 15 December 1950 – September 1951

Oscar Castelo 18 April 1952 – August 1953

Roberto Gianzon August 1953 – 30 December 1953

Secretary of Agriculture and Natural Resources

Plácido Mapa 21 September 1948 – 1950

Fernando López 14 December 1950–1953

Secretary of Public Works and Communications

Ricardo Nepumoceno 17 April 1948 – 1949

Prospero Sanidad 21 February 1950 -1951

Sotero Baluyot 6 January 1951 – 1952

Secretary of Public Works, Transportation Pablo Lorenzo 6 May 1952 – 1953

and Communications

Secretary of Education, Culture and Sports

PrudencioLangcauon

September 1948 – 13 September 1950

Pablo Lorenzo 14 September 1950 – 3 April1951

TeodoroEvangelista

18 May 1951 – 30 September 1951

Cecilio Putong 18 April 1952 – 30 December1953

Secretary of Labor Primitivo Lovina 21 September 1948 – 21 December 1950

Jose Figueras 21 December 1950 – 30 December 1953

Secretary of National Defense Ruperto Kangleon 17 April 1948 – 31 August 1950

Ramon Magsaysay 14 December 1950 – 28 February 1953

Oscar T. Castelo 1 March 1953 – 19 December 1953

Secretary of Health and Public Welfare Antonio Villarama 17 April 1948 – 31 December1949

Juan S. Salcedo 14 December 1950 – 10 November 1953

Administrator of Social Services Asunción A. Pérez 6 May 1952 – 1953

Secretary of Trade and Industry Cornelio Balmaceda 21 September 1948 – 12 February 1949

Placido L. Mapa 12 February 1949 – 30

December 1953

Executive Secretary Emilio Abello 21 April 1948 – 14 September 1948

TeodoroEvangelista

16 September 1948 – 8 May 1951

Marciano Roque 2 February 1952 – 29 December 1953

Budget Commissioner Pío Joven 1948–1953

First term (1948–1949)[edit]Accession[edit]

Vice-President Elpidio Quirino was inaugurated as the 6th President of the Philippines on 17 April 1948 at the Council of State Room, Executive Building, Malacañan Palace.

Quirino assumed the presidency on 17 April 1948, taking his oath of officetwo days after the death of Manuel Roxas. His first official act as the President was the proclamation of a state mourning throughout the country for Roxas' death. Since Quirino was a widower, his surviving daughter Victoria Quirino Gonzalez [Vicky] would serve as the official hostess and perform the functions traditionally ascribed to the First Lady.

New capital city[edit]

On 17 July 1948, the Congress approved Republic Act No. 333, amending Commonwealth Act No. 502, declaring Quezon City the capital of the Philippines in place of Manila.[1] Nevertheless, pending the official transfer of the government offices to the new capital site, Manila remained to be such for all effective purposes.[1]

HukBaLaHap[edit]

With the expiration of the Amnesty deadline on 15 August 1948, the government found out that the Huks had not lived up to the terms of the Quirino-Taruc agreement. Indeed, after having been seated in Congress and collecting his back pay allowance.[1] Luis Taruc surreptitiously fled away from Manila, even as a measly number of his followers had either submittedthemselves to the conditions of the Amnesty proclamation or surrendered their arms. In the face of counter charges from the Huk from to the effectthat the government had not satisfied the conditions agreed upon, President Quirino ordered a stepped-up campaign against dissidents, restoring once more to the mailed-fist policy in view of the failure of the friendly attitude previously adopted.[1]

Fireside chats[edit]

Moreover, to bring the government closer to the people, he revived President Quezon's "fireside chats", in which he enlightened the people on the activities of the Republic by the periodic radio broadcasts from the Malacañan Palace.

Impeachment attempt[edit]

Riding on the crest of the growing wave of resentment against the Liberal Party, a move was next hatched to indict President Quirino himself.[1] Led by Representative Agripino Escareal a committee, composed of seven membersof the House of Representatives, prepared a five-count accusation ranging from nepotism to gross expenditures. SpeakerEugenio Pérez appointed a committee of seven, headed by Representative Lorenzo Sumulong to look intothe charges preparatory to their filing with the Senate, acting as an impeachment body. Solicitor General Felix Angelo Bautista entered his appearance as defense counsel for the chief executive.[1] Following severalhearings, on 19 April 1949, after a rather turbulent session that lasted all night, the congressional committee reached a verdict completely exonerating the President.

Romulo becomes UN President[edit]

Great honor[1] was paid the Philippines when, in September 1949, the FourthGeneral Assembly of the United Nations elected delegate Carlos P. Romulo as President. The first[1]Oriental to hold the position, Romulo was strongly supported[1] by the Anglo-Saxon bloc, as well as by the group of

Spanish-speaking nations,[1] thus underscoring the hybrid nature of the Filipino people's culture and upringing.[1]

1949 Presidential election[edit]Main article: Philippine presidential election, 1949

Incumbent President Elpidio Quirino won a full term as President of the Philippines after the untimely death of President Manuel Roxas in 1948. His running mate, Senator Fernando López  won as Vice President. Despite factions created in the administration party, Quirino won a satisfactory vote from the public. It was the only time in Philippine history where theduly elected president, vice president and senators all came from the sameparty, the Liberal Party.

Second term (1949–1953)[edit]

President Elpidio Quirino was inaugurated for his first full term as President of the Philippines on 30 December 1949 at the Independence Grandstand (now Quirino Grandstand), Manila.

Baguio Conference[edit]

In May 1950, upon the invitation of President Qurino, through the insistent suggestion of United Nations President Carlos P. Romulo, official representatives of India, Pakistan, Ceylon, Thailand, Indonesia, and Australia met in the city of Baguio for a regional conference sponsored by the Philippines.[1] China and Korea did not attend the conference because the latter did not contemplate the formation of a military union of the Southeast Asian nations. On the other hand, Japan, Indonesia, China, and others were not invited because, at the time, they were not free and independent states. Due to the request of India and Indonesia, no political questions were taken up the conference.[1] Instead,the delegates discussed economic and, most of all, cultural, problems confronting their respective countries. Strangely enough however, the Baguio Conference ended with an official communiqué in which the nations

attending the same expressed their united agreement in supporting the right to self-determination of all peoples the world over. This initial regional meet held much promise of a future alliance of these neighboring nations for common protection and aid.[1]

HukBaLaHap continued re-insurgence[edit]

Quirino's administration faced a serious threat in the form of the communist HukBaLaHap movement. Though the Huks originally had been an anti-Japanese guerrilla army in Luzon, communists steadily gained control over the leadership, and when Quirino's negotiation with Huk commander Luis Taruc broke down in 1948, Taruc openly declared himself a Communist and called for the overthrow of the government.

Peace campaign[edit]

With the Communist organization estimated to still have more than 40,000 duly registered members by March 1951, the government went on with its sustained campaign to cope with the worsening peace and order problem.[1] The 1951 budget included the use of a residue fund for the land resettlement program in favor of the surrendered HUKS. The money helped maintain the Economic Development Corps (EDCOR), with its settlements of 6,500 hectares in Kapatagan (Lanao) and 25,000 hectares in Buldon (Cotabato). In each group taken to these places there was a nucleus of former Army personnel and their families, who became a stabilizing factor and ensured the success of the program. Indeed, less than ten percent of the Huks who settled down gave up this new lease in life offered them by the government.[1]

To promote the smooth restructuring of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the military were made to undergo a reorganization.[1] Battalion combat teams of 1,000 men each were established. Each operated independently of the High Command, except for overall coordination in operational plans. A total of 26 Battalion Combat Teams were put up. New army units were also established, such was the first Airborne Unit, the Scout Rangers, the Canine Unit, and the Cavalry Unit. These units all showed considerable ability.[1]

1951 midterm election[edit]Main article: Philippine general election, 1951

After a sweep by the Liberals in 1949, many Filipinos doubted the electionresult. This brought a sweep by the Nacionalistas in the 1951 elections. There was a special election for the vacated senate seat of Fernando Lopez, who won as Vice President in 1949. The Liberals won no seats in thesenate.

1953 Presidential election[edit]Main article: Philippine presidential election, 1953

Quirino ran for re-election to the presidency with José Yulo as vice president in 1953 despite his ill health. His defense secretary Ramon Magsaysay, resigned his office and joined the Nacionalista Party. Other prominent Liberalists, like Vice President Fernando López, Ambassador Carlos P. Romulo, Senators Tomás Cabili and Juan Sumulong, alsobolted Quirino's party.

On 22 August 1953, Nacionalista and Democratic Parties formed a coalition to ensure Quirino's full defeat. On the election day, Quirino was defeatedby Ramon Magsaysay with a majority vote of 1.5 million.

Domestic policies[edit]Economy of the Philippines underPresident Elpidio Quirino

1948–1953

Population

1948  19.23 million

Gross Domestic Product

1948  Php 99,628 million

1953 Php 146,070 million

Growth rate, 1948–53 9.32 %

Per capita income

1948  Php 5,180

1953  Php 7,596

Total exports

1948  Php 35,921 million

1953  Php 34, 432 million

Exchange rates

1 US US$ = Php 2.001 Php = US US$ 0.50

Sources: Philippine Presidency ProjectMalaya, Jonathan; Eduardo Malaya. So Help Us God... The

Inaugurals of the Presidents of the Philippines. Anvil Publishing,Inc.

Economy[edit]

Upon assuming the reins of government, Quirino announced two main objectives of his administration: first, the economic reconstruction of the nation and second, the restoration of the faith and confidence of the people in the government. In connection to the first agenda, he created the President's Action Committee on Social Amelioration or PACSA to mitigate the sufferings of indigent families, the Labor Management Advisory Board to advise him on labor matters, the Agricultural Credit Cooperatives Financing Administration or ACCFA to help the farmers market their crops and save them from loan sharks, and the Rural Banks of the Philippines to facilitate credit utilities in rural areas.

Social program[edit]

Enhancing President Manuel Roxas' policy of social justice to alleviate the lot of the common mass, President Quirino, almost immediately after assuming office, started a series of steps calculated to effectively ameliorate the economic condition of the people.[1] After periodic surprisevisits to the slums of Manila and other backward regions of the country, President Quirino officially made public a seven-point program for social security, to wit:[1]

1. Unemployment insurance2. Old-age insurance3. Accident and permanent disability insurance4. Health insurance5. Maternity insurance6. State relief7. Labor opportunity

President Quirino also created the Social Security Commission, making Social Welfare Commissioner Asuncion Perez chairman of the same.[1] This was followed by the creation of the President's Action Committee on SocialAmelioration, charges with extending aid, loans, and relief to the less fortunate citizens. Both the policy and its implementation were hailed by the people as harbingers of great benefits.[1]

Agrarian reform[edit]See also: Land reform in the Philippines

As part of his Agrarian Reform agenda, President Quirino issued on 23 October 1950 Executive Order No. 355 which replaced the National Land Settlement Administration with Land Settlement Development Corporation (LASEDECO) which takes over the responsibilities of the Agricultural Machinery Equipment Corporation and the Rice and Corn Production Administration.[2]

Integrity Board[edit]

To cope with the insistent clamor for government improvement, President Quirino created the Integrity Board to probe into reports of graft and corruption in high government places. Vice-President Fernando Lopez was most instrumental, through his courageous exposes, in securing such a decision from President Quirino.[1]

Foreign policies[edit]

Photograph of President Truman in the Oval Office, evidently receiving a cane as agift from the President of the Philippines, Elpidio Quirino, as another man (most likely ambassador Joaquín Elizalde) looks on.

Quirino's administration excelled in diplomacy, impressing foreign heads of states and world statesmen by his intelligence and culture. In his official travels to the United States, European countries, and Southeast Asia, he represented the Philippines with flying colors. During his six years of administration, he with his Foreign Secretary Helen Cutaran Bennett was able to negotiate treaties and agreements with other nations of the Free World. Two Asian heads of state visited Philippines–President Chiang Kai-shek of the Republic of China in July 1949 and President Achmed Sukarno of Indonesia in January 1951.

In 1950, at the onset of the Korean War, Quirino authorized the deploymentof over 7,450 Filipino soldiers to Korea, under the designation of the Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea or PEFTOK.

“ While I recognise the United Statesas a great builder in this country,I have never surrendered the sovereignty, much less the dignity and future of our country.

”—Elpidio Quirino[3]

Korean War[edit]

On 25 June 1950, the world was astonished to hear the North Koreanaggression against the independent South Korea. The United Nations immediately took up this challenge to the security of this part of the world.Carlos P. Romulo soon stood out as the most effective spokesman for the South Korean cause.[1] On behalf of our government, Romulo offered to send a Philippine military contingent to be under the overall command of General Douglas MacArthur, who had been named United Nations Supreme Commander for the punitive expedition. The Philippines, thus, became the first country to join the United States in the offer of military assistance to beleaguered South Korea.[1]

President Quirino took the necessary steps to make the Philippine offer. On a purely voluntary basis, the first contingent – the Tenth Battalion Combat Team – was formed under Col. Azurin, and dispatched to Korea, whereits members quickly won much renown for their military skill and bravery. The name of Captain Jose Artiaga, Jr., heroically killed in action, standsout as a symbol of our country's contribution to the cause of freedom outside native shores. Other Philippine Combat Teams successively replacedthe first contingent sent, and they all built a name for discipline, tenacity, and courage, until the truce that brought the conflict to a halt.[1]

Quirino-Foster Agreement[edit]

By the time of the creation of the integrity board, moreover, the Bell Mission, led by Daniel W. Bell, an American banker, and composed of five members, with a staff of twenty workers, following their period of stay inthe Philippines, beginning in July 1950, finally submitted its report on October of the same year.[1] The Report made several proposals, most noteworthy, of which were that the United States should give the Philippines 250,000,000 dollars over a period of five years, but the Philippines, in return, ought to reform its tax structure, enact a minimumwage law for agricultural and industrial labor, initiate social and land reforms, as well as a sound planning for economic development, For all thestrong language of the Report, which, in some quarters merited bitter opposition, President Quirino gamely and patriotically,[1] took in the recommendations and sought to implement them. Thus in November 1950, President Quirino and William Chapman Foster, representing the United States Government, signed an agreement by virtue of which the former pledged to obtain the necessary Philippine legislation, in keeping with the Bell Mission Report, while envoy Foster promised the necessary by the same Report.[1]

However, much as he tried to become a good president, Quirino failed to win the people's affection. Several factors caused the unpopularity of hisadministration, namely:[4]

Failure of government to check the Huk menace which made travel in the provinces unsafe, as evidenced by the killing of former First Lady Aurora Quezon and her companions on 28 April 1949 by the Huks on the Bongabong-Baler road, Baler, Tayabas (now part of Aurora province);

Economic distress of the times, aggravated by rising unemployment rate,soaring prices of commodities, and unfavorable balance of trade.

Post-presidency and death[edit]

Tomb of Elpidio Quirino at the Manila South Cemetery

Following his failed bid for re-election, Quirino retired from politics toprivate life in 1953. He offered his dedication to serve theFilipino people, becoming the "Father of Foreign Service" in the Republic of the Philippines.

Qurino died of a heart attack during the leap year day of 29 February 1956. He was buried at Manila South Cemetery in Makati.

Ramon MagsaysayFrom Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

"Magsaysay" redirects here. For other uses, see Magsaysay (disambiguation).

Ramón Magsaysay

7th President of the Philippines

3rd President of the Third Republic

In officeDecember 30, 1953 – March 17, 1957

Vice President

Carlos P. García

Preceded by Elpidio Quirino

Succeeded by

Carlos P. García

Secretary of National Defense

In officeJanuary 1, 1954 – May 14, 1954

President Himself

Preceded by Oscar Castelo

Succeeded by

Sotero B. Cabahug

In officeSeptember 1, 1950 – February 28, 1953

President Elpidio Quirino

Preceded by Ruperto Kangleon

Succeeded by

Oscar Castelo

Member of the Philippine House ofRepresentatives from Zambales' Lone District

In officeMay 28, 1946 – September 1, 1950

Preceded by Valentin Afable

Succeeded by

Enrique Corpus

Personal details

Born Ramón del Fierro MagsaysayAugust 31, 1907Iba, Zambales, Philippines

Died March 17, 1957 (aged 49)Balamban, Cebu, Philippines

Resting Manila North Cemetery, Santa

place Cruz, Manila, Philippines

Political party

Nacionalista Party (1953–1957)Liberal Party [1] [2]  (1946–1953)

Spouse(s) Luz Banzon

Children TeresitaMilagrosRamon

Alma mater José Rizal University

Profession Engineer, Soldier

Religion Roman Catholicism

Signature

Military service

Allegiance  Republic of the Philippines

Years of service

1942–1945

Rank Captain

Ramón del Fierro Magsaysay (August 31, 1907 – March 17, 1957) was the seventh President of the Republic of the Philippines, serving from December 30, 1953 until his death in a 1957 aircraft disaster. An automobile mechanic, Magsaysay was appointed military governor of Zambalesafter his outstanding service as a guerilla leader during the Pacific War.He then served two terms asLiberal Party congressman for Zambales before being appointed as Secretary of National Defense by President Elpidio Quirino. He was elected President under the banner of the Nacionalista Party. He was the first Philippine President born during the 20th century.

Life[edit]This section needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (March

2011)

Ramón del Fierro Magsaysay was born in Iba, Zambales on August 31, 1907 toExequiel Magsaysay y de los Santos (April 18, 1874 in San Marcelino, Zambales – January 24, 1968 in Manila), a blacksmith, and Perfecta del Fierro y Quimson (April 18, 1887 inCastillejos, Zambales – May 5, 1980 in Manila), a schoolteacher.[3][4][5]

Early life[edit]He spent his elementary life somewhere in Castillejos and his high school life at Zambales Academy at San Narciso, Zambales. After high school, Magsaysay entered the University of the Philippines in 1927, where he enrolled in a pre-medical course.[3] He worked as a chauffeur to support himself as he studied engineering; and later, he transferred to the Institute of Commerce at José Rizal College(1928–1932), where he received a baccalaureate in commerce. He then worked as an automobile mechanic in abus company (Florida) and shop superintendent.[3]

Career during World War II[edit]

At the outbreak of World War II, he joined the motor pool of the 31st Infantry Division of the Philippine Army. When Bataansurrendered in 1942, Magsaysay escaped to the hills, narrowly evading Japanese arrest on at least four occasions. There he organised the Western Luzon Guerrilla Forces, and was commissioned captain on April 5, 1942. For three years, Magsaysay operated under Col. Merrill's famed guerrilla outfit & saw action at Sawang, San Marcelino, Zambales, first as a supply officer codenamed Chow and later as commander of a 10,000 strong force.[3] Magsaysay was among those instrumental in clearing the Zambales coast of the Japanese prior to the landing of American forces together with the Philippine Commonwealth troops on January 29, 1945.

Family[edit]He was married to Luz Magsaysay (née Banzon) in June 16, 1933 and they hadthree children: Teresita Banzon-Magsaysay (1934–1979), Milagros "Mila" Banzon-Magsaysay (b. 1936) and Ramon "Jun" Banzon-Magsaysay, Jr. (b. 1938).

Relatives[edit]

Several of Magsaysay's descendants became prominent public figures in their own right:

Ramon Magsaysay, Jr., son; former Congressman and Senator Genaro Magsaysay, brother; former Senator Vicente Magsaysay, uncle; Congressman and former Governor of Zambales JB Magsaysay, grandnephew; politician

House of Representatives[edit]On April 22, 1946, Magsaysay, encouraged by his ex-guerrillas, was electedunder the Liberal Party[1] to the Philippine House of Representatives. In 1948, President Manuel Roxas chose Magsaysay to go to Washington as Chairman of the Committee on Guerrilla Affairs, to help to secure passage of the Rogers Veterans Bill, giving benefits to Philippine veterans. In the so-called "dirty election" of 1949, he was re-elected to a second termin the House of Representatives. During both terms he was Chairman of the House National Defense Committee.

Secretary of National Defense[edit]This section needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (March

2011)

In early August 1950, he offered President Elpidio Quirino a plan to fightthe Communist guerillas, using his own experiences in guerrilla warfare during World War II. After some hesitation, Quirino realized that there was no alternative and appointed Magsaysay Secretary of National Defence on August 31, 1950. He intensified the campaign against theHukbalahap guerillas. This success was due in part to the

unconventional methods he took up from a former advertising expert and CIAagent, Colonel Edward Lansdale. In the counterinsurgency the two utilized deployed soldiers distributing relief goods and other forms of aid to outlying, provincial communities. Prior to Magsaysay's appointment as Defense Secretary, rural citizens perceived the Philippine Army with apathy and distrust. However, Magsaysay's term enhanced the Army's image, earning them respect and admiration.[6]

In June 1952, Magsaysay made a goodwill tour to the United States and Mexico. He visited New York, Washington, D.C. (with a medical check-up at Walter Reed Hospital) andMexico City where he spoke at the Annual Convention of Lions International.

By 1953, President Quirino thought the threat of the Huks was under control and Secretary Magsaysay was becoming too weak. Magsaysay met with interference and obstruction from the President and his advisers, in fear they might be unseated at the next presidential election. Although Magsaysay had at that time no intention to run, he was urged from many sides and finally was convinced that the only way to continue his fight against communism, and for a government for the people, was to be elected President, ousting the corrupt administration that, in his opinion, had caused the rise of the communist guerrillas by bad administration. He resigned his post as defense secretary on February 28, 1953, and became the presidential candidate of the Nacionalista Party, disputing the nomination with senator Camilo Osías at the Nacionalista national convention.

1951 Negros Occidental incident[edit]

Theatrical poster of the 1961 filmThe Moises Padilla Story that narrates the 1951 event.

When news reached Magsaysay that his political ally Moises Padilla was being tortured by the forces of provincial governor Lacson, he rushed to Negros Occidental, but was too late. He was then informed that Padilla's body was swimming in blood, pierced by fourteen bullets, and waspositioned on a police bench in the town plaza.[7] Magsaysay himself carried Padilla's corpse with his bare hands and delivered it to the morgue, and the next day, news clips showed pictures of him doing so.[8] Magsaysay even used this event during hispresidential campaign in 1953.

The trial against Lacson started in January 1952; Magsaysay and his men presented enough evidence to convict Lacson and his 26 men for murder.[7] In August 1954, Judge Eduardo Enriquez ruled the men were guilty and Lacson, his 22 men and three other mayors of Negros Occidental municipalities were condemned to the electric chair.[9]

Presidential election of 1953[edit]

Presidential elections were held on November 10, 1953 in the Philippines. Incumbent President Elpidio Quirino lost his opportunity to get a second full term as President of the Philippines to former Defense Secretary Magsaysay. His running mate, Senator José Yulo lost toSenator Carlos P. García. Vice President Fernando López did not run for re-election. This was the first time that an elected Philippine president did not come from the Senate. Moreover, Magsaysay started the practice in the Philippines of

"campaign jingles" during elections, for one of his inclinations and hobbies was dancing.

The United States Government, including the Central Intelligence Agency, had a strong influence on the 1953 elections, and candidates in the election fiercely competed with each other for U.S. support.[10]

Presidency[edit]

Presidential styles ofRamon F. Magsaysay

Reference style His Excellency

Spoken style Your Excellency

Alternative style Mr. President

In the Election of 1953, Magsaysay was decisively elected president over the incumbent Elpidio Quirino. He was sworn into office wearing the BarongTagalog, a first by a Philippine president. He was then called "Mambo Magsaysay".

As president, he was a close friend and supporter of the United States anda vocal spokesman against communism during the Cold War. He led the foundation of the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization also known as the Manila Pact of 1954, that aimed to defeat communist-Marxist movements in South East Asia, South Asia and the Southwestern Pacific. During his term,he made Malacañangliterally a "house of the people", opening its gates to the public. One example of his integrity followed a demonstration flight aboard a new plane belonging to the Philippine Air Force (PAF): President Magsaysay asked what the operating costs per hour were for that type of aircraft, then wrote a personal check to the PAF, covering the cost of hisflight. He brought back the people's trust in the military and in the government.

His administration was considered one of the cleanest and most corruption-free; his presidency was cited as the Philippines' Golden Years. Trade andindustry flourished, thePhilippine military was at its prime, and the Filipino people were given international recognition in sports, culture

and foreign affairs. The Philippines ranked second in Asia's clean and well-governed countries.[citation needed]

Cabinet[edit]OFFICE NAME TERM

President Ramon Magsaysay December 30, 1953 – March 17, 1957

Vice-President Carlos P. Garcia December 30, 1953 – March 18, 1957

Secretary of Agriculture and Natural Resources Salvador Araneta March 10, 1954 – 1955

Juan Rodriguez April 12, 1956 – March 18, 1957

Secretary of Education, Culture and Sports Cecilo Putong December 30, 1953 – January

13, 1954

Justice Pastor Endencia January 13, 1954 – June 30,1954

Gregorio Hernandez, Jr. July 1, 1954 – March 18, 1957

Secretary of Foreign Affairs Carlos P. Garcia March 10, 1954 – March 18, 1957

Secretary of Finance Jaime Hernandez March 10, 1954 – May 27, 1956

Secretary of Justice Pedro Tuazon March 10, 1954 – March 18, 1957

Secretary of Labor Eleuterio Adevoso March 10, 1954 – April 21, 1954

Angel Castano August 22, 1954 – March 18,1957

Secretary of National Defense Ramon Magsaysay(in concurrent capacity

January 1, 1954 – May 14,

as President) 1954

Sotero Cabahug April 4, 1954 – January 2, 1956

Eulogio Balao January 3, 1956 – March 18,1957

Secretary of Commerce and Industry Oscar Ledesma March 10, 1954 – March 18, 1957

Secretary of Public Works,Transportation and Communications Vicente Orosa March 10, 1954 – 1955

Florencio Moreno April 30, 1955 – March 18, 1957

Administrator of Social Services and Development Pacita Madrgial-Warns 1954–1955

Executive Secretary Fred Ruiz Castro December 30, 1953 – October26, 1955

Fortunato de Leon April 12, 1956 – March 7, 1957

Domestic policies[edit]

Economy of the Philippines underPresident Ramon Magsaysay

1953–1957

Population

1954  21.40 million

Gross Domestic Product

1954  Php 157,054 million

1956 Php 179,739 million

Growth rate, 1954–56 7.22 %

Per capita income

1954  Php 7,339

1956  Php 8,073

Total exports

1954  Php 36,462 million

1956  Php 34,727 million

Exchange rates

1 US US$ = Php 2.001 Php = US US$ 0.50

Sources: Philippine Presidency ProjectMalaya, Jonathan; Eduardo Malaya. So Help Us God... The

Inaugurals of the Presidents of the Philippines. Anvil Publishing,Inc.

President's Inauguration Day[edit]Ushering, indeed, a new era in Philippine government, President Magsaysay placed emphasis upon service to the people by bringing the government closer to the former.[2] This was symbollically seen when, on inauguration day, President Magsaysay ordered the gates of Malacañan Palace open to alland sundry, who were allowed to freely visit all the dependencies of the presidential mansion. Later, this was regulated to allow weekly visitation.[2]

True[2] to his electoral promise, President Magsaysay created the Presidential Complaints and Action Committee.[2] This body immediately proceeded to hear grievances and recommend remedial action. Headed by soft-spoken, but active and tireless, Manuel Manahan, this committee wouldcome to hear nearly 60,000 complaints in a year, of which more than 30,000would be settled by direct action and a little more than 25,000 would be referred to government agencies for appropriate follow-up. This new

entity, composed of youthful personnel, all loyal to the President, provedto be a highly successful morale booster restoring the people's confidencein their own government.[2]

Agrarian reform[edit]See also: Land reform in the Philippines

To amplify and stabilize the functions of the Economic Development Corps (EDCOR), President Magsaysay worked[2] for the establishment of the National Resettlement and Rehabilitation Administration (NARRA).[2] This body took over from the EDCOR and helped in the giving some sixty-five thousand acres to three thousand indigent families for settlement purposes.[2] Again, it allocated some other twenty-five thousand to a little more than one thousand five hundred landless families, who subsequently became farmers.[2]

As further aid to the rural people,[2] the president established the Agricultural Credit and Cooperative Financing Administration (ACCFA). The idea was for this entity to make available rural credits. Records show that it did grant, in this wise, almost ten million dollars. This administration body next devoted its attention to cooperative marketing.[2]

Along this line of help to the rural areas, President Magsaysay initiated in all earnestness the artesian wells campaign. A group-movement known as the Liberty Wells Association was formed and in record time managed to raise a considerable sum for the construction of as many artesian wells aspossible. The socio-economic value of the same could not be gainsaid and the people were profuse in their gratitude.[2]

Finally, vast irrigation projects, as well as enhancement of the Ambuklao Power plant and other similar ones, went a long way towards bringing to reality the rural improvement program advocated by President Magsaysay.[2]

President Ramon Magsaysay at the Presidential Study, Malacañan Palace.

President Ramón Magsaysay enacted the following laws as part of his Agrarian Reform Program:

Republic Act No. 1160 of 1954—Abolished the LASEDECO and established the National Resettlement and Rehabilitation Administration (NARRA) to resettle dissidents and landless farmers. It was particularly aimed at rebel returnees providing home lots and farmlands in Palawan and Mindanao.

Republic Act No. 1199 (Agricultural Tenancy Act of 1954) – governed therelationship between landowners and tenant farmers by organizing share-tenancy and leasehold system. The law provided the security of tenure of tenants. It also created the Court of Agrarian Relations.

Republic Act No. 1400 (Land Reform Act of 1955) – Created the Land Tenure Administration (LTA) which was responsible for the acquisition and distribution of large tenanted rice and corn lands over 200 hectares for individuals and 600 hectares for corporations.

Republic Act No. 821 (Creation of Agricultural Credit Cooperative Financing Administration) – Provided small farmers and share tenants loans with low interest rates of six to eight percent.[11]

HUKBALAHAP[edit]In early 1954, Benigno Aquino, Jr. was appointed by President Ramón Magsaysay to act as personal emissary to Luís Taruc, leader of the Hukbalahap, a rebel group. Also in 1954, Lt. Col. Laureño Maraña, the former head of Force X of the 16th PC Company, assumed command of the 7th BCT, which had become one of the most mobile striking forces of the Philippine ground forces against the Huks, from Colonel Valeriano. Force X

employed psychological warfare through combat intelligence and infiltration that relied on secrecy in planning, training, and execution of attack. The lessons learned from Force X and Nenita were combined in the 7th BCT.

With the all out anti-dissidence campaigns against the Huks, they numberedless than 2,000 by 1954 and without the protection and support of local supporters, active Huk resistance no longer presented a serious threat to Philippine security. From February to mid-September 1954, the largest anti-Huk operation, "Operation Thunder-Lightning" was conducted that resulted to the surrender of Luis Taruc on 17 May. Further cleanup operations of guerillas remaining lasted throughout 1955, diminishing its number to less than 1,000 by year's end.[12]

Foreign policies[edit]

Eleanor Roosevelt with President Ramón Magsaysay and then First Lady Luz Magsaysayof the Philippines in Manila

SEATO[edit]The administration of President Magsaysay was active in the fight against the expansion of communism in the Asian region. He made the Philippines a member of the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO), which was established in Manila on September 8, 1954 during the "Manila Conference".[13] Members of SEATO were alarmed at the possible victory of North Vietnam over South Vietnam, which could spread communist ideology to othercountries in the region. The possibility that a communist state can influence or cause other countries to adopt the same system of government is called the domino theory.[14]

The active coordination of the Magsaysay administration with the Japanese government led to the Reparation Agreement. This was an agreement between

the two countries, obligating the Japanese government to pay $550 million as reparation for war damages in the Philippines.[14]

Defense Council[edit]Taking the advantage of the presence of U.S. Secretary John Foster Dulles in Manila to attend the SEATO Conference, the Philippine governmenttook steps to broach with him the establishment of a Joint Defense Council. Vice-President and Secretary of Foreign Affairs Carlos P. Garcia held the opportune conversations with Secretary Dulles for this purpose. Agreement was reached thereon and the first meeting of the Joint United States-Philippines Defense Council was held in Manila following theend of the Manila Conference. Thus were the terms of the Mutual Defense Pact between the Philippines and the United States duly implemented.[2]

Laurel-Langley Agreement[edit]

At Malacañan Palace, 1955. Clockwise, from top left: Senator Edmundo Cea, Former President José P. Laurel Sr., Senator Primicias, Senate President Eulogio A. Rodriguez, Sr., President Ramón F. Magsaysay, & House Speaker José B. Laurel Jr.

The Magsaysay administration negotiated the Laurel-Langley Agreement whichwas a trade agreement between the Philippinesand the United States which was signed in 1955 and expired in 1974. Although it proved deficient, the final agreement satisfied nearly all of the diverse Filipino economic interests. While some have seen the Laurel-Langley agreement as a continuation of the 1946 trade act, Jose P. Laurel and other Philippine leaders recognized that the agreement substantially gave the country greater freedom to industrialize while continuing to receive privileged access to US markets.[15]

The agreement replaced the unpopular Bell Trade Act, which tied the economy of the Philippines to that of United States economy.

Bandung Conference[edit]Billed as an all-Oriental meet to promote Afro-Asian economic and culturalcooperation and to oppose colonialism orneocolonialism by either the United States or the Soviet Union in the Cold War, or any other imperialistic nations, the Asian–African Conference was held in Bandung (Java) in April 1955, upon invitation extended by the Prime Ministers of India, Pakistan,Burma, Ceylon, and Indonesia. The conference is commonly known as the Bandung Conference. Although, at first, the Magsaysay Government seemed reluctant to send any delegation. Later, however, upon advise of Ambassador Carlos P. Romulo, it was decided to have the Philippines participate in the conference. Ambassador Romulo was asked to head the Philippine delegation.[2] At the very outset indications were to the effect that the conference would promote the cause of neutralism as a third position in the current cold war between the capitalist bloc and the communist group. John Kotelawala, Prime Minister of Ceylon, however, broke the ice against neutralism.[2] He was immediatelyjoined by Philippine envoy Romulo, who categorically stated that his delegation believed that "a puppet is a puppet",[2] no matter whether undera Western Power or an Oriental state.[2]

At one time in the course of the conference, Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru acidly spoke against the SEATO. Quick to draw, Ambassador Romulo delivered a stinging, eloquent retort that prompted Prime Minister Nehru to publicly apologize to the Philippine delegation.[2]

Records had it that the Philippine delegation ably represented the interests of the Philippines and, in the ultimate analysis, succeeded in turning the Bandung Conference into a victory against the plans of its socialist and neutralist delegates.[2]

Reparation agreement[edit]Following the reservations made by Ambassador Romulo, on the Philippines behalf, upon signing the Japanese Peace Treaty in San Francisco on September 8, 1951, for several years of series of negotiations were conducted by the Philippine government and that of Japan. In the face of adamant claims of the Japanese government that it found impossible to meetthe demand for the payment of eight billion dollars by the way of

reparations, president Magsaysay, during a so-called "cooling off"[2] period, sent a Philippine Reparations Survey Committee, headed by Finance Secretary Jaime Hernandez, to Japan for an "on the spot" study of that country's possibilities.[2]

When the Committee reported that Japan was in a position to pay, Ambassador Felino Neri, appointed chief negotiator, went to Tokyo. On May 31, 1955, Ambassador Neri reached a compromise agreement with Japanese Minister Takazaki, the main terms of which consisted in the following: TheJapanese government would pay eight hundred million dollars as reparations. Payment was to be made in this wise: Twenty million dollars would be paid in cash in Philippine currency; thirty million dollars, in services; five million dollars, in capital goods; and two hundred and fifty million dollars, in long-term industrial loans.[2]

On August 12, 1955, President Magsaysay informed the Japanese government, through Prime Minister Ichiro Hatoyama, that the Philippines accepted the Neri-Takazaki agreement.[2] In view of political developments in Japan, theJapanese Prime Minister could only inform the Philippine government of theJapanese acceptance of said agreement on March 15, 1956. The official Reparations agreement between the two government was finally signed at Malacañan Palace on May 9, 1956, thus bringing to a rather satisfactoryconclusion this long drawn controversy between the two countries.[2]

Death[edit]Main article: 1957 Cebu Douglas C-47 crash

The crash site of Ramon Magsaysay's presidential plane at Mount Manunggal, Cebu

Tomb of President Magsaysay at the Manila North Cemetery.

Monument at the crash site in Manunggal, Balamban, Cebu

Magsaysay's term, which was to end on December 30, 1957, was cut short by a plane crash. On March 16, 1957, Magsaysay left Manila forCebu City wherehe spoke at three educational institutions. That same night, at about 1 am, he boarded the presidential plane "Mt. Pinatubo", a C-47, heading back to Manila. In the early morning hours of March 17, the plane was reported missing. By late afternoon, newspapers had reported the airplane had crashed on Mt. Manunggal in Cebu, and that 36 of the 56 aboard were killed (the actual number on board was 25, including Magsaysay). Only newspaperman Néstor Mata survived. Vice-President Carlos García, who was on an official visit to Australia at the time, assumed the presidency to serve out the last eight months of Magsaysay's term.

An estimated 2 million people attended Magsaysay's burial on March 31, 1957.[16][17][18] He was posthumously referred to by people as the "Idol of the Masses".

Popular references[edit]

The First Team, a 1971 thriller by author John Ball, hinges on the effort to recapture the USS Ramon Magsaysay, an American ballistic missile submarine. Freeing the submarine from control of the Soviet Union will force the Soviets to surrender their occupation of the United States.

In Robert A. Heinlein's novel Starship Troopers, the smallest starships arenamed after footsoldiers. Upon reading some of their names, Filipino protagonist Johnnie Rico remarks, "There ought to be one named Magsaysay."

In Gundam Seed, an Agamemnon-class carrier is named after Magsaysay; inepisode 48: "The Magsaysay will take command of space divisions 48 and 211 from this point on", and this reference is further related to Starship Troopers' tribute: "The remaining vessels of the 15th carrier group are to gather at the signal coordinates of the Heinlein"

Ancestry[edit][show]Ancestors of Ramon Magsaysay

Carlos P. GarciaFrom Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

For the municipality named after the president, see President Carlos P. Garcia, Bohol.

Carlos P. García

8th President of the Philippines

4th President of the Third Republic

In officeMarch 17, 1957 – December 30, 1961

Vice President

None (March 17 – December 30, 1957)Diosdado Macapagal (1957–1961)

Preceded by Ramón Magsaysay

Succeeded by Diosdado Macapagal

1st President of the 1971 PhilippineConstitutional Convention

In officeJune 1, 1971 – June 14, 1971

President Ferdinand Marcos

Succeeded by Diosdado Macapagal

5th Vice President of the Philippines

In officeDecember 30, 1953 – March 17, 1957

President Ramón Magsaysay

Preceded by Fernando López

Succeeded by Diosdado Macapagal

Secretary of Foreign Affairs

In officeDecember 30, 1953 – March 17, 1957

President Ramon Magsaysay

Preceded by Joaquin Miguel Elizalde

Succeeded by Vacant

Post later held by Felixberto Serrano

Senator of the Philippines

In officeMay 25, 1946 – December 30, 1953

Governor of Bohol

In officeDecember 30, 1933 – December 30, 1941

Member of the Philippine House ofRepresentatives from Bohol's Third District

In office1925–1931

Preceded by Teodoro Abueva

Succeeded by Filomeno Caseñas Orbeta

Personal details

Born Carlos Polístico GarcíaNovember 4, 1896Talibon, BoholSpanish East Indies

Died June 14, 1971 (aged 74)Tagbilaran, BoholPhilippines

Resting place

Libingan ng mga Bayani,Taguig, Philippines

Political party

Nacionalista Party

Spouse(s) Leonila Dimataga

Children Linda García-Ocampos

Alma mater Silliman University [1] Philippine Law School

Profession Lawyer

Religion Roman Catholicism

Signature

Carlos Polístico García, commonly known as Carlos P. García, (November 4, 1896 – June 14, 1971) was a Filipino teacher, poet, orator, lawyer, publicofficial, political economist, organized guerrilla and Commonwealth military leader, who was the eighth President of the Philippines .

Early life[edit]García was born in Talibon, Bohol on November 4, 1896, to Policronio García and Ambrosia Polístico, who were both natives ofBangued, Abra.

García grew up with politics, with his father serving as a municipal mayorfor four terms. He acquired his primary education in his native Talibon, then took his secondary education in Cebu Provincial High School, both on top of his class. Initially, he pursued his college education at Silliman University in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, and later studied at the Philippine Law School where he earned his law degree in 1923. He was amongthe top ten in the bar examination.[1]

Rather than practice law right away, he worked as a teacher for two years at Bohol Provincial High School. He became famous for his poetry in Bohol,where he earned the nickname "Prince of Visayan Poets" and the "Bard from Bohol".

Marriage[edit]On May 24, 1933, he married Leonila Dimataga, and they had a daughter, Linda García-Campos.

Descendants[edit]

Teodoro P. García, Sr. Teodoro P. García, Jr. Dominique Marie L. García (b. 1988) Timothy Daniel L. García (b. 1989) Raphael L. García (b. 1992) Jace Jotham M. Cortez García (b. 2009)

Political Career[edit]García entered politics in 1925, scoring an impressive victory to become Representative of the Third District of Bohol. He was elected for another term in 1928 and served until 1931. He was elected Governor of Bohol in 1933, but served only until 1941 when he successfully ran for Senate, but he was unable to serve due to the Japanese occupation of the Philippines during the Second World War. He assumed the office when Congress re-convened in 1945 after Allied liberation and the end of the war. When he resumed duties as senator after the war, he was chosen Senatemajority floor leader. [2] The press consistently voted him as one of the most outstanding senators. Simultaneously, he occupied a position in the Nacionalista Party.

World War II[edit]Garcia refused to cooperate with the Japanese during the war. He did not surrender when he was placed on the wanted list with a price on his head. He instead took part in the guerilla activities and later to the military service of the Philippine Commonwealth Armyduring the liberation campaignsagainst the Japanese and served as adviser in the free government organized in Bohol.

Vice-Presidency[edit]See also: Ramón Magsaysay § Presidency

García was the running mate of Ramón Magsaysay in the 1953 presidential election in which both men won. He was appointedSecretary of Foreign Affairs by President Magsaysay, and for four years served concurrently as Vice-President.[citation needed]

As Secretary of Foreign Affairs, he opened formal reparation negotiations in an effort to end the nine-year technical state of warbetween Japan and the Philippines, leading to an agreement in April 1954. During the Geneva Conference of 1954 on Korean unification and other Asian problems, García,as chairman of the Philippine delegation, attacked communist promises in Asia and defended the U.S. policy in the Far East. In a speech on May 7, 1954–the day that the Viet Minh defeated French forces at the Battle of

Diên Biên Phu in Vietnam– García repeated the Philippine stand for nationalism and opposition to Communism.[citation needed]

García acted as chairman of the eight-nation Southeast Asian Security Conference held in Manila in September 1954, which led to the development of the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO).[3]

Presidency[edit]Presidential styles ofCarlos P. Garcia

Reference style His Excellency

Spoken style Your Excellency

Alternative style Mr. President

Economy of the Philippines underPresident Carlos Garcia

1957–1961

Population

1957  22.68 million

Gross Domestic Product

1957  Php 189,457 million ($ 94.7

billion)

1961  Php 224,430 million ($85.0

billion)

Growth rate, 1957-61 - 2.56 %

Per capita income

1957  Php 8,353

1961  Php 7,927

Total exports

1957  Php 35,980 million

1961  Php 39,845 million

Exchange rates

1 US US$ = Php 2.641 Php = US US$ 0.38

Sources: Philippine Presidency ProjectMalaya, Jonathan; Eduardo Malaya. So Help Us God... The

Inaugurals of the Presidents of the Philippines. Anvil Publishing,Inc.

Accession[edit]

Vice-President Carlos P. García (right) was inaugurated President upon Magsaysay'sdeath at the Council of State Room in the Executive Building of the Malacañan Palace complex. The oath of office was administered by Chief Justice Ricardo Paras.

At the time of President Magsaysay's sudden death on March 17, 1957, García was heading the Philippine delegation to the SEATOconference then being held at Canberra, Australia.[4] Having been immediately notified of the tragedy, Vice President García enplaned back for Manila. Upon his

arrival he directly repaired to Malacañang Palace to assume the duties of President. Chief Justice Ricardo Paras, of the Supreme Court, was at hand to administer the oath of office. President García's first actions dealt with the declaration of a period of mourning for the whole nation and the burial ceremonies for the late Chief-Executive Magsaysay.[4]

Anti-Communism[edit]After much discussion, both official and public, the Congress of the Philippines, finally, approved a bill outlawing theCommunist Party of the Philippines. Despite the pressure exerted against the congressional measure, President Carlos P. García signed the said bill into law as Republic Act No. 1700 on June 19, 1957.[4][5]

Republic Act № 1700 was superseded by Presidential Decree № 885, entitled "Outlawing Subversive Organization, Penalizing Membership Therein and For Other Purposes." This was amended by Presidential Decree № 1736, and latersuperseded by Presidential Decree № 1835, entitled, "Codifying The VariousLaws on Anti-Subversion and Increasing the Penalties for Membership in Subversive Organization." This, in turn, was amended by Presidential Decree № 1975. On May 5, 1987, Executive Order № 167 repealed PresidentialDecrees № 1835 and № 1975 as being unduly restrictive of the constitutional right to form associations.[6]

On September 22, 1992, Republic Act № 1700, as amended, was repealed by Republic Act № 7636.[7]

Filipino First Policy[edit]President García exercised the Filipino First Policy, for which he was known. This policy heavily favored Filipino businessmen over foreign investor. Hewas also responsible for changes in retail trade which greatly affected the Chinese businessmen in the country. In a speech during a joint sessionof Congress on September 18, 1946, President García said the following:

“ We are called upon to decide on this momentous debate whether or not this land of ours will remain the cradle and grave, the womb and tomb of our race – the only place where we can build our homes, our temples, and our altars and where we erect the castlesof our racial hopes, dreams and traditions and where we establishthe warehouse of our happiness and prosperity, of our joys and ”

sorrows.[8]

Austerity Program[edit]In the face of the trying conditions of the country, President García initiated what has been called "The Austerity Program". His administrationwas characterized by its austerity program and its insistence on a comprehensive nationalist policy. On March 3, 1960, he affirmed the need for complete economic freedom and added that the government no longer would tolerate the dominance of foreign interests (especially American) inthe national economy. He promised to shake off "the yoke of alien domination in business, trade, commerce and industry." García was also credited with his role in reviving Filipino cultural arts.[3] The main points of the Austerity Program were:[4]

1. The government would tightened up its controls to prevent abuses in the over shipment of exports under license and in under-pricing as well.

2. There would be a more rigid enforcement of the existing regulations on barter shipments.

3. Government imports themselves were to be restricted to essential items.

4. The government also would reduce rice imports to a minimum.5. An overhauling of the local transportation system would be attempted

so as to reduce the importation of gasoline and spare parts.6. The tax system would be revised so as to attain more equitable

distribution of the payment-burden and achieve more effective collection from those with ability to pay.

7. There would be an intensification of food production.

The program was hailed[4] by the people at large and confidence was expressed that the measures proposed would help solve the standing problems of the Republic.[4]

Bohlen–Serrano Agreement[edit]During his administration, he acted on the Bohlen–Serrano Agreement, whichshortened the lease of the American Bases from 99 years to 25 years and made it renewable after every five years.[citation needed]

1961 Presidential Election[edit]Main article: Philippine presidential election, 1961

At the end of his second term, he ran for re–election in the Presidential elections in November 1961, but was defeated by his Vice-President Diosdado Macapagal, who belonged to the opposing Liberal Party (the President and the Vice-President are elected separately in the country).

Cabinet[edit]OFFICE NAME TERM

President Carlos P. García March 17, 1957 – December 30,1961

Vice-President Diosdado Macapagal December 30, 1957 – December 30, 1961

Secretary of Agriculture and Natural Resources Juan Rodriguez March 18, 1957 – March 3,

1960

César Fortich March 3, 1960 – December 30, 1961

Secretary of Education, Culture and Sports Martin Aguilar, Jr. March 29, 1957 – September 2,

1957

Manuel Lim September 3, 1957 – November 17, 1957

Daniel Salcedo November 18, 1957 – December 28, 1959

José Romero May 18, 1960 – December 30, 1961

Secretary of Finance Jaime Hernández March 18, 1957 – January 24, 1960

Dominador Aytona January 24, 1960 – December 29, 1961

Secretary of Foreign Affairs Carlos P. García March 18, 1957 – August 22,

(in concurrent capacity as President)

1957

Felixberto Serrano August 22, 1957 – December 30, 1961

Secretary of Health Paulino J. García March 18, 1957 – July 15, 1958

Elpidio Valencia July 15, 1958 – December 30, 1961

Secretary of Justice Pedro Tuazon March 18, 1957 – March 1958

Jesús Barrera April 1958 – June 1959

Enrique Fernández June 1959 – July 1959

Alejo Mabanag May 18, 1959 – December 1961

Secretary of Labor Ángel Castano March 18, 1957 – December 30,1961

Secretary of National Defense Eulogio Balao March 17, 1957 – August 28, 1957

Jesús Vargas August 28, 1957 – May 18, 1959

Alejo Santos May 18, 1959 – December 30, 1961

Secretary of Commerce and Industry Pedro Hernaez April 10, 1959 – January 24, 1960

Manuel Lim January 24, 1960 – December 30, 1961

Secretary of Public Works,Transportation and Communications Florencio Moreno March 18, 1957 – December 30,

1961

Administrator of Social Services and Development Amparo Villamor 1960 – 1961

Executive Secretary Forutnato de León March 18, 1957 – December 30,1957

Juan Pajo January 16, 1958 – August 28,1959

Natalio Castillo January 24, 1960 – September 5, 1961

Post-Presidency and Death[edit]

President García's tomb at theLibingan ng mga Bayani.

After his failed re–election bid, García retired to Tagbilaran to resume as a private citizen.

On June 1, 1971, García was elected delegate of the 1971 Constitutional Convention. The convention delegates elected him as the President of the Convention. However, just days after his election, on June 14, 1971, García died from a fatal heart attack. He was succeeded as president of the Convention by his former Vice-President, Diosdado Macapagal.[citation needed]

García became the first layman to lie in state in Manila Cathedral—a privilege until then limited to a deceased Archbishop of Manila—and the first President to be buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.[citation needed]

Diosdado MacapagalFrom Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This article is about the former president of the Philippines. For his grandson and current a member of Congress, see Diosdado Macapagal–Arroyo.

Diosdado Macapagal

Diosdado Macapagal in 1962

9th President of the Philippines

5th President of the Third Republic

In officeDecember 30, 1961 – December 30, 1965

Vice President

Emmanuel Pelaez

Preceded by Carlos P. García

Succeeded by Ferdinand Marcos

2nd President of the 1971 Philippine

Constitutional Convention

In officeJune 14, 1971 – January 17, 1973

President Ferdinand Marcos

Preceded by Carlos P. García

Succeeded by Position abolished

6th Vice-President of the Philippines

In officeDecember 30, 1957 – December 30, 1961

President Carlos P. García

Preceded by Carlos P. García

Succeeded by Emmanuel Pelaez

Member of the Philippine House ofRepresentatives from Pampanga's First District

In officeDecember 30, 1949 – December 30, 1957

Preceded by Amado Yuzon

Succeeded by Francisco Nepomuceno

Personal details

Born Diosdado Pangan MacapagalSeptember 28, 1910

Lubao, Pampanga, American Philippines

Died April 21, 1997 (aged 86)Makati, Metro Manila

Resting place

Libingan ng mga Bayani,Taguig City, Philippines

14°31′11″N   121°2′39″E

Nationality Filipino

Political party

Liberal Party

Spouse(s) Purita de la Rosa

(1938–1943, her death)

Eva Macapagal, M.D.

(1946–1997)

Children ArturoMa. Cielo Macapagal-SalgadoMa. Gloria Macapagal-ArroyoDiosdado, Jr.

Alma mater University of the PhilippinesUniversity of Santo Tomas

Profession LawyerProfessor

Religion Roman Catholicism

Signature

Diosdado Pangan Macapagal (September 28, 1910 – April 21, 1997) was the ninth President of the Philippines, serving from 1961 to 1965, and the sixth Vice-President, serving from 1957 to 1961. He also served as a member of the House of Representatives, and headed the Constitutional Convention of 1970. He is the father of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who was the fourteenth President of the Philippines from 2001 to 2010.A native of Lubao, Pampanga, Macapagal graduated from the University of the Philippines and University of Santo Tomas, after which he worked as a lawyer for the government. He first won election in 1949 to the House of Representatives, representing a district in his home province of Pampanga.In 1957, he became Vice-President under the rule of President Carlos P. García, whom he defeated in the 1961 polls.As President, Macapagal worked to suppress graft and corruption and to stimulate the Philippine economy. He introduced the country's first land reform law, placed the peso on the free currency exchange market, and liberalized foreign exchange and import controls. Many of his reforms, however, were crippled by a Congress dominated by the rival Nacionalista Party. He is also known for shifting the country's observance of Independence Day from July 4 to June 12, commemorating the day President Emilio Aguinaldounilaterally declared the independence of the First Philippine Republic from the Spanish Empire in 1898. He stood for re-election in 1965, and was defeated by Ferdinand Marcos, who subsequently ruled for 21 years.Under Marcos, Macapagal was elected president of the Constitutional Convention which would later draft what became the 1973 Constitution, though the manner in which the charter was ratified and modified led him to later question its legitimacy. He died of heart failure, pneumonia, and renal complications, in 1997, at the age of 86.

Early life[edit]Diosdado Macapagal was born on September 28, 1910, in Lubao, Pampanga, thethird of four children in a poor family.[1] His father,Urbano Macapagal, was a poet who wrote in the local Pampangan language, and his mother, Romana Pangan Macapagal, was a schoolteacher who taught catechism.[2] He is a distant descendant of Don Juan Macapagal, a prince of Tondo, who was a great-grandson of the last reigning Rajah of Selurong, Rajah Lakandula.[3] The family earned extra income by raising pigs and accommodating boarders in their home.[2] Due to his roots in poverty, Macapagal would later become affectionately known as the "Poor boy from

Lubao".[4] Diosdado Macapagal was also a reputed poet in the Spanish language although his poet work was eclipsed by his political biography.

Early education[edit]Macapagal excelled in his studies at local public schools, graduating valedictorian at Lubao Elementary School, and salutatorian atPampanga High School.[5] He finished his pre-law course at the University of the Philippines, then enrolled at Philippine Law Schoolin 1932, studying on a scholarship and supporting himself with a part-time job as an accountant.[2][5] While in law school, he gained prominence as an orator and debater.[5] However, he was forced to quit schooling after two years due to poor health and a lack of money.[2]

Returning to Pampanga, he joined boyhood friend Rogelio de la Rosa in producing and starring in Tagalog operettas patterned after classic Spanish zarzuelas.[2] It was during this period that he married his friend's sister, Purita de la Rosa in 1938.[2] He had two children with de la Rosa, Cielo and Arturo.[4]

Macapagal raised enough money to continue his studies at the University ofSanto Tomas.[2] He also gained the assistance of philanthropist Honorio Ventura, the Secretary of the Interior at the time, who financed his education.[6] After receiving his Bachelor of Laws degree in 1936, he was admitted to the bar, topping the 1936 bar examination with a score of 89.95%.[5] He later returned to his alma mater to take up graduate studies and earn a Master of Laws degree in 1941, a Doctor of Civil Law degree in 1947, and a PhD in Economics in 1957.[5]

Early career[edit]After passing the bar examination, Macapagal was invited to join an American law firm as a practicing attorney, a particular honor for a Filipino at the time.[7] He was assigned as a legal assistant to President Manuel L. Quezon in Malacañang Palace.[5] During the Japanese occupation of the Philippines in World War II, Macapagal continued workingin Malacañan Palace as an assistant to President José P. Laurel, while secretly aiding the anti-Japanese resistance and now joining the military service of the Philippine Commonwealth Army during the Allied liberation against the Japanese.[5]

After the war,Macapagal worked as an assistant attorney with one of the largest law firms in the country, Ross, Lawrence, Selph and Carrascoso.[5] With theestablishment of the independent Republic of the Philippines in 1946, he rejoined government service when President Manuel Roxas appointed him to the Department of Foreign Affairs as the head of its legal division.[4] In 1948, President Elpidio Quirino appointed Macapagal as chief negotiator inthe successful transfer of the Turtle Islands in the Sulu Sea from the United Kingdom to the Philippines.[5] That same year, he was assigned as second secretary to the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C.[4] In 1949, he was elevated to the position of Counselor on Legal Affairs and Treaties, at the time the fourth highest post in the Philippine Foreign Office.:[8])

First marriage[edit]In 1938, he married Purita dela Rosa and they had two children namely Arturo Macapagal and Cielo Macapagal-Salgado until Purita's death in 1943.

Second marriage[edit]On May 5, 1946 he married Dr. Evangelina Macaraeg, with whom he had two children, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo who became President of the Philippines and Diosdado Macapagal, Jr.

House of Representatives[edit]On the urging of local political leaders of Pampanga province, President Quirino recalled Macapagal from his position in Washington to run for a seat in the House of Representatives representing the 1st District of Pampanga.[9] The district's incumbent Representative, Amado Yuzon, was a friend of Macapagal, but was opposed by the administration due to his support by communist groups.[9] After a campaign which Macapagal described as cordial and free of personal attacks, he won a landslide victory in the1949 election.[9] He also won re-election in the 1953 election, and served as Representative in the 2nd and 3rd Congress.

At the start of legislative sessions in 1950, the members of the House of Representatives elected Macapagal as Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and he was given several important foreign assignments.[8] He was a Philippine delegate to the United Nations General Assembly multiple times, notably distinguishing himself in debates over Communist aggression

with Andrei Vishinsky and Jacob Malik of the Soviet Union.[8] He took part in negotiations for the U.S.-R.P. Mutual Defense Treaty, the Laurel–Langley Agreement, and the Japanese Peace Treaty.[5] He also authored the Foreign Service Act, which reorganized and strengthened the Philippine foreign service.[4]

As a Representative, Macapagal authored and sponsored several laws of socio-economic importance, particularly aimed at benefiting the rural areas and the poor. Among the pieces of legislation which Macapagal promoted were the Minimum Wage Law, Rural Health Law, Rural Bank Law, the Law on Barrio Councils, the Barrio Industrialization Law, and a law nationalizing the rice and corn industries.[5] He was consistently selectedby the Congressional Press Club as one of the Ten Outstanding Congressmen during his tenure.[5] In his second term, he was named Most Outstanding lawmaker of the 3rd Congress .[5]

Vice presidency[edit]In the 1957 general election, the Liberal Party drafted Representative Macapagal to run for Vice President as the running-mate of José Yulo, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives. Macapagal's nomination wasparticularly boosted by Liberal Party President Eugenio Pérez, who insisted that the party's vice presidential nominee have a clean record ofintegrity and honesty.[9] While Yulo was defeated by Carlos P. Garcia of the Nacionalista Party, Macapagal was elected Vice President in an upset victory, defeating the Nacionalista candidate, José B. Laurel, Jr., by over eight percentage points. A month after the election, he was also chosen as the head of the Liberal Party.[6]

As the first ever Philippine vice president to be elected from a rival party of the president, Macapagal served out his four-year vice presidential term as a leader of the opposition. The ruling party refused to give him a Cabinet position in the Garcia administration, which was a break from tradition.[5] He was offered a position in the Cabinet only on the condition that he switch allegiance to the ruling Nationalista Party, but he declined the offer and instead played the role of critic to the administration's policies and performance.[4]This allowed him to capitalizeon the increasing unpopularity of the Garcia administration. Assigned to performing only ceremonial duties as vice president, he spent his time

making frequent trips to the countryside to acquaint himself with voters and to promote the image of the Liberal Party.[4]

Presidency[edit]Presidential styles of

Diosdado P. Macapagal

Reference style His Excellency

Spoken style Your Excellency

Alternative style Mr. President

In the 1961 presidential election, Macapagal ran against Garcia's re-election bid, promising an end to corruption and appealing to the electorate as a common man from humble beginnings.[2] He defeated the incumbent president with a 55% to 45% margin.[4] His inauguration as the president of the Philippines took place on December 30, 1961.

Cabinet[edit]OFFICE NAME TERM

President Diosdado Macapagal

December 30, 1961 – December 30, 1965

Vice-President Emmanuel Pelaez

December 30, 1961 – December 30, 1965

Secretary of Agriculture and Natural Resources Jose Locsin 1961–1962

Benjamin Gozon 1962–1963

Jose Feliciano 1963–1965

Commissioner of Budget Faustino Sy-Changco

February 15, 1960 – December 30, 1965

Secretary of Education, Culture and Sports Jose Romero December 30, 1961 – September

4, 1962

Jose Tuason September 5, 1962 – December 30, 1962

Alejandro Roces

December 31, 1962 – September7, 1965

Secretary of Finance Fernando Sison January 2, 1962 – July 31, 1962

Rodrigo Perez August 1, 1962– January 7, 1964

Rufino Hechanova

January 8, 1964– December 13,1965

Secretary of Foreign Affairs Emmanuel Pelaez December 1961 – July 1963

Salvador P. Lopez 1963

Carlos P. Romulo 1963 – 1964

Mauro Mendez May 1964 – December 30, 1965

Secretary of Health Francisco Duque, Jr. January 1962 – July 22, 1963

Floro Dabu July 23, 1963 – March 6, 1964

Rodolfo Canos May 1, 1964 – June 20, 1965

Manuel Cuenco December 13, 1964 – December 29, 1965

Secretary of Justice Jose W. Diokno January 1962 – May 1962

Juan Liwag May 1962 – July 1963

Salvador Mariño July 1963 – December 1965

Secretary of National Defense Macario Peralta, Jr.

December 30, 1961 – December 30, 1965

Secretary of Commerce and Industry Manuel Lim 1961 – 1962

Rufino Hechanova 1962 – 1963

Cornelio Balmaceda 1963 – 1965

Secretary of Public Works,Transportation and Communications

Marciano Bautista 1961 – 1962

Paulino Cases 1962

Brigido Valencia 1962 – 1963

Jorge Abad 1963 – 1965

Secretary of Agrarian Reform Sixto Roxas 1963

Claudette Caliguiran 1963 – 1964

Benjamin Gozon 1964 – 1965

Major legislation signed[edit]

Republic Act No. 3512 – An Act Creating A Fisheries Commission DefiningIts Powers, Duties and Functions, and Appropriating Funds Therefor.

Republic Act No. 3518 – An Act Creating The Philippine Veterans' Bank, and For Other Purposes.

Republic Act No. 3844 – An Act To Ordain The Agricultural Land Reform Code and To Institute Land Reforms In The Philippines, Including The Abolition of Tenancy and The Channeling of Capital Into Industry,

Provide For The Necessary Implementing Agencies, Appropriate Funds Therefor and For Other Purposes.

Republic Act No. 4166 – An Act Changing The Date Of Philippine Independence Day From July Four To June Twelve, And Declaring July FourAs Philippine Republic Day, Further Amending For The Purpose Section Twenty-Nine Of The Revised Administrative Code.

Republic Act No. 4180 – An Act Amending Republic Act Numbered Six Hundred Two, Otherwise Known As The Minimum Wage Law, By Raising The Minimum Wage For Certain Workers, And For Other Purposes.

Domestic policies[edit]Economy of the Philippines underPresident Diosdado Macapagal

1961–1965

Population

1962  29.20 million

Gross Domestic Product

1962  Php 234,828 million ($ 89.0

billion)

1965 Php 273,769 million ($ 72.0

billion)

Growth rate, 1962-65 - 19.1 %

Per capita income

1962  Php 8,042

1965  Php 8,617

Total exports

1962  Php 46,177 million

1965  Php 66,216 million

Exchange rates

1 US$ = Php 3.801 Php = US$ 0.26

Sources: Philippine Presidency ProjectMalaya, Jonathan; Eduardo Malaya. So Help Us God... The

Inaugurals of the Presidents of the Philippines. Anvil Publishing,Inc.

Economy[edit]

In his inaugural address, Macapagal promised a socio-economic program anchored on "a return to free and private enterprise", placing economic development in the hands of private entrepreneurs with minimal government interference.[4]

Twenty days after the inauguration, exchange controls were lifted and the Philippine peso was allowed to float on the free currency exchange market. The currency controls were initially adopted by the administrationof Elpidio Quirino as a temporary measure, but continued to be adopted by succeeding administrations. The peso devalued from P2.64 to the U.S. dollar, and stabilized at P3.80 to the dollar, supported by a $300 millionstabilization fund from the International Monetary Fund.[4]

To achieve the national goal of economic and social progress with prosperity reaching down to the masses, there existed a choice of methods.First, there was the choice between the democratic and dictatorial systems, the latter prevailing inCommunist countries. On this, the choice was easy as Filipinos had long been committed to the democratic method.[10] With the democratic mechanism, however, the next choice was between free enterprise and the continuing ofthe controls system. Macapagal stated the essence of free enterprise in layman parlance in declaring before Congress on January 22, 1962 that "thetask of economic development belongs principally to private enterprise andnot to the government.[10]

Before independence there was free enterprise in the Philippines under Presidents Manuel Quezon, Sergio Osmeña andManuel Roxas. In 1950 President Elpidio Quirino deviated from free enterprise launching as a

temporary emergency measure the system of exchange and import controls. The controls system was carried on by President Magsaysay and Garcia.[10]

The first fundamental decision Macapagal had to make was whether to continue the system of exchange controls of Quirino, Magsaysay and Garcia or to return to the free enterprise of Quezon, Osmena and Roxas.[10] It had been his view since he was a Congressman for eight years that the suitableeconomic system for Filipinos was free enterprise. So on January 21, 1962 after working for 20 straight hours he signed a Central Bank decree abolishing exchange controls and returning the country to free enterprise.[10]

During the 20 days available to make a decision on choice between controlsand free enterprise, between his inauguration as President and before the opening of Congress, Macapagal's main adviser was Governor Andres Castilloof the Central Bank.

Further reform efforts by Macapagal were blocked by the Nacionalistas, whodominated the House of Representatives and the Senate at that time. Nonetheless, Macapagal was able to achieve steady economic progress, and annual GDP growth averaged at 5.53% for 1962–65.[4]

Socio-economic program[edit]

The removal of controls and the restoration of free enterprise was intended to provide only the fundamental setting in which Macapagal could work out economic and social progress.[10] A specific and periodic program for the guidance of both the private sector and the government was an essential instrument to attain the economic and social development that constituted the goal of his labors.[10]

Such a program for his administration was formulated under his authority and direction by a group of able and reputable economic and business leaders the most active and effective of which was Sixto Roxas III. From an examination of the planned targets and requirements of the Five-Year program – formally known as the Five-Year Socio-Economic Integrated Development Program – it could be seen that it aimed at the following objectives.[10]

immediate restoration of economic stability;

alleviating the plight of the common man; and

establishing a dynamic basic for future growth.

Free enterprise was restored with decontrol. The Five-Year Economic Program had been prescribed. Land reform abolishing tenancy had been launched. These were essential foundations for economic and social progress for the greatest number.[10]

The essential foundations having been laid, attention must then be turned to the equally difficult task of building the main edifice by implementingthe economic program. Although the success of Macapagal's Socio-Economic Program in free enterprise inherently depended on the private sector, it would be helpful and necessary for the government to render active assistance in its implementation by the citizens.[10]

Such role of the government in free enterprise, in the view of Macapagal, required it (1) to provide the social overhead like roads, airfields and ports that directly or proximately promote economic growth, (2) to adopt fiscal and monetary policies salutary to investments, and most importantly(3) to serve as an entrepreneur or promote of basic and key private industries, particularly those that require capital too large for businessmen to put up by themselves. Among the enterprises he selected foractive government promotion were integrated steel, fertilizer, pulp, meat canning and tourism.[10]

Land reform[edit]See also: Land reform in the Philippines

Like Ramon Magsaysay, President Diosdado Macapagal came from the masses. He savored calling himself the "Poor boy from Lubao".[11] Ironically, he hadlittle popularity among the masses.[11] This could be attributed to an absence any charismatic appeal owing to his stiff personality.[11] But despite this, Macapagal had certain achievements.[11]Foremost of these was the Agricultural Land Reform Code of 1963 (Republic Act No. 3844) which provided for the purchase of private farmlands with the intention of distributing them in small lots to the landless tenants on easy term of payment.[11] It is a major development in history of land reform in the Philippines,

In comparison with the previous agrarian legislation, the law lowered the retention limit to 75 hectares, whether owned by individuals or corporations. It removed the term "contiguous" and established the leasehold system.[11] The share-tenancy or the kasama system was

prohibited.[11] It formulated a bill of rights that assured agricultural workers the right to self-organization and to a minimum wage. It also created an office that acquired and distributed farmlands and a financing institution for this purpose.[11] The major flaw of this law was, however, that it had several exemptions, such as ort (big capital plantations established during the Spanish and American periods); fishponds, saltbeds, and lands primarily planted to citrus, coconuts, cacao, coffee, durian, and other similar permanent trees; landholdings converted to residential, commercial, industrial, or other similar non-agricultural purposes.[11]

It was viewed that the 75-hectare retention limit was just too high for the growing population density. Moreover, this law merely allowed the transfer of the landlordism from one area to another.[11] This was because landlords were paid in bonds, which he could use to purchase agricultural lands.[11] Likewise, the farmer was free to choose to be excluded from the leasehold arrangements if he volunteered to give up the landholdings to the landlord.[11]

Within two years after the law was implemented, no[11] land was being purchased under its term and conditions caused by the peasants' inability to purchase the land.[11] Besides, the government seemed lacking of strong political will, as shown by the Congress' allotment of only one million Philippine pesos for the implementation of this code. At least Php200 million was needed within a year from the enactment and implementation of the code, and Php300 million in the next three years forthe program to be successful. However, by 1972, the code had benefited only 4,500 peasants covering 68 estates, at the cost of Php57 million to the government. Consequently, by the 1970s, the farmers ended up tilling less land, with their share in the farm also being less.[11] They incurred more debts, depending on the landlord, creditors, and palay buyers. Indeed, during the administration of Macapagal, the productivity of the farmers further declined.[11]

Anti-corruption drive[edit]

One of Macapagal's major campaign pledges had been to clean out the government corruption that had proliferated under former President Garcia.[12] The administration also openly feuded with Filipino businessmen Fernando Lopez and Eugenio Lopez, brothers who had controllinginterests in several large businesses.[4] The administration alluded to the

brothers as "Filipino Stonehills who build and maintain business empires through political power, including the corruption of politicians and otherofficials".[13] In the 1965 election, the Lopezes threw their support behindMacapagal's rival, Ferdinand Marcos, with Fernando Lopez serving Marcos' running mate.[13]

Stonehill controversy[edit]The Administration's campaign against corruption was tested by Harry Stonehill, an American expatriate with a $50-million business empire in the Philippines.[12] Macapagal's Secretary of Justice, Jose W. Diokno investigated Stonehill on charges of tax evasion, smuggling, misdeclaration of imports, and corruption of public officials.[12] Diokno's investigation revealed Stonehill's ties to corruption within the government. Macapagal, however, prevented Diokno from prosecuting Stonehill by deporting the American instead, then dismissing Diokno from the cabinet. Diokno questioned Macapagal's actions, saying, "How can the government now prosecute the corrupted when it has allowed the corrupter to go?"[12] Diokno later served as a Senator of the Republic.

Independence Day[edit]

Macapagal appealed to nationalist sentiments by shifting the commemorationof Philippine independence day. On May 12, 1962, he signed a proclamation which declared Tuesday, June 12, 1962, as a special public holiday in commemoration of the declaration of independence from Spain on that date in 1898.[14][15] The change became permanent in 1964 with the signing of Republic Act No. 4166.[16] For having issued his 1962 proclamation, Macapagal is generally credited with having moved the celebration date of the Independence Day holiday.[17][18] Years later, Macapagal told journalist Stanley Karnow the real reason for the change: "When I was in the diplomatic corps, I noticed that nobody came to our receptions on the Fourth of July, but went to the American Embassy instead. So, to compete, I decided we needed a different holiday."[19]

Foreign policies[edit]North Borneo claim[edit]

President Diosdado Macapagal on the bridge of the USS Oklahoma City in 1962

Wikisource has original text related to this article:North Borneo Claim- Diosdado Macapagal's SecondState of the Nation Address on 28 January 1963

On September 12, 1962, during President Diosdado Macapagal's administration, the territory of eastern North Borneo (nowSabah), and the full sovereignty,[20][21] title and dominion over the territory were ceded by the then reigning Sultan of Sulu, HM Sultan Muhammad Esmail E. Kiram I, tothe Republic of the Philippines.[22][unreliable source?] The cession effectively gave thePhilippine government the full authority to pursue their claim in international courts. The Philippines broke diplomatic relations with Malaysia after the federation had included Sabah in 1963.[23][24] It was revoked in 1989 because succeeding Philippine administrations have placed the claim in the back burner in the interest of pursuing cordial economic and security relations withKuala Lumpur.[25] To date, Malaysia continues to consistently reject Philippine calls to resolve the matter of Sabah's jurisdiction to the International Court of Justice.[26][unreliable source?] Sabah sees the claim made by the Philippines' Moro leader Nur Misuari to take Sabah

to International Court of Justice (ICJ) as a non-issue and thus dismissed the claim.[27]

Maphilindo[edit]

Wikisource has original text related to this article:Manila Accorrd

Wikisource has original text related to this article:Manila Declaration

Wikisource has original text related to this article:Joint Statement bythe governments ofPhilippines, Malaysia and Indonesia

In July 1963, President Diosdado Macapagal convened a summit meeting in Manila in which a nonpolitical confederation for Malaysia, the Philippines, and Indonesia, Maphilindo, was proposed as a realization of José Rizal's dream of bringing together the Malay peoples, seen as artificially divided by colonial frontiers.[28]

Maphilindo was described as a regional association that would approach issues of common concern in the spirit of consensus. However, it was also perceived as a tactic on the parts of Jakarta and Manila to delay, or evenprevent, the formation of the Federation of Malaysia. Manila had its own claim to Sabah (formerly British North Borneo),[28] and Jakarta protested the formation of Malaysia as a British imperialist plot. The plan failed when Sukarno adopted his plan of "konfrontasi" with Malaysia. The Konfrontasi, or Confrontation basically aimed at preventing Malaysia from attaining independence. The idea was inspired onto President Sukarno by

the Partai Komunis Indonesia (PKI), or literally the Indonesian Communist Party. The party convinced President Sukarno that the formation of Malaysia is a form of neo-colonization and would affect tranquility in Indonesia. The subsequent development of ASEAN almost certainly excludes any possibility of the project ever being revived.[28]

Vietnam War[edit]

Before the end of his term in 1965, President Diosdado Macapagal persuaded Congress to send troops to South Vietnam. However this proposal was blocked by the opposition led by Senate President Ferdinand Marcos whodeserted Macapagal's Liberal Party and defected to the Nacionalista Party.[29]

The U.S. government's active interest in bringing other nations into the war had been part of U.S. policy discussions as early as 1961. President Lyndon Johnson first publicly appealed for other countries to come to the aid of South Vietnam on April 23, 1964–in what was called the "More Flags" program.[29] Chester Cooper, former director of Asian affairs for the White House, explained why the impetus came from the United Statesinstead of from the Republic of South Vietnam: "The 'More Flags' campaign ... required the application of considerable pressure for Washington to elicit any meaningful commitments. One of the more exasperating aspects of the search…was the lassitude …... of the Saigon government. In part ... the South Vietnam leaders were preoccupied with political jockeying. ... In addition, Saigon appeared to believe that the program was a public relations campaign directed at the American people."[29]

1963 midterm election[edit]Main article: Philippine Senate election, 1963

The senatorial election was held on November 12, 1963. Macapagal's LiberalParty (LP) won four out of the eight seats up for grabs during the election – thereby increasing the LP's senate seats from eight to ten.

1965 presidential campaign[edit]Main article: Philippine presidential election, 1965

Towards the end of his term, Macapagal decided to seek re-election to continue seeking reforms which he claimed were stifled by a "dominant and

uncooperative opposition" in Congress.[4] With Senate President Ferdinand Marcos, a fellow member of the Liberal Party, unable to win his party's nomination due to Macapagal's re-election bid, Marcos switched allegiance to the rival Nacionalista Party to oppose Macapagal.[4]

Among the issues raised against the incumbent administration were graft and corruption, rise in consumer goods, and persisting peace and order issues.[4] Macapagal was defeated by Marcos in the November 1965 polls.

Post-presidency and death[edit]

Grave of Diosdado Macapagal at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.

Macapagal announced his retirement from politics following his 1965 loss to Marcos. In 1971, he was elected president of theconstitutional convention that drafted what became the 1973 constitution. The manner in which the charter was ratified and later modified led him to later question its legitimacy. In 1979, he formed the National Union for Liberation as a political party to oppose the Marcos regime.

Following the restoration of democracy in 1986, Macapagal took on the roleof elder statesman, and was a member of the Philippine Council of State.[5] He also served as honorary chairman of the National Centennial Commission, and chairman of the board of CAP Life, among others.

In his retirement, Macapagal devoted much of his time to reading and writing.[5] He published his presidential memoir, authored several books about government and economics, and wrote a weekly column for the Manila Bulletin newspaper.

Diosdado Macapagal died of heart failure, pneumonia and renal complications at the Makati Medical Center onApril 21, 1997. He is buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.

Legacy[edit]On September 28, 2009, Macapagal's daughter, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, inaugurated the President Diosdado Macapagal Museum and Library, located at his home town of Lubao, Pampanga.[30][31]

President Benigno S. Aquino III declared September 28, 2010 as a special non-working holiday in Macapagal's home province of Pampanga to commemorate the centennial of his birth.[32]

Birthplace (Ancestral House and Lot)[edit]The landmarks are located in front of Lubao Institute at San Nicolas 1, Lubao, Pampanga.

The "Bahay Kubo" of Macapagal

 

Mural

 

Interior

 

Inside the small house

 

Prologue

 

Marker

Museum and Library[edit]These house the personal books and memorabilia of Macapagal.

Macapagal Clan

 

Façade of the House

 

Bust (sculpture) of Macapagal in museum-library

 

Museum and Library

 

Oil Portrait of Macapagal

 

Second floor of the Museum

Electoral history[edit]Vice Presidential election, 1957:[4]

Diosdado Macapagal (Liberal Party) – 2,189,197 (46.55%) José Laurel, Jr. (Nacionalista Party) – 1,783,012 (37.91%) Vicente Araneta (Progressive Party) – 375,090 (7.97%) Lorenzo Tañada (Nationalist Citizens' Party) – 344,685 (7.32%) Restituto Fresto (Lapiang Malaya) – 10,494 (0.22%)

Presidential election, 1961:[4]

Diosdado Macapagal (Liberal Party) – 3,554,840 (55%) Carlos P. Garcia (Nacionalista Party) – 2,902,996 (45%)

Presidential election, 1965:[4]

Ferdinand Marcos (Nacionalista Party) – 3,861,324 (51.94%) Diosdado Macapagal (Liberal Party) – 3,187,752 (42.88%) Raul Manglapus (Progressive Party) – 384,564 (5.17%)

Publications[edit] Speeches of President Diosdado Macapagal. Manila: Bureau of Printing, 1961. New Hope for the Common Man: Speeches and Statements of President Diosdado Macapagal.

Manila: Malacañang Press Office, 1962. Five Year Integrated Socio-economic Program for the Philippines. Manila: [s.n.], 1963. Fullness of Freedom: Speeches and Statements of President Diosdado Macapagal. Manila:

Bureau of Printing, 1965. An Asian looks at South America. Quezon City: Mac Publishing House, 1966. The Philippines Turns East. Quezon City: Mac Publishing House, 1966. A Stone for the Edifice: Memoirs of a President. Quezon City: Mac Publishing House,

1968. A New Constitution for the Philippines. Quezon City: Mac Publishing House, 1970. Democracy in the Philippines. Manila: [s.n.], 1976. Constitutional Democracy in the World. Manila: Santo Tomas University Press,

1993.

From Nipa Hut to Presidential Palace: Autobiography of President Diosdado P. Macapagal. Quezon City: Philippine Academy for Continuing Education and Research, 2002.

Ferdinand MarcosFrom Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This article is about a former president of the Philippines. For his son, a politician and senator of the Philippines, see Ferdinand Marcos, Jr..

Ferdinand MarcosPLH

Marcos in 1982.

10th President of the Philippines

In office

December 30, 1965 – February 25, 1986

Prime Minister

Himself (1978–1981)Cesar Virata (1981–1986)

Vice President

Fernando López (1965–1973)Arturo Tolentino (Feb. 16–25, 1986)

Preceded by

Diosdado Macapagal

Succeeded by

Corazon Aquino

3rd Prime Minister of the Philippines

In officeJune 12, 1978 – June 30, 1981

Preceded by

Office established

(Position previously held by Jorge B.

Vargas)

Succeeded by

Cesar Virata

Secretary of National Defense

In officeAugust 28, 1971 – January 3, 1972

President Himself

Preceded by

Juan Ponce Enrile

Succeeded by

Juan Ponce Enrile

In officeDecember 31, 1965 – January 20, 1967

President Himself

Preceded by

Macario Peralta

Succeeded by

Ernesto Mata

11th President of the Senate of the Philippines

In officeApril 5, 1963 – December 30, 1965

President Diosdado Macapagal

Preceded by

Eulogio Rodriguez

Succeeded by

Arturo Tolentino

Senator of the Philippines

In officeDecember 30, 1959 – December 30, 1965

Member of the Philippine House ofRepresentatives from Ilocos Norte'sSecond

District

In officeDecember 30, 1949 – December 30, 1959

Preceded by

Pedro Albano

Succeeded by

Simeon M. Valdez

Personal details

Born Ferdinand Emmanuel Edralin Marcos[1]

September 11, 1917Sarrat, Ilocos Norte,Philippines

Died September 28, 1989 (aged 72)Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S.

Resting place

Marcos Museum and Mausoleum, Batac, Ilocos Norte, Philippines

Political party

Kilusang Bagong Lipunan

Other politicalaffiliations

Liberal Party (1946–1965)Nacionalista Party (1965–1978)

Spouse(s) Imelda Romuáldez (1954–1989; his death)

Children Ma. Imelda MarcosFerdinand Marcos, Jr.Irene Marcos-AranetaAimee Marcos

Alma mater University of the Philippines College of Law

Profession Lawyer, Soldier

Religion Roman Catholicism (formerlyIglesia Filipina Independiente)

Signature

Military service

Allegiance  Philippines

Rank  Major

Battles/wars

World War II

Ferdinand Emmanuel Edralin Marcos, Sr. (September 11, 1917 – September 28,1989) was a Filipino lawyer and politician who served as President of the Philippines from 1965 to 1986. He ruled under martial law from 1972 until 1981 and his regime as dictatorwas known for corruption, extravagance and brutality.[2][3] Public outrage led to the snap elections of 1986 and to the making ofPeople Power Revolution in February 1986 which removed him from power.[4]

Prior to the presidency, he served as a member of the Philippine House of Representatives from 1949 to 1959 and of the Philippine Senate from 1959 to 1965, where he was Senate President from 1963 to 1965.His wife was Imelda Marcos whose excesses during their kleptocracy [3] [5] [6] made her infamous in her own right, spawning the term "Imeldific".[2][7][8]

[9] She is still active in Philippine politics along with two of his three children, Imee Marcos and Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, Jr. [10]

Early life[edit]

Ferdinand Edralin Marcos was born 11 September 1917, in the town of Sarrat, Ilocos Norte, to Mariano Marcos and Josefa Edralin.[11] He was baptized into the Philippine Independent Church,[12] but he was baptized in the Roman Catholic Church at the age of three.

In December 1938, Ferdinand was prosecuted for the murder of Julio Nalundasan along with his father, Mariano, his brother, Pio, and his brother-in-law Quirino Lizardo; Nalundasan one of the elder Marcos' political rivals. Nalundasan had been shot and killed in his house in Batac on 20 September 1935–the day after he had defeated Mariano Marcosa second time for a seat in the National Assembly. According to two witnesses, the four had conspired to assassinate Nalundasan, with Ferdinand Marcos eventually pulling the trigger. In late January 1939, they were denied bail[13] and in the fall[when?] of 1939 they were convicted. Ferdinand and Lizardo received the death penalty for premeditated murder, while Mariano and Pio were found guilty of contempt of court. The Marcos family took their appeal to the Supreme Court of the Philippines, which overturned the lower court's decision on 22 October 1940, acquitting them of all charges except contempt.[14]

Marcos studied law at the University of the Philippines, attending the prestigious College of Law. He excelled in both curricular and extra-curricular activities, becoming a valuable member of the university's swimming, boxing, and wrestling teams. He was also an accomplished and prolific orator, debater, and writer for the student newspaper. He also became a member of the University of the Philippines ROTC Unit (UP Vanguard Fraternity) where he met his future cabinet members and Armed Forces Chiefs of Staff. He sat for the 1939 Bar Examinations, receiving a near-perfect score and graduating cum laude despite the fact that he was incarcerated while reviewing; had he not been in jail for 27 days, he would have graduated magna cum laude. He was elected to the Pi Gamma Mu andthe Phi Kappa Phi international honour societies, the latter giving him its Most Distinguished Member Award 37 years later.[15]

He claimed to have led a 9,000-man guerrilla force called Ang Mahárlika (Tagalog, "The Noble") in northern Luzon during the World War II, although his account of events was later cast into doubtafter a United States military investigation exposed many of his claims aseither false or inaccurate.[16]

In Seagrave's book The Marcos Dynasty, he mentioned that Marcos possessed a phenomenal memory and exhibited this by memorizing complicated texts andreciting them forward and backward, even such as the 1935 Constitution of the Philippines. Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago, in an interview with the Philippine Star on March 25, 2012, shared her experience as a speech writer to President Marcos: "One time, the Secretary of Justice forgot to tell me that the President had requested him to draft a speech that the President was going to deliver before graduates of the law school. And then, on the day the President was to deliver the speech, he suddenly remembered because Malacañang was asking for the speech, so he said, 'Thisis an emergency. You just have to produce something.' And I just dictated the speech. He liked long speeches. I think that was 20 or 25 pages. And then, in the evening, I was there, of course. President Marcos recited thespeech from memory."[17]

Personal life[edit]He was married to Imelda Romualdez-Marcos, on May 1, 1954 and the marriageproduced three children:

Maria Imelda "Imee" Marcos (born 12 November 1955) Governor of Ilocos Norte

Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, Jr. (born 13 September 1957) Senator of the Philippines

Irene Marcos (born 16 September 1960)

Congressional career[edit]House of Representatives[edit]When the Philippines was granted independence on July 4, 1946 by the American government, the Philippine Congress was established. Marcos ran and was three times elected as representative of the 2nd district of Ilocos Norte, 1949–1959. He was named chairman of the House Committee on Commerce and Industry and member of the Defense Committee headed by Ramon Magsaysay. He was chairman, House Neophytes Bloc in which (President) Diosdado Macapagal, (Vice President) Emmanuel Pelaez and (Manila Mayor) Arsenio J. Lacson were members. He was also a member of the House Committee on Industry; LP spokesman on economic matters; member, Special Committee on Import and Price Controls and on Reparations; House

Committees on Ways and Means, Banks Currency, War Veterans, Civil Service,Corporations and Economic Planning; and the House Electoral Tribunal.[18]

Senate[edit]Marcos won his senate seat in the elections in 1959 and became the Senate minority floor leader in 1960. He became the executive vice president of the Liberal Party in and served as the party president from 1961–1964; Senate President, 1963–1965. During his term as Senate President, former Defense Secretary Eulogio B. Balao was also closely working with Marcos. Marcos led a controversial political career both before and after his term as Senate President. He became Senator after he served as member of the House of Representatives for three terms, then later as Minority Floor Leader before gaining the Senate Presidency. He introduced a number of significant bills, many of which found their way into the Republic statute books.[18]

Presidency[edit]Presidential styles of

Ferdinand E. Marcos, Sr.

Reference style His Excellency

Spoken style Your Excellency

Alternative style Mr. President

First term (1966–1969)[edit]Presidential campaign[edit]

Marcos at the White House in 1966.

Marcos ran on a popular campaign as being a bemedalled anti-Japanese guerrilla fighter during World War II. By the mid 60's Marcos touted himself to be the most decorated guerilla leader of World War II, claimingto having been awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star and Purple Heart among his many medals,[19]

Latter research however, refute these and showed the wartime exploits of Marcos to be mostly propaganda, being inaccurate or untrue.[20][21][22][23][24][25] In 1986, research by historian Alfred W. McCoy into United States Army records showed most of Marcos's medals to be fraudulent.[26]

[27] According to Dr. Ricardo Jose, former chairman of the Department of History of the University of the Philippines, Marcos's claims in his self-commissioned autobiography Marcos of the Philippines that Gen. Douglas MacArthur pinned on him the Distinguished Service Cross medal for delayingJapanese at Bataan for 3 months was highly improbable.[28] In fact, his father Mariano Marcos was a known Japanese collaborator who was executed by Filipino guerillas in April 1945, and the younger Marcos was accused bysome guerillas of being a collaborator as well.[19][29]

Marcos won the presidency in 1965.[30]

Infrastructure programs[edit]

The leaders of the SEATO nations in front of the Congress Building inManila, hosted by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos on October 24, 1966. (L-R:) Prime Minister Nguyen Cao Ky (South Vietnam), Prime Minister Harold Holt (Australia), President Park Chung-hee (South Korea), President Ferdinand Marcos (Philippines), Prime Minister Keith Holyoake (New Zealand), Lt. Gen. Nguyen Van Thieu (South Vietnam), Prime Minister Thanom Kittikachorn (Thailand), President Lyndon B. Johnson (United States)

Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos withLyndon B. Johnson and Lady Bird on September 12, 1966.

In his first State of the Nation Address (SONA), Marcos revealed his plansfor economic development and government reform. Marcos wanted the immediate construction of roads, bridges and public works, which included 16,000 kilometers of feeder roads, some 30,000 lineal meters of permanent bridges, a generator with an electric power capacity of one million kilowatts (1,000,000 kW), and water services to eight regions and 38 localities. He also urged the revitalization of the judiciary, the national defense posture and the fight against smuggling, criminality, andgraft and corruption in the government.

To accomplish his goals “President Marcos mobilized the manpower and resources of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for action to complement civilian agencies in such activities as infrastructure

construction; economic planning and program execution; regional and industrial site planning and development; community development and others.”[31][unreliable source?] The employment of technocrats in key positions and the mobilization of the AFP for civic actions resulted in the increasing functional integration of civilian and military elites.[32][unreliable source?]

Vietnam War[edit]

To the surprise of many, soon after becoming president, Marcos wanted the Philippines to become involved in the Vietnam War. He asked Congress to approve sending a combat engineer unit to South Vietnam. When the previousPhilippine president, Macapagal, suggested in 1964–1965 to send troops it had been Marcos who had led the opposition against this plan on both legaland moral grounds. Despite opposition against the new plan, the Marcos government gained Congressional approval and Philippine troops were sent from the middle of 1966 as the Philippines Civic Action Group (PHILCAG). PHILCAG reached a strength of some 1,600 troops in 1968 and between 1966 and 1970 over 10,000 Filipino soldiers served in South Vietnam, mainly being involved in civilian infrastructure projects.[33][unreliable source?]

Second term (1969–1972)[edit]1969 presidential election[edit]

In 1969, Marcos was reelected for a second term—the first Filipino president to win a second term.,[34][35][36] and Marcos used $56 million from the Philippines' treasury to fund his campaign.[37] His running mate, incumbent Vice President Fernando Lopez was also elected to a third full term as Vice President of the Philippines.

First Quarter Storm[edit]Main article: First Quarter Storm

1970 was a period of leftist unrest in the Philippines, composed of a series of heavy demonstrations, protests, and marches against the government from January to March 1970, or the first quarter of 1970. It was one of the factors leading to the declaration of Martial Law in 1972..The protests later became known as the First Quarter Storm.[38]

Martial Law and the New Society (1972-1981)[edit]Main article: Martial law in the Philippines

Ferdinand Marcos with Secretary of State George Shultz, 1982.

“ It is easier perhaps and more comfortable to look back to the solace of a familiar and mediocre past. But the times are too grave and the stakes too high for us to permit the customary concessions to traditional democratic processes. ”

– Ferdinand Marcos, January 1973[39]

Marcos declared martial law on September 22, 1972, by virtue of Proclamation № 1081 which he signed on September 21, 1972, extending his rule beyond the constitutional two-term limit. He justified this by exposing the threats of Communist and Muslim insurgencies.[40] He would later tell historians that he signed Proclamation No. 1081 as early as September 17.[41] Ruling by decree, he curtailed press freedom and other civil liberties, closed down Congress and media establishments, and ordered the arrest of opposition leaders and militant activists, includingsenators Benigno Aquino, Jr., Jovito Salonga and Jose Diokno.[42][43] Marcos claimed that martial law was the prelude to creating his Bagong Lipunan, a "New Society" based on new social and political values.[44]

A constitutional convention, which had been called for in 1970 to replace the Commonwealth era 1935 Constitution, continued the work of framing a new constitution after the declaration of martial law. The new constitution went into effect in early 1973, changing the form of government from presidential toparliamentary and allowing Marcos to stay in power beyond 1973.

After putting in force amendments to the constitution, legislative action,and securing his sweeping powers and with the Batasan, his supposed successor body to the Congress, under his control, President Marcos liftedmartial law on January 17, 1981. However, the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus continued in the autonomous regions of Western Mindanao and Central Mindanao. The opposition dubbed the

lifting of martial law as a mere "face lifting" as a precondition to the visit of Pope John Paul II.[45]

Marcos had a vision of a Bagong Lipunan (New Society) similar to Indonesian president Suharto's "New Order administration". He used the years of martial law to implement this vision. According to Marcos' book Notes on the New Society, it was a movement urging the poor and the privileged to work as one for the common goals of society and to achieve the liberation of the Filipino people through self-realization.

During his martial law regime, Marcos confiscated and appropriated by force and duress many businesses and institutions, both private and public, and redistributed them to his own family members and close personal friends. These relatives and associates of Marcos then used theseas fronts to launder proceeds from institutionalized graft and corruption in the different national governmental agencies as "crony capitalism" for personal benefit. Graft and corruption via bribery, racketeering, and embezzlement became more prevalent during this era. Marcos also silenced the free press, making the state press the only legal one.

Marcos and his close Rolex 12 associates like Juan Ponce Enrile used theirpowers to settle scores against old rivals such as the Lopezes who were always opposed to the Marcos administration. Leading opponents such as Senators Benigno Aquino, Jr., Jose Diokno, Jovito Salonga and many others were imprisoned for months or years. This practice considerably alienated the support of the old social and economic elite and the media, who criticized the Marcos administration endlessly.[46]

Between 1972 and 1976, Marcos increased the size of the Philippine military from 65,000 to 270,000 personnel.[44] Military officers were placedon the boards of a variety of media corporations, public utilities, development projects, and other private corporations. At the same time, Marcos made efforts to foster the growth of a domestic weapons manufacturing industry and heavily increased military spending.[47]

From the declaration of martial law in 1972 until 1983 the U.S. governmentprovided $2.5 billion in bilateral military and economic aid to the Marcosregime, and about $5.5 billion through multilateral institutions such as the World Bank.[48]

In a 1979 U.S. Senate report it was stated that U.S. officials were aware,as early as 1973, that Philippine government agents were in the United

States to harass Filipino dissidents. In June 1981, two anti-Marcos labor activists were assassinated outside of a union hall in Seattle. On at least one occasion, CIA agents blocked FBI investigations of Philippine agents.[49]

The Marcos regime instituted a mandatory youth organization, known as the Kabataang Barangay, which was led by Marcos' eldest daughter Imee. Presidential Decree 684, enacted in April 1975, required that all youths aged 15 to 18 be sent to remote rural camps and do volunteer work.[50][51]

Along with Marcos, members of his Rolex 12 circle like Defense Minister Juan Ponce Enrile, Chief of Staff of the Philippine Constabulary Fidel Ramos, and Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Fabian Ver were the chief administrators of martial law from 1972 to 1981, and the three remained President Marcos' closest advisers until he was ousted in 1986. Enrile and Ramos would later abandon Marcos' 'sinking ship' and seek protection behind the 1986 People Power Revolution. The Catholic hierarchy and Manila's middle class were crucial to the success of the massive crusade.

Cabinet[edit]OFFICE NAME TERM

President Ferdinand Marcos December 30, 1965 – 1978

Vice-President Fernando Lopez December 30, 1965 – September23, 1972

Secretary of Agriculture and Natural Resources Fernando Lopez 1965–1971

Arturo Tanco, Jr. 1971–1978

Secretary of Education, Culture and Sports Carlos P. Romulo December 30, 1965 – December

16, 1967

Onofre Corpuz December 17, 1967 – April 20,1971

Juan Manuel April 21, 1971 –

Secretary of Foreign Affairs Narciso Ramos 1965–1968

Carlos P. Romulo 1968–1978

Secretary of Finance Juan Ponce Enrile 1966–1968

Eduardo Romualdez 1968–1970

Cesar Virata 1970–1978

Secretary of Justice Jose Yulo 1965–1967

Claudio Teehankee 1967–1968

Juan Ponce Enrile 1968–1970

Felix Makasiar 1970

Vicente Abad Santos 1970–1978

Secretary of National DefenseFerdinand Marcos(in concurrent capacity as President)

1965–1967

Ernesto Mata 1967–1970

Juan Ponce Enrile 1970–1971

Ferdinand Marcos(in concurrent capacity as President)

1971–1972

Juan Ponce Enrile 1972–1978

Secretary of Commerce and Industry Marcelo Balatbat 1966–1968

Leonides Sarao Virata 1969–1970

Ernesto Maceda 1970–1971

Troadio Quiazon 1971–1974

Secretary of Industry Vicente Paterno 1974–1978

Secretary of Public Works,Transportation and Communications

Antonio Raquiza 1966–1968

Rene Espina 1968–1969

Antonio Syquio 1969–1970

David Consunji 1970–1975

Alfredo Juinio 1975–1978

Secretary of Public Highways Baltazar Aquino 1974–1978

Director-General of the Gerardo Sicat 1973–1978

National Economic and Development Authority

Prime Minister[edit]

In 1978, the position returned when Ferdinand Marcos became Prime Minister. Based on Article 9 of the 1973 constitution, it had broad executivepowers, that would be typical of modern prime ministers in other countries. The position was the official head of government, and the commander-in-chief of the armed forces. All of the previous powers of the President from the 1935 Constitution were transferred to the newly restored office of Prime Minister. The Prime Minister also acted as head of the National Economic Development Authority. Upon his reelection to thePresidency, Marcos was succeeded as Prime Minister by Cesar Virata in 1981.

Cabinet under Martial Law[edit]OFFICE NAME TERM

President Ferdinand Marcos

1978–1986

Prime Minister Ferdinand Marcos

1978–1981

Cesar Virata 1981–1986

Minister of Agriculture Arturo Tanco, Jr.

1978–1984

Salvador Escudero III

1984–1986

Minister of Foreign Affairs Carlos P. Romulo

1978–1984

Manuel Collantes 1984

Arturo Tolentino

1984–1985

Pacifico Castro 1985–1986

Minister of Finance Cesar Virata 1978–1986

Minister of Justice Vicente Abad Santos

1978–1979

Catalino Macaraig, Jr. 1979

Ricardo Puno 1979–1984

Estelito Mendoza

1984–1986

Minister of National Defense Juan Ponce Enrile

1978–1986

Minister of Industry[52] Vicente Paterno 1978–1979

Roberto Ongpin 1979–1981

Minister of TradeLuis Villafuerte, Sr.

1979–1981

Minister of Trade and Industry Roberto Ongpin 1981–1986

Minister of Public Works,Transportation and Communications[53]

Alfredo Juinio 1978–1981

Minister of Public Highways Baltazar Aquino 1978–1979

Vicente Paterno 1979–1980

Jesus Hipolito 1980–1981

Minister of Public Works and Highways Jesus Hipolito 1981–

1986

Director-General of theNational Economic and

Gerardo Sicat 1978–

Development Authority 1981

Cesar Virata 1981–1986

Minister of Energy Geronimo Velasco

1978–1986

Minister of Human Settlements Imelda Marcos 1978–1986

Minister of Labor Blas Ople 1978–1986

Third term (1981–1986)[edit]

“ We love your adherence to democratic principles and to the democratic process, and we will not leave you in isolation. ”– U.S. Vice-President George H. W. Bush during Ferdinand Marcos inauguration, June 1981[54]

On June 16, 1981, six months after the lifting of martial law, the first presidential election in twelve years was held. President Marcos ran and won a massive victory over the other candidates.[citation needed] The major opposition parties, the United Nationalists Democratic Organizations (UNIDO), a coalition of opposition parties and LABAN, boycotted the elections.

President Ferdinand Marcos in Washington in 1983.

Aquino's assassination[edit]Main article: Assassination of Benigno Aquino, Jr.

In August 1983, opposition leader Benigno Aquino, Jr. was assassinated at Manila International Airport upon his return to the Philippines after three years in exile in the United States, where he had fled during one ofMarcos' crackdowns on opposition. The opposition blamed Marcos directly for the assassination while others blamed the military and his wife, Imelda. Popular speculations pointed to three suspects; first was Marcos himself through his trusted military chief Fabian Ver; the second theory pointed to his wife Imelda who had her own burning ambition now that her ailing husband seemed to be getting weaker and the third was that Danding Cojuangco planned the assassination because of his own political ambitions.[55] The 1985 acquittals of Chief of Staff General Fabian Ver as well as other high-ranking military officers charged with the crime were widely seen as a whitewash and miscarriage of justice.

Impeachment attempt[edit]

On August 13, 1985, 56 Assemblymen signed a resolution calling for the impeachment of President Marcos for alleged diversion of U.S. aid for

personal use,[56] citing a July 1985 San Jose Mercury News exposé of the Marcoses’ multi-million dollar investment and property holdings in the United States.

The properties allegedly amassed by the First Family were the Crown Building, Lindenmere Estate, and a number of residential apartments (in New Jersey and New York), a shopping center in New York, mansions (in London, Rome and Honolulu), the Helen Knudsen Estate in Hawaii and three condominiums in San Francisco, California.

The Assemblymen also included in the complaint the misuse and misapplication of funds “for the construction of the Film Center, where X-rated and pornographic films are exhibited, contrary to public morals and Filipino customs and traditions.” The impeachment attempt gained little real traction, however, even in the light of this incendiary charge; the committee to which the impeachment resolution was referred did not recommend it, and any momentum for removing Marcos under constitutional processes soon died.[citation needed]

Physical decline[edit]See also: People Power Revolution

Critics considered Marcos the quintessential kleptocrat,[57] having looted billions of dollars from the Filipino treasury. The large personality cult in the Philippines surrounding Marcos also led to widespread disdain.[citation needed]

During his third term, Marcos' health deteriorated rapidly due to kidney ailments, often described as lupus erythematosus. He was absent for weeks at a time for treatment, with no one to assume command, especially problematic for a centralized, autocratic system. Marcos' regime was sensitive to publicity of his condition; a palace physician who alleged that during one of these periods Marcos had undergone a kidney transplant was shortly afterward found murdered. Many people questioned whether he still had capacity to govern, due to his grave illness and the ballooning political unrest.[58] With Marcos ailing, his powerful wife, Imelda, emerged as the government's main public figure. Marcos dismissed speculations of his ailing health as he used to be an avid golfer and fitness buff who liked showing off his physique.

By 1984, U.S. President Ronald Reagan started distancing himself from the Marcos regime that he and previous American presidents had strongly

supported even after Marcos declared martial law. The United States, whichhad provided hundreds of millions of dollars in aid, was crucial in buttressing Marcos's rule over the years,[59] although during theCarter administration the relationship with the U.S. had soured somewhat when President Jimmy Carter targeted the Philippines in his human rights campaign.

Snap election, revolution, and exile[edit]Main article: Philippine presidential election, 1986

In late 1985, in the face of escalating public discontent and under pressure from foreign allies, Marcos called a "snap election" with more than a year left in his term. He selectedArturo Tolentino as his running mate. The opposition to Marcos united behind Aquino's widow, Corazon, and her running mate, Salvador Laurel.[60][61]

The elections were held on February 7, 1986.[62] The official election canvasser, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), declared Marcos the winner. The final tally of the COMELEC had Marcos winning with 10,807,197 votes against Aquino's 9,291,761 votes. On the other hand, the final tallyof the National Movement for Free Elections(NAMFREL), an accredited poll watcher, had Aquino winning with 7,835,070 votes against Marcos' 7,053,068points. Cheating was reported on both sides.[63] This electoral exercise wasmarred by widespread reports of violence and tampering of election results.

Main article: People Power Revolution

The failed election process gave a decisive boost to the "People Power movement." At the height of the revolution, Juan Ponce Enrile revealed that a purported and well-publicized ambush attempt against him years earlier was in fact faked, in order for Marcos to have a pretext forimposing martial law. However, Marcos never ceased to maintain that he wasthe duly elected and proclaimed president of the Philippines for a fourth term, but unfairly and illegally deprived of his right to serve it. On February 25, 1986, rival presidential inaugurations were held,[64] but as Aquino supporters overran parts of Manila and seized state broadcaster PTV-4, Marcos was forced to flee.[65]

At 15:00 PST (GMT+8) on February 25, 1986, Marcos talked to United States Senator Paul Laxalt, asking for advice from the White House. Laxalt

advised him to "cut and cut cleanly", to which Marcos expressed his disappointment after a short pause.[66] In the afternoon, Marcos talked to Enrile, asking for safe passage for him and his family including his close allies like General Ver. Finally, at 9:00 p.m., the Marcos family was transported by four Sikorsky HH-3E helicopters[67] to Clark Air Base in Angeles City, Pampanga, about 83 kilometers north of Manila, before boarding US Air Force C-130 planes bound for Andersen Air Force Base in Guam, and finally to Hickam Air Force Base in Hawaiiwhere Marcos arrived on February 26.

It was reported that when Marcos fled, U.S. Customs agents discovered 24 suitcases of gold bricks and diamond jewelry hidden in diaper bags and in addition, certificates for gold bullion valued in the billions of dollars were allegedly among the personal properties he, his family, his cronies and business partners surreptitiously took with them when the U.S. provided them safe passage to Hawaii. When protestors stormed Malacañang Palace shortly after Marcos' departure, it was famously discovered that Imelda had left behind over 2,700 pairs of shoes in her closet.[68]

Economy[edit]

Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos on a walk with U.S President Ronald Reagan.

To help finance a number of economic development projects, the Marcos government borrowed large amounts of money from international lenders.[69]

[70] The Philippines' external debt rose from $360 million (US) in 1962 to $28.3 billion in 1986, making the Philippines one of the most indebted countries in Asia.[69] A sizable amount of this money went to Marcos family and friends in the form of behest loans. These loans were assumed by the government and are still being serviced by taxpayers, to this day. These loans were ostensibly funded to construct the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant but after Marcos' ouster, the plant was not utilized. Today, more than half of the country's revenues go toward the payment of interest on these

loans, with the principal amounts remaining largely untouched. During the time of the late Pres. Corazon Aquino, these debts were repudiated and finance secretary Jaime Ongpin, threatened to resign unless they were. He had a personal reason: Aurita Villoso, DBP internal auditor, said loans were granted to Ongpin's Delta Ventures Resources Inc (DVRI) amounting to P660 million. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (the central bank of the Republic of the Philippines) tried to resist the repudiation bill's passage in the Congress, but due to international pressure Aquino did allow the denial of these debts.[71]

Foreign capital was invited to invest in certain industrial projects. Theywere offered incentives, including tax exemption privileges and the privilege of bringing out their profits in foreign currencies. One of the most important economic programs in the 1980s was the Kilusang Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran (Movement for Livelihood and Progress). This program was started in September 1981. It aimed to promote the economic development of the barangays by encouraging its residents to engage in their own livelihood projects. The government's efforts resulted in the increase of the nation's economic growth rate to an average of six percent or seven percent from 1970 to 1980.[72]

The Philippine economy suffered a great decline after the Aquino assassination in August 1983. The political troubles hindered the entry offoreign investments, and foreign banks stopped granting loans to the Philippine government. In an attempt to launch a national economic recovery program, Marcos negotiated with foreign creditors including theInternational Bank for Reconstruction and Development, World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), for a restructuring of the country's foreign debts – to give the Philippines more time to pay the loans. Marcos ordered a cut in government expenditures and used a portion of the savings to finance the Sariling Sikap (Self-Reliance), a livelihood program he established in 1984.

However, the economy experienced negative economic growth from the beginning of 1984 and continued to decline despite the government's recovery efforts. The failure of the recovery program was caused by civil unrest, rampant graft and corruption within the government, and Marcos' lack of credibility. Marcos himself diverted large sums of government money to his party's campaign funds. The unemployment rate ballooned from 6.30% in 1972 to 27.65% in 1985.[73]

Between 1972 and 1980, the average monthly income of wage workers had fallen by 20%. By 1981, the wealthiest 10% of the population was receivingtwice as much income as the bottom 60%.[74]

With help from the Rockefeller and Ford Foundations, Marcos brought the "Green Revolution" (industrialized, chemical agriculture) to the Philippines. These reforms resulted in high profits for transnational corporations, but were generally harmful to small, peasant farmers who were often pushed into poverty.[75] After declaring martial law in 1972, Marcos promised to implement agrarian reforms. However, the land reforms "served largely to undermine Marcos' landholder opponents, not to lessen inequality in the countryside",[76] and "encouraged conversion to cash tenancy and greater reliance on farm workers".[77] From 1972 to 1980, agricultural production fell by 30%.[74]

Under Marcos, exports of timber products were among the nation's top exports. Little attention was paid to environmental impacts of deforestation. By the early 1980s, the industry collapsed because most of the Philippines' accessible forests had been depleted.[78]

Death[edit]Marcos died in Honolulu on September 28, 1989, of kidney, heart and lung ailments.

Marcos was interred in a private mausoleum at Byodo-In Temple on the island of Oahu, visited daily by the Marcos family, political allies and friends. His remains are currently interred inside a refrigerated crypt in Ilocos Norte, where his son, Ferdinand, Jr., and eldest daughter, Imee have since become the local governor and representative, respectively. A large bust of Ferdinand Marcos (resembling Mount Rushmore) was commissioned by the tourism minister, Jose Aspiras, and carved into a hillside in Benguet. It was subsequently destroyed; suspects included left-wing activists, members of a local tribe who had been displaced by construction of the monument, and looters hunting for the Marcos' legendary hidden treasure.[79] Imelda Marcos was acquitted of embezzlement by a U.S. court in 1990 but was still facing a several hundred additional corruption charges in Philippine courts in 2006.

Reparations[edit]

In 1995 some 10,000 Filipinos won a U.S. class-action lawsuit filed against the Marcos estate. The charges were filed by victims or their surviving relatives for torture, execution and disappearances.[80][81]

The Swiss government, initially reluctant to respond to allegations that stolen funds were held in Swiss accounts,[82] has returned US$684 million ofMarcos’ wealth.[83][84][85]

Corazon Aquino repealed many of the repressive laws that had been enacted during Marcos' dictatorship. She restored the right of access to habeas corpus, repealed anti-labor laws, and freed hundreds of political prisoners.[86]

From 1989 to 1996, a series of suits were brought before U.S. courts against Marcos and his daughter Imee, charging them with executions, torture, and disappearances committed under their command. A jury in the Ninth Circuit Court awarded $2 billion to the plaintiffs and to a class composed of human rights victims and their families.[87] On June 12,2008, the US Supreme Court (in a 7–2 ruling penned by Justice Anthony Kennedy in Republic of the Philippines v. Mariano Pimentel) held that: “The judgment of the Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit is reversed, and the case isremanded with instructions to order the District Court to dismiss the interpleader action.” The court dismissed the interpleader lawsuit filed to determine the rights of 9,500 Filipino human rights victims (1972–1986) to recover $35 million, part of a $2 billion judgment in U.S. courts against the Marcos estate, because the Philippines is an indispensable party, protected by sovereign immunity. It claimed ownershipof the funds transferred by Marcos in 1972 to Arelma S.A., which invested the money with Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Inc., in New York.[88]

[89][90]

Human rights groups place the number of victims of extrajudicial killings under martial law at 1,500 and Karapatan, a local human rights group's records show 759 involuntarily disappeared (their bodies never found). Military historian Alfred McCoy in his book Closer than Brothers: Manhood at the Philippine Military Academy and in his speech "Dark Legacy" cites 3,257 extrajudicial killings, 35,000 torture victims, and 70,000 incarcerated during the Marcos years.[91][92] The newspaper Bulatlat (lit. "to open carelessly") places the number of victims of arbitrary arrest and detention at 120,000.[93]

Legacy[edit]The Marcos family and their cronies looted so much wealth from the countrythat to this day investigators have difficulty determining precisely how many billions of dollars were stolen.[94] It is estimated that Marcos alone stole at least $10 billion from the Philippine treasury.[95][96][97][98] Adjusted for inflation, this would be equivalent to about $21.6 billion or almost 1trillion Philippine Pesos in 2014.[99]

Today, Filipino citizens are still paying the price on public debts incurred during Marcos' administration, with ongoing interest payments on the loan schedule by the Philippine government estimated to last until 2025 – 59 years after Marcos assumed office and 39 years after he was kicked out.[100]

According to Jovito Salonga, monopolies in several vital industries have been created and placed under the control of former Marcos cronies, such as the coconut industries (under Eduardo Cojuangco, Jr. and Juan Ponce Enrile), the tobacco industry (under Lucio Tan), the banana industry (under Antonio Floirendo), the sugar industry (under Roberto Benedicto) and manufacturing (under Herminio Disini and Ricardo Silverio). The Marcosand Romualdez families became owners, directly or indirectly, of the nation's largest corporations, such as the Philippine Long Distance Company (PLDC), of which the present name is Philippine Long Distance Telephone (PLDT), the Philippine Airlines(PAL), Meralco (an electric company), Fortune Tobacco, the San Miguel Corporation (Asia's largest beer and bottling company), numerous newspapers, radio and TV broadcasting companies (such as ABS-CBN), several banks( most notably the Philippine Commercial and Industrial Bank; PCIBank of the Lopezes (now BDO after merging with Equitable Bank and after BDO acquired the merged Equitable PCI), and real estate in New York, California and Hawaii.[101] The Aquino government also accused them of skimming off foreign aid and international assistance.

Many laws written by Marcos are still in force and in effect. Out of thousands of proclamations, decrees and executive orders, only a few were repealed, revoked, modified or amended.[102] Few credit Marcos for promotingFilipino culture and nationalism. His 21 years in power, with the help of U.S. massive economic aid and foreign loans enabled Marcos to build more

schools, hospitals and infrastructure than all of his predecessors combined.[103]

In the 2004 Global Transparency Report, Marcos appeared in the list of theWorld's Most Corrupt Leaders. He was listed second behind the late President of Indonesia, Suharto, and he was said to have amassed between $5 billion to $10 billion in his 21 years as president of the Philippines.[104][105]

During the ICIJ's (International Consortium of Investigative Journalists) expose of Offshore leaks in April 2013, the name of his eldest daughter, Imee Marcos, appeared on the list of wealthy people involved in offshore financial secrecy. It was revealed that she is hiding parts her father's ill-gotten wealth in tax havens in the British Virgin Islands.[106]

[107]

Writings[edit] Today's Revolution: Democracy (1971) Notes on the New Society of the Philippines II (1976) An Ideology for Filipinos (1980) Marcos' Notes for the Cancun Summit, 1981 (1981) Progress and Martial Law (1981) The New Philippine Republic: A Third World Approach to Democracy (1982) Toward a New Partnership: The Filipino Ideology (1983) A Trilogy on the Transformation of Philippine Society (1988)

Corazon AquinoFrom Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Her Excellency

Corazon C. Aquino

Aquino in 1986

11th President of the Philippines

In officeFebruary 25, 1986 – June 30, 1992

Prime Minister

Salvador Laurel

Vice President

Salvador Laurel

Preceded by

Ferdinand Marcos

Succeededby

Fidel V. Ramos

Personal details

Born Maria Corazon Sumulong CojuangcoJanuary 25, 1933Intramuros, Manila,Philippines [1]

Died August 1, 2009 (aged 76)Makati, Philippines

Resting place

Manila Memorial Park,Parañaque, MetroManila, Philippines

Politicalparty

Liberal PartyUNIDOPDP-Laban

Spouse(s) Benigno S. Aquino, Jr.

(1954-1983, his death)

Relations Maria Elena Aquino-CruzAurora Corazon Aquino-AbelladaBenigno S. Aquino IIIVictoria Elisa Aquino-DeeKristina Bernadette Aquino

Alma mater

St. Scholastica's College(Notre Dame Convent School, (NYC) (now Notre Dame School (Manhattan))College of Mount Saint Vincent, New YorkFar Eastern University

Occupation

Politician, Activist

Religion Roman Catholicism

Signature

Maria Corazon "Cory" Sumulong Cojuangco Aquino (January 25, 1933 – August 1, 2009) was a Philippine politician who served as the 11th President of the Philippines, the first woman to hold that office, and the first femalepresident in Asia, though not the first female Asian head of state. Aquinowas the most prominent figure of the 1986 People Power Revolution, which toppled the 20-year authoritarian  rule of President Ferdinand Marcos and restored democracy to the Philippines. She was named Time magazine's "Woman of the Year" in 1986. She had not held any other elective office.A self-proclaimed "plain housewife",[2] she was married to Senator Benigno Aquino, Jr., the staunchest critic of President Marcos. She emerged as leader of the opposition after her husband was assassinated on August 21, 1983 upon returning to the Philippines from exile in the United States. Inlate 1985, Marcos called for snap elections, and Aquino ran for president with former senatorSalvador Laurel as her Vice-President. After the elections were held on February 7, 1986, the Batasang Pambansa proclaimed Marcos and his running mate, Arturo Tolentino, as the winners amidst allegations of electoral fraud, with Aquino calling for massivecivil disobedience actions. Defections from the Armed Forces and the support of the local Catholic Church led to the People Power Revolution that ousted Marcos and secured Aquino's accession on February 25, 1986.As President, Aquino oversaw the promulgation of the 1987 Constitution, which limited the powers of the Presidency and re-established the bicameral Congress. Her administration gave strong emphasis and concern for civil liberties and human rights, and on peace talks to resolve the ongoing Communist insurgency and Islamist secession movements.Her economic policies centred on restoring economic health and confidence and focused on creating a market-oriented and socially responsible economy.Aquino faced several coup attempts against her government and various natural calamities until the end of her term in 1992. She was succeeded asPresident by Fidel V. Ramos, and returned to civilian life while remainingpublic about her opinions on political issues.In 2008, Aquino was diagnosed with colon cancer from which she died on August 1, 2009. Her son, Benigno Aquino III, has been President of the Philippines since June 30, 2010. Throughout her life, Aquino was known to be a devout Roman Catholic, and was fluent in French and English besides her native Tagalog and Kapampangan.

Personal life[edit]This section does not cite any references or sources. Please help improve this section by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (February 2011)

Born at 9:45 PM on January 25, 1933, at San Juan de Dios Hospital in Intramuros, Manila,[1] Maria Corazon "Cory" Sumulong Cojuangco was the fourth child of Jose Cojuangco, Sr. and Demetria Sumulong. Her siblings were Pedro, Josephine, Teresita, Jose, Jr. and Maria Paz. Both Aquino's parents came from prominent clans. Her father was a prominent Tarlac businessman and politician, and her great-grandfather, Melecio Cojuangco, was a member of the historic Malolos Congress. Her mother, Demetria, belonged to the Sumulong family of Rizal who were also politically influential; Juan Sumulong, a prominent member of the clan, ran against Commonwealth President Manuel L. Quezon in 1941.

As a young girl, Aquino spent her elementary days at St. Scholastica's College in Manila, where she graduated on top of her class and batch as valedictorian. For high school, she transferred to Assumption Convent for her first year of high school. Afterwards, she went to the United States, the Assumption-run Ravenhill Academy Philadelphia . The next year Cory transferred to (and graduated from) Notre Dame Convent School (now Notre Dame School (Manhattan) in New York City.[3] There she continued her college education. She went on to the College of Mount Saint Vincent in New York City, where she majored in Mathematics and French. During her stay in the United States, Aquino volunteered for the campaign of U.S. Republican presidential candidate Thomas Dewey against then Democratic U.S. President Harry S. Truman during the 1948 U.S. Presidential Election.

After graduating from college, she returned to the Philippines to study law at the Far Eastern University (owned by the in-laws of her elder sister, Josephine Reyes) for one year. She married Sen. Benigno S. Aquino,Jr., son of the late Speaker Benigno S. Aquino, Sr. and a grandson of General Servillano Aquino. The couple had five children: Maria Elena (bornAugust 18, 1955), Aurora Corazon (born December 27, 1957), Benigno Simeon

III (born February 8, 1960), Victoria Elisa (born October 27, 1961) and Kristina Bernadette(born February 14, 1971).

Corazon Aquino had difficulty initially adjusting to provincial life when she and her husband moved to Concepcion, Tarlac in 1955. Aquino found herself bored in Concepcion, and welcomed the opportunity to have dinner with her husband inside the American military facility at nearby Clark Field.[4]

A member of the Liberal Party, Aquino's husband Ninoy rose to become the youngest governor in the country and eventually became the youngest senator ever elected to theSenate of the Philippines in 1967. During her husband's political career, Aquino remained a housewife who helped raise their children and played hostess to her spouse's political allies who would frequent their Quezon City home.[5] She would decline to join her husband on stage during campaign rallies, preferring instead to stand at the back of the audience and listen to him.[4]

Unknown to many, she voluntarily sold some of her prized inheritance to fund the candidacy of her husband. She led a modest existence in a bungalow in suburban Quezon City. Ninoy Aquino soon emerged as a leading critic of the government of President Ferdinand Marcos. He was then toutedas a strong candidate for president to succeed Marcos in the 1973 elections. However, Marcos, being barred by the Constitution to seek a third term, declared martial law on September 21, 1972, and later abolished the existing 1935 Constitution, thereby allowing him to remain in office. As a consequence, her husband was among those to be first arrested at the onset of martial law, later being sentenced to death. During his incarceration, Ninoy sought strength from prayer, attending daily mass and saying the rosary three times a day. As a measure of sacrifice and solidarity with her husband and all other political prisoners, she enjoined her children from attending parties and she also stopped going to the beauty salon or buying new clothes until a priest advised her and her children to instead live as normal lives as possible.[4]

In 1978, despite her initial opposition, Ninoy decided to run in the 1978 Batasang Pambansa elections. A reluctant speaker, Corazon Aquino campaigned in behalf of her husband, and for the first time in her life delivered a political speech. In 1980, upon the intervention of U.S. President Jimmy Carter,[2] Marcos allowed Senator Aquino and his family to

leave for exile in the United States, where he sought medical treatment.[6] The family settled in Boston, and Aquino would later call the next three years as the happiest days of her marriage and family life. On August 21, 1983, however, Ninoy ended his stay in the United States and returned without his family to the Philippines, only to be assassinated ona staircase leading to the tarmac of the Manila International Airport, which was later renamed in his honor (see Assassination of Benigno Aquino,Jr.). Corazon Aquino returned to the Philippines a few days later and led her husband's funeral procession, in which more than two million people participated.[2]

1986 Presidential campaign[edit]Main article: Philippine presidential election, 1986

Following her husband's assassination in 1983, Aquino became active and visible in various demonstrations and protests held against the Marcos regime. She began to assume the mantle of leadership left by her husband Ninoy and started to become the symbolic figurehead of the anti-Marcos political opposition. In the last week of November 1985, Marcos surprised the nation by announcing on American television that he would hold a snap presidential election in February 1986, in order to dispel and remove doubts against his regime's legitimacy and authority.[7]

Reluctant at first, Aquino was eventually prevailed upon to heed the people's clamor, after one million signatures urging her to run for president were presented to her. Despite this, the erstwhile favorite opposition candidate, Laurel, did not immediately give way to his close friend's widow. Laurel was only convinced to run as Aquino's Vice Presidentupon the urging of Jaime Cardinal Sin, the politically influential Roman Catholic Archbishop of Manila. As a compromise, Aquino agreed to run under Laurel's machinery, theUnited Nationalist Democratic Organization (UNIDO), then the country's largest opposition party. With that, the Aquino-Laurel tandem was formally launched to challenge Marcos and finally put an end to his twenty-year rule.

In the subsequent political developments and events, Marcos charged that Aquino was being supported by communists and agreed to share power with them once elected into power. A political novice, Aquino categorically denied Marcos' charge and even stated that she would not appoint a single

communist to her cabinet.[8] Running on the offensive, the ailing Marcos also accused Aquino of playing "political football" with the United Stateswith respect to the continued United States military presence in the Philippines at Clark Air Base and Subic Naval Base.[9] Further, the male strongman derided Aquino's womanhood, by saying that she was "just a woman" whose place was in the bedroom.[2] In response to her opponent's sexist remark, and in reference to the fact that the ailing andfeeble Marcos was increasingly seen as being largely a front man for his wife Imelda, Aquino simply remarked that "may the better woman win in thiselection". Marcos also attacked Aquino's inexperience and warned the country that it would be a disaster if a woman like her with no previous political experience was tb be elected president, to which Aquino cleverlyand sarcastically responded, admitting that she had "no experience in cheating, lying to the public, stealing government money, and killing political opponents".

The snap election called by Marcos which was held on February 7, 1986, wasmarred by massive electoral fraud, violence, intimidation, coercion and disenfranchisement of voters. Election Day proved to be bloody as one of Aquino's staunchest allies, former Antique province Governor Evelio Javier, was brutally murdered, allegedly by some of Marcos' supporters in his province. Further, during the counting and tallying of votes conductedby the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), 30 poll computer technicians walked out to dispute and contest the alleged election-rigging being done in favor of Marcos. Despite this, the Batasang Pamabansa, which was dominated by Marcos' ruling party and its allies, declared President Marcos as the winner on February 15, 1986. In protest to the declaration of the Philippine parliament, Aquino called for a rally dubbed "Tagumpay ng Bayan" (People's Victory Rally) the following day, during which she claimed that she was the real winner in the snap election and urged Filipinos to boycott the products and services by companies controlled or owned by Marcos' cronies. The rally held at the historic Rizal Park in Luneta, Manila drew a mammoth-sized crowd, which sent a strong signal thatFilipinos were quite tired of Marcos' two decades of rule and the lengths to which he would go to perpetuate it. Further, the dubious election results drew sharp reactions from both local quarters and foreign countries. The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) issued a statement strongly criticizing the conduct of the election which was characterized by violence and fraud. The United States Senate likewise

condemned the election.[5][10] Aquino rejected a power-sharing agreement proposed by the American diplomat Philip Habib, who had been sent as an emissary by U.S. President Ronald Reagan to help defuse the tension.[10]

Accession as President[edit]Main article: People Power Revolution

Corazon Aquino takes the Oath of Office beforeChief Justice Claudio Teehankee, Sr. in Club Filipino,San Juan on February 25, 1986

On February 22, 1986, disgruntled and reformist military officers led by then-Defense Minister Juan Ponce Enrile and GeneralFidel V. Ramos, surprised the entire nation and the international community when they announced their defection from the Marcos government, citing strong beliefthat Aquino was the real winner in the contested presidential elections. Enrile, Ramos, and the rebel soldiers then set up operations in Camp Aguinaldo, the headquarters of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and Camp Crame (headquarters of the Philippine Constabulary) across Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA). Cardinal Sin appealed to the public in a broadcast over Church-run Radio Veritas, and millions of Filipinos trooped to the part of Epifanio De los Santos Avenue between thetwo camps to give their support and prayers for the rebels.

At that time, Aquino was meditating in a Carmelite convent in Cebu, and upon learning of the defection, she urged people to rally behind Minister Enrile and General Ramos. Aquino flew back to Manila to prepare for the takeover of the government, and after three days of peaceful mass protests, was sworn in as the eleventh President of the Philippines on February 25, 1986.[citation needed]

Presidency[edit]This section needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (February 2011)

Main article: Presidency of Corazon Aquino

Corazon Aquino during a ceremony honoring United States Air force.

The triumph of the peaceful People Power Revolution and the ascension of Corazon Aquino into power signaled the end of authoritarian rule in the Philippines and the dawning of a new era for Filipinos. The relatively peaceful manner by which Aquino came into power drew international acclaimand admiration not only for her but for the Filipino people, as well. During the first months of Aquino's presidency, the country experienced radical changes and sweeping democratic reforms. One of Aquino's first moves was the creation of the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG), which was tasked to go after the Marcos ill-gotten wealth. Aquino, being a revolutionary president by virtue of people power,

abolished the 1973 "Marcos Constitution" and dissolved the Marcos allies-dominated Batasang Pambansa, despite the advice of her vice-president and only prime minister Salvador Laurel. She also immediately created a Constitutional Commission, which she directed for the drafting of a new constitution for the nation.[citation needed]

Constitutional and political reforms[edit]Immediately after assuming the presidency, President Aquino issued Proclamation № 3, which established a revolutionary government. Sheabolished the 1973 Constitution that was in force during Martial Law, and by decree issued the provisional 1986 Freedom Constitution pending the ratification of a more formal, comprehensive charter. This allowed her to exercise both executive and legislative powers until the ratification of the 1987 Constitution and the restoration of Congress in 1987.[11]

Aquino promulgated two landmark legal codes, namely, the Family Code of 1987, which reformed the civil law on family relations, and theAdministrative Code of 1987, which reorganized the structure of the executive branch of government. Another landmark law that was enacted during her tenure was the 1991 Local Government Code, which devolved national government powers to local government units (LGUs). The new Code enhanced the power of LGUs to enact local taxation measures and assured them of a share in the national revenue. Aquino closed down the Marcos-dominated Batasang Pambansa to prevent the new Marcos loyalist opposition from undermining her democratic reforms and reorganized the membership of the Supreme Court to restore its independence.

In May 1986, the reorganized Supreme Court declared the Aquino government as "not merely a de facto government but in fact and law a de jure government", whose legitimacy had been affirmed by the community of nations.[12] This Supreme Court decision affirmed the status of Aquino as the rightful leader of the Philippines. To fast-track the restoration of afull constitutional government and the writing of a new charter, she appointed 48 members of the 1986 Constitutional Commission ("Con-Com"), led by retired activist Supreme Court Associate Justice Cecilia Muñoz-Palma. The Con-Com completed its final draft in October 1986.[13] On February 2, 1987, the new Constitution of the Philippines, which put strong emphasis on civil liberties, human rights and social justice, was overwhelmingly approved by the Filipino people. The ratification of the

new Constitution was followed by the election of senators and congress that same year and the holding of local elections in 1988.

Ministerial Cabinet (1986-1987)[14][edit]OFFICE NAME TERM

President Corazon Cojuancgo Aquino

February 25, 1986 – March 25, 1986

Vice-President Salvador Laurel February 25, 1986 – March 25, 1986

Prime Minister Salvador Laurel February 25, 1986 – March 25, 1986

Presidential Executive Assistant Joker Arroyo February 25, 1986 – March 25, 1986

Minister of Agrarian Reform Jezreel F. Pattaguan

February 25, 1986 – March 25, 1986

Minister of Agriculture and Food Ramon Mitra, Jr. February 25, 1986 – March 25, 1986

Minister of Budget and Management Alberto Romulo February 26, 1986 – March 25, 1986

Minister of Education, Culture and Sports Lourdes Quisimbing February 25, 1986 – March

25, 1986

Minister of Finance Jaime Ongpin February 25, 1986 – March 25, 1986

Minister of Foreign Affairs Salvador Laurel February 25, 1986 – March 25, 1986

Minister of Health Alfredo Bengzon February 25, 1986 – March 25, 1986

Minister of Local Governmentand Community Development

Aquilino Pimentel,Jr.

February 25, 1986 – March 25, 1986

Minister of Justice Estelito Mendoza February 25, 1986 –

February 28, 1986

Neptali Gonzales February 29, 1986 – March 25, 1986

Minister of Labor and Employment Augusto Sánchez February 25, 1986 – March 25, 1986

Minister of National Defense Juan Ponce Enrile February 25, 1986 – March 25, 1986

Minister of Natural Resources Ernesto Maceda February 25, 1986 – March 25, 1986

Minister of Public Works and Highways

Rogaciano M. Mercado

February 25, 1986 – March 25, 1986

Minister of Tourism Jose Antonio Gonzales

February 25, 1986 – March 25, 1986

Ministry of Trade and Industry Jose Concepcion February 25, 1986 – March 25, 1986

Ministry of Transportation and Communications Hernando Perez February 25, 1986 – March

25, 1986

Presidential Cabinet (1987-1992)[14][edit]OFFICE NAME TERM

President Corazon Cojuangco Aquino

March 25, 1986 – June 30, 1992

Vice-President Salvador Laurel March 25, 1986 – June 30, 1992

Executive Secretary Joker Arroyo February 25, 1986 – September15, 1987

Catalino Macaraig,Jr.

September 17, 1987 – December14, 1990

Oscar Orbos December 16, 1990 – July 14,

1991

Franklin Drilon July 15, 1991 – June 30, 1992

Secretary of Agrarian Reform Jezreel F. Pattaguan

March 25, 1986 – March 30, 1986

Conrado Estrella, Sr. March 30, 1986 – May 1, 1986

Heherson Álvarez May 1, 1986 – March 7, 1987

Philip Juico July 23, 1987 – July 1, 1989

Miriam Defensor Santiago

July 20, 1989 – January 4, 1990

Florencio Abad January 4, 1990 – April 5, 1990

Benjamin Leong April 6, 1990 – June 30, 1992

Secretary of Agriculture Ramon Mitra, Jr. March 25, 1986 – June 30, 1987

Carlos Dominguez June 30, 1987 – January 1990

Senen Bacani January 1990 – June 30, 1992

Secretary of Budget and Management Alberto Romulo March 25, 1986 – March 13, 1987

Guillermo Carague March 13, 1987 – February 12,1992

Salvador Enriquez,Jr.

February 12, 1992 – December 31, 1993

Secreary of Education, Culture and Sports Lourdes Quisimbing March 25, 1986 – December

1989

Isidro Cariño January 3, 1990 – June 30, 1992

Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources Ernesto Maceda March 25, 1986 – December 1,

1986

Carlos Dominguez December 2, 1986 – March 9, 1987

Fulgencio S. Factoran

March 10, 1987 – June 30, 1992

Secretary of Finance Jaime Ongpin March 25, 1986 – September 14, 1987

Vicente Jayme September 15, 1987 – December31, 1989

Jesús Estanislao January 1, 1990 – June 30, 1992

Secretary of Foreign Affairs Salvador Laurel March 25, 1986 – September 1987

Raúl Manglapus October 1987 – June 30, 1992

Secretary of Health Alfredo Bengzon March 25, 1986 – February 7, 1992

Antonio O. Periquet

February 10, 1992 – June 30, 1992

Minister of Local Government Aquilino Pimentel,Jr.

March 25, 1986 – December 7, 1986

Jaime Ferrer December 8, 1986 – August 2, 1987

Secretary of Local Government Lito Monico C. Lorenzana

August 3, 1987 – November 8, 1987

Luis T. Santos November 9, 1987 – December 10, 1991

Secretary of the Interiorand Local Government Cesar N. Sarino December 11, 1991 – June 30,

1992

Secretary of Justice Neptali Gonzales March 25, 1986 – March 1987

Sedfrey A. Ordoñez March 1987 – January 1990

Franklin Drilon January 4, 1990 – July 14, 1991

Silvestre Bello III July 1991 – February 1992

Eduardo Montenegro February 1992 – June 30, 1992

Secretary of Labor and Employment Augusto Sánchez March 25, 1986 – June 30, 1992

Secretary of National Defense Juan Ponce Enrile March 25, 1986 – November 23,1986

Rafael Ileto November 23, 1986 – January 21, 1988

Fidel V. Ramos January 22, 1988 – July 18, 1991

Renato de Villa July 20, 1991 – June 30, 1992

Secretary of Public Works and Highways

Rogaciano M. Mercado

March 25, 1986 – November 1986

Vicente Jayme November 1986 – 1987

Juanito Ferrer 1987 – 1988

Fiorello Estaur 1988 – 1990

Jose de Jesús 1990 – June 30, 1992

Secretary of Social Welfare and Development

Mito Pardo de Tavera 1986 – 1992

Secretary of Tourism Jose Antonio Gonzales

March 25, 1986 – April 14, 1989

Narzalina Lim April 14, 1989 – June 7, 1989

in acting capacity

Peter Garrucho June 8, 1989 – January 8, 1991

Rafael Alunan III January 9, 1991 – February 16, 1992

Narzalina Lim February 17, 1992 – June 30, 1992

Secretary of Trade and Industry Jose Concepcion March 25, 1986 – January 8, 1991

Peter Garrucho January 9, 1991 – June 30, 1992

Secretary of Transportation and Communications Hernando Perez March 25, 1986 – March 16,

1987

Rainerio Reyes March 16, 1987 – January 3, 1990

Oscar Orbos January 3, 1990 – December 9,1990

Arturo Corona December 20, 1990 – May 16, 1991

Pete Nicomedes Prado

March 23, 1991 – June 30, 1992

Press Secretary Teodoro Benigno September 6, 1986 – June 14, 1989

Adolfo Azcuna June 16, 1989 – December 31, 1989

Tomas Gomez III January 4, 1990 – February 11, 1992

Horacio Paredes February 12, 1992 – June 30, 1992

Director-Generalof the National Economic and Development Authority

Winnie Monsod July 22, 1987 – 1989

Jesús Estanislao 1989 – 1990

Cayetano Paderanga, Jr. 1990 – June 30, 1992

Solicitor General Sedfrey A. Ordoñez 1986 – 1987

Francisco Chavez 1987 – February 6, 1992

Ramon Desuasido February 6, 1992 – June 30, 1992

Chairmanof the Metropolitan Manila Authority Jejomar Binay 1990 – 1991

Ignacio Bunye 1991 – June 30, 1992

Socio-economic programs and policies[edit]Economy of the Philippines underPresident Corazon Aquino

1986–1992

Population

1986  56.00 million

Gross Domestic Product

1986  Php 591,423 million

1991  Php 716,522 million

Growth rate, 1986-91 3.33%

Per capita income

1986  Php 10,622

1991  Php 11,250

Total exports

1986  Php 160,571 million

1991  Php 231,515 million

Exchange rates

1 US US$ = Php 27.611 Php = US US$ 0.04

Sources: Philippine Presidency ProjectMalaya, Jonathan; Eduardo Malaya. So Help Us God... The

Inaugurals of the Presidents of the Philippines. Anvil Publishing,Inc.

Economic management[edit]

As soon as she assumed the presidency of the Philippines, Aquino moved quickly to tackle the issue of the US$26 billion foreign debt incurred by her predecessor, which has badly tarnished the international credit standing and economic reputation of the country. After weighing all possible options such as choosing not to pay, Aquino eventually chose to honor all the debts that were previously incurred in order to clear the country's image. Her decision proved to be unpopular but Aquino defended that it was the most practical move. It was crucial for the country at that time to regain the investors' confidence in the Philippine economy. Beginning in 1986, the Aquino administration paid off $4 billion of the country's outstanding debts to regain good international credit ratings and attract the attention of future markets. Nevertheless, the administration borrowed an additional $9 billion, increasing the net national debt by $5 billion within six years after the ouster of former President Ferdinand Marcos in 1986.[15]

Further, recognizing how crony capitalism weakened the economy due to collusion between government and big business and adhering to the Catholicsocial principle of subsidiarity, President Aquino set out on a course of market liberalization agenda while at the same time emphasizing

solidarity, people empowerment and civic engagement to help alleviate poverty in the country. The Aquino administration also sought to bring back fiscal discipline in order as it aimed to trim down the government's budget deficit that ballooned during Marcos' term through privatization ofbad government assets andderegulation of many vital industries. As president, Aquino sought out to dismantle the cartels, monopolies and oligopolies of important industries that were set up by Marcos cronies during the dark days of Martial Law, particularlyin the sugar and coconut industries. By discarding these monopolies and allowing market-led prices and competition, small farmers and producers were given a fair chance to sell their produce and products at a more reasonable, competitive and profitable price. This, in a way, also helped a lot in improving the lot of farmers who are in dire need of increasing their personal income and earnings. It was also during Aquino's time that vital economic laws such as the Built-Operate-Transfer Law, Foreign Investments Act and the Consumer Protection and Welfare Act were enacted.

The economy posted a positive growth of 3.4% during her first year in office. But in the aftermath of the 1989 coup attempt by the rightist Reform the Armed Forces Movement, the Philippine economy remainedstagnant. In her final year in office, inflation was raging at 17%, and unemployment was slightly over 10%, higher than the Marcos years.[16]Overall, the economy under Aquino had an average growth of 3.8% from 1986 to 1992.[17]

Soon after taking office, Aquino declared that the presence of U.S. military forces in the Philippines was an affront to national sovereignty.She ordered the United States military to vacate U.S. Naval Base Subic Bay and Clark Air Base. The United States objected, pointing that they hadleased the property and the leases were still in effect. Also, thousands of Filipinos worked at these military facilities and they would lose theirjobs and the Filipino economy would suffer if the U.S. military moved out.The United States stated that the facilities at Subic Bay were unequaled anywhere in Southeast Asia and a U.S. pullout could make all of that region of the world vulnerable to an incursion by the Soviet Union or by aresurgent Japan. She refused to back down and insisted that the United States get out. The matter was still being debated when Mount Pinatubo erupted in June 1991, covering the entire area with volcanic ash.The destruction to the bases was so severe that the United States decided

that it would best to pull out after all, so the bases were closed and theUnited States departed.[citation needed]

Agrarian reform[edit]See also: Land reform in the Philippines

President Aquino envisioned agrarian and land reform as the centerpiece ofher administration's social legislative agenda. However, her family background and social class as a privileged daughter of a wealthy and landed clan became a lightning rod of criticisms against her land reform agenda. On February 22, 1987, three weeks after the resounding ratification of the 1987 Constitution, agrarian workers and farmers marched to the historic Mendiola Street near the Malacañan Palace to demand genuine land reform from Aquino's administration. However, the march turned violent when Marine forces fired at farmers who tried to go beyond the designated demarcation line set by the police. As a result, 12 farmers were killed and 19 were injured in this incident now known as the Mendiola Massacre. This incident led some prominent members of the Aquino Cabinet to resign their government posts.

In response to calls for agrarian reform, President Aquino issued Presidential Proclamation 131 and Executive Order 229 on July 22, 1987, which outlined her land reform program, which included sugar lands. In 1988, with the backing of Aquino, the new Congress of the Philippines passed Republic Act No. 6657, more popularly known as the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law". The law paved the way for the redistribution of agricultural lands to tenant-farmers from landowners, who were paid in exchange by the government through just compensation but were also allowed to retain not more than five hectares of land.[18] However, corporate landowners were also allowed under the law to "voluntarily divest a proportion of their capital stock, equity or participation in favor of their workers or other qualified beneficiaries",in lieu of turning over their land to the government for redistribution.[19] Despite the flaws in the law, the Supreme Court upheld its constitutionality in 1989, declaring that the implementation of the comprehensive agrarian reform program (CARP) provided by the said law, was"a revolutionary kind of expropriation".[20]

Despite the implementation of CARP, Aquino was not spared from the controversies that eventually centered on Hacienda Luisita, a 6,453-

hectare estate located in the Province of Tarlac, which she, together withher siblings inherited from her father Jose Cojuangco (Don Pepe).[21]

Critics argued that Aquino bowed to pressure from relatives by allowing stock redistribution under Executive Order 229. Instead of land distribution, Hacienda Luisita reorganized itself into a corporation and distributed stock. As such, ownership of agricultural portions of the hacienda were transferred to the corporation, which in turn, gave its shares of stocks to farmers.[21]

The arrangement remained in force until 2006, when the Department of Agrarian Reform revoked the stock distribution scheme adopted in Hacienda Luisita, and ordered instead the redistribution of a large portion of the property to the tenant-farmers. The Department stepped into the controversy when in 2004, violence erupted over the retrenchment of workers in the Hacienda, eventually leaving seven people dead.[21]

Natural disasters and calamities[edit]During her last two years in office, President Aquino's administration faced series of natural disasters and calamities. Among these were the 1990 Luzon earthquake, which left around 1,600 people dead and the 1991 volcanic eruption of what was then thought to be a dormant Mount Pinatubo, which was the second largest terrestrial eruption of the 20th century,[22] killing around 300 people and causing widespread long-term devastation of agricultural lands in Central Luzon. The worst loss of lifeoccurred when Tropical Storm Thelma (also known as Typhoon Uring) caused massive flooding in Ormoc City in November 1991, leaving around 6,000 deadin what was considered to be the deadliest typhoon in Philippine history. It was also during Aquino's term that the MV Doña Paz sank, the world's worst peacetime maritime disaster of the 20th century in terms of loss of lives. The disaster occurred in December 1987 and killed more than 1,700 people.[citation needed]

Electrical power grid inadequacy[edit]During Aquino's presidency, electric blackouts became common in Manila. The capital experienced blackouts lasting 7–12 hours, bringing numerous businesses to a halt. By the departure of Aquino in June 1992, businesses in Manila and nearby provinces had lost nearly $800 million since the preceding March.

Influence in 1992 presidential campaign[edit]

President Corazon Aquino addresses base workers at a rally at Remy Field concerning jobs for Filipino workers after the Americans withdraw from the U.S. facilities

As the end of her presidency drew near, close advisers and friends told Aquino that since she was not inaugurated under the 1987 Constitution, shewas still eligible to seek the presidency again in the upcoming 1992 elections, the first presidential elections held under normal and peacefulcircumstances since 1965. President Aquino strongly declined the requests for her to seek reelection and wanted to set an example to both citizens and politicians that the presidency is not a lifetime position.

Initially, she named Ramon V. Mitra, a friend of her husband Ninoy and then Speaker of the Philippine House of Representatives, as her candidate for the presidential race in 1992. However, she later on backtracked and instead threw her support behind the candidacy of her defense secretary and EDSA Revolution hero, General Fidel V. Ramos, who constantly stood by and defended her government from the various coup attempts and rebellions that were launched against her. Her sudden change of mind and withdrawal of support from Mitra drew criticism not only from her supporters in the liberal and social democratic sectors but also from the Roman Catholic Church, which questioned her anointing of Ramos since the latter was

a Protestant. Nevertheless, Aquino's candidate eventually won the 1992 elections, albeit with only 23.58% of the total votes in a wide-open campaign, and was sworn in as the 12th President of the Philippines on June 30, 1992.

Post-presidency and continued political activism[edit]

Mrs. Aquino speaking before the 2003 Ninoy Aquino Award ceremony at the U.S. Embassy in Manila.

Activities and drives[edit]Political causes[edit]

On June 30, 1992, President Aquino formally and peacefully handed over power to her anointed candidate and democratically elected General Fidel Ramos, after six years of hard-fought democratic transition and restoration. After the inauguration of the new President, Aquino chose to leave by riding in a simple white Toyota Crown she had purchased, rather than the lavish government-issued Mercedes Benz which she and Ramos had ridden in on the way to the ceremonies, to make the point that she was once again an ordinary citizen.[23]

After Aquino retired to private life following the end of her term she remained active in the Philippine political scene, constantly voicing opposition and dissent to government actions and policies, which she deemed as threats to the liberal traditions and democratic foundations of the country. In 1997, Aquino, together with Cardinal Jaime Sin, led a hugerally which succeeded in thwarting then President Fidel Ramos' attempt to

extend his term by amending the 1987 Constitution's restriction on presidential term limits. In 1998, Aquino endorsed the candidacy of formerpolice general and Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim for president. Lim, however, lost to then Vice-President Joseph Estrada, who won by a landslide.[24] The following year, Aquino again with Cardinal Sin successfully opposed President Estrada's plan to amend the Constitution, which he said was intended to lift provisions that 'restrict' economic activities and investments; he denied that it was another ploy for him to extend his stayin office.

In 2000, Aquino joined the mounting calls for Estrada to resign from office, amid strong allegations of bribery charges and gambling kickbacks and a series of corruption scandals, which eventually led to his unsuccessful impeachment in December of that year. In her Preface to Frank-Jürgen Richter and Pamela Mar's book Asia's New Crisis[25] (seeAmazon), she decries that the unique Asian way of doing business has given rise to much crony capitalism and opacity in Asia, including the Philippines. In January 2001, during the EDSA Revolution of 2001 which ousted Estrada, Aquino enthusiastically supported the ascendancy of another woman, then Vice-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, to power.[26]

In 2005, after a series of revelations and exposes alleged and implicated President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in rigging the 2004 presidential elections, Aquino called on Macapagal-Arroyo to resign in order to preventbloodshed, violence and further political deterioration.[27] Aquino was onceagain in the streets leading massive demonstrations demanding the resignation of President Arroyo.[28]

In the 2007 senatorial elections, Aquino actively campaigned for the senatorial bid of her only son, Noynoy Aquino, who ran successfully. In December 2008, Corazon Aquino publicly expressed regret for her participation in the EDSA Revolution of 2001, which installed Arroyo into power. She apologized to former President Joseph Estrada for the role she played in his ouster in 2001.[29] For this action, many politicians criticized Aquino.[30] In June 2009, two months before her death, Aquino issued a public statement which strongly denounced and condemned the Arroyo administration's plan of amending the 1987 Constitution, calling such attempt as a "shameless abuse of power."

International engagements[edit]

Shortly after leaving the presidency, Aquino traveled abroad, giving speeches and lectures on issues of democracy, development, human rights and women empowerment. In 1997, Aquino attended the wake and funeral of Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta, whom she met during the latter's visit in Manila in 1989. In the 2000s (decade), Aquino joined various global leaders and democratic icons in urging the Government of Burma to unconditionally release Burmese democratic leader Aung San Suu Kyi from detention, whom she delivered a speech on behalf in the 1994 meeting of the UNESCO World Commission on Culture and Development in Manila. In 2005,Aquino joined the international community in mourning the death of Pope John Paul II.[citation needed]

Charitable and social initiatives[edit]

Aside from being visible in various political gatherings and demonstrations, Aquino was heavily involved in several charitable activities and socio-economic initiatives. From 1992 until her death, Aquino was chairperson of the Benigno S. Aquino, Jr. Foundation which she set up in her husband's honor right after his brutal assassination in 1983. Further, she supported other causes such as the Gawad Kalinga socialhousing project for the poor and homeless. In 2007, Aquino helped establish the PinoyME Foundation, a non-profit organization which aims to provide microfinancing programs and projects for the poor. She was also a lifelong member of the Council of Women World Leaders, an international organization of former and current female heads of state and government.

Illness and death[edit]Main article: Death and funeral of Corazon Aquino

Wikinews has related news:Former Philippine President Corazon Aquino dies atage 76

On March 24, 2008, Aquino's family announced that Corazon had been diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Upon her being earlier informed by her doctors that she had only three months to live,[31] she pursued medical

treatment and chemotherapy. A series of healing masses for the devout Catholic former president were held throughout the country. In a public statement made on May 13, 2008, during a healing mass for her, Aquino saidthat her blood tests indicated that she was responding well to the medicaltreatment being administered to her. Aquino's hair and appetite loss were apparent.[32]

By July 2009, Aquino was reported to be in very serious condition, suffering from loss of appetite, and was confined to the Makati Medical Center.[33] Later on, it was announced that Aquino and her family had decided to cease chemotherapy and other medical interventions for her.[34][35]

On August 1, 2009, the 76-year-old Aquino died peacefully at the Makati Medical Center at 3:18 a.m., of cardiorespiratory arrest.[36]

Wake, requiem mass and burial[edit]Upon learning of Aquino's death, incumbent President Macapagal-Arroyo, whowas then on a state visit to the United States, announced a 10-day mourning period for the former President and issued Administrative Order No. 269 detailing the necessary arrangements for a state funeral.[37] The Aquino children, however, declined the government offer to hold a state funeral for their mother.[38]

All churches in the Philippines celebrated requiem masses simultaneously throughout the country and all government offices flew the Philippine flagat half mast. Hours after her death on August 1, Aquino's body lay in state for public viewing at the La Salle Green Hills campus in MandaluyongCity. On August 3, 2009, Aquino's remains were transferred from La Salle Greenhills to the Manila Cathedral in Intramuros, during which hundreds ofthousands of Filipinos lined the streets to witness and escort their former leader's funeral cortege. On its way to Manila Cathedral, Aquino's funeral cortege passed by Ayala Avenue, Makati City and stopped in front of her husband Ninoy Aquino's statue, amidst throngs of thousands of Filipinos who gathered there and emotionally sang the 1986 EDSA Revolutionanthem "Bayan Ko".[39] Aquino's remains were solemnly brought inside Manila Cathedral around mid-afternoon that day. Following her death, all Roman Catholic dioceses throughout the country held requiem masses.[40]

Queue of mourners at the Aquino wake going to Manila Cathedral in front of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila campus, which opened its facilities such as the university clinic and restrooms for the mourners.[41] For comparison, the Cathedral is the green dome in the background.

On August 4, Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., and Imee Marcos, children of the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos, paid their last respects to the woman who brought down their father in 1986. The Marcos siblings were received by Aquino's children, Maria Elena, Aurora Corazon and Victoria Eliza.[42] The following day, during mid-dawn, President Macapagal-Arroyo, who cut short her trip in the United States, briefly paid her last respects to PresidentAquino, who was once her closest ally.

On August 5, a final requiem mass, presided by high-ranking Filipino Catholic Church officials, including Archbishops Gaudencio Rosalesand Socrates B. Villegas, was offered. After the Mass, Kris Aquino delivered a speech. Aquino's Philippine flag-draped coffin was escorted from the Manila Cathedral to the Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque, where she was interred beside her husband Ninoy's resting place. Aquino's funeral procession took more than eight hours before it reached its final destination, as tens of thousands of Filipinos lined up the streets to pay their respects. From Manila's harbor, all ships docked blared their sirens as a sign of respect to Mrs. Aquino.

A Philippine flag at half-mast beside the Martial Law Memorial Wall at the Bonifacio Shrine. All Philippine flags were at half-mast during the 10-day mourning period.

Reaction[edit]Both local and international leaders showed respect for Aquino's achievements in the process of democratization in the Philippines.

Local reaction[edit]

Various politicians across the political spectrum expressed their grief and praise for the former Philippine leader. President Arroyo, once an ally of Aquino, remembered the sacrifices she made for the country and called her a "national treasure."[36] Former President Estrada said that thecountry had lost its mother and guiding voice with her sudden death. He also described Aquino as the "Philippines' most loved woman."[43] Though once bitter political foes, Aquino and Estrada reconciled and joined handstogether in opposing President Arroyo.[44]

Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, Aquino's defense minister and later fierce critic, asked the public to pray for her eternal repose. Although former Aquino interior minister and Senate Minority floor leader Aquilino Pimentel, Jr., revealed that he had "mixed feelings" about Aquino's death,he also said that the country "shall be forever indebted to Cory for rallying the nation behind the campaign to topple dictatorial rule and restore democracy".[45]

Ordinary Filipinos throughout the country wore either yellow shirts or held masses for Aquino as their way of paying tribute to the woman who once led them in a revolution that changed the course of their country's history. Yellow Ribbons, which were once used during Aquino's battle with Marcos, were tied along major national roads and streets as a sign of solidarity and support for the now deceased Aquino and her grieving family. In popular social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter, Filipinos posted yellow ribbons in their accounts as a tribute to the former Philippine leader. Following her death, Filipino Catholics called on the Church to have Aquino canonized and declared as asaint. During her lifetime, Aquino was known and praised for her strong spirituality and sincere devotion to the Catholic faith. Days after her funeral, the BangkoSentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) announced that it supported calls to put the

former President on the 500-Peso banknote alongside her husband, Ninoy Aquino.[46]

International reaction[edit]

Corazon Aquino's funeral march with the 4 Famous Honor Guards.

Across the globe, messages of sympathy and solidarity with the Filipino people were sent by various heads of state and international leaders. Pope Benedict XVI, in his letter to Archbishop Rosales, recalled Aquino's "courageous commitment to the freedom of the Filipino people, her firm rejection of violence and intolerance" and called her a woman of courage and faith. U.S. President Barack Obama, through White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs, said that "her courage, determination, and moral leadership are an inspiration to us all and exemplify the best in the Filipino nation". U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton expressedsadness over the passing of Aquino, to whom she had sent a personal letterof best wishes for recovery while she was still in hospital in July 2009. Clinton said that Aquino was "admired by the world for her extraordinary courage" in leading the fight against dictatorship.[47]Meanwhile, South Africa President Jacob Zuma called Aquino "a great leader who set a shining example of peaceful transition to democracy in her country".[48]

Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, through the British Ambassador in Manila, sent a message to the Filipino people which read: "I am saddened to hear of the death of Corazon ‘Cory’ Aquino the former President of the Republic of the Philippines". She also added, "I send my sincere condolences to her family and to the people of the Philippines. Signed, Elizabeth R".[49]

Furthermore, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, in a telegram to PresidentArroyo, said that "the name of Corazon Aquino is associated with a period of profound reforms and the democratic transformation of Filipino society". Medvedev also lauded Aquino's sympathy to Russian people and hercontribution to the improvement of Russian-Filipino relations.[50]

Moreover, global democratic icons such as Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta and Wan Azizah, wife of Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim, came to the Philippines not just to express their sympathies but to attend their friend Aquino's death and funeral, as well.

After her release from imprisonment for almost 20 years, Aung San Suu Kyi,Burma's democratic opposition leader, publicly stated that Aquino is one of her inspirations as she continues to champion the cause of democracy in Myanmar. She has also expressed her good wishes for Aquino's son, incumbent Philippine president Benigno S. Aquino III.

Honors[edit]After leaving the presidency, Aquino received several awards and citations. In 1994, Aquino was cited as one of 100 Women Who Shaped World History in a reference book written by Gail Meyer Rolka and published by Bluewood Books in San Francisco, California.[51] In 1996, she received the J. William Fulbright Prize for International Understandingfrom the Fulbright Association, joining past recipients such as Jimmy Carter and Nelson Mandela.[52] In August 1999, Aquino was chosen by Time Magazine as one of the 20 Most Influential Asians of the 20th century.[53] The same magazine cited her in November 2006 as one of 65 greatAsian Heroes, along with Aung San Suu Kyi, Deng Xiaoping,Lee Kuan Yew, Mahatma Gandhi, and King Bhumibol Adulyadej.[54] In 2002, Aquino becamethe first woman named to the Board of Governors of the Board of the Asian Institute of Management, a leading graduate business school and think tankin the Asia Pacific region.[55] She served on the Board until 2006.[56]

In popular culture[edit]

The "New Generation" 500 peso note featuring the portrait of Corazon Aquino and her husband Benigno Aquino, Jr..

Former Philippine President Corazon Aquino's grave is next to her husband Ninoy Aquino's at the Manila Memorial Park inParañaque, Philippines

Aquino was portrayed by Laurice Guillen in the 1988 HBO miniseries A Dangerous Life. Aquino was a main character in Boy Noriega's 1987 stage comedy Bongbong at Kris (Bongbong and Kris), about an imagined romantic coupling between the only son of Ferdinand Marcos and the youngest daughter of the Aquinos. In the movie Alfredo Lim: Batas ng Maynila, Aquino was portrayed by Filipino actress Luz Valdez. Aquino was portrayed by Tess Villarama in The Obet Pagdanganan Story (1997) and in Chavit (2003). She was also portrayed by Geraldine Malacaman in the 1998 musical play Lean. In the defunct comedy gag show Ispup, Madz Nicolas played aparodized version of Aquino who often reminisces about life with Ninoy. In 2004, Aquino was portrayed by Irma Adlawan in the miniseriesSa 'Yo Lamang (Only Yours).

In 2008, a musical play about Aquino starring Isay Alvarez as Aquino, was staged at the Meralco Theater. Entitled Cory, the Musical, it was written and directed by Nestor Torre and featured a libretto of 19 original songs composed by Lourdes Pimentel, wife of SenatorAquilino Pimentel.[57][58][59] A two-part special of Maalaala Mo Kaya aired on January 23 and 30, 2010. Actors Bea Alonzo played Corazon Aquino and Piolo Pascual portrayed Ninoy Aquino.

Legacy[edit]This section does not cite any references or sources. Please help improve this section by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (May 2011)

Cory Aquino memorial at General Tinio, Nueva Ecija.

As the guiding light of the People Power Revolution, Corazon Aquino is fondly remembered and deeply revered by Filipinos as the "mother of Philippine democracy", the "housewife who led a revolution" and the "womanwho restored democracy". Many also see her both as a hero and a saint. Shehas also been hailed as a modern-day Joan of Arc by international observers.

Despite the accolades she has received for assuming the mantle of leadership of the democratic struggle against the Marcos dictatorship, Aquino has always stated that it was actually the Filipino people, not her, who restored democracy in the Philippines and maintained that she wasonly an instrument.

As president, for all the challenges and headaches her administration faced, Aquino will be remembered for bringing back democratic, republican and constitutional rule in the Philippines with the unveiling and ratification of the 1987 Constitution. She also promulgated the New Civil Code of the Philippines and the Family Code of the Philippines. Also, her presidency would be remembered for its emphasis on decentralization of governmental powers by pressing for more involvement of local governments and pushing for autonomy as a means to ward off ethnic secessionism in theCordillera and Muslim Mindanao regions.

In terms of economics, despite the setbacks, the Aquino Administration will be best remembered for trying hard to shore up investments in the Philippines, liberalizing and deregulating failing government-owned corporations and entities. Aquino also laid down the foundations for a socially oriented market economy in the Philippines that would be marked by market reforms and people empowerment.

To preserve and celebrate her legacy, various types of commemorations and memorials in honor of President Aquino were made. Among these are as follow:

On February 3, 2010, Grand Prize winner Julian Eymard Paguiligan of Bulacan State University's College of Architecture and Fine Arts (CAFA) made his painting entry entitledIka-25 ng Pebrero, 1986 presented in the last year's 24th Visual Arts National Competition for the Directories Philippines Corporation's directory cover as a paid tribute. He made a portrait of the late President Aquino in 27.5x34.25" watercolor on paper, as a symbol for her contribution not only for democracy, but also in the successes of theEDSA Revolution in the past.

On June 15, 2010, Batasan Hills Elementary School (BHES) in Batasan Hills, Quezon City changed its name to the "President Corazon C. AquinoElementary School" or (PCCAES).

On August 1, 2010, the first anniversary of her death, a 200x250 Photo Mosaic of Aquino was unveiled near the Quirino Grandstand at the LunetaPark, Manila in the presence of her son, President Benigno Aquino III and supporters of the late President. It has been submitted to the Guinness World Records to be certified as the largest photo mosaic in the world.

On October 9, 2010, Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim inaugurated on Friday apublic market in Baseco, Port Area named after the late President Corazon C. Aquino. The President Corazon C. Aquino Public Market, whichlies at the heart of the community, has 77 stalls selling meat, fresh fruits, cooked food, rice, vegetables and a variety of dry goods including condiments, garments, and plastic wares.

On December 16, 2010, President Noynoy Aquino and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (Central Bank of the Philippines) announced the release of new 500-peso bill and presented their new design, which features both Ninoy and Cory Aquino.

Awards and achievements[edit]This section needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (May

2011)

1986 Time Magazine Woman of the Year 1986 Eleanor Roosevelt Human Rights Award 1986 United Nations Silver Medal 1986 Canadian International Prize for Freedom 1986 International Democracy Award from the International Association

of Political Consultants 1987 Prize For Freedom Award from Liberal International 1993 Special Peace Award from the Aurora Aragon Quezon Peace Awards

Foundation and Concerned Women of the Philippines 1995 Path to Peace Award 1996 J. William Fulbright Prize for International Understanding from

the U.S. Department of State 1998 Ramon Magsaysay Award for International Understanding 1998 Pearl S. Buck Award 1999 One of Time Magazine's 20 Most Influential Asians of the 20th

Century 2001 World Citizenship Award 2005 David Rockefeller Bridging Leadership Awards 2005 One of the World's Elite Women Who Make a Difference by the International

Women's Forum Hall of Fame 2006 One of Time Magazine's 65 Asian Heroes 2008 One of A Different View's 15 Champions of World Democracy EWC Asia Pacific Community Building Award Women's International Center International Leadership Living Legacy

Award Martin Luther King, Jr. Nonviolent Peace Prize United Nations Development Fund for Women Noel Foundation Life Award[60]

Honorary doctorates[edit]This section does not cite any references or sources. Please help improve this section by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (May 2011)

Doctor of International Relations, honoris causa, from: Boston University in Boston Eastern University in St. David, Pennsylvania Fordham University in New York Waseda University in Tokyo

Doctor of Civil Law, honoris causa, from: Far Eastern University (59th Commencement Exercises, March 1987)

Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, from: University of the Philippines University of Santo Tomas in Manila

Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa, from: Ateneo de Manila University College of Mount Saint Vincent in New York Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan (Cagayan de Oro City,

Philippines) Doctor of Humanities, honoris causa, from:

San Beda College in Manila, 2000 Seattle University, 2002 Stonehill College in Massachusetts University of Oregon, 1995

Doctor of Public Administration, honoris causa, from: Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (University of the City of Manila),

June 1994

Fidel V. RamosFrom Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

His Excellency

Fidel V. RamosPLH GCMG

12th President of the Philippines

In officeJune 30, 1992 – June 30, 1998

Vice President

Joseph Estrada

Preceded by

Corazón Aquino

Succeeded by

Joseph Estrada

Secretary of National Defense

In officeJanuary 22, 1988 – July 18, 1991

President Corazón Aquino

Preceded by

Rafael Ileto

Succeeded by

Renato de Villa

Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of thePhilippines

In office1986–1988

Preceded by

Fabian Ver

Succeeded by

Renato de Villa

Chief of the Philippine Constabulary

In office1980–1986

Preceded by

Fabian Ver

Succeeded by

Renato de Villa

Personal details

Born Fidel Valdez RamosMarch 18, 1928 (age 86)Lingayen, Pangasinan,American

Philippines

Political party

Lakas-Kampi-CMD (2009–present)

Other politicalaffiliations

Lakas-CMD (1991–2009)LDP (1991)

Spouse(s) Amelita Martinez

Children Angelita Ramos-JonesJosephine Ramos-SamartinoCarolina Ramos-SembranoCristina Ramos-JalascoGloria Ramos

Alma mater United States Military AcademyAteneo de Manila UniversityMapúa Institute of TechnologyUniversity of the Philippines High SchoolSilliman University [1] National Defense College of the PhilippinesUniversity of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign

Occupation SoldierCivil engineer

Religion Protestant(United Church of Christ in the Philippines)

Awards Philippine Legion of Honor

Commander, Legion of MeritMilitary Merit MedalUnited Nations Service MedalVietnam Service MedalLégion d'honneurDistinguished Conduct Star(Philippines)United States Military Academy Distinguished AwardKorean Service MedalOrder of Dato Laila Utama(Brunei)Commander, Order of Dharma Pratana (Indonesia)Grand Order of MugunghwaCollar, Order of Civil MeritHonorary Knight Grand Cross,Order ofSaint Michael and Saint GeorgeCollar, Order of Isabella the Catholic [2] Order of Loyalty to the Crown of MalaysiaKnight Grand Cordon, Order of the White ElephantOrder of Nishan-I-PakistanCollar, Order of Carlos IIICollar, Order of the Merit of Chile

Signature

Website Official websiteOffice of the PresidentArchived

Military service

Nickname(s)

Eddie, FVR

Allegiance  Republic of the Philippines

Years of service

1950 to 1988

Rank

Commands Platoon Leader, 2nd Battalion CombatTeam (BCT), Counter-Insurgency against the Communist Hukbalahap, 1951Infantry Company Commander, 16th BCT, Counter-Insurgency against the Communist Hukbalahap, 1951Platoon Leader, 20th BCT,Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea, United Nations Command (PEFTOK-UNC), Korean War, 1951–1952Duty, Personnel Research Group, General Headquarters,Armed Forces ofthe Philippines, 1952–1954Senior Aide de Camp to Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of the Philippines, 1958–1960Associate Infantry Company Officer at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, 1960Founder and Commanding Officer of the elite Special Forces of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, 1962–1965Chief of Staff of the Philippine

Military Contingent-Philippine CivilAction Group to Vietnam(AFP-PHILCAG), Vietnam War, 1965–1968Presidential Assistant on Military Affairs, 1968–1969Commander, 3rd Infantry Brigade Philippine Army, 1970Chief of the Philippine Constabulary, 1970–1986Command and General Staff of the Philippine Army, 1985Acting Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, 1984–1985Vice Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, 1985–1986Military Reformist leader during the People Power Revolution, 1986Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, 1986–1988Secretary of National Defense, 1988–1991Commander in Chief of theArmed Forces of the Philippines, 1992–1998

Battles/wars

Hukbalahap CampaignKorean War, 1951–1952 (Hero of the Battle of Hill Eerie, May 1952)Vietnam War, 1965 to 1968Battle of Marawi, 1972

Fidel Valdez Ramos AFP PLH GCMG (born March 18, 1928), popularly known as FVR and Eddie, was the 12th President of the Philippines from 1992 to 1998. During his six years in office, Ramos was widely credited and admired by many for revitalizing and renewing international confidence in the Philippine economy.Prior to his election as President, Ramos served in the Cabinet of President Corazón Aquino, first as chief-of-staff of the Armed Forces of

the Philippines (AFP), chief of Integrated National Police, and later on, as Secretary of National Defense from 1986 to 1991.During the historic 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution, Ramos was hailed asa hero by many Filipinos for his decision to breakaway from the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos and pledge allegiance and loyalty to the newly established government of President Aquino.Under Ramos, the Philippines experienced a period of political stability and rapid economic growth and expansion, as a result of his policies and programs designed to foster national reconciliation and unity. Ramos was able to secure major peace agreements with Muslim separatists, communist insurgents and military rebels, which renewed investor confidence in the Philippine economy. Ramos also aggressively pushed for the deregulation of the nation's major industries and the privatization of badgovernment assets. As a result of his hands-on approach to the economy, the Philippines was dubbed by various internationally as Asia's Next Economic Tiger.However, the momentum in the economic gains made under his administration was briefly interrupted during the onset of the 1997Asian Financial Crisis. Nevertheless, during the last year of the term, the economy managed to make a rebound since it was not severely hit by the crisis as compared to other Asian economies. He also oversaw the Philippine Centennial Independencecelebrations in 1998.Ramos has received numerous awards, and is the only Filipino to have received an honorary British order, having been made aKnight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George by Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom in 1995. A member of theUnited Church of Christ in the Philippines, Ramos is notably the first and to date only Protestant president of the majority Roman Catholic country.

Early life and education[edit]

Rented family house of Narciso Ramos and Angela Valdez in Lingayen, where Fidel and Leticia Ramos-Shahani were born, 1995.

Fidel Ramos was born on March 18, 1928 in Lingayen, Pangasinan. His father, Narciso Ramos (1900–1986), was a lawyer, journalist and five-term legislator of the House of Representatives, who eventually rose to the position of Secretary of Foreign Affairs. As such, Narciso Ramos was the Philippine signatory to the ASEAN declaration forged inBangkok in 1967, and was a founding member of the Liberal Party. His mother, Angela Valdez (1905–1977), was an educator, woman suffragette and member of the respected Valdez clan of Batac, Ilocos Norte, making him a second degree cousin to PresidentFerdinand E. Marcos.

Ramos received secondary education at the University of the Philippines High School in the City of Manila. Afterwards he went to the United Statesand he graduated from theUnited States Military Academy, with Bachelor of Science and the University of Illinois, with a master's degree in civil engineering. He also holds a master's degree in National Security Administration from the National Defense College of the Philippines and a Master's degree in Business Administration from Ateneo de Manila University.

Marriage[edit]He married Amelita Martinez on 21 October 1954, and together they have five daughters: Angelita Ramos-Jones, Josephine Ramos-Samartino, Carolina Ramos-Sembrano, Cristina Ramos-Jalasco and Gloria Ramos.

Military career[edit]Early career[edit]Ramos went to the United States Military Academy at West Point, and he graduated in 1950. Ramos, along with the Philippines' 20th Battalion Combat Team and his fellow West Point graduates of the 1950s, fought in the Korean War. Ramos was one of the heroes of the Battle of Hill Eerie,[3] where he led his platoon to sabotage the enemy in Hill Eerie.[4] He was also present in the Vietnam Waras a non-combat civil military engineer andcommanding officer of the Philippine Civil Action Group (PHILCAG). It is during this assignment where he forged his lifelong friendship with his junior officer Maj. José T. Almonte, who went on to become his National Security Advisor throughout during his administration from 1992 to 1998.

Ramos has received several military awards including the Philippine Legionof Honor, the Distinguished Conduct Star, Philippine Military Merit Medal,the United States Legion of Merit, the French Legion of Honor and the U.S.Military Academy Distinguished Graduate Award.

During his stint at the Philippine Army, Ramos founded the Philippine ArmySpecial Forces. And then, he was named to the commander of the Army's 3rd Division based in Cebu City, Cebu.

Martial Law and the EDSA Revolution[edit]Ramos headed the Philippine Constabulary, then a major service branch of the Armed Forces, that acted as the country's national police until 1972, when Ferdinand Marcos imposed Martial Law. Ramos is held responsible by some (see below) for human rights abuses committed under Martial Law as head of the Philippine Constabulary chief; his supporters claim he initiated measures to ensure that the rights of the political detainees were protected and respected. He would also build the fighting capabilities of the PC.

In 1975, all civic and municipal police forces in the country were integrated by decree, and it became known as the Integrated National Police (INP), which was under the control and supervision of the Constabulary. As head of the PC, Ramos was ex officio the INP's first concurrent Director-General. Martial Law was formally lifted nine years later on 17 January 1981, but Marcos retained absolute powers.

Due to his accomplishments, Ramos became one of the candidates to become the new chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in 1981, to replace retiring General Romeo Espino. longest Martial law, chief of staff. However, Marcos instead opted and appointed his trusted military officer, General Fabian Ver, a graduate of the University of the Philippines, into the top military post. Thus, Ramos, Marcos' cousin was named AFP Vice-Chief of staff in 1982, became the military's second most powerful official after Ver and receiving the rank of three-star general.

On 8 August 1983, during a speech in Camp Crame to commemorate Philippine Constabulary Day, Marcos announced his removal of Defense Secretary Juan Ponce Enrile from the chain of command, and the creation of a new arrangement with himself as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces until AFP Chief of Staff Ver. Marcos also removed the operational control of theIntegrated National Police from the Philippine Constabulary under Ramos

and transferred it under direct control of Ver; the Constabulary then had only administrative supervision over the INP.

When Ver was implicated in the 21 August 1983 assassination of former opposition Senator Benigno Aquino, Jr., Ramos became Acting AFP Chief of Staff until Ver's reinstatement in 1985 after he was acquitted of charges related to the killing. Ramos at this time also formed the Special Action Force of the Philippine Constabulary to deal with terrorist-related crimes.

On 22 February 1986, Defense Minister Juan Ponce Enrile protested alleged fraud committed by Marcos in the 1986 snap elections, withdrawing support and triggering the non-violent People Power Revolution. General Ramos later also defected and followed Enrile into Camp Crame, and the duo shifted their fealty to Corazón Aquino, the widow of Senator Aquino and Marcos' main election rival. On 25 February, the "EDSA Revolution" reachedits peak when Marcos, along with his family and some supporters, fled intoexile inHawaii with the assistance of the United States government, endinghis 20-year rule, leaving Aquino to accede as the country's first female President.

Combat record[edit]When belittled by the press regarding his combat record, Ramos responded with trademark sarcasm (July 31, 1987):

I fought the communists as part of the battalion combat teams, I went up the ladder. Battalion staff officer. Company commander. Task Force commander. Special Forces group commander. Brigade commander. All in different periods in our country. Huk campaign. Korean War campaign. The Vietnam War, and I was the head of the advance party of the PHILCAG (Philippine Civil Action Group to Vietnam) that went to a tiny province atthe Cambodian border – the so-called Alligator Jaw – War Zone Z where even Max Soliven said ‘The Viet-Cong will eat us up.’ Of course, we were physicallythere as non-combat troops. But you try to be a non-combat troop in a combat area – that is the toughest kind of assignment.

Korea – as a platoon leader. Recon leader. What is the job of a recon leader? To recon the front line – no man’s land. And what did we do? I hadto assault a fortified position of the Chinese communists and wiped them out. And what is this Special Forces group that we commanded in the Army –'62–'65? That was the only remaining combat unit in the Philippine Army.

The rest were training in a division set-up. We were in Luzon. We were in Sulu. And then, during the previous regime, Marawiincident. Who was sent there? Ramos. We defended the camp, being besieged by 400 rebels.

So next time, look at the man’s record, don't just write and write. You said, no combat experience, no combat experience. Look around you who comes from the platoon, who rose to battalion staff, company commander, group commander, which is like a battalion, brigade commander, here and abroad. Abroad, I never had an abroad assignment that was not combat. NO SOFT JOBS FOR RAMOS. Thirty-seven years in the Armed Forces. REMEMBER THAT. You’re only writing about the fringe, but do not allow yourself to destroy the armed forces by those guys. You write about the majority of the Armed Forces who are on the job.

That's why we're here enjoying our freedom, ladies and gentlemen. You are here. If the majority of the Armed Forces did not do their job, I doubt very much if you’d all be here.[5]

Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces and Secretary of National Defense[edit]After Aquino assumed the Presidency, she appointed Ramos Chief of Staff ofthe Armed Forces of the Philippines, and later Secretary of National Defense. During this time, Ramos personally handled the military operations that crushed nine coup attempts against the Aquino government. During Ramos' presidency, the National Unification Commission was created,and its chairmanHaydee Yorac, together with Ramos, recommended to President Aquino to grant amnesty to the rebel military officers of the Reform the Armed Forces Movement (RAM) led by Col. Gregorio "Gringo" Honasan.

1992 Presidential Election[edit]Main article: Philippine presidential election, 1992

In December 1991, Ramos declared his candidacy for President. However, he lost the nomination of the then-dominant party Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino (LDP) to House Speaker Ramon Mitra, Jr. Days later, he bolted from the party LDP and cried foul and founded his own party, the Partido Lakas Tao (People Power Party), inviting CebuGovernor Emilio Mario Osmeña to be his running mate as his Vice Presidential candidate. The

party formed a coalition with the National Union of Christian Democrats (NUCD) of Senator Raul Manglapus and the United Muslim Democrats of the Philippines (UMDP) of Ambassador Sanchez Ali. Ramos and Osmeña, together with Congressman (later House Speaker) Jose de Venecia, campaigned for economic reforms and improved national security and unity.

He won the seven-way race on May 11, 1992, narrowly defeating popular Agrarian Reform Secretary Miriam Defensor Santiago. Despite winning, he garnered only 23.58% of the vote, the lowest plurality in the country's history. The election results were marred by allegations of fraud.[6] Theseallegations were resurrected when Wikileaks, in September 2011, released US Embassy reports that Libyan ruler Muammar Gaddafi contributed Php5 million to finance Ramos’s campaign. Philippine election laws prohibit accepting contribution from foreigners.[7]

His running mate, Governor Osmeña, lost to Senator Joseph Estrada as Vice President.

Presidency[edit]Main article: Presidency of Fidel V. Ramos

Presidential styles ofFidel V. Ramos

Reference style His Excellency

Spoken style Your Excellency

Alternative style Mr. President

At the time of his assumption into power, Ramos was the oldest person to become President of the Philippines at the age of 64. He was also the first Protestant President of the country and the only Filipino officer inhistory to have held every rank in the Philippine military from Second Lieutenant to Commander-in-Chief. The first few years of his administration (1992–1995) were characterized by economic boom, technological development, political stability and efficient delivery of basic needs to the people. During his time, he advocated party platforms as outline and agenda for governance. As in his case, he was the

first Christian Democrat to be elected in the country, being the founder of Lakas-CMD (Christian-Muslim Democrats Party). He was one of the most influential leaders and the unofficial spokesman of liberal democracy in Asia.[8]

Cabinet (1992–1998) [9][edit]OFFICE NAME TERM

President Fidel Valdez Ramos

June 30, 1992 – June 30, 1998

Vice-President Joseph Estrada June 30, 1992 – June 30, 1998

Executive Secretary Peter Garuccho July 1, 1992 – September 13, 1992

Edelmiro Amante September 14, 1992 – June 30, 1993

Teofisto Guingona, Jr. July 6, 1993 – May 19, 1995

Ruben Torres May 20, 1995 – January 8, 1998

Alejander Aguirre

January 9, 1998 – June 30, 1998

Secretary of Agrarian Reform Ernesto Garilao July 1, 1992 – June 30, 1998

Secretary of Agriculture Roberto Sebastian

July 1, 1992 – January 31, 1996

Salvador Escudero III

February 1, 1996 – June 30,1998

Secretary of Budget and Management Salvador Enriquez, Jr.

June 30, 1992 – February 1,1998

Emilia Boncodin February 1, 1998 – June 30,

1998

Secretary of Education, Culture and Sports Armand Fabella July 1, 1992 – July 6, 1994

Ricardo Gloria July 7, 1994 – December 1997

Erlinda Piafanco

February 2, 1998 – June 30,1998

Secretary of Energy Rufino Bomasang December 1992 – January 11,1993

Delfin Lazaro January 12, 1993 – September 19, 1994

Francisco Viray September 20, 1994 – June 30, 1998

Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources Angel Alcala September 8, 1992 – June

30, 1995

Victor Ramos July 1, 1995 – June 30, 1998

Secretary of Finance Ramon del Rosario, Jr. July 1, 1992 – June 1, 1993

Ernest Leung June 2, 1993 – January 31, 1994

Roberto de Ocampo

February 1, 1994 – March 30, 1998

Salvador Enriquez

April 1, 1998 – June 30, 1998

Secretary of Foreign Affairs Roberto Romulo July 1, 1992 – April 1995

Domingo Siazon,Jr. May 1995 – June 30, 1998

Secretary of Health Juan Flavier July 1, 1992 – January 30,

1995

Jaime Galvez Tan

January 30, 1995 – July 5, 1995

Hilarion Ramiro, Jr.

July 10, 1995 – March 22, 1996

Carmencita Reodica

April 8, 1996 – June 29, 1998

Secretary of the Interiorand Local Government

Rafael Alunan III

July 1, 1992 – April 15, 1996

Robert Barbers April 16, 1996 – February 3, 1998

Epimaco Velasco February 4, 1998 – May 30, 1998

Nelson Collantes

June 1, 1998 – June 30, 1998

Secretary of Justice Franklin Drilon July 1, 1992 – February 1995

Demetrio Demetria February 1995 – May 1995

Teofisto Guingona, Jr. May 1995 – February 1998

Silvestre BelloIII

February 1998 – June 30, 1998

Secretary of Labor and Employment Nieves Confesor June 30, 1992 – June 30, 1995

Jose Brillantes July 1, 1995 – January 16, 1996

Leonardo Quisumbing

January 16, 1996 – January 26, 1998

The country was considered risky by investors due to previous coup attempts by military adventurists led by Gregorio Honasan, and experiencedblackouts at an almost daily basis lasting 4–12 hours during the term of President Aquino. The low supply of power and perceived instability had previously held back investments and modernization in the country. Under Ramos, the Philippines was a pioneer in the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) scheme where private investors are invited to build certain government projects (i.e. tollways, powerplants, railways, etc.), make money by charging users, and transfer operation to the government after a set amount of time.

Economic reforms[edit]During his administration, Ramos began implementing economic reforms intended to open up the once-closed national economy, encourage private enterprise, invite more foreign and domestic investment, and reduce corruption. Ramos was also known as the most-traveled Philippine Presidentcompared to his predecessors with numerous foreign trips abroad, generating about US$20 billion worth of foreign investments to the Philippines. To ensure a positive financial outlook on the Philippines, Ramos led the 4th Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders' Summitin the Philippines on November 1996.

Under his administration, the Philippines enjoyed economic growth and stability. The Philippine Stock Exchange in the mid-1990s was one of the best in the world and his visions of 'Philippines 2000' that led the country into a newly industrialized country in the world and the "Tiger Cub Economy in Asia".[11]

Philippines 2000 Five-Point Program:

Peace and Stability Economic Growth and Sustainable Development Energy and Power Generation Environmental Protection Streamlined Bureaucracy

Death penalty[edit]Main article: Capital punishment in the Philippines

While campaigning for the presidency, Fidel Ramos declared his support forreinstating the death penalty. Capital punishment was abolished for all crimes in 1987, making the Philippines the first Asian country to do so. In 1996 Ramos signed a bill that returned capital punishment with the electric chair (method used from 1923 to 1976, making Philippines the only country to do so outside U.S.) "until the gas chamber could be installed".[12] However, no one was electrocuted nor gassed, because the previously used chair was destroyed earlier and the Philippines adopted the lethal injection. Some people were put to death by this means, until the death penalty was abolished again in 2006.

Peace with separatists[edit]Ramos, a military general himself, made peace with the rebel panels. He was instrumental in the signing of the final peace agreement between the government and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) led by Nur Misuari in 1996.

Although he battled Communist rebels as a young lieutenant in the 1950s, Ramos made a bold move when he signed into law Republic Act 7636, which repealed the Anti-Subversion Law. With its repeal, membership in the once-outlawed Communist Party of the Philippines became legal.[13]

Spratly Islands[edit]

President Fidel V. Ramos troops the honor guards at the Pentagon with Secretary ofDefense William Cohen during a State visit in 1998.

In early 1995, the Philippines discovered a primitive Chinese military structure on Mischief Reef in the Spratly Islands, one hundred and thirty nautical miles off the coast of Palawan. The Philippine government issued a formal protest over China's occupation of the reef andthe Philippine Navy arrested sixty-two Chinese fishermen at Half Moon

Shoal, eighty kilometers from Palawan. A week later, following confirmation from surveillance pictures that the structures were of military design, President Fidel Ramos had the military forces in the region strengthened. He ordered the Philippine Air Force to dispatch five F-5 fighters backed by four jet trainers and two helicopters, while the navy sent two additional ships. The People’s Republic of China had claimed that the structures were shelters for fishermen but these small incidents could have triggered a war in the South China Sea.

Migrant workers protection[edit]A perceived weakness of his administration was the situation in handling migrant workers protection, a very major issue in the Philippines, as there are millions of Filipinos abroad throughout the world serving as workers in foreign countries, and their remittances to relatives at home are very important to the Filipino economy. On the eve of his 67th birthday on March 17, 1995, Ramos was on a foreign trip when Flor Contemplación was hanged in Singapore. His last minute effort to negotiatewith Singapore President Ong Teng Cheong and Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong never succeeded and Ramos' return home was marred with protests afterhis arrival in Manila. The protests also caused the resignation of ForeignAffairs Secretary Roberto Romulo and Labor Secretary Nieves Confesor from the Cabinet. He immediately recalled Philippine ambassador to Singapore Alicia Ramos and suspended diplomatic relations with Singapore. He createda special commission to look into the case which was in part an effort to try to rescue his sagging popularity. The commission was led by retired Supreme Court Justice Emilio Gancayco.

As recommended by the Gancayco Commission, Ramos facilitated the enactmentof Republic Act 8042, better known as the "Magna Carta for Overseas Workers" or more formally as the Migrant Workers Act. The Migrant Workers Act was signed into law on June 7, 1995. Learning from the lessons of Contemplación case, Ramos immediately ordered UAE Ambassador Roy Señeres to facilitate negotiations after learning of the death penalty verdict of Sarah Balabagan in September 1995. Balabagan's sentence was reduced andshe was released August 1996. After tensions cooled off, Ramos restored diplomatic relations with Singapore after meeting Goh Chok Tong on the sidelines during the 50th anniversary of the United Nations in New York City.

Asian Financial Crisis[edit]Main article: Asian Financial Crisis

The 1997 Asian Financial Crisis, which started in Thailand, was a major blow to the Ramos administration. The economy was hit by currency devaluation.[14] The same was true for the Thai baht, Malaysian ringgit and Indonesian rupiah. Growth fell to about −0.6% in 1998 from 5.2% in 1997, but recovered to 3.4% by 1999. It also resulted to the shutdown of some businesses, a decline in importation, a rising unemployment rate and an unstable financial sector.

Controversies[edit]Clark Centennial Expo Scandal

Supposedly, one of his notable contributions to the Philippines was the revival of nationalistic spirit by embarking on a massive promotion campaign for the centennial of Philippine Independence celebrated on June 12, 1998. However, charges of alleged massive corruption or misuse of funds blemished the resulting programs and various projects, one of which was the Centennial Expo and Amphitheater at the former Clark Air Base in Angeles City, Pampanga, supposedly Ramos' pet project. The commemorative projects, particularly those undertaken at the former Clark Air Base, werehounded by illegal electioneering and corruption controversies even years after the Centennial celebrations. A special report by the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) showed how the projects relating to the Expo site not only revealed the extravagance and inefficiency of the administration, but also served as convenient vehicle to effect election fund-raising for the LAKAS political party of Ramos at the expense of the tax-paying Filipinos and in violation of the Election Code. The Centennial Expo Pilipino project, intended to be the centerpiecefor the celebrations for the 100th anniversary of the country's independence from Spain, also earned extensive criticisms for being an expensive white elephant project that disadvantaged the government at the cost of P9 billion, or 1.7 percent of the country's 1998 national budget.[15] Six ranking Ramos cabinet members and officials, headed by Chairman Salvador Laurel (former Vice-President) of the Centennial Commission were cleared by the Ombudsman and Sandigan Bayan (People's Court). Ramos appeared before a Congressional Committee in October 1998 to help exonerate said officials of any wrongdoing.

Wikileaks

In 2011, Wikileaks released a leaked 1994 diplomatic note from the US Embassy in Manila, recounting a private conversation between a diplomat and Joel De Los Santos, a retired Filipino university professor who specialized in Islamic affairs. Mr. De Los Santos alleged that Libyan leader Muammar al-Qaddafi had channeled $200,000 (5 million pesos) to Ramos' 1992 election campaign.[16] Ramos dismissed the claim as "hearsay by itself, and is further based on a string of successive hearsayconversations" and challenged anyone who believed the claim to produce evidence.[17]

Charter Change[edit]During his final years in office, Ramos tried to amend the country's 1987 constitution; a process popularly known to many Filipinos as Charter Change or the so-called "Cha-Cha". Widespread protests led by Corazon Aquino and the Catholic Church stopped him from pushing through with the plan. Political analysts were divided as to whether Ramos really wanted touse Cha-Cha to extend his presidency or only to imbalance his opponents, as the next presidential election neared.[18]

Post-Presidency[edit]Activities[edit]EDSA II[edit]

In January 2001, Ramos was instrumental in the success of the so-called second EDSA Revolution that deposed the properly elected Philippinepresident Joseph Estrada and placed then-Vice President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in the presidential seat.[citation needed]

Ramos is currently the Chairman Emeritus of the Lakas CMD (Christian-Muslim Democrats) Party, formerly known as Lakas NUCD-UMDP or the Partido Lakas Tao-National Union of Christian Democrats-Union of Muslim Democrats of the Philippines.

Hello Garci Scandal[edit]

At the height of the election-rigging scandal in July 2005, Ramos publiclyconvinced President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo not to resign from office.[citation

needed] Ramos, who was also hounded by charges of electoral fraud during the

1992 elections which were never proven in the Supreme Court, repeatedly stated that the scandal is nowhere as grave as that of People Power Revolutions of 1986 and 2001, citing factors such as the stagnant Philippine economy in the final years of the Marcos regime as well as the allegedly massive corruption of the Estrada administration.

Advocacies[edit]Ramos also unveiled his proposals for constitutional change of the country. Citing the need to be more economically competitive in the midst of globalization and the need to improve governance for all Filipinos, Ramos suggested that government should start the process of Charter Changewith a set deadline in 2007 (by which time the new charter and new government would take effect). Ramos supports the transformation of the country's political system from the Philippine presidential-bicameral-system into a unicameral parliament in transition to a federal form.

Ramos is currently representing the Philippines in the ASEAN Eminent Persons Group, tasked to draft the Charter of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN). He was also a member of numerous internationalgroups and fora, and is currently the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Boao Forum for Asia (also one of the co-founders of BFA) and Co-Chairman of the Global Meeting of the Emerging Markets Forum (EMF). Ramos was heavily recommended for the position of the United Nations envoy to Myanmar(formerly known as Burma) in June 2006. Ramos is also a member of the Club de Madrid, an organization of more than 80 former Presidents and Prime Ministers of democratic states. The Club de Madrid works to strengthen democratic governance and leadership.[19]

He served as the Carlyle Group Asia Advisor Board Member until the board was disbanded in February 2004. At present, as a private citizen, Ramos isengaged in various private sector advocacies where he plays prominent roles. These include: Chairman, Ramos Peace and Development Foundation; Chairman, Boao Forum for Asia; Trustee,International Crisis Group (ICG); Member, Advisory Group, UN University for Peace; Honorary Director, General Douglas MacArthur Foundation; Founding Member, Policy Advisory Commission, World Intellectual Property Organization (PAC-WIPO); Honorary Member, World Commission on Water for the 21st century; Member, International Advisory Council, Asia House; Patron, Opportunity International (Philippines); Global Advisor, University of Winnipeg;

Honorary Chairman, Yuchengco Center, De La Salle University; Member, Advisory Board, Metrobank; Honorary President, Human Development Network (HDN) Philippines; Lifetime Honorary President, Christian Democrats International (CDI); and Chairman Emeritus, Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD) Party.

Ramos is also a firm backer of the proposed Philippine Reproductive Healthbill. During a meet-up with fellow RH bill supporters last May 2011, he urged President Benigno Aquino III to certify the RH bill as urgent, saying it is the "right thing" to do.[20] During his administration, the Department of Health under Juan Flavier launched an intense drive to promote family planning. Asiaweek reported in August 1994 that under Ramos,"family planning funding has quintupled." They also noted that President Ramos "has gone the farthest of any administration in opposing the Church's positions on contraception and abortion."[21] At present, Ramos is listed by the Forum for Family Planning and Development as one of its Eminent Persons.[22] The Forum is a non-governmental organization working toadvance "national policies on population management, health, and family welfare."[23]

Ramos is a Member of the Global Leadership Foundation, an organization which works to support democratic leadership, prevent and resolve conflictthrough mediation and promote good governance in the form of democratic institutions, open markets, human rights and the rule of law. It does so by making available, discreetly and in confidence, the experience of former leaders to today’s national leaders. It is a not-for-profit organization composed of former heads of government, senior governmental and international organization officials who work closely with Heads of Government on governance-related issues of concern to them.

Ramos Peace and Development Foundation[edit]He founded the Ramos Foundation for Peace and Development (RPDEV) with offices located in the Urban Bank Building (now ExportBank Plaza). The Ramos Peace and Development Foundation, Inc. (RPDEV) is a non-partisan, nonprofit, non-stock organization dedicated to the promotion of peace and development in the Philippines and in the larger Asia-Pacific region. RPDEV supports Philippine national interests and people empowerment. Operating as a network of individuals and institutions inside and outside the country, it will serve as a catalyst of constructive change, a medium

for fostering unity, stability and progress, and a force for mutual understanding.

Criticisms[edit]

Ramos in 2004

Ramos was accused of condoning human rights violations due to his role in the imposition of Martial Law during the Marcos era;[citation needed] he was the commanding officer of the Philippine Constabulary and the Integrated National Police, and one of the most trusted and favored generals of Marcos, as well as a cousin.[citation needed]

Like many Philippine presidents, Ramos was also accused of profiting from or orchestrating irregular government projects. The PEA-AMARI Manila Bay reclamation deal, the conversion of the military base in Fort Bonifacio for private development, the Centennial Expo project and the Benpres-North Luzon Expressway are alleged to have been conducted dishonestly.[citation needed] An inquiry by the Senate later produced testimonies showing how P1.7 billion in bribe money sealed the Amari deal with the Public Estates Authority and Malacañang under Ramos. Accusations were not proven to the level of Ramos but the Supreme Court ultimately voided the PEA-AMARI sale for being unconstitutional, and in early August 2008, the Sandiganbayan suspended four government auditors and five PEA officials for their role in the anomalous deal.[citation needed] In February 1999, the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee of the 11th Congress recommended the prosecution of

ex-President Ramos and eight others for “technical malversation or misapplication of public funds” in connection with Centennial Expo scam, arecommendation not approved by the Senate, but pursued in the Sandigan Bayan against 6 of his high-ranking officials who were eventually exonerated.[citation needed] Ramos was eventually cleared by Ombudsman Aniano Desierto, a Ramos appointee who refused to inhibit himself from hearing the high-profile case.[citation needed]

Economic policy[edit]Leftist groups have also criticized Ramos for his economic reforms such asprivatization, deregulation and trade liberalization, claiming that the economic growth posted during his presidency was "artificial." They blamedhim for the slowdown of the Philippine economy during the 1997 East Asian financial crisis.[24] The sale of 40% of Petron to Aramco is specifically criticized for resulting in the loss of the government's effective leverage on domestic oil prices.

In 1998, the Union for Socialist Ideas and Action told a left-wing Australian organization that Ramos hesitantly admitted that contrary to his government's earlier claimed, the economic fundamentals of the countrymay actually be unsound. His admission came following the discovery of a secret memorandum issued by the National Economic Development Authority director-general urging the president to tell the Filipinos the truth about the state of the economy and that they ought to prepare for worse. According to former University of the Philippines president Francisco Nemenzo, Ramos "has done nothing to reverse or slow down the implementation" of the harmful IMF-imposed structural reforms.[25]

Joseph EstradaFrom Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

"Erap" redirects here. For the French company, see ERAP.

HonorableJoseph Ejercito Estrada

13th President of the Philippines

In officeJune 30, 1998 – January 20, 2001

Vice President

Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

Preceded by Fidel V. Ramos

Succeeded by

Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

Mayor of Manila

Incumbent

Assumed officeJune 30, 2013

Vice Mayor Francisco Domagoso

Preceded by Alfredo Lim

11th Vice President of the Philippines

In officeJune 30, 1992 – June 30, 1998

President Fidel V. Ramos

Preceded by Salvador Laurel

Succeeded by

Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

Chairman of the Presidential Anti-CrimeCommission

In office1992–1997

President Fidel V. Ramos

Senator of the Philippines

In officeJune 30, 1987 – June 30, 1992

Mayor of San Juan, Metro Manila

In officeDecember 30, 1969 – March 26, 1986

Preceded by Braulio Sto. Domingo

Succeeded by

Reynaldo San Pascual

Personal details

Born Jose Marcelo EjercitoApril 19, 1937 (age 77)Tondo, Manila,Commonwealth of the Philippines

Political party

PMP (1991–present)

Other politicalaffiliations

Nacionalista (1969–1987)Liberal Party (1987–1991)UNA (2012-present)

Spouse(s) Luisa Pimentel

Laarni Enriquez

Children JinggoyJackieJoseph Victor

Alma mater Mapúa Institute of Technology(dropped out)

Occupation Actor

Profession Businessperson

Religion Roman Catholicism

Signature

Website Official website

Joseph "Erap" Ejercito Estrada (born Jose Marcelo Ejercito; April 19, 1937) is a Filipino politician who was the 13th President of the Philippines from 1998 to 2001. He has been Mayor of the City of Manila, the country's capital, since 2013.[1]

Estrada gained popularity as a film actor, playing the lead role in over ahundred films in an acting career spanning some three decades. He used hispopularity as an actor to make gains in politics, serving as mayor of San Juan for 16 years, as Senator for one term, then as Vice-President under President Fidel V. Ramos.Estrada was elected President in 1998 with a wide margin of votes separating him from the other challengers, and was sworn into the presidency on June 30, 1998. In 2000 he declared an "all-out-war" against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and captured its headquarters and other camps.[2][3] However, allegations of corruption spawned an impeachment trial in the Senate, and in 2001 Estrada was ousted by "People Power 2" after the prosecution walked out of the impeachment court when the Senator-Judges voted "no" in the opening of the second envelope. The EDSA 2 protests resulted from the concerted efforts of political, business, military, and church elites who were displeased by Estrada's policies thatincluded removal of sovereign guarantees on government contracts.[4] In October 2000, the Daily Tribune reported about elite plans to "'constitutionally' oust President Estrada under 'Oplan Excelsis."[5] Emil Jurado of the Manila Standard reported as early as 1999 about a PR demolition work designed to embarrass Estrada "by attributing to his administration all sorts of perceived faults and scams with the end in view of covering up anomalies and scams also committed during the Ramos administration." Former First Gentleman Mike Arroyo also admitted in an interview with Nick Joaquin that he and then-Ilocos Sur Gov. Chavit Singson and certain military officials plotted plans to oust Estrada in January 2001, with the alternative "plan B" being violent "with orders to shoot. And not only in Metro Manila."[6]

In 2007, Estrada was sentenced by the special division of the Sandiganbayan to reclusión perpetua for the plunder of stealing $80 million from the government and was sentenced a lifetime in prison, but was later granted pardon by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. He ran for president again in the 2010 presidential election, but placed second behind Senator Benigno Aquino III.

Early life and career[edit]Joseph Ejercito Estrada was born at 8:25 PM on April 19, 1937 at Manuguit Maternity Hospital (now known as Amisola Maternity Hospital) in Tondo, an

urban district of Manila.[7] His family later moved to the wealthy suburb of San Juan.[8] He belonged to an upper-middle-class family, and was the eighth of ten children of Emilio Ejercito and his wife, Maria Marcelo.[9] He was expelled during his primary studies at the Ateneo de Manila University and subsequently enrolled in an engineering course at the MapúaInstitute of Technology in an effort to please his father, but dropped out.

In his twenties, he began a career as a drama actor. He adopted the stage name "Joseph Estrada", as his mother objected to his chosen career and hisdecision to quit schooling.[9] He also acquired the nickname "Erap" (a playon the Tagalog slang "pare", meaning 'buddy') from his friend, fellow actor Fernando Poe, Jr..

Personal life[edit]Joseph Estrada is the first President to have previously worked in the entertainment industry, and for being the first to sport any sort of facial hair during his term, specifically his mustaches.

Family[edit]Estrada is married to former First Lady-turned-senator Dr. Luisa "Loi" Pimentel, whom he met while she was working at the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) inMandaluyong City, and has three children with her:

Jose "Jinggoy" Ejercito, Jr, Mayor of San Juan (1992–2001); Senator (2004–present) (married to Precy Vitug)

Jackie Ejercito (married to Beaver Lopez, son of Meralco chairman Manuel Lopez)

Jude Ejercito (married to Rowena Ocampo)

He also has nine children from several extramarital relationships.[10]

With former actress Peachy Osorio:

Joel Eduardo "Jojo" Ejercito Teresita "Tetchie" Ejercito

With incumbent San Juan City Mayor Guia Gomez:

Joseph Victor Ejercito; Mayor of San Juan (2001–2010), Representative of San Juan City (2010–2013) and Senator (2013-present). (married to Cindy Lotuaco)

With former actress Mary Ann Murphy:

Joan Ejercito

With a former air hostess who is publicly known only by the name "Larena":

Jason Ejercito

With former actress Laarni Enriquez:

Jerika Ejercito Juan Emilio "Jake" Ejercito Jacob Ejercito

With former air hostess Joy Melendrez:

Joma Ejercito

Other relatives[edit]Several of Ejercito's relatives became prominent figures in politics and showbiz.

Jorge Ejercito ("George Estregan"), brother; actor ER Ejercito ("George Estregan Jr."), son of George Estregan and nephew;

actor, Mayor of Pagsanjan, Laguna (2001-2010) and Governor of Laguna (2010–2014).

Gary Ejercito ("Gary Estrada"), nephew; actor and Board Member of Quezon province.

Gherome Ejercito, nephew; basketball player

Film[edit]Main article: Joseph Estrada filmography

Estrada played the lead role in more than 100 movies, and produced more than 70 films. He was the first FAMAS Hall of Fame recipient for Best Actor (1981) and also became a Hall of Fame award-winner as a producer (1983). He often played heroes of the lower classes, making him popular

among several impoverished citizens. This proved advantageous to his political career.

In 1974 Estrada founded the Movie Workers Welfare Foundation (Mowelfund), which helps filmmakers through medical reimbursements, hospitalization, surgery and death benefits, livelihood, and alternative income opportunities and housing. Its educational arm, the Mowelfund Film Institute, has produced some of the most skilled and respected producers, filmmakers, writers and performers in both the independent and mainstream sectors of the industry since its inception in 1979.[11][not in citation given] He also founded, together with Guillermo de Vega, the first Metro Manila Film Festival in 1975.[citation needed]

Early political career[edit]This section of a biographical article needs additional citations for verification. Please help by adding reliable sources. Contentious material about living persons that is unsourced or poorly sourced mustbe removed immediately, especially if potentially libelous or harmful. (November 2012)

Mayor of San Juan[edit]Estrada entered politics in 1967, running for mayor of San Juan, Metro Manila, then a municipality of Rizal, failing and only succeeding in 1969 after winning an electoral protest against Braulio Sto. Domingo. His administration was marked by unequaled accomplishments in infrastructure development[citation needed]. These included the establishment of the first MunicipalHigh School, the Agora complex, a modern slaughterhouse, a sprawling government center with a post office, a mini-park and the paving of 98 percent of the town's roads and alleys.

As mayor, he paid particular attention to the elementary education of children by improving and renovating school buildings, constructing additional school structures, health centers, barangay halls and playgrounds in all the barangays and providing artesian wells to areas with low water supply. He relocated some 1,800 squatter families out of San Juan to Taytay, Rizal, at no cost. He was also the first mayor to computerize assessment of the Real Estate Tax in the Municipal Assessor’s

Office.[12] When Corazon Aquinoassumed the presidency in 1986, all elected officials of the local government were forcibly removed and replaced by appointed officers-in-charge, including Estrada[citation needed].

Senator of the Philippines[edit]The following year, Estrada won a seat in the Senate under the Grand Alliance for Democracy (GAD) placing 16th in the elections (out of 24 winners). In 1987, he set his sights on a Senate run and handily garnered a seat. He was appointed Chairman of the Committee on Public Works. He wasVice-Chairman of the Committees on Health, Natural Resources and Ecology and Urban Planning.

In the Senate, Estrada was credited with the passage of, among other majorpieces of legislation, the bills on irrigation project and the protection and propagation of carabaos, the beast of burden in the rural areas.

As a senator, he was one of the so-called “Magnificent 12” who voted to terminate the RP-US Military Bases Agreement leading to the withdrawal of American servicemen from the Clark Air Base in Pampanga and the Subic Naval Base in Zambales.

In 1989, the Free Press cited him as one of the Three Outstanding Senators of the Year. He was conferred the degree of Doctor of Humanities, Honoris Causa by the Bicol University in April 1997, and the University of Pangasinan in 1990.

Vice-Presidency[edit]See also: Presidency of Fidel V. Ramos

In 1992, Joseph Estrada initially ran for president with Vicente Rivera, Jr. as his running mate but he withdrew his bid and instead ran for vice-president as the running mate ofEduardo Cojuangco, Jr. under the Nationalist People's Coalition. Though Cojuangco lost to former National Defense Secretary Fidel Ramos, Estrada won the vice-presidency garnering more votes than his closest opponent, Ramon Mitra, Jr.'s runningmate, Marcelo Fernan.

As Vice-President, Estrada he was the chairman of President Ramos' Presidential Anti-Crime Commission (PACC). Estrada arrested criminal warlords and kidnapping syndicates.[13] He resigned as chairman in 1997.

In the same year Estrada, together with former President Corazon Aquino, Cardinal Jaime Sin, Senator Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and other political leaders, led an anti-charter change rally brought in an estimated half a million people to Rizal Park against the charter change moves by Ramos andhis supporters.[14]

Presidency[edit]Main article: Presidency of Joseph Estrada

The inauguration of President Estrada on June 30, 1998, featured in the Philippinepiso centennial commemorative legal tender banknote.

Presidential styles ofJoseph Ejercito Estrada

Reference style His Excellency

Spoken style Your Excellency

Alternative style Mr. President

Estrada was inaugurated on June 30, 1998 in the historical town of Malolos in Bulacan province in paying tribute to the cradle of the First Philippine Republic. That afternoon the new president delivered his inaugural address at the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta. He assumed office amid the Asian Financial Crisis and with agricultural problems due to poor weather conditions, thereby slowing the economic growth to −0.6% in 1998 from a 5.2% in 1997.[15] The economy recovered by 3.4% in 1999 and 4% in 2000.[16] In 2000 he declared an "all-out-war" against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and captured its headquarters and other camps.[2]

[3] However, allegations of corruption spawned a railroaded impeachment trial in the Senate courtesy of house

speaker Manuel Villar, and in 2001 Estrada was ousted from a coup after the trial was aborted.

In his Inaugural Address, Estrada said:

“ One hundred years after Kawit, fifty years after independence, twelve years after EDSA, and seven years after the rejection of foreign bases, it is now the turn of the masses to experience liberation. We stand in the shadow of those who fought to make usfree – free from foreign domination, free from domestic tyranny, free from superpower dictation, free from economic backwardness.[17] ”

Cabinet (1998-2001) [18][edit]OFFICE NAME TERM

President Joseph Ejercito Estrada June 30, 1998 – January 20,2001

Vice-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo June 30, 1998 – January 20,2001

Executive Secretary Ronaldo Zamora July 1, 1998 – December 31,2000

Edgardo Angara January 11, 2001 – January 20, 2001

Secretary of Agrarian Reform Horacio Morales, Jr. July 1, 1998 – January 20, 2001

Secretary of Agriculture William Dar July 1, 1998 – May 24, 1999

Edgardo Angara May 25, 1999 – January 11, 2001

Domingo Panganiban January 11, 2001 – January 20, 2001

Secretary of Budget and Management Benjamin Diokno July 1, 1998 – January 20, 2001

Secretary of Education, Culture and Andrew Gonzalez July 1, 1998 – January 20,

Sports 2001

Secretary of Energy Mario Tiaoqui July 1, 1998 – January 20, 2001

Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources Antonio Cerilles July 1, 1998 – January 20,

2001

Secretary of Finance Edgardo Espiritu July 1, 1998 – December 31,1999

Jose Pardo January 2, 2000 – January 20, 2001

Secretary of Foreign Affairs Domingo Siazon, Jr. June 30, 1998 – January 20,2001

Secretary of Health Felipe Estrella Jr. June 30, 1998 – September 13, 1998

Alberto Romualdez, Jr. September 14, 1998 – January 20, 2001

Secretary of the Interiorand Local Government

Joseph Estrada(in concurrent capacity as President)

July 1, 1998 – April 12, 1999

Ronaldo Puno April 12, 1999 – January 7,2000

Alfredo Lim January 8, 2000 – January 19, 2001

Secretary of Justice Serafin Cuevas June 30, 1998 – February 11, 2000

Artemio Tuquero February 11, 2000 – January20, 2001

Secretary of Labor and Employment Bienvenido Laguesma June 30, 1998 – January 20,2001

Secretary of National Defense Orlando S. Mercado June 30, 1998 – January 20,

2001

Secretary of Public Works and Highways Gregorio Vigilar June 30, 1998 – January 20,

2001

Secretary of Science and Technology William Padolina June 30, 1998 – January 29,1999

Filemino Uriarte February 1, 1999 – January 1, 2001

Secretary of Social Welfare and Development Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo July 1, 1998 – October 3,

2000

Dulce Saguisag October 4, 2000 – January 20, 2001

Secretary of Tourism Gemma Cruz-Araneta July 1, 1998 – January 19, 2001

Secretary of Trade and Industry Jose Pardo July 1, 1998 – 1999

Manuel Roxas II 1999 – January 20, 2001

Secretary of Transportation and Communications Vicente Rivera, Jr. July 1, 1998 – January 20,

2001

Presidential Spokesperson Fernardo Barican June 30, 1998 – January 20,2001

Press Secretary Rodolfo Reyes June 30, 1998 – April 12, 2000

Ricardo Puno April 13, 2000 – January 20, 2001

Chairpersonof the Commission on Higher Education Angel Alcala June 30, 1998 – July 11,

1999

Ester Garcia July 12, 1999 – January 20,2001

Director-Generalof the National Economic and

Felipe Medalla July 1, 1998 – January 20, 2001

Development Authority

Solicitor General Ricardo Galvez June 30, 1998 – January 20,2001

Chairmanof the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority

Jejomar Binay July 1, 1998 – January 20, 2001

National Security Adviser Alexander Aguirre July 1, 1998 – January 19, 2001

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Manuel T. Yan June 30, 1998 – January 20,

2001

Lead Convenorof the National Anti-Poverty Commission

Horacio Morales, Jr. December 1998 – October 2000

Dulce Saguisag October 2000 – January 20, 2001

Domestic policies[edit]Main article: Domestic_Policies of Joseph Estrada

Foreign policies[edit]Main article: Presidency_of_Joseph_Estrada § Foreign_Policies

Economy[edit]By the end of Estrada's administration, debt supposedly reached P 2.1 trillion in 1999. Domestic debt supposedly amounted to P 986.7 billionwhile foreign debt stood at US$52.2 billion. The fiscal deficit had reportedly doubled to more than P 100 billion from a low of P 49 billion in 1998.[19] Despite such setbacks, the GDP by 1999 posted a 3.2 percent growth rate, up from a low of −0.5 percent in 1998. Moreover, domestic investments started to increase from 18.8% of GDP in 1999 to 21.2% of GDP in 2000.[20]

War against the MILF[edit]During the Ramos administration a cessation of hostilities agreement was signed between the Philippine Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in July 1997. This was continued by a series of peace talks and negotiations in Estrada administration.[3] The MILF, an Islamic group formed in 1977, seeks to be an independent Islamic State from the Philippines, and, despite the agreements, a sequence of terrorist attacks on the Philippine military and civilians still continued.[3] It was later divulged in a Senate Hearing by then Lt. (now Senator) Antonio Trillanes that the Military was behind these terrorist attacks to justify the "all-out-war" policy of the government which was masterminded byChief of Staff Angelo Reyes[citation needed], and which included the kidnapping a foreign priest, namely Father Luciano Benedetti; the destruction by arson of Talayan, Maguindanao's municipal hall; the takeover of the Kauswagan Municipal Hall; the bombing of the Lady of Mediatrix boat at Ozamiz City; and the takeover of the Narciso Ramos Highway[citation needed]. By doing so, they inflicted severe damage on the country's image abroad, and scared much-needed investments away. For this reason, on March 21, 2000, Estrada declared an "all-out-war" against the MILF. During the war the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) asked Estrada to negotiate a cease-fire with MILF, but Estrada opposed the idea arguing that a cease-fire would cause more terrorist attacks. For the next three months of the war, Camp Abubakar, headquarters of the MILF, fell along with other 13 major camps and 43 minor camps, and then all of which became under controlled bythe government. The MILF leader Hashim Salamat fled toMalaysia. The MILF later declared a Jihad on the government. On July 10 of the same year, thePresident went to Minadanao and raised the Philippine flag symbolizing victory. After the war the President said, "... will speed up government efforts to bring genuine and lasting peace and development in Mindanao". In the middle of July the president ordered the military to arrest top MILF leaders.[21]

In his state of the nation address, popularly called "SONA", the presidenthighlighted his vision for Mindanao:

The first is to restore and maintain peace in Mindanao—because without peace, there can be no development.

The second is to develop Mindanao—because without development, there can be no peace.

The third is to continue seeking peace talks with the MILF within the framework of the Constitution—because a peace agreed upon in good faithis preferable to a peace enforced by force of arms.

And the fourth is to continue with the implementation of the peace agreement between the government and the Moro National Liberation Front, or MNLF—because that is our commitment to our countrymen and to the international community.

In addition to this the president said his administration can move with more speed in transforming Mindanao into a progressive economic center.[21] High on the list of priorities was the plight of MILF guerrillas who were tired of fighting and had no camps left to which to report. On October 5, 2000 the first massive surrender of 669 MILF mujahideen led by the renegade vice mayor of Marugong, Lanao del Sur Malupandi Cosandi Saripand seven other battalion commanders, surrendered to President Estrada at the 4th ID headquarters in Camp Edilberto Evangelista, Bgy. Patag, Cagayande Oro City. They were followed shortly by a second batch of 855 surrenderees led by MILF Commander Sayben Ampaso on December 29, 2000.[22]

Controversies[edit]Main article: Presidency_of_Joseph_Estrada § Controversies

Corruption charges and impeachment[edit]

President Estrada in 2000.

In October 2000, Ilocos Sur governor Luis "Chavit" Singson, a close friendof the President, alleged that he had personally given Estrada

P400 million as payoff from jueteng, a grassroots-based numbers game, hidden in a bank account known as "Jose Velarde", as well as P180 million from the government price subsidy for the tobacco farmers' marketing cooperative after Estrada ordered a full blown investigation into Chavit Singson's alleged misuse of millions of pesos in public funds. Singson's allegation caused controversy across the nation, which culminated in the House of Representatives' filing of an impeachment case against Estrada onNovember 13, 2000. House Speaker Manny Villar fast-tracked the impeachmentcomplaint. The impeachment suit was brought to the Senate and an impeachment court was formed, with Chief Justice Hilario Davide, Jr. as presiding officer. Estrada, pleaded “not guilty”.

This was the first time the Filipino public witnessed, through radio and television, an elected president stand in trial and face possible impeachment with full media coverage. During the trial, the prosecution presented witnesses and alleged evidences to the impeachment court regarding Estrada's alleged involvement in jueteng. The existence of secret bank accounts which he allegedly uses for receiving payoffs was also brought to the fore.

In the 2004 Global Transparency Report, Estrada made into the list of the World's All-Time Most Corrupt Leaders in the World. He was listed tenth and he was said to have amassed between $78 million to $80 million.[23]

[24] Also making it to the list from the Philippines is Ferdinand Marcos,whoended up second in the list as he was said to have embezzled between $5 billion to $10 billion during his 21 years as President from 1965-1986.

EDSA II[edit]Main article: EDSA Revolution of 2001

Protests[edit]

On the evening of January 16, 2001, the impeachment court voted not to open an envelope that was alleged to contain incriminating evidence against the president simply because it was not part of the impeachment complaint. The final vote was 11–10, in favor of keeping the envelope closed. The prosecution panel (of congressmen and lawyers) walked out of the Impeachment Court in protest of this vote. The 11 senators who voted not to open the envelope are known as the "Craven Eleven." That night, anti-Estrada protesters gathered in front of the EDSA Shrine at Epifanio

de los Santos Avenue, not too far away from the site of the 1986 People Power Revolution that overthrew Ferdinand Marcos.

On January 19, 2001, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff AngeloReyes, seeing the political upheaval throughout the country, "decided to withdraw his support" from the president and transfer his allegiance to the vice president, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Resignation[edit]

The following day, the Supreme Court declared that the seat of presidency was vacant, saying that Estrada had constructively resigned his post. At noon, the Chief Justice swore in Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as president of the Philippines. Before Estrada's departure from Malacañang, he issued thefollowing press release:

“ At twelve o'clock noon today, Vice President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo took her oath as President of the Republic of the Philippines. While along with many other legal minds of our country, I have strong and serious doubts about the legality and constitutionality of her proclamation as President, I do not wishto be a factor that will prevent the restoration of unity and order in our civil society.

It is for this reason that I now leave Malacañang Palace, the seat of the presidency of this country, for the sake of peace andin order to begin the healing process of our nation. I leave the Palace of our people with gratitude for the opportunities given to me for service to our people. I will not shirk from any futurechallenges that may come ahead in the same service of our country.

I call on all my supporters and followers to join me in to promotion of a constructive national spirit of reconciliation andsolidarity.

May the Almighty bless our country and beloved people.

MABUHAY![25] ”Post-Presidency[edit]

Estrada returned to his old home in San Juan. He maintained that he never resigned, implying that Arroyo's government was illegitimate.

The new government created a special court and charged him with plunder and had him arrested in April. Filipino supporters marched to the EDSA Shrine demanding Estrada's release and his reinstatement as president but were dispersed by high-grade teargas and warning shots from automatic rifles. On the morning of May 1, the protesters marched straight to Malacañan Palace. Violence erupted and the government declared a State of Rebellion. Many Filipino protesters were badly injured and arrested, including politicians. The government called out the military and was ableto quell the demonstration with teargas and automatic rifles. The bloody uprising came to be known as EDSA III.

Estrada was initially detained at the Veteran's Memorial Medical Center in Quezon City and then transferred to a military facility in Tanay, Rizal, but he was later transferred to a nearby vacation home, virtually in house arrest. Under Philippine law, plunder had a maximum penalty of death, however the death penalty was eventually repealed.

Trial[edit]Main article: Trial of Joseph Estrada

On September 12, 2007, the Sandiganbayan finally gave its decision, finding Estrada not guilty on his perjury case but guilty of plunder "beyond reasonable doubt." He was sentenced to reclusión perpetua. He was thus the first Philippine President who was impeached and then convicted.[26]

On September 26, 2007, Joseph Estrada appealed by filing a 63-page motion for reconsideration of the Sandiganbayan judgment penned by Teresita de Castro (submitting five legal grounds).[27][28] Estrada alleged that the courterred "when it convicted him by acquitting his alleged co-conspirators."[29]

On October 5, 2007, the Sandiganbayan's Special Division ruled to have setfor October 19, oral argument (instead of a defense reply) on Joseph Estrada’s motion for reconsideration. Estrada asked for court permission to attend the hearing, since it ordered the prosecution to file comment before October 11.[30]

Perjury case[edit]The Sandiganbayan's special division, on June 27, 2008, ordered Estrada tofile comment within 10 days, on the motion of the Ombudsman's Special Prosecutor to re-open the trial of his perjury case regarding 1999 statement of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN). The court was also to resolve Banco de Oro's (formerly Equitable PCI Bank), plea that it cannot determine "without hazard to itself" who to turn over to the P1.1 billion Jose Velarde assets due to claims by Wellex Group / William Gatchalian and a Bureau of Internal Revenue stay order.[31]

Pardon and release from detention[edit]On October 22, 2007, Acting Justice Secretary Agnes Devanadera stated thatJoseph Estrada is seeking a “full, free, and unconditional pardon” from President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Estrada's lawyer Jose Flaminiano wrote Arroyo: "The time has come to end President Estrada's fight for justice and vindication before the courts. Today [Monday], we filed a withdrawal of his Motion for Reconsideration." Estrada, 70, stressed the "delicate condition" of his mother in asking for pardon.[32]

On October 25, 2007, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo granted executive clemency to Joseph Estrada based on the recommendation by the Department of Justice (DoJ). Acting Executive Secretary and Press Secretary Ignacio R. Bunye quoted the signed Order: "In view hereof in pursuant of the authority conferredupon me by the Constitution, I hereby grant Executive clemency to Joseph Ejercito Estrada, convictedby the Sandiganbayan of plunder and imposed a penalty of reclusión perpetua. He is hereby restored to his civil and political rights." Bunye noted that Estrada committed in his application not to seek public office, and he would be free from his Tanayresthouse on October 26, noon.[33][34][35] On October 26, 2007, after almost 7 years of detention, Joseph Estrada was finally released after the Sandiganbayan promulgated the historical Resolution.[36]

Activities[edit]When Estrada was released he gave a message to the Filipino people that hecan once again help the lives of the people, especially the poor. He also stated that he made errors as a public servant but he assured them that corruption was not one of them. After the release he had a nationwide tourcalled "Lakbay Pasasalamat"[37][38] (Thank you tour) and during those trips hethanked the people for their support and gave them relief goods such as food, medicines and clothing.[12][39][40] In politics, he stated that he was

convincing leaders of the opposition to have unity, and that failing that,he would run.[41]

2010 Presidential election[edit]Joseph Estrada stated in interviews that he would be willing to run for the opposition in the event that they are unable to unite behind a single candidate.[42][43] Fr. Joaquin Bernas and Christian Monsod, members of the constitutional commission that drafted the 1987 Constitution, stated that the constitution clearly prohibits any elected president from seeking a second term at any point in time.[44] Romulo Macalintal, election counsel ofPresident Arroyo, clarified that the constitutional ban doesn't prevent Estrada from attaining the presidency in the event that he were to be elevated from the vice-presidency, for example.[45] However, Rufus Rodriquez, one of Estrada's lawyers, claims that the former president is within his rights to do so because the prohibition banning re-election only applies to the incumbent president.[42]

On October 22, 2009 former President Joseph Estrada announced that he would run again for president with Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay as his running mate.[46]

His Senatorial lineup included Francisco Tatad, Juan Ponce Enrile, JinggoyEstrada and Joey de Venecia.

Other activities[edit]In October 2010, the magazine Foreign Policy included Estrada in its list of five former head of states/governments who did not make "a positive difference in the world", but "faded away into obscurity." Also included in this "Bad Exes" list were Thailand's Thaksin Shinawatra, Spain's Jose Maria Aznar, and Germany's Gerhard Schroder.[47]

Estrada announced in November 2010 that he will be selling his 3,000 square-metre (0.74-acre) home in San Juan, Metro Manila for nearly seven million dollars (300 millionPhilippine pesos) to "pursue his real estate business."[citation needed] Agence France Presse reported that Estrada "has put up two high-rise residential condominium buildings and plans to build a thirdsoon."[48]

Mayor of Manila[edit]

Joseph Estrada in 2013 at theManila Central Post Office).

In May 2012, Estrada announced his intention to run for Mayor of Manila inthe 2013 elections to continue his political career.[49]

Around noon of 14 May 2013, the day after the conduct of the 2013 Philippine mid-term elections, Estrada and his running-mate and re-electionist Vice Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso were proclaimed mayor-elect and vice mayor-elect, respectively by the City Board of Canvassers for the City of Manila.

Electoral history[edit]

Provinces in which Estrada won in 1992, 1998 and 2010 national elections.

San Juan mayoralty elections

Estrada won every mayoralty election in San Juan from 1969 to 1984.

Senatorial election, 1987:

Joseph Estrada (GAD) – 10,029,978 (14th, 24 candidates with the highestnumber of votes win the 24 seats in the Senate)

Vice Presidential election, 1992:

Joseph Estrada (PMP) – 6,739,738 (33.00%) Marcelo Fernan (LDP)- 4,438,494 (21.74%) Emilio Osmeña (Lakas-NUCD)- 3,362,467 (16.47%) Ramon Magsaysay, Jr. (PRP)- 2,900,556 (14.20%) Aquilino Pimentel, Jr. (PDP-Laban)- 2,023,289 (9.91%) Vicente Magsaysay (KBL)- 699,895 (3.43%) Eva Estrada-Kalaw (Nacionalista)- 255,730 (1.25%)

Presidential election, 1998:

Joseph Estrada (LAMMP)- 10,722,295 (39.86%) Jose de Venecia (Lakas-NUCD-UMDP)- 4,268,483 (15.87%) Raul Roco (Aksyon Demokratiko)- 3,720,212 (13.83%) Emilio Osmeña (PROMDI)- 3,347,631 (12.44%) Alfredo Lim (Liberal) – 2,344,362 (8.71%) Renato de Villa (Reporma-LM)- 1,308,352 (4.86%) Miriam Defensor Santiago (PRP)- 797,206 (2.96%) Juan Ponce Enrile (Independent)- 343,139 (1.28%) Santiago Dumlao (Kilusan para sa Pambansang Pagpapanibago)- 32,212

(0.12%) Manuel Morato (Partido Bansang Marangal)- 18,644 (0.07%)

Presidential election, 2010:

Benigno Aquino III (Liberal)- 15,208,678 (42.08%) Joseph Estrada (PMP)- 9,487,837 (26.25%) Manny Villar (Nacionalista)- 5,573,835 (15.42%) Gilbert Teodoro (Lakas Kampi CMD)- 4,095,839 (11.33%)

Eddie Villanueva (Bangon Pilipinas)- 1,125,878 (3.12%) Richard Gordon (Bagumbayan-VNP)- 501,727 (1.39%) Nicanor Perlas (independent)- 54,575 (0.15%) Jamby Madrigal (independent)- 46,489 (0.13%) John Carlos de los Reyes (Ang Kapatiran)- 44,244 (0.12%)

Manila Mayoralty Elections 2013

Joseph Estrada (UNA)- 349,770 Alfredo Lim (LP)- 307,525 (47.33%)

Ancestry[edit][show]Ancestors of Joseph Estrada

In popular culture[edit]Since the beginning of his political career, Estrada has been the butt of many jokes in the Philippines. Majority of the jokes about him center around his limited English vocabulary, while others focus on his corruption scandals. During his presidential campaign in 1998, Estrada authorized the distribution of the joke compilation book ERAPtion: How to Speak English Without Really Trial.[50]

Awards and honors[edit] 1975 Metro Manila Film Festival Best Actor for Diligin mo ng Hamog ang Uhaw

na Lupa[51]

1962 FAMAS Best Actor for Markang Rehas[52][53]

1964 FAMAS Best Actor for Geron Busabos[52][53]

1965 FAMAS Best Actor for Ang Batang Quiapo 1966 FAMAS Best Actor for Ito ang Pilipino[52][53]

1969 FAMAS Best Actor for Patria Adorada[52][53]

1971 Outstanding Mayor and foremost Nationalist by the Inter-ProvincialInformation Service[12]

1972 One of the Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) in Public Administration by the Philippine Jaycees[12]

1981 FAMAS Best Actor for Kumander Alibasbas[52][53]

1981 FAMAS Hall of Fame[52][54]

2007 Most Outstanding Citizen of San Juan 2014 GMMSF Box-Office Entertainment Awards Government Service Award [55]

Gloria Macapagal-ArroyoFrom Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Her ExcellencyGloria Macapagal-Arroyo

14th President of the Philippines

In officeJanuary 20, 2001 – June 30, 2010

Vice President

Teofisto GuingonaNoli de Castro

Preceded by Joseph Estrada

Succeeded by Benigno Aquino III

12th Vice President of the Philippines

In officeJune 30, 1998 – January 20, 2001

President Joseph Estrada

Preceded by Joseph Estrada

Succeeded by Teofisto Guingona

Secretary of National Defense

Acting

In officeNovember 30, 2006 – February 1, 2007

Preceded by Avelino Cruz

Succeeded by Hermogenes Ebdane

In officeSeptember 1, 2003 – October 2, 2003

Preceded by Angelo Reyes

Succeeded by Eduardo Ermita

Secretary of Social Welfare and Development

In officeJune 30, 1998 – October 12, 2000

President Joseph Estrada

Preceded by Corazon Alma de Leon

Succeeded by Dulce Saguisag

Member of the House of Representativesfrom Pampanga's 2nd district

Incumbent

Assumed officeJune 30, 2010

Preceded by Mikey Arroyo

Senator of the Philippines

In officeJune 30, 1992 – June 30, 1998

Personal details

Born Maria Gloria Macaraeg MacapagalApril 5, 1947 (age 67)[1]

San Juan, Philippines

Political party

LDP (Before 1998)KAMPI (1997–2009)Lakas-CMD I (1998–2009)Lakas-CMD II (2009–present)

Spouse(s) Jose Miguel Arroyo

Children MikeyEvangelina Lourdes

Diosdado

Alma mater Georgetown UniversityAssumption CollegeAteneo de Manila UniversityUniversity of the Philippines, Diliman

Religion Roman Catholicism

Signature

Website Official website

Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (born April 5, 1947) is a Filipino politician who served as the 14th President of the Philippines from 2001 to 2010, as the 12th Vice President of the Philippines from 1998 to 2001, and as member of the House of Representativesrepresenting the 2nd District of Pampanga since 2010. She was the country's second female president (after Corazon Aquino), and the daughter of former President Diosdado Macapagal. Arroyo is also the first duly elected femaleVice President of the Philippines.[2]

Arroyo was a former professor of economics at Ateneo de Manila University where Benigno Aquino III was one of her students. She entered government in 1987, serving as assistant secretary and undersecretary of the Department of Trade and Industry upon the invitation of President Corazon Aquino. After serving as a senator from 1992 to 1998, she was elected to the vice presidency under President Joseph Estrada, despite having run on an opposing ticket. After Estrada was accused of corruption,she resigned her cabinet position as Secretary of Social Welfare and Development and joined the growing opposition to the president, who faced impeachment. Estrada was soon forced from office by the EDSA Revolution of2001, and Arroyo was sworn into the presidency by Chief Justice Hilario Davide, Jr. on January 20, 2001. She was elected to a full six-year presidential term in the controversial May2004 Philippine elections, and was sworn in on June 30, 2004. Following her presidency she was elected tothe House of Representatives, making her the second Philippine president—after Jose P. Laurel—to pursue a lower office after their presidency.On November 18, 2011, Arroyo was arrested following the filing of criminalcharges against her for electoral fraud. She was held at the Veterans

Memorial Medical Center in Quezon City under charges of electoral sabotage.[3][4] but released on bail in July 2012. She was re-arrested while in hospital on charges of misuse of $8.8 million in state lottery funds inOctober 2012.[5]

Early lifeShe was born as Maria Gloria Macaraeg Macapagal to politician Diosdado Macapagal and his wife, Evangelina Macaraeg-Macapagal. She is the sister of Dr. Diosdado "Boboy" Macapagal, Jr. and Cielo Macapagal-Salgado. She spent the first years of her life in Lubao, Pampanga, with her two older siblings from her father's first marriage.[1] At the age of four, she choseto live with her maternal grandmother in Iligan City.[6] She stayed there for three years, then split her time between Mindanao and Manila until theage of 11.[6] She is fluent in English, Tagalog, Spanish and several other Philippine languages, most importantly, Kapampangan,Ilokano, and Cebuano.

In 1961, when Arroyo was just 14 years old, her father was elected as president. She moved with her family into Malacañang Palacein Manila. A municipality was named in her honor, Gloria, Oriental Mindoro. She attended Assumption Convent for her elementary and high school education, graduating valedictorian in 1964. Arroyo then studied for two years at Georgetown University's Walsh School of Foreign Service in Washington, D.C. where she was a classmate of future United States President Bill Clinton and achieved consistent Dean's list status.[7] She then earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Assumption College, graduating magna cum laude in 1968.

In 1968, Arroyo married lawyer and businessman Jose Miguel Arroyo of Binalbagan, Negros Occidental, whom she had met while still a teenager.[1] They had three children, Juan Miguel (born 1969), Evangelina Lourdes (born 1971) and Diosdado Ignacio Jose Maria (born in 1974). She pursued a Master's Degree in Economics at the Ateneo de Manila University (1978) and a Doctorate Degree in Economics from the University of the Philippines Diliman (1985).[8] From 1977 to 1987, she held teaching positions in several schools, notably the University of the Philippines and the Ateneo de Manila University. She became chairperson of the Economics Department at Assumption College.

In 1987, she was invited by President Corazon Aquino to join the government as Assistant Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry.She was promoted to Undersecretary two years later. In her concurrent position as Executive Director of the Garments and Textile Export Board, Arroyo oversaw the rapid growth of the garment industry in the late 1980s.

SenatorArroyo entered politics in the 1992 election, running for senator. At the first general election under the 1987 Constitution, the top twelve vote-getting senatorial candidates would win a six-year term, and the next twelve candidates would win a three-year term.[9]Arroyo ranked 13th in the elections, earning a three-year term. She was re-elected in 1995, topping the senatorial election with nearly 16 million votes.

As a legislator, Arroyo filed over 400 bills and authored or sponsored 55 laws during her tenure as senator, including the Anti-Sexual Harassment Law, the Indigenous People's Rights Law, and the Export Development Act.[1]

The 1995 Mining Act, which allows 100% foreign ownership of Philippine mines, has come under fire from left-wing political groups.

Vice PresidencyArroyo considered a run for the presidency in the 1998 election, but was persuaded by President Fidel V. Ramos and leaders of the administration party Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats to instead seek the vice-presidencyas the running mate of its presidential candidate, House Speaker Jose de Venecia, Jr.[10] Though the latter lost to popular former actor Joseph Estrada, Arroyo won the vice presidency by a large margin, garnering more than twice the votes of her closest opponent, Estrada's running mate Senator Edgardo Angara.[11]

Arroyo began her term as Vice President on June 30, 1998. Historically, she was the first and only to date female Vice President of the Philippines. She was appointed by Estrada to a concurrent position in the cabinet as Secretary of Social Welfare and Development.[10]

Arroyo resigned from the cabinet in October 2000, distancing herself from President Estrada, who was accused of corruption by a former political supporter, Chavit Singson, Governor from Ilocos Sur.[12] She had initially

resisted pressure from allies to speak out against Estrada,[13] but eventually joined calls for Estrada's resignation.[12]

PresidencyThis section of a biographical article needs additional citations for verification. Please help by adding reliable sources. Contentious material about living persons that is unsourced or poorly sourced mustbe removed immediately, especially if potentially libelous or harmful. (January 2011)

Main article: Presidency of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

First Term (2001–2004)Succession

Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo displayed on a two hundred peso bill, being sworn in as president by Chief Justice Hilario Davide, Jr. in January 2001.

The last quarter of 2000 up to the first week of January 2001 was a periodof political and economic uncertainty for the Philippines. On January 16, 2001, the impeachment trial has also taken a new direction. Private prosecutors walked out of the trial when pro-Estrada senators prevented the opening of an evidence (a brown envelope) containing bank records allegedly owned by President Estrada. With the walk out, the impeachment trial was not completed and the Filipinos eventually took to the street tocontinue the clamor for President Estrada's resignation. From January 17 to 20, 2001, hundreds of thousands of Filipinos gathered at Epifanio de los Santos Avenue(EDSA), the site of the original People Power Revolution.The clamor for a change in the presidency gained momentum as various sectors of Philippine society – professionals, students, artists, politicians, leftist and rightist groups – joined what became known as EDSA II. Officials of the administration, the Armed Forces of the

Philippines (AFP), and the Philippine National Police (PNP) also withdrew their support for President Estrada.

Days after leaving Malacañang Palace, President Estrada's lawyers questioned the legitimacy of Arroyo's presidency before the Supreme Court.He reiterated that he did not resign as president and that at most, Arroyowas just serving in an acting capacity. The high court, however, voted unanimously in upholding the legitimacy of Arroyo's succession. As a consequence, Estrada no longer enjoys immunity from charges being filed against him.

In the last week of April 2001, the Sandiganbayan ordered the arrest of Estrada and his son, Senator Jinggoy Estrada, for plunder charges. A few days later, Estrada supporters protested his arrest, gathered at the EDSA Shrine, and staged what they called, EDSA III – comparing their actions tothe People Power revolution of 1986 and January 2001.

Thousands of protesters demanded the release of Estrada. Eventually, they also called for the ouster of Arroyo and the reinstatement of the former. On May 1, 2001, they marched towards Malacañang to force Arroyo to give into their demands. Violence erupted when the protesters attempted to storm the presidential palace and the military and police were forced to use their arms to drive them back. Arroyo declared a state of rebellion because of the violence and prominent political personalities affiliated with Estrada were charged and arrested. The so-called EDSA III was the first serious political challenge to the Arroyo presidency.

Oakwood MutinyMain article: Oakwood mutiny

The Oakwood mutiny occurred in the Philippines on July 27, 2003. A group of 321 armed soldiers who called themselves "Bagong Katipuneros"[14] led by Army Capt. Gerardo Gambala and Lt. Antonio Trillanes IV of the Philippine Navy took over the Oakwood Premier Ayala Center (now Ascott Makati) serviced apartment tower in Makati City to show the Filipino people the alleged corruption of the Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo administration. They also stated that they saw signs suggesting that the President was going todeclaremartial law.

2004 Presidential Election

Article VII Section 4 of the 1987 Constitution explicitly states that the president of the Philippines can only serve for one term. However, the same provision also implicitly states that a president's successor who hasnot served for more than four years can still seek a full term for the presidency. Although Arroyo falls under this category, she initially announced on December 30, 2002 that she will no longer seek the presidency. She emphasized that she will devote her remaining months in office to serving the people and improving the economy of the Philippines.

In October 2003, Arroyo changed her mind and announced that she will run for the May 2004 presidential elections and seek a direct mandate from thepeople. She explained that, "there is a higher cause to change society...in a way that nourishes our future". With her decision, the initial criticisms hurled against Arroyo centered on her lack of word of honor.

As predicted by SWS exit polls, Arroyo won the election by a margin of over one million votes against Poe. However, the congressional canvassing was quite contentious as opposition lawmakers in the National Board of Canvassers argued that there were many discrepancies in the election returns and that insinuations of cheating were raised. On June 23, 2004, Congress proclaimed Arroyo and Noli de Castro as president and vice president, respectively.

Second Term (2004–2010)2004 Presidential Election rigging allegations

Arroyo taking her Oath of Office for a full term as president in Cebu City on June30, 2004.

On June 30, 2004, in a break with tradition, Arroyo first delivered her inaugural speech at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila. She then departed for Cebu City for her oath taking, the first time that a Philippine president took the oath of office outside of Luzon.

Allegations of cheating against Arroyo gained momentum one year after the May 2004 elections. In a press conference held on June 10, 2005, Samuel Ong, former deputy director of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) claimed to have audio recordings of wiretapped conversations between Arroyo and an official of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC). Virgilio Garcillano, a former COMELEC commissioner, would later be identified as the official talking to Arroyo. According to Ong, the recordings allegedlyproved that Arroyo ordered the rigging of the national elections for her to win by around one million votes against Poe.

The recordings of Ong became known as the Hello Garci controversy and triggered massive protests against Arroyo. Key members of her cabinet resigned from their respective posts and urged Arroyo to do the same. On June 27, 2005, Arroyo admitted to inappropriately speaking to a COMELEC official, claiming it was a "lapse in judgement". She, however, denied influencing the outcome of the elections and declared that she won the elections fairly. Arroyo did not resign despite the pressures coming from various sectors of society.

The Hello Garci controversy became the basis of the impeachment case filedagainst Arroyo in 2005. Attempts to impeach Arroyo failed later that year.Another impeachment case was filed against Arroyo in 2006 but was also defeated at the House of Representatives.

In October 2007, lawyer Alan Paguia filed an impeachment complaint againstArroyo in connection with the issue of bribery. Paguia's complaint was based on the revelation ofPampanga Governor Ed Panlilio that various governors received half a million pesos from Malacañang. The impeachment case, as of the middle of October 2007, has already been referred to the House of Representatives Committee on Justice.

State of EmergencyMain article: 2006 state of emergency in the Philippines

On February 24, 2006, a plot to take over the government was uncovered by authorities, allegedly headed by Gen. Danilo Lim and other rightist military adventurists. General Lim and some of his men were arrested. To

face the threat posed by enemies of the state, Arroyo issued Presidential Proclamation 1017 (PP 1017) and used it as basis in declaring a state of emergency throughout the Philippines. According to Arroyo, this declaration was done to quell the military rebellion, stop lawless violence, and promote peace and stability. PP 1017 also empowered the government to enforce warrantless arrests and take over strategic private utilities companies.

On February 25, 2006, the police raided the office of the Daily Tribune, a newspaper known as a critic of the Arroyo administration. The government then issued a journalism guidelines to address the threat posed by criticsin the media. Presidential Management Staff chief Michael Defensor said that the guidelines were necessary in order to cope with the emergency situation.

The state of emergency existed for about one week with the purpose of curbing further violence, illegal rallies, and public disturbance throughout the Philippines. The police and the military dispersed demonstrators and protesters, especially those along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA). Aside from General Lim, prominent personalities werealso arrested in connection with their alleged participation in the attempt to overthrow the government. Among those arrested were:

1. Col. Ariel Querubin – leader of a group of Philippine Marines who engaged the government in a political stand-off at Fort Bonifacio onFebruary 25, 2005

2. Randy David – led a protest rally without securing the necessary permit

3. Crispin Beltran – party-list representative of Anakpawis charged with inciting to sedition and rebellion

4. Batasan Five – party-list representatives charged with rebellion andwere placed under the custody of the House of Representatives; BayanMuna's Teodoro Casiño, Satur Ocampo, and Joel Virador; Gabriela's Liza Maza, and Anakpawis' Rafael Mariano

PP 1017 was lifted on March 3, 2006 but members of the opposition, privatelawyers, and concerned citizens challenged its constitutionality before the Supreme Court. On May 4, the high court declared the proclamation constitutional. However, it also said that it was illegal for the

government to implement warrantless arrests and seize private institutionsand companies.

Charter Change

Arroyo currently spearheads a controversial plan for an overhaul of the constitution to transform the present unitary and presidential republic with a bicameral legislature into a federal parliamentary government with a unicameral legislature.[15]

EconomyMain article: Presidency of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo § Economy

Arroyo, who earned a master's degree and doctorate in economics, made the Philippine economy the focus of her presidency. Annual economic growthin the Philippines averaged 4.5% during the Arroyo administration, expanding every quarter of her presidency.[16] This is higher than in the administrations of her three immediate predecessors,Corazon Aquino (3.8%), Fidel Ramos (3.7%), and Joseph Estrada (3.7%).[17] The Philippine economy grew at its fastest pace in three decades in 2007, withreal GDP growth exceeding 7%.[18] The economy was one of the few to avoid contraction during the 2008 global financial crisis, faring better than its regional peers due to minimal exposure to troubled international securities, lower dependence on exports, relatively resilient domestic consumption, large remittances from four-to five-million overseas Filipinoworkers, and a growing business process outsourcing industry.[16] Arroyo's handling of the economy has earned praise from former US President Bill Clinton, who cited her "tough decisions" that put the Philippine economy back in shape.[19] Despite this growth, the poverty rate remained stagnant due to a high population growth rate and uneven distribution of income.

A controversial expanded value added tax (e-VAT) law, considered the centerpiece of the Arroyo administration's economic reform agenda, was implemented in November 2005, aiming to complement revenue-raising effortsthat could plug the country's large budget deficit.[20] Her administration originally set a target to balance the national budget by 2010, t. The taxmeasure boosted confidence in the government's fiscal capacity and helped to strengthen the Philippine peso, making it East Asia's best performing currency in 2005–06.[21] The peso strengthened by nearly 20% in 2007, makingit by far Asia's best performing currency for the year, a fact attributed

to a combination of increased remittances from overseas Filipino workers and a strong domestic economy.[22]

Early in her presidency, Arroyo implemented a controversial policy of holiday economics, adjusting holidays to form longer weekends with the purpose of boosting domestic tourism and allowing Filipinos more time withtheir families.[23]

Domestic policiesMain article: Presidency of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo § Domestic policies

Foreign policiesMain article: Presidency of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo § Foreign Policies

Public perception

Social Weather Stations quarterly public opinion polling of the net satisfaction rating of President Arroyo.

The Social Weather Stations public opinion group has conducted quarterly surveys tracking the net satisfaction rating ("satisfied" rating minus "dissatisfied" rating") of President Arroyo. She began her presidency in the first quarter of 2001 with a net satisfaction rating of +24. Her rating first dipped into the negative in the first quarter of 2003, makingArroyo the only president to achieve a negative net satisfaction rating inSWS opinion polling. Her rating rebounded well into the positive in 2004, in time for the presidential election where she won election to a new six-year term. However, net satisfaction sunk back into negative territory in the fourth quarter of 2004, and has remained negative since, dipping as low as −38 in the second quarter of 2008. Her net satisfaction rating in the first quarter of 2009 was −32.[24]

Post-presidency

2009 BiopsyOn July 3, 2009, it was announced that Arroyo had undergone a biopsy to examine lumps discovered in her breast and groin.[25][26] Press Secretary Cerge Remonde stated that the results of the biopsy were negative.[25][26] Remonde also denied reports published in the July 3, 2009 editions of the Manila Bulletin and the Philippine Star that Arroyo had undergone surgery for the removal or repair of breast silicone implants.[25][26][27]

2010 Election to House of RepresentativesIn November 2009, Arroyo formally declared her intention to run for a seatin the House of Representatives representing the 2nd District of Pampanga,making her the second Philippine President – after Jose P. Laurel – to pursue a lower office after the expiration of their presidency.[28] A petition seeking to disqualify Arroyo from the race was dismissed by the Comelec for lack of merit, a decision which was later affirmed by the Supreme Court.[29] With little serious competition, she was elected to congress in May 2010 with a landslide victory.[30] After receiving final military honors at the inauguration ceremony of incoming President BenignoAquino III, she headed straight to Pampanga for her own oath-taking as congresswoman.[31]

Despite being considered the strongest contender for Speaker of the House,Arroyo declined to seek the position, hoping instead to take on a role similar to Sonia Gandhi, who was influential as merely the head of her party.[32] On her first day as a lawmaker, Arroyo and her son Dato filed a resolution calling for Congress to call a constitutional convention to propose amendments to the existing constitution.[33]

2011 Spinal surgeryIn early 2011 she was diagnosed with cervical spondylosis or cervical radiculopathy. She was rushed to the St. Luke's Medical Center inGlobal City Taguig July 25, 2011, minutes after the State of the Nation Address by Benigno Aquino III.[34] Doctors performed a 5 hour spine surgery on June 29, 2011[35] Two more surgeries occurred in August 2011 which aggravated her hypoparathyroidism. The House of Representatives under the leadership of Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Jr. issued a travel permit allowing her to have treatment in Germany despite the Department of Justice hold departure order.[36]

2011 Hospital arrestArroyo was arrested on November 18, 2011 after a Pasay court issued a warrant of arrest against her, following the filing of a complaint for electoral sabotage by the Commission on Elections.[37] The arrest warrant was served at a St. Luke's Medical Center at Taguig where Arroyo had been confined.[38][39] Days earlier, the Supreme Court had issued a Resolution enjoining attempts by the Department of Justice to prevent her departure from the Philippines to seek medical treatment overseas.[40]

She was transferred to the Veterans Memorial Medical Center in Quezon City on December 9, 2011.[3][4] Arroyo was released from hospital arrest on bail on July 25, 2012.[41]

On October 29, 2012, she refused to enter any plea on charges she misused $8.8 million in state lottery funds during her term in office.[42] As of December 2013, she remains in custody at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center.[43]

2013 Reelection to House of RepresentativesWhile still confined in the Veterans Medical Centre, Arroyo successfully earned a second term as congresswoman for Pampanga's second legislative district at the conclusion of the 2013 Philippine mid-term elections on 13May 2013, defeating the ruling Liberal Party's Vivian Dabu who was the provincial administrator under priest-turned-politician former Governor Among Ed Panlilio.[44]

2014 Medical problems and reapplication for bailArroyo was transported to St. Luke's Medical Center for tests and treatment and returned to confinement at the Veteran's Medical Center after medical incidents in May and June of 2014.[45][46][47] In June, after the second of these incidents, her attorneys renewed application for bail.[48] In September, a third medical incident caused her to again be rushed toSt. Luke's for treatment and returned to confinement at the Veteran's Medical Center.[49]

ScoutingArroyo is the Chief Girl Scout of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines.[50]

Government and political titles Undersecretary of Trade and Industry (1987–1992) Senator (1992–1998) Secretary of Social Welfare and Development (1998–2000) Vice President of the Philippines (1998–2001) President of the Philippines (2001–2010) Representative (2010–present)

Honours and awards Grand Cordon of the Order of the Chrysanthemum (Japan) Member, Council of Women World Leaders Don Quixote De La Mancha award from Spain's King Juan Carlos (2010) Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Japan's Waseda University (2002)[51]

Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Kyungsung University in Pusan, South Korea. (2005)[52]

Honorary doctorate degree from University of San Francisco in California, United States (2004).[53]

Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Fordham University (2003)[54]

Doctor of Laws, La Trobe University in Australia (2000)[55]

Time magazine's "People Who Mattered" list for 2005 Forbes magazine's 100 Most Powerful Woman in the World (from 2004–2009)

– she ranked 4th in the 2005 list[56]

Order of Merit of Duarte, Sanchez and Mella – from Dominican Republic President Leonel Fernandez (2011)[57]

Benigno Aquino IIIFrom Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

His ExcellencyBenigno Aquino III

15th President of the Philippines

Incumbent

Assumed officeJune 30, 2010

Vice President

Jejomar Binay

Preceded by Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

Secretary of the Interior and Local Government

Acting

In officeJune 30, 2010 – July 9, 2010

Preceded by Jesse Robredo

Succeeded by Manuel Roxas

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives

In officeNovember 8, 2004 – February 21, 2006

Preceded by Raúl Gonzalez

Succeeded by Simeon Datumanong

Senator of the Philippines

In officeJune 30, 2007 – June 30, 2010

Member of the House of Representativesfrom Tarlac's 2nd district

In office

June 30, 1998 – June 30, 2007

Preceded by Jose Yap

Succeeded by Jose Yap

Personal details

Born Benigno Simeon Cojuangco Aquino IIIFebruary 8, 1960 (age 55)Sampaloc, Manila,Philippines [1]

Political party

Liberal Party

Residence Bahay Pangarap

Alma mater Ateneo de Manila University

Religion Roman Catholicism

Signature

Website Official website

This article is part of a series on

Benigno Aquino III

Representative from Tarlac's 2ndDistrict  ·Philippine Senator · Death andfuneral of Corazon Aquino · Presidential

Campaign ·"NoyBi"  · 2010Elections · Transition ·Inauguration · Inaugural

address · SONA (2010)

Benigno Simeon Cojuangco Aquino III[1][2][3][4][5] (/ b ɛ ̍ n ɪ ɡ n oʊ  ə ̍ k iː n oʊ / ; [bɛˈniɡno aˈkino]; born February 8, 1960, also known asNoynoy Aquino or PNoy,is a Filipino politician who has been the 15th President of the Philippines since June 2010.[4][6][7]

Aquino is a fourth-generation politician: his great-grandfather, Servillano "Mianong" Aquino, served as a delegate to the Malolos Congress; his grandfather, Benigno Aquino, Sr., served as Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Philippines from 1943 to1944; and his parents were President Corazon Aquino and Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino, Jr. Aquino is a member of the Liberal Party.[8] In the Liberal Party, Aquino held various positions such as Secretary Generaland Vice President for Luzon. Aquino is theChairman of the Liberal Party.[9]

Born in Manila, Aquino finished his Bachelor of Arts (major in Economics) from Ateneo de Manila University in 1981 and joined his family in their exile in the United States shortly thereafter. He returned to the Philippines in 1983 shortly after the assassination of his father and heldseveral positions working in the private sector. In 1998, he was elected to the House of Representatives as Representative of the 2nd district of Tarlac province. He was subsequently re-elected to the House in 2001 and 2004.[4] In 2007, having been barred from running for re-election to the House due to term limits, he was elected to the Senate in the 14th Congress of the Philippines.[4]

Following the death of his mother on August 1, 2009, many people began calling on Aquino to run for president.[4] On September 9, 2009, Aquino officially announced he would be a candidate in the 2010 presidential election, held on May 10, 2010.[4] On June 9, 2010, the Congress of the Philippines proclaimed Aquino the winner of the 2010 presidential election.[4] On June 30, 2010, at theQuirino Grandstand in Rizal Park, Manila,[4][10] Aquino was sworn into office as the fifteenth President of the Philippines, succeedingGloria Macapagal-Arroyo, by Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines Conchita Carpio-Morales.[4]

[11]

In 2013, TIME named him one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World.[12]

Although the official residence of the president is the Malacañang Palace,Aquino actually resides in the Bahay Pangarap (House of Dreams), located within the Palace grounds.[13][14]

Early life and educationBenigno Simeon "Noynoy" Aquino III was born at 10:28 AM on February 8, 1960 at Far Eastern University Hospital in Sampaloc,Manila.[1] He is the third of the five children of Benigno S. Aquino, Jr., who was then the Vice Governor of Tarlac province, andCorazon Cojuangco, daughter of a prominent Tarlac businessman. He has four sisters, Maria Elena (Ballsy) Aquino-Cruz, Aurora Corazon (Pinky) Aquino-Abellada, Victoria Elisa (Viel)Aquino-Dee, and Kristina Bernadette (Kris) Aquino. He attended Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City for his elementary, high school, and college education.[15] He graduated in 1981 with a Bachelor's degree in Economics.[4][15] He was one of the students of former professor of economics at Ateneo de Manila University, former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

In September 1972, Aquino's father, who was then a senator and prominent opposition leader to President Ferdinand Marcos, was arrested for subversion. In August 1973, Aquino's father was brought before a military tribunal in Fort Bonifacio.[16] On August 25, 1973, Aquino's father wrote a letter to his son from Fort Bonifacio, giving advice to his son;

"The only advice I can give you: Live with honor and follow your conscience.

There is no greater nation on earth than our Motherland. No greater peoplethan our own. Serve them with all your heart, with all your might and withall your strength.

Son, the ball is now in your hands."[16]

In 1980, after a series of heart attacks, Aquino's father was allowed to seek medical treatment in the United States, where Aquino's family began aperiod of self-exile. In 1981, shortly after graduation, Aquino joined hisfamily in the United States.

In 1983, after three years in exile in the United States, Aquino's family returned to the Philippines, shortly after the assassination of his father on August 21, 1983.[15] He had a short tenure as a member of the Philippine Business for Social Progress, working as an assistant of the executive director of PBSP.[15] He later joined Mondragon Industries Philippines, Inc. as an assistant Retail Sales Supervisor and assistant promotions manager for Nike Philippines, Inc.[15]

From 1986 to 1992, during the presidency of his mother, Aquino joined the Intra-Strata Assurance Corporation, a company owned by his uncle Antolin Oreta Jr., as vice president.[15]

On August 28, 1987, eighteen months into the presidency of Aquino's mother, rebel soldiers led by Gregorio Honasan staged an unsuccessful coupattempt, attempting to siegeMalacañang Palace. Aquino was two blocks from the palace when he came under fire. Three of Aquino's four security escorts were killed, and the last was wounded protecting him. He himself was hit by five bullets, one of which is still embedded in his neck.[17]

From 1993 to 1998, he worked for Central Azucarera de Tarlac, the sugar refinery in charge of the Cojuangco-owned Hacienda Luisita, as the executive assistant for administration from 1993 to 1996, then he worked as manager for field services from 1996 to 1998.[15]

Congressional careerHouse of RepresentativesAquino became Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives on November 8, 2004, but relinquished the post on February 21, 2006, when Aquino joined the Liberal Party in calling for the resignation of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo at the height of the Hello Garci scandal.[4][9]

Aquino was also Chairman of the Board of the Central Luzon Congressional Caucus.[9]

SenateBarred from running for re-election to the House of Representatives of thePhilippines, to represent the 2nd district of Tarlac, due to term limits, Aquino was elected to the Senate of the Philippines in the 2007 Philippinemidterm election on May 15, 2007, under the banner of the Genuine Opposition (GO), a coalition comprising a number of parties, including Aquino's own Liberal Party, seeking to curb attempts by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to amend the 1986 Philippine Constitution. In Aquino's political ads, he was endorsed by his younger sister, TV host Kris Aquino,and his mother, the late former President Corazon Aquino. Although a RomanCatholic, Aquino was endorsed by thepentecostal Jesus Is Lord Church, one of the largest Protestant churches in the Philippines.[18][19][20] With more

than 14.3 million votes, Aquino's tally was the sixth highest of the 37 candidates for the 12 vacant seats elected from the nation at large. Aquino assumed his new office on June 30, 2007.[4]

During the campaign, Aquino reached out to his former enemy, Senator Gregorio Honasan, supporting his application for bail. Aquino toldJob Tabada of Cebu Daily News, on March 5, 2007;

"I endorse Honasan's request for bail para parehas ang laban [to even out the playing field]. I was hit by bullets from Honasan's men in the neck and hips but that's past now. The principle of my father was, 'Respect the rights even of your enemies.' Ito ang nagpatingkad ng demokrasya [This is what defines democracy]. Genuine reconciliation is democracy in action."[21]

Aquino was referring to an unsuccessful coup attempt staged by rebel soldiers led by Gregorio Honasan on August 28, 1987, in which Aquino was seriously injured.

The neutrality of this article is disputed. Relevant discussion may be found on the talk page. Please do not remove this message until the dispute is resolved. (March 2012)

Senate bills

The Budget Impoundment and Control Act (SB 3121), wherein "impoundment" refers to the power of the president to refuse the release of funds appropriated by the Congress of the Philippines, is another bill Aquino isproud of;[22] he regretted,[22] however, that such power has been used and abused by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, a result of which abuse has been the significant emasculation of Congress' ability to check the president's authority. Aquino filed this bill so the president would have to pass through Congress every time the president decides to impound part of the budget.

Another significant Aquino contribution to the Philippines' corruption problem is Senate Bill 2035, which is the Preservation of Public Infrastructures bill, seeking to raise standards in the construction of all public infrastructures by penalizing contractors of defective infrastructures. The bill also requires the Bureau of Maintenance under the Department of Public Works and Highways to conduct periodic inspections of public infrastructures.

Aquino also pushed for the passage of the Amending the Government Procurement Act (SB 2160), which applies to all government procurement activities regardless of source of funds whether local or foreign; only treaties or international/executive agreements entered into by the government prior to its enactment shall be exempt from coverage. The bill was filed in light of the Department of Justice declaration regarding the validity of the controversial NBN-ZTE scandal, wherein its international aspect, as well as the fact that it was an executive agreement, was cited as one reason for its exemption from the procurement process stipulated inRepublic Act 9184.

Focusing further on accountability in government appropriations and spending, Aquino filed other reform-oriented, well-thought-out types of bills, among which were for:Philippine National Police reform; an increasein penalties for corporations and work establishments not compliant with minimum wage; the banning of reappointment to theJudicial and Bar Council;the prevention of reappointment and bypassing of the Commission on Appointments; real property valuation based on international standards; and superior responsibility for senior military officers, who are ultimately responsible for their own subordinates. However, none of these bills were passed into law.

2010 presidential campaignMain article: Philippine presidential election, 2010

See also: Benigno Aquino III presidential campaign, 2010

Aquino being proclaimed as thePresident-elect of the Philippines byPresident of the Senate of the Philippines Juan Ponce Enrile andHouse Speaker Prospero Nograles at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City on June 9, 2010.

Map of dignitaries who attend Aquino's inauguration.

On November 26, 2008, the Liberal Party elected Mar Roxas, president of the Liberal Party, as the standard-bearer of the Liberal Party forPresident of the Philippines in the then-upcoming 2010 presidential elections.[23]

Following the death and funeral of Aquino's mother, former President Corazon Aquino, many people began calling on Aquino to run forPresident of the Philippines.[4] This groundswell of support became known as the "Noynoy Phenomenon".[24]

On August 27, 2009, Edgardo "Eddie" Roces, son of the late Chino Roces, former publisher and owner of The Manila Times, and a group of lawyers and activists formed the Noynoy Aquino for President Movement (NAPM), a nationwide campaign to collect a million signatures in order to persuade Aquino to run for president,[25] reminiscent of Roces' father, who on October 15, 1985, launched the Cory Aquino for President Movement (CAPM), collecting more than one million signatures nationwide, asking Aquino's mother to run against Ferdinand Marcos in the 1986 presidential snap elections.[26]

In September 2009, the Liberal Party held numerous press conferences in relation to the 2010 elections at the Club Filipino in Greenhills,San Juan, the site of the presidential inauguration of Aquino's mother in February 1986.

On September 1, 2009, at the Club Filipino, in a press conference, Senator Mar Roxas, president of the Liberal Party, announced his withdrawal from the 2010 presidential race and expressed his support for Aquino, as the party standard-bearer instead.[27] Aquino later stood side byside with Roxas, but did not make a public statement at the press conference.[8] The next day, Aquino announced that he would be going on a "spiritual retreat" over the weekend to finalize his decision for the elections,visiting the Carmelite sisters inZamboanga City.[4] reminiscent of his mother's own soul-searching in 1985 before deciding to run for the

elections the following year.[28]He came back on September 9 to formally announce his candidacy.[4][29] Almost two weeks later, Roxas pledged to run alongside Aquino as the Liberal Party standard-bearer for vice-president.[30][31] The two men filed their respective certificates of candidacy for president andvice-president on November 28, 2009.

Fake psychiatric reports on Aquino's mental health began circulating online during the 90-day election campaign period from February 9 – May 8,2010,[32][33] Aquino received information that the first such report came fromthe wife of Nacionalista Party supporter and former National Power Corporation (NAPOCOR) president Guido Delgado, a move Aquino claims was made with "malicious intent".[33] A second report came from an unidentified supporter of Senator Manny Villar, the Nacionalistas' leader and presidential candidate.[33][33][34][34] Later presented by Delgado at a press conference, the psychiatric report was supposedly signed by Father Jaime C. Bulatao, S.J., PhD, a Jesuit priest, a professor of Psychology and a clinical psychologist at the Ateneo de Manila University, taken when Aquino was finishing his Bachelor's degree in Economics at the university in 1979. It reportedly showed that Aquino suffered from depression and melancholia,[34] the priest later denied writing the document at all.[33] Another supposed psychiatric report that later surfacedclaimed that Aquino suffered from major depressive disorder; the report's supposed author, Jesuit priest Father Carmelo A. Caluag II, denied writingany evaluations of Aquino. The university's psychology department later debunked the documents, with Aquino labelling them as another desperate effort by rivals to malign his reputation.[33]

During the campaign,[32] Senator Francis Escudero began endorsing Aquino as president and PDP-Laban standard-bearer Jejomar Binay, for Vice President,launching theAquino-Binay campaign.[35] However, this was done without the consent of the two candidates; Binay was former President Joseph Estrada'srunning mate for vice-president.

During the 2010 presidential election, held on May 10, 2010, in unofficialtallies, conducted by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and the ParishPastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), Aquino was the leading candidate in tallied votes for president, and in the official Congressional canvass, Aquino was the leading candidate in canvassed votesfor president.[36] Aquino was unofficially being referred to as "president-apparent" by the media.[37]

On June 9, 2010, at the Batasang Pambansa Complex, in Quezon City, the Congress of the Philippines proclaimed Aquino as the President-elect of the Philippines,[4][6] following the 2010 election with 15,208,678 votes,[4]

[7] while Jejomar Binay, the former mayor of Makati City, was proclaimed asthe Vice President-elect of the Philippines with 14,645,574 votes,[38] defeating runner-up for the vice presidency Mar Roxas, the standard-bearer of the Liberal Party for vice president.

PresidencyMain article: Presidency of Benigno Aquino III

See also: List of presidential trips made by Benigno Aquino III and Noynoying

Presidential styles ofBenigno S. Aquino III

Reference style His Excellency[4]

Spoken style Your Excellency

Alternative style Mr. President

The Presidency of Benigno S. Aquino III began at noon on June 30, 2010, when he became the fifteenth President of the Philippines, succeeding Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Aquino is the:

Third-youngest person to be elected president, and the fourth-youngest president after Emilio Aguinaldo, Ramon Magsaysay andFerdinand Marcos.[3]

First president to be a bachelor, being unmarried and having no children.[3]

Second president not to drink alcoholic beverages; the first president not to drink alcohol was Emilio Aguinaldo.[3]

Eighth president to be a smoker.[3]

First graduate of Ateneo de Manila University to become president.[3]

Third president who will only hold office in Malacañang Palace, but notbe a resident, following Corazon Aquino and Fidel V. Ramos.[3]

First president to make Bahay Pangarap his official residence.[39][40]

Third president to use his second given name, Simeon, as his middle initial, as Manuel L. Quezon and Jose P. Laurel did (Like his grandfather and father used his second name as well).[2][3][4]

Second president to be a child of a former president (Former President Corazon Aquino).

First president to be a former student of a former president (Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the daughter of former President Diosdado Macapagal).

The presidential transition began on June 9, 2010, when the Congress of the Philippines proclaimed Aquino the winner of the 2010 Philippine presidential elections held on May 10, 2010, proclaiming Aquino as the President-elect of the Philippines.[6][7] The transition was in charge ofthe new presidential residence, cabinet appointments and cordial meetings between them and the outgoing administration.

President Aquino at work

President Noynoy Aquino onYouTube Worldview as seen on ANC.

The presidential residence of Aquino is Bahay Pangarap (English: House of Dreams),[13] located inside of Malacañang Park,[41] at the headquarters of the Presidential Security Group across the Pasig River from Malacañang Palace.[13][14] Aquino is the first president to make Bahay Pangarap his official residence.[39][40] Malacañang Park was intended as a recreational retreat by former President Manuel L. Quezon.[40] The house was built and designed by architect Juan Arellano in the 1930s,[13][40] and underwent a number of renovations.[13]In 2008, the house was demolished and rebuilt in contemporary style by architect Conrad Onglao,[13][40] a new swimming pool wasbuilt, replacing the Commonwealth-era swimming pool.[39][40] The house originally had one bedroom,[13] however, the house was renovated for Aquino to have four bedrooms,[39] a guest room, a room for Aquino's household staff, and a room for Aquino's close-in security.[41] The house was originally intended as a rest house, the venue for informal activities andsocial functions for the First Family by former President Manuel L. Quezon.[13] Malacañang Park was refurbished through the efforts of First Lady Eva Macapagal, wife of former President Diosdado Macapagal, in the early 1960s.[40] First Lady Macapagal renamed the rest house as Bahay Pangarap.[40] During thepresidency of Fidel V. Ramos, the house was restored and became the club house of the Malacañang Golf Club.[13] The house was used by former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to welcome special guests.[13] Aquino refused to live in Malacañang Palace, the official residence of the President of the Philippines, or in Arlegui Mansion, the residence of former presidents Corazon Aquino and Fidel V. Ramos, stating that the two residences are too big,[13] and also stated that his small family residence at Times Street in Quezon City would be impractical, since it would be a security concern for his neighbors.[14]

Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs William Joseph Burns (middle) shakes hands with President Benigno S. Aquino III (right) as United States Ambassador to the Philippines Harry K. Thomas, Jr. (left) looks on.

On June 29, 2010, Aquino officially named the members of his Cabinet, withAquino himself as Secretary of the Interior and Local Government,[42] a position that Vice President-elect Jejomar Binay initially wanted, however, Aquino stated that the post is not being considered for him,[43] but has offered Binay various positions, such as, to head a commission that will investigate the outgoing Arroyo administration, the posts of Secretary of Agrarian Reform, chairman of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC), and the chairman of MetropolitanManila Development Authority (MMDA), but Binay refused.[44] Aquino also announced the formation of a truth commission that will investigate various issues including corruption allegations against outgoing President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Aquino named former Chief Justice Hilario Davide, Jr. to head the truth commission.[45]

Traditionally, it is the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines who administers the oath of office to the incoming presidentand vice president, however, Aquino refused to allow Chief Justice Renato Corona to swear him into office, due to Aquino's opposition to the midnight appointment of Corona by outgoing President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on May 12, 2010, two days after the 2010electionsand a month before Arroyo's term expired.[46] Instead, Aquino formally requested Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines Conchita Carpio-Morales, who opposed the midnight appointment of Corona,[47] to swear him into office.[11]

Aquino took the oath of office on June 30, 2010, at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park, Manila.[4][10] The oath of office was administered by Associate Justice Conchita Carpio-Morales, who officially accepted Aquino's request to swear him into office,[4][11] reminiscent of the decision of his mother, who in 1986, was sworn into the presidency by Associate Justice Claudio Teehankee.[3] After being sworn in as thefifteenth President of the Philippines, succeeding Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Aquino delivered his inaugural address.

During the inaugural address, Aquino created the no ‘wang-wang’ policy, strengthening the implementation of Presidential Decree No. 96.[48][49] The term ‘wang-wang’ is street lingo for blaring sirens.[50] Presidential Decree No. 96 was issued on January 13, 1973 by former President Ferdinand Marcos, regulating the use of sirens, bells, whistles, horns and other similar devices only to motor vehicles designated for the use of

the president, vice president, senate president, House Speaker, chief justice, Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, National Bureau of Investigation, Land Transportation Office,Bureau of Fire Protection andambulances.[48][49] However, despite having the privilege of using ‘wang-wang’, Aquino maintained he would set the example for his no ‘wang-wang’ policy, not to use ‘wang-wang’, even if it means beingstuck in traffic and being late every now and then.[51][52] Aquino also tradedthe official black presidential Mercedes Benz S-Guard limousine for his own white Toyota Land Cruiser 200.[51] After the inaugural address, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority began to enforce Aquino's no ‘wang-wang’ policy, confiscating‘wang-wang’ from public officials and private motorists who illegally used them.[49]

From June 30 – July 9, 2010, Aquino was Secretary of the Interior and Local Government,[42] until Aquino named Jesse Robredo, a former Naga mayor,as Interior Secretary.[53]

On July 14, 2010, the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) calledan emergency meeting in Camp Aguinaldo to assess the damage caused by Typhoon Basyang.[54]Aquino attended the meeting to obtain information on the damage caused by Typhoon Basyang and to personally monitor the repair and recovery work in the aftermath of the typhoon.[54] In the meeting, Aquino criticized the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and AstronomicalServices Administration (PAGASA) for failing to predict and to warn the residents of Metro Manila that Typhoon Basyang would ravage Metropolitan Manila.[54][55]

On July 15, 2010, Aquino offered Vice President Jejomar Binay the positionof chairman of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC). Binay has accepted the offer of Aquino to take charge of the housing sector as chairman of HUDCC.[56]

On July 26, 2010, at the Batasang Pambansa, in Quezon City, Aquino delivered his first State of the Nation Address (SONA).[57][58]

During Aquino's first State of the Nation Address (SONA), Aquino announcedhis intention to reform the education system in the Philippines by shifting to K–12 education, a 12-year basic education cycle.[59] K–12 education is used in the United States, Canada, and Australia.

On July 30, 2010, Aquino signed Executive Order No. 1, creating the Truth Commission. The commission is tasked to investigate various anomalies and

issues including graft and corruption allegations against the past administration, government officials and their accomplices in the private sector during the last nine years. The commission has until December 31, 2012 to complete its mission. Chief Justice Hilario Davide, Jr. will head the commission.[60]

Presidential trips of President Aquino

On August 4, 2010, Aquino implemented Executive Order No. 2, signed on July 30, 2010, ordering the immediate removal of all midnight appointmentsmade by the previous administration for violating the 60-day constitutional ban on presidential appointments before a national election.[61]

On August 6, 2010, Aquino implemented Executive Order No. 3, signed on July 30, 2010, an executive order revoking Executive Order No. 883, signedby former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on May 28, 2010, that automatically promoted lawyers in government executive service to the rankof Career Executive Service Officer III (CESO III).[62] Aquino also announced the removal of Prisco Nilo as administrator of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).[63] PAGASA was directly under Department of Scienceand Technology (DOST) Undersecretary for Research and Development (R&D) Graciano Yumul.[63] A special order from DOST Secretary Mario Montejo, datedAugust 5, 2010, designated Yumul as PAGASA administrator, replacing Nilo.[63]On August 7, 2010, Malacañang announced that Yumul will be heading PAGASA temporarily, for only three months, as PAGASA will undergo a "reorientation" to improve its services. Aquino has yet to name the new administrator who will permanently head PAGASA.[64]

On August 9, 2010, Aquino implemented Executive Order No. 4, signed on July 30, 2010, reorganizing and renaming the Office of the Press Secretary as the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO),[65]

[66] and creating the Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office (PCDSPO).[65][66] Aquino appointed former ABS-CBN News

Channel (ANC) anchor Ricky Carandang and Herminio Coloma as secretaries ofthe new media communications group.[66][67]

On August 13, 2010, Aquino appointed Maria Lourdes Aranal Sereno as Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines, his first appointment to the Supreme Court of the Philippines.[68]

On August 14, 2010, Aquino directed the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) and the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC)to fully implement Executive Order No. 255, issued on July 25, 1987 by former President Corazon Aquino, requiring all radio stations to broadcasta minimum of four original Filipino musical compositions every hour.[69]

On August 16, 2010, Aquino launched his official presidential website. Thepresidential website's aim is to create communication between Aquino and the people, getting feedback from the people, telling Aquino their woes and grievances.[70]

On August 23, 2010, in front of the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park, Manila, the site of Aquino's presidential inauguration, the Manila hostage crisis occurred. Aquino expressed concern over the matter and gavehis condolences to the victims. Aquino defended the actions of the police at the scene, stating that the gunman had not shown any signs of wanting to kill the hostages. Aquino ordered a "thorough investigation" into the incident, and would wait until it is completed before deciding whether anyone should lose his or her job.[71] Aquino declared that the media may have worsened the situation by giving the gunman "a bird's-eye view of theentire situation".[72] Aquino also made reference to theMoscow theater hostage crisis, which, according to Aquino, resulted in "more severe" casualties despite Russia's "resources and sophistication".[73] On August 24, 2010, Aquino signed Proclamation No. 23, declaring August 25, 2010, asa national day of mourning, instructing all public institutions nationwideand all Philippine embassies and consulates overseas to lower the Philippine flag at half-mast, in honor of the eight Hong Kong residents who died in the Manila hostage crisis.[74][75] On August 25, 2010, at a press conference in Malacañang, Aquino apologized to those offended when he was caught on television apparently smiling while being interviewed at the crime scene hours after theManila hostage crisis.[76] Aquino said;

"My smile might have been misunderstood. I have several expressions. I smile when I'm happy, I smile when I'm faced with a very absurd situation...and if I offended certain people, I apologize to them. It's more of an expression maybe of exasperation rather than anything and again, I apologize if I offended certain people, who misunderstood (my) facial expression."[76]

On September 1, 2010, Aquino implemented Executive Order No. 5, signed on August 25, 2010, an executive order amending Executive Order No. 594, signed by former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on December 20, 2006, stating the rules governing the appointment or designation and conduct of special envoys.[77] Executive Order No. 5 prevents special envoys from usingthe title "ambassador".[77] Aquino also ordered the Department of Health (DOH) to support and assist all regional hospitals and health centers and intensify their efforts to attend to the needs of dengue–inflicted patients.[78]

On September 2, 2010, Aquino signed Executive Order No. 6, extending the duration of the operations of the Presidential Middle East Preparedness Committee (PMEPC) to December 30, 2010.[79]

On September 3, 2010, Aquino took responsibility for everything that happened during the Manila hostage crisis.[80] Aquino actually has direct supervision of the Philippine National Police, since Aquino had asked Secretary of the Interior and Local Government Jesse Robredo to address other concerns, such as coming up with a comprehensive plan on delivering social services to and relocating informal settlers in coordination with the local governments.[80]

On September 8, 2010, Aquino signed Executive Order No. 7, ordering the suspension of all allowances, bonuses and incentives of board members of government-owned and-controlled corporations (GOCCs) and government financial institutions (GFIs) until December 31, 2010.[81]

On September 9, 2010, Aquino signed Executive Order No. 8, reorganizing and renaming the Build-Operate and Transfer Center (BOT) to the Public-Private Partnership Center (PPP) and transferring its attachment from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).[82]

On September 13, 2010, Aquino appointed Philippine National Police (PNP) Deputy Director General Raul Bacalzo as the new PNP Director, replacing General Jesus Verzosa, who retired on September 14, 2010.[83]

United States president, Barack Obama, with President Aquino andVietnamese president, Nguyễn Minh Triết, at a working lunch with leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations around the United Nations General Assembly Meeting in New York City.

United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton  delivers remarks at theMillennium Challenge Corporation(MCC) compact agreement signing ceremony with President Benigno S. Aquino III at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotelin New York City,on September 23, 2010.

On September 20, 2010, Aquino delivered his departure statement[84] at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), before leaving for his first official trip to the United States.[85] Secretary of Foreign Affairs Alberto Romulo, Secretary of Finance Cesar Purisima, Secretary of Trade & Industry Gregory Domingo, and Secretary of Energy Jose Rene Almendras, including 34 businessmen and 12 officials and support staff of the Presidential Communications Operations Office joined Aquino in the trip.[85] On September 22, 2010, Aquino delivered his speech[86] during the Citibank Economic Conference in New York City. On September 23, 2010, Aquino delivered his extemporaneous remarks[87] during a meeting with the Filipino community at Baruch College in New York City. Aquino also delivered his remarks[88] at theMillennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) compact agreement signing ceremony at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New

York City. The US$434-million MCC compact agreement will fund the Aquino administration's various programs on poverty reduction, revenue generation, and infrastructure development.[85] On September 24, 2010, Aquino delivered his statement before the 65th United Nations General Assembly in New York City. Aquino also had a seven-minute one-on-one talk with President of the United States Barack Obamaduring the 2nd Associationof Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-US Leaders Meeting at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City.[89][90]During the meeting, Aquino recognized the United States’ commitment to reinvigorating its relationship with the region and its individual nations at a time of ever-increasing complexity in global affairs.[89] Obama expressed his determination to elevate RP-US relations to a higher level, and welcomed the Aquino administration’s anti-corruption efforts.[89] Aquino and Obama also discussed military matters, about the possible removal of thousands of tons of war materials that Allied forces had left behind on Corregidor Island during World War II.[90] On September 26, 2010, during a visit to the Seasons Market Place in Milpitas, California, Aquino was greeted by cheering members of the Filipino community of San Jose, California.[91] Aquino also delivered his speech in front of the Filipino community at the Mission San Franciscode Asis in San Francisco, California. On September 28, 2010, Aquino arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport(NAIA), after his week-long working visit to the United States. Aquino delivered his arrival statement at NAIA.[92]

On September 30, 2010, Bishop Nereo Odchimar of Tandag, head of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), said that Aquino might face excommunication from the Catholic Church for supporting the Reproductive Health Bill, the plan to distribute and give Filipino couples the choice to use contraceptives for artificial birth control. However, despite the possibility of excommunication, Aquino said that he is not changing his position on contraceptive use.[93]

On October 1, 2010, Aquino signed Executive Order No. 9, amending Section 1 of Executive Order No. 67, signed by former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on January 22, 2002, and reorganizing the Presidential Commission on the Visiting Forces Agreementcreated under Executive Order No. 199, signed by former President Joseph Estrada on January 17, 2000.

On October 2, 2010, Aquino signed Executive Order No. 10, declaring October 2, 2010 as the Nationwide Philhealth Registration Day (NPRD) and

directing the Department of Health (DOH) to lead concerned government agencies to facilitate the nationwide Philhealth registration.

President Benigno Aquino III (3rd to the right) and other ASEAN leaders during the 2nd ASEAN-Russia Summit,Hanoi, Vietnam, October 30, 2010.

On October 26, 2010, Aquino delivered his departure statement[94] at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), before leaving for his first official trip to Vietnam. Aquino met with President of Vietnam Nguyễn Minh Triết at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi, Vietnam. Aquino and Triết signed four memorandum of agreement on four areas of cooperation, namely, higher education, defense, oil spill preparedness andresponse, and search and rescue at sea. Aquino also met with Prime Minister of Vietnam Nguyễn Tấn Dũng.[95] Aquino delivered a toast[96] at the State Banquet hosted by Triết at the Government Guest House. On October 27, 2010, Aquino delivered his extemporaneous remarks[97] during a meeting with the Filipino community in Vietnam. On October 28, 2010, Aquino delivered his statement[98] during the ASEAN Leaders’ Retreat in Hanoi, Vietnam. On October 29, 2010, Aquino delivered his statements during the 13th ASEAN-Japan Summit,[99] 13th ASEAN-Republic of Korea Summit,[100] 13th ASEAN-China Summit,[101] 13th ASEAN Plus Three Summit,[102] and 3rd ASEAN-UN Summit[103] in Hanoi, Vietnam. On October 30, 2010, Aquino delivered his statements during the 8th ASEAN-India Summit,[104]5th East Asia Summit,[105] 2nd ASEAN-Russia Summit,[106] ASEAN-Australia Summit,[107] and ASEAN-New Zealand Commemorative Summit[108] in Hanoi, Vietnam. On October 31, 2010, Aquino arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), after hisfirst official trip to Vietnam. Aquino delivered his arrival statement at NAIA.[109][110]

On November 8, 2010, Aquino signed Executive Order No. 11, transferring the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to the Office of the President.

On November 9, 2010, Aquino signed Executive Order No. 12, delegating to the Executive Secretary the power to approve compromises or releases of any interest, penalty orcivil liability to the Social Security System (SSS) pursuant to Section 4(6) of Republic Act No. 8282, otherwise known as the Social Security Act of 1997.

On November 10, 2010, former President of the United States Bill Clinton arrived in Manila.[111] Aquino met with Clinton in a courtesy call at Malacañang Palace.[112] Clinton gave a talk on globalization and delivered a lecture titled "Embracing Our Common Humanity" at the Manila Hotel, attended by politicians, business executives and members of the media.[111][112] The next day, Clinton quietly left for Singapore.[111]

On November 11, 2010, Aquino delivered his departure statement[113] at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), before leaving for his first official trip to Japan for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Yokohama, Japan.[114] On November 12, 2010, Aquino delivered his speech[115] during the APEC CEO Summit in Yokohama, Japan. On November 14, 2010, Aquino delivered his statement during the APEC Economic Leaders Meeting Retreat in Yokohama, Japan.

On November 15, 2010, Aquino signed Executive Order No. 13, abolishing thePresidential Anti-Graft Commission (PAGC) and transferring its investigative, adjudicatory and recommendatory functions to the Office of the Deputy Executive Secretary for Legal Affairs and the Office of the President.

On November 19, 2010, Aquino signed Executive Order No. 14, transferring the control and supervision of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) from theDepartment of Health (DOH) to the Office of the President.

On November 22, 2010, Aquino signed Proclamation No. 73, declaring November 23, 2010, as a national day of remembrance for the victims in the Maguindanao massacre.

On December 9, 2010, Aquino signed Executive Order No. 18, abolishing agencies under the Office of the President such as the Presidential Anti-Smuggling Group (PASG) and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Global Warming and Climate Change.

On December 20, 2010, Aquino signed Executive Order No. 15, granting combat allowance to uniformed members of the Armed Forces of the

Philippines (AFP) who are directly involved in combat operations against members of National Security Threat Groups.

On December 21, 2010, Aquino signed Executive Order No. 16, extending the term of the SOCCSKSARGEN Area Development Office (ADPO) from January 2010 to December 2016.

On December 22, 2010, Aquino signed Executive Order No. 17, forming the EDSA People Power Commission, designated to organize the nationwide celebrations commemorating the 25th anniversary of the 1986 People Power Revolution in February 2011.

On December 30, 2010, Aquino signed Executive Order No. 19, extending the suspension of the grant of allowances and other incentives to members of the Board of Directors/Trustees of Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCCs) and Government Financial Institutions (GFIs).

On January 6, 2011, Aquino signed Executive Order No. 20, extending the duration of operation of the Presidential Middle East Preparedness Committee (PMECC), led by Special Envoy Roy Cimatu, to June 30, 2011.

On January 14, 2011, Aquino signed Executive Orders No. 21 and 22, reducing the rate of import duty on milling wheat, cement and cement clinker to zero under Section 104 of the Presidential Decree No. 1464, otherwise as the Tariff and Customs Code of 1978.[116]

On February 1, 2011, Aquino signed Executive Order No. 23, declaring a moratorium on the cutting and harvesting of timber in the natural and residual forests and creating the Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force.

On February 10, 2011, Aquino signed Executive Order No. 24, which prescribed rules to govern the compensation of members of the Board of Directors/Trustees in Government-Owned Controlled Corporations (GOCCs) andGovernment Financial Institutions (GFIs).

On February 24, 2011, Aquino signed Executive Order No. 26, declaring the implementation of a National Greening Program (NGP). The NGP will plant some 1.5 billion trees covering about 1.5 million hectares for a period ofsix years, from 2011 to 2016.

On February 28, 2011, Aquino signed Executive Order No. 27, implementing the reduction of real property taxes and interest/penalties assessed on the power generation facilities of independent power producers under

build-operate transfer contracts with Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations in Quezon.

On March 14, 2011, Aquino signed Executive Order No. 28, reorganizing the Single Negotiating Panel into the Philippine Air Negotiating Panel and thePhilippine Air Consultation Panel, mandated by the Philippine government'sDomestic and International Civil Aviation Liberalization Policy.

On March 14, 2011, Aquino signed Executive Order No. 29, authorizing the Civil Aeronautics Board and the Philippine Air Panels to "pursue more aggressively" the International Civil Aviation Liberalization Policy.

On March 14, 2011, Aquino also signed Executive Order No. 30, transferringthe Land Registration Authority (LRA) from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources(DENR) to the Department of Justice (DOJ).

On July 25, 2011, at the Batasang Pambansa, in Quezon City, Aquino delivered his second State of the Nation Address (SONA).

On August 4, 2011, Aquino left the country unannounced to hold unprecedented talks with Murad Ebrahim, chair of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), in Tokyo, Japan.[117]

President Aquino and Pope Francis I at Malacañang on January 16, 2015.

CriticismsNoynoyingMain article: Noynoying

Noynoying (pronounced noy-noy-YING[118] or noy-NOY-ying[119]) is a protest gimmick in the form of a neologism that Aquino's critics have used to question his work ethic, alleging his inaction on the issues of disaster response and rising oil prices. A play on the termplanking and Aquino's

nickname, Noynoying involves posing in a lazy manner, such as sitting idlywhile resting their heads on one hand, and doing nothing.

CabinetThis section's factual accuracy may be compromised due to out-of-date information. Please update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information. (April 2012)

Title Name Term

PresidentHead of State

Head of Government

Benigno S. Aquino III 2010-

Vice President Jejomar Binay 2010-

Cabinet Secretary Jose Rene Almendras 2012-

Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, Jr. 2010-

Press Secretary Edwin Lacierda 2010-

Secretary of Agrarian Reform Virgilio de los Reyes 2010-

Secretary of Agriculture Proceso Alcala 2010-

Secretary of Budget and Management Florencio Abad 2010-

Secretary of Education Br. Armin Luistro FSC 2010-

Secretary of Energy

Jose Rene Almendras

2010-2012

Carlos Jericho Petilla 2012-

Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources Ramon Paje 2010-

Secretary of Finance Cesar Purisima 2010-

Secretary of Foreign Affairs

Alberto Romulo 2010-2011

Albert del Rosario 2011-

Secretary of Health

Dr. Enrique Ona 2010-2014

Janette Garin (Acting) 2014-

Secretary of the Interior and Local Government

Jesse M. Robredo 2010-2012

Mar Roxas 2012-

Secretary of Justice Leila de Lima 2010-

Secretary of Labor and Employment Rosalinda Baldoz 2010-

Secretary of National Defense Voltaire Gazmin 2010-

Secretary of Public Works and Highways Rogelio Singson 2010-

Secretary of Science and Technology Engr. Mario Montejo 2010-

Secretary of Social Welfare and Development Corazon Soliman 2010-

Secretary of Tourism

Alberto Lim 2010-2011

Ramon Jimenez, Jr. 2011-

Secretary of Trade and Industry Gregory Domingo 2010-

Secretary of Transportation and Communications

Jose de Jesus 2010-2011

Manuel Roxas 2011-2012

Joseph Emilio Abaya 2012-

Chief of the Presidential Management Staff Julia Abad 2010-

Director-General of theNational Economic and Development Authority

Arsenio Balisacan 2012-

Presidential Assistant for Food Security and Agriculture Modernization

Francis Pangilinan 2014-

Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery Panfilo Lacson 2013-

2015

Judicial appointmentsAquino appointed the following to the Supreme Court of the Philippines:

Maria Lourdes Sereno – August 13, 2010 (as Associate Justice); August 25, 2012 (as Chief Justice).[68]

Bienvenido L. Reyes – August 16, 2011 Estela M. Perlas-Bernabe – September 16, 2011 Mario Victor F. Leonen - November 21, 2012 Francis H. Jardeleza - August 19, 2014 (his last SC justice appointee)

Personal lifeThis article may require cleanup to meet Wikipedia's quality standards. The specific problem is: grammar. Please helpimprove this article if you can. (September 2014)

Aquino is the first bachelor president, being single and having no children. Aquino previously had a relationship with Shalani Soledad, a Valenzuela councilor and niece of former Senator Francisco Tatad.[120][121]

[122] In November 2010, Aquino confirmed that he and Soledad had broken up.[123] He had previously dated Korina Sanchez,[120][124] Bernadette Sembrano,[120] and Liz Uy.[123][125] Aquino dated Bunny Calica, a teacher who is into earlyeducation and is working with Korean students.[126] Aquino and Calica first met around 2007, and didn't see each other again until 2011.[126]

Aquino had been an enthusiast of shooting and billiards,[2][4] but today, he relaxes by playing video games since he could no longer engage in those two pastimes.[127] He is ahistory buff,[2][4] an audiophile and enjoys listeningto music.[4][127] Aquino does not drink alcoholic beverages,[3] but he is a smoker, and has admitted to smoking up to three packs a day.[128] During his presidential campaign, Aquino promised to quit smoking if he wins the election.[129] However, he decided later he would not quit smoking, preferring to do it at the "appropriate" time.[130][131] He also said he is notkeen on being a poster boy for anti-smoking advocates.[132]

Ancestry[show]Ancestors of Benigno Aquino III

Honours and AwardsThese are the list of honours and awards made by President Aquino.

Fordham University - Honorary doctoral degree in Economics Centro Escolar University - Honorary doctoral degree in Economics Kasetsart University - Honorary doctoral degree in Economics University of the Philippines, Diliman - Honorary doctoral degree in

Law