Pres. History.docx

Era:

Emilio Aguinaldo January 23, 1899 – March 23, 1901

First President of the Philippines President of the First Republic

Constitution:

1899 Malolos Constitution

Preceded by:

position established

Succeeded by:

position abolished

Inauguration:

January 23, 1899, Barasoain Church, Malolos, Bulacan (aged 29)

Capital: Vice President:

Malolos, Bulacan None

Revolutionary leader Apolinario Mabini (January 21-May 7, 1899); Prime Minister: Emilio Aguinaldo was born on Pedro Paterno (May 7-November 13, 1899) March 22, 1869, in Kawit, Cavite, Philippines. On January 1, 1896, Emilio Aguinaldo also known as Kapitan Miong married Hilaria del Rosario from Imus. They had five (5) children namely; Miguel, Carmen, Emilio Jr., Maria and Cristina. In 1898, he achieved independence of the Philippines from Spain and was elected the first president of the new republic under the Malolos Congress. He also led the Philippine-American War against U.S. resistance to Philippine independence. Aguinaldo died of a heart attack on February 6, 1964 in Quezon City, Philippines.

I. Politics (Administration) General Emilio F. Aguinaldo established Dictatorship when he returned in Cavite after being exiled from Hong Kong, a month later Apolinario Mabini persuaded him to change his government into Revolutionary Government. It was also in his term when Malolos Republic having its own Congress, Constitution, and National and Local Administration was functioning as a government. It adopted the Spanish fiscal system; the same was done in the existing taxes. The main problem in his administration is that he was young and inexperienced and that there were no other president’s experiences before him to follow.

II. Economics The economy is at its lowest state during the Fil-am war. Famine hits Filipino people. Even before the said war, the country is already experiencing a great mishap in economy because of Spaniards. Resources that belongs to the Philippines are continuously being taken, many landless Filipinos specially farmers and others willing to be treated as slaves just to earn for living.

III. Programs (Reforms) War taxes and voluntary contributions were solicited from the people. A national loan was launched. President Aguinaldo ordered schools open. Elementary education was made compulsory and free. The Director of Public instruction appointed Enrique Mendiola, a Filipino instructor who founded "Instituto de Burgos". The school offer courses in agriculture, surveying, and commerce, as well as a complete A.B course. On October 1898 a government decree fixed the opening date of the "Universidad Literia". Courses offered were Medicine, Surgery, Pharmacy, and Notary Public. The President of the Philippines appointed the professors thereof. They, in turn, choose the University Highest Official. The first to occupy this position was Joaquin Gonzales. Later, he was succeeded by Dr. Leo Ma. Guerrero.

IV. National Issues National issues within Aguinaldo’s presidency revolve in the Filipino-American war. Filipino army is not considered a real army because they lack qualities and proper training. On the first phase of the war, the Filipino outnumbered the Americans but our arms don’t have enough ammunition, funds and military supplies which resulted in defeat. Famine and illness due to war is also spreading in the country.

V. Transnational Issues Citizens look unto the Americans as their hero from the Spanish people, but in reality the country did not gain a hero in Americans but a new conqueror. Benevolent Assimilation Proclamation reveals the hidden agenda of the Americans in helping the Philippines against the Spain. They wanted to drive away the Spaniards so they could replace them. Without the country knowing, under the Treaty of Paris Philippines is sold for $20 Million to the Americans by the Spain. This means that the control of the country is now in the hands of the Americans. Era Constitution Successor Inauguration Capital Vice-President Chief Justice Manuel L. Quezon First term: November 15, 1935-December 30, 1941 Second term: December 30, 1941-August 1, 1944

Speaker of the National Assembly

Second President of the Philippines First President of the Commonwealth of the Philippines 1935 Constitution Amended 1935 Constitution Sergio Osmeña November 15, 1935, Legislative Building, Manila (aged 57) December 30, 1941, Malinta Tunnel, Corregidor (aged 63) November 15, 1943, Washington, D.C. (aged 65) Manila, Philippines (1935-1942) Shoreham Hotel, Washington, D.C., U.S.A. (1942-1944) Sergio Osmeña (November 15, 1935-December 30, 1941; December 30, 1941-August 1, 1944) Ramon Avanceña (April 1, 1925-December 24, 1941) Jose Abad Santos (December 24, 1941-May 2, 1942) Gil Montilla (November 25, 1935-December 30, 1938) Jose Yulo (January 24, 1939-December 30, 1941)

(term extended on November 15, 1943)

Manuel Quezon was governor of Tayabas province before being elected a representative in 1907 to the newly established Philippine Assembly. In 1909 Quezon was appointed resident commissioner for the Philippines, entitled to speak, but not vote, in the U.S. House of Representatives; during his years in Washington, he fought for a speedy grant of independence by the U.S., which happened in 1935.

I. Politics (Administration) Manuel Quezons’ Commonwealth administration is a presidential system of government with unicameral legislature. Filipinos reelected Quezon, Osmeña, and legislators to fill seats in the newly created bicameral congress on November 11, 1941. During his term, from the seven departments existing before his administration he added two more; the National Defense and Public Welfare.

II. Economics Manuel L. Quezon made several institutions and programs to attend to the needs of the economy on his term. Healthy economy is hard to establish back then because we became independent on U.S. His effort to fix the economy was see on the Commonwealth Act No. 2 which established the

National Economic Council, this act helps solve social imbalance, land maldistribution, provide land to the landless and farmers, provide housing and create an employment to the unemployed.

III. Programs (Reforms) Commonwealth Act No. 1, President Manuel L. Quezon asks for General McArthur service to devise an effective yet affordable National Defense Plan for the Philippines. This defense plan was later abolished because 16 Million is not sufficient enough to fund the act. A compulsory military training for men age 20 in a period of 5 ½ months and pre-military training in high school was enforced. Quezon also push the standardization of ROTC (Reserve Officers’ Training Corps) programs in colleges and universities. In response to social imbalance and land maldistribution; National Economic Council as an adviser and Social Justice Program that bought lands and distribute it to farmers and landless Filipinos. Law also requires a written agreement between farmers, tenants and landlords to protect citizens from an unfair rent increase. Court of Industrial Relations was established for the creation of Agricultural and Industrial Bank, National Land Settlement Administration and National Housing Commission to provide housing, National Relief Administration for calamities and for finding employment to the unemployed. Institute of National Language was established for studying the issue of choosing the country’s mother tongue; National Council of Education to guide the education policies, adult education program, for vocational schools, also in charge of the Education Act of 1940. He also makes Pilipino the national language.

IV. National Issues Regaining independence is tough battle Filipino face and with Quezon it became possible. He fought for Philippines to be self-governed, prepared us to be independent from America and later on lead our country to its full independent government. He tried to solve problems inherited from Spanish and Americans Administrations, fought graft and corruption in the country, build up the national defense and strengthen economy that is dependent on the U.S. Filipino pays attention on choosing the mother tongue and because of this the Institute of Nat’l Language was created, he was known as “Ama ng Wikang Pambansa”.

V. Transnational Issues Upon the Commonwealth Act No.1 America seems threaten because they held back weapons and showed lack of support for the defense plan. Still, Quezon aims for amity and friendship, fairness and square deals in the country’s relations with other nations, their citizens and subjects. Era Constitution Predecessor Successor Inauguration

Jose P. Laurel October 14, 1943-August 17, 1945

Capital Vice President Chief Justice Speaker of the National Assembly

Third President of the Philippines President of the Second Republic 1943 Constitution Position established Position abolished October 14, 1943, Legislative Building, Manila (aged 51) Manila None Jose Yulo (February 5, 1942-August 1945) Benigno S. Aquino Sr. (October 17, 1943February 2, 1944)

Jose P. Laurel born on March 9, 1891 in the small town of Tanuan in Batangas, his parents were Sotero Laurel, Sr. and Jacoba García. He studied and received his law degree at the University of the Philippines in 1915 and at Yale University in 1920. In 1957, he retired from the political arena and led a normal life with his former wife, Paciencia Hidalgo concentrating on the development of the Lyceum of the Philippines established by his family. Jose Laurel died on November 5, 1959.

I. Politics (Administration) Jose P. Laurel’s administration is also known as the “Puppet Republic”. Laurel was among the Commonwealth officials instructed by the Japanese Imperial Army to form a fake government when they invaded and occupied the country. He willingly served under the Japanese Military Administration.

II. Economics During Laurel's term as President, hunger was the main problem. Prices of essential supplies rose. The government exerted every effort to increase production and bring consumers' goods under control. However, the greediness of the Japanese prevails.

III. Programs (Reforms) He formulated the 1943 constitution; a temporary constitution expected to last until the end of war, this established a republican government with a strong executive that states the duties and obligations of the people rather than their rights and privileges. Laurel issued an executive order organizing the Kapisanan sa Paglilingkod sa Bagong Pilipinas (KALIBAPI) as the sole political organization to back the government.

IV. National Issues Filipino people were torn in half whether he’s a hero or a traitor; others think that he was ready to obey the orders of the Japanese Army for the “maintenance of peace and order and the promotion of well-being of our people” on the contrast the idea that he did not make any negative actions against the Japanese Government when they occupied the Philippines. Food Shortage; during his presidency, the Philippines faced a crippling food shortage which demanded much of Laurel's attention.

V. Transnational Issues Mickey Mouse money enforced by the Japanese Army it has very low value caused by severe inflation. Inflation plagued the country with the devaluation of the Japanese money, evidenced by a 60% inflation experienced in January 1944.

Era

Sergio Osmeña (succeeded) August 1, 1944-May 28, 1946

Constitution Predecessor Successor Inauguration Capital Vice-President Chief Justice Senate President Speaker of the House

Fourth President of the Philippines Second President of the Commonwealth of the Philippines Amended 1935 Constitution Manuel L. Quezon Manuel Roxas August 1, 1944, Washington, D.C. (aged 67) Manila None Manuel V. Moran (July 9, 1945-March 20, 1951) Manuel Roxas (July 9, 1945-May 25, 1946) Jose C. Zulueta (June 9-December 20, 1945)

Sergio Osmeña was born in the island of Cebu on Sept. 9, 1878. He entered the San Carlos Seminary in Cebu in 1889 and then earned his bachelor's degree from San Juan de Letran College. His schooling was interrupted by the 1896 revolution and the Filipino-American War. After the revolutionary struggles he continued his studies until he passed the bar examination on Feb. 20, 1903. On March 5, 1906, Osmeña was elected provincial governor of Cebu at the age of 28. Osmeña assumed the presidency in 1944 after the death of Quezon on August 1, 1944 and sat until May 28, 1946.

I. Politics (Administration) After the war, Osmeña restored the Commonwealth government and the various executive departments. On 8 August 1944, President Osmeña issued Executive Order 15-W reorganizing and uniting the Executive Departments of the Commonwealth government.

II. Economics During his time when the country is still recovering from the damage of the war; the Philippine National Bank has been rehabilitated and the country joined the International Monetary Fund. To help the economy be somewhat stabilized.

III. Programs (Reforms) 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. To prepare for the forthcoming independent status of the Philippine, President Osmeña created the Office of Foreign Relations. President Osmeña 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.

IV. National Issues Death of former president Manuel L. Quezon; Osmeña praise him and his doings in one of his inauguration speech.

V. Transnational Issues The Bell Trade Act is very controversial that it took two terms before the issue settled down. This is where the public hears the Act, spreads it, until eventually the issue is in every corner of the country.

Era Constitution Predecessor Successor Inauguration Capital Vice-President Chief Justice Senate President Speaker of the House

Fifth President of the Philippines Third and last President of the Commonwealth First President of the Third Republic Amended 1935 Constitution Sergio Osmeña Elpidio Quirino May 28, 1946, Legislative Building, Manila (aged 54) July 4, 1946, Independence Grandstand, Manila (aged 54) Manila Elpidio Quirino (May 28, 1946-April 17, 1948) Manuel V. Moran (July 9, 1945-March 20, 1951) Jose Avelino (May 25, 1946-July 4, 1946; July 5, 1946February 21, 1949) Eugenio Perez (May 25, 1946-July 4, 1946; July 5, 1946-December 30, 1949)

Manuel Roxas First term: May 28, 1946 – July 4, 1946 Second term: July 4, 1946 – April 15, 1948

Manuel Acuña Roxas (January 1, 1892 – April 15, 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.

I. Politics (Administration) Prior to the Philippine national elections of 1946, at the height of the last Commonwealth elections, Roxas became Liberal Party’s candidate for President. The Nacionalistas, on the other hand, had Osmeña for President. Osmeña refused to campaign, saying that the Filipino people knew his reputation. On the April 23, 1946, Roxas won 54 percent of the vote, and the Liberal Party won a majority in the legislature.

II. Economics Since the country was severely damaged by the war, the economy was struggling because of low output growth and high unemployment rates. Production became low because farms and factories were ruined. Unemployment rates were rising at a fast pace; because businesses were closing, there were no more jobs available for people. The reconstruction cost of these buildings reached 126 million pesos. Also, there was an annual lack of budget of about 200 million pesos.

III. Programs (Reforms) The approval of the Bell Trade Act (The Philippine Rehabilitation Act and the Philippine Trade Act); the US congress offered 800 million dollars as rehabilitation money in exchange of this. The act states that U.S. citizens and corporations were granted equal access to the natural resources of the country. Treaty of General Relations recognizing Philippine independence as of July 4, 1946 includes establishment of US bases and hand over American sovereignty over the Philippines. Laurel granted a General Amnesty to the guerrillas imprisoned during World War II and to those arrested for conspiring with Japan.

IV. National Issues Although Roxas was successful in obtaining rehabilitation funds from America to repair what has been destroyed in the Philippines, he was still criticized for his approval to the Bell Trade Act. Graft and corruption did not stop in the government. Scandals such as the surplus war property scandal, school supplies scandal and Chinese immigration scandals appeared during his time. People were infuriated at Roxas to the point that there were plans of assassinating him. Fortunately for the former president, he escaped an attempted murder by a Tondo barber, Julio Guillen, who threw a grenade on the platform at Plaza Miranda after the President addressed the rally of citizens.

V. Transnational Issues World War II paralyzed the whole country; its effect is excessive that $ 800 million is needed for the recovery of the Philippines. However, the president managed to find a resource for this amount. One criticism in Roxas’ administration is his friendship with the Americans. He was too close to them to the point that he allowed US military bases in the country, permitted trade restrictions for Filipinos, and gave special privileges for US property owners and investors.

Era Constitution Predecessor Successor Inauguration Capital Vice-President: Chief Justice Elpidio Quirino First term: April 17, 1948-December 30, 1949 (succeeded) Second term: December 30,1949-December 30, 1953 (elected)

Sixth President of the Philippines Second President of the Third Republic Amended 1935 Constitution Manuel Roxas Ramon Magsaysay April 17, 1948, Malacañan Palace, Manila (aged 57) December 30, 1949, Independence Grandstand, Manila (aged 58) Manila; Quezon City Fernando Lopez (December 30, 1949-December 30, 1953) Ricardo M. Paras (April 2, 1951-February 17, 1961) Manuel V. Moran (July 9, 1945-March 20, 1951) Mariano Jesús Cuenco (February 21, 1949-December 30, 1951) Quintin Paredes (March 5, 1952-April 17, 1952) Camilo Osías (April 17, 1952-April 30, 1952; April 17, 1953-April 30, 1953) Eulogio Rodriguez (April 30, 1952-April 17, 1953; November 30, 1953-December 30, 1953) Jose Zulueta (April 30, 1953-November 30, 1953)

Senate President Elpidio Rivera Quirino (November 16, 1890 – February 29, 1956) was a Filipino politician, Speaker of the and the sixth President of Eugenio Perez (July 5, 1946-December 30, 1953) House the Philippines. A lawyer by profession, Quirino entered politics when he became a representative of Ilocos Sur from 1919 to 1925. After the war, Quirino was elected vice-president in 1946 election, after the death of the incumbent president Manuel Roxas in 1948, he succeeded the presidency. 1949 presidential election, he won the president's office under Liberal Party. After his term, he retired to his new country home in Novaliches, Quezon City, where he died of a heart attack on February 29, 1956.

I. Politics (Administration) Elpidio Quirino's six years as president were marked by notable postwar reconstruction, general economic gains, and increased economic aid from the United States. Basic social problems, however, particularly in the rural areas, remained unsolved, and his administration was tainted by widespread graft and corruption.

II. Economics The Philippines in Quirino’s term is still undergoing reconstruction of the damages from the war. Economy is not in great shape. Unemployment from the previous government is one of the main problem his administration faces. The country is struggling a high inflation rate and Quirino’s solution to this is to increase the wages of the people so that purchasing and producing will be balanced.

III. Programs (Reforms) He establish PACSA (President’s Action Committee on Social Amelioration), ACCFA (Agricultural Credit Cooperatives Financing Administration), Labor Management Advisory Board, and the Rural Banks of the Philippines to fix the economy of his administration. He also set up the Central Bank and Rural banking.

His second objective was to restore the faith and confidence of the people in the government body of the Philippines. To do this, he revived former president Quezon’s “fireside chats” which updated the people about the government via live radio broadcast from the Malacanang palace. He also concluded peace with Japan and granted amnesty to HUKBALAHAP members on June 21, 1948. In his efforts he achieved many of his goals including; industrial ventures heightened, irrigation improved, and the road system developed.

IV. National Issues Quirino’s administration was bombarded with controversies. The major controversy surrounding his governance was his bid for a second term in office in 1949. The elections wherein Quirino won was believed to be the most corrupt. He was also the first president to undergo an impeachment trial because he allegedly purchased a very expensive Golden Orinola using government money. Issues within the government make people despise Quirino.

V. Transnational Issues Philippines is not ideal for business in this time, it is evident that Americans were gradually decreasing their business. This causes unemployment rates to go higher together with other national problems the country’s economy is weakened. Era Constitution Predecessor Successor Inauguration Capital Vice-President Chief Justice Senate President Ramon Magsaysay December 30, 1953-March 17, 1957 Speaker of the House

Seventh President of the Philippines Third President of the Third Republic Amended 1935 Constitution Elpidio Quirino Carlos P. Garcia December 30, 1953, Independence Grandstand, Manila (aged 46) Quezon City Carlos P. Garcia (December 30, 1953-March 17, 1957) Ricardo M. Paras (April 2, 1951-February 17, 1961) Eulogio Rodriguez (January 25, 1954-December 30, 1957) Jose B. Laurel Jr. (January 25, 1954-December 30, 1957)

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.

I. Politics (Administration) Ramon Magsaysay was dubbed as “the guy” because many considered him as the president who really connected and represented the common man being a president with a sympathetic heart to the masses. He even opened Malacañang to the public.

II. Economics Rehabilitation of establishments ruined because of World War is still ongoing but there is a lack on fund to support this.

III. Programs (Reforms)

Started to resolve problems on land distribution through Land Reform Act of 1955 which gave emphasis on the welfare of the poor farmers who desired to own agricultural land. He also establish the National Resettlement and Rehabilitation Act (NARRA) to give land to some famers and the FACOMA (Farmers’ Cooperative and Marketing Association) to organize the farmers.

IV. National Issues Corruption among cabinet members and the endless attempts to bribe the president were the most common issues of that time where corruptions was very rampant among government officials and President Magsaysay was among the very few who resisted and had zero tolerance against corruption.

V. Transnational Issues 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 Sept. 8. Members of SEATO were alarmed at the possible victory of North Vietnam over South Vietnam, which could spread communist ideology to other countries in the region. Eighth President of the Philippines Era Fourth President of the Third Republic Constitution Amended 1935 Constitution Predecessor Ramon Magsaysay Successor Diosdado Macapagal March 1, 1957, Malacañan Palace, Manila (aged 61) Inauguration December 30, 1957, Independence Grandstand, Manila (aged 62) Capital Quezon City Diosdado Macapagal (December 30, 1957Vice-President December 30, 1961) Ricardo M. Paras (April 2, 1951-February 17, Carlos P. Garcia Chief Justice 1961) First term: March 18, 1957-December Eulogio Rodriguez (January 22, 1957-April 5, 30, 1957 (succeeded) Senate President 1963) Second term: December 30, 1957Daniel Z. Romualdez (January 27, 1958December 30, 1961 (elected) Speaker of the House December 30, 1961) García was born in Talibon, Bohol, to Policronio García and Ambrosia Polístico, who were both natives of Bangued, Abra. García grew up with politics, with his father serving as a municipal mayor for four terms. 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 among the top ten in the bar examination. On 24 May 1933, he married Leonila Dimataga, and they had a daughter, Linda García-Campos. After his failed re–election bid, García retired to Tagbilaran to resume as a private citizen. On 14 June 1971, García died from a fatal heart attack.

I. Politics (Administration) At the time of President Magsaysay's sudden death on 17 March 1957, Vice President García enplaned back for Manila. Upon his arrival he directly repaired to Malacañang Palace to assume the

duties of President. 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 President Magsaysay.

II. Economics Recovering from the World War II is almost finished yet the country is experiencing several economic challenges. The flow of imports had greatly increased making the Philippines heavily dependent of imported products. Imports coming from the United States were also allowed to enter the country without tariffs, the Philippines also promised not to change its exchange rate from $1 is to Php2.

III. Programs (Reforms) Filipino First Policy, law that was passed by the Garcia administration, to give local businessmen more priority over foreign investors. Products of Filipino businessmen were also preferred over foreign products. The Austerity Program was implemented by Garcia in order to curt the rampant graft and corruption within the country. The program centered on wise spending, industry, thrift, trustworthiness, integrity and honesty. The Garcia administration also put emphasis on cultural revival, due to the colonization of many countries he felt that the revival of the Filipino culture was needed. The award was given to Filipino artists, scientist, historians and writers. Bohlen-Serrano Agreement passed during his term, was a law that shortened the original 99 year lease of US bases here in the Philippines to 25 years; the agreement was renewable for periods only up to 5 years.

IV. National Issues Corruption was also widespread in the country since he had just inherited the Magsaysay administration. Several cases of corruption were found within the government offices during his administration.

V. Transnational Issues The focus of the Garcia administration is on the economic independence from foreign interest. Garcia was criticized by foreign countries, especially the United States for his anti-foreign policies.