Manuel Roxas Administration (1946-1948)

Manuel A. Roxas Administration (1946-1948)

• Manuel Roxas hailed from Capiz in the Western Visayas
• He was the last president of the Commonwealth and the first president of the Third Republic
• Roxas strongly believed in a close relationship with the United States
• General Douglas MacArthur’s support helped Roxas win the 1946 election against Sergio Osmeña
• The decisions and plans made during Roxas’s administration favored the interests of the United States
• Roxas needed support from the United States to rebuild the country’s economy after the devastation of World War II
• Many people were unemployed
• Tax collection was low, leaving the government short of funds
• Many farmlands and factories got destroyed and closed
• Infrastructure like bridges, roads, and buildings had been severely damaged and are yet to be repaired
• Food supply was scarce, causing widespread hunger and malnutrition
• There is a shortage of hospitals and clinics due to the war
• Maintaining peace and order was a major challenge during Roxas’s administration
• Former guerrillas of the People’s Anti-Japanese Army (HUKBALAHAP) contributed to the challenge

Efforts in Governance

• Frequent encounters and conflicts transpired between Huk members and government forces
• The Huk members were considered enemies of the government on March 6, 1948
• The Roxas administration addressed those issues by creating agreements with the United State
• The War Surplus Agreement stipulated as all wartime remnants from the United State to belong to the Philippines
• All profits from selling those remnants will be exclusively used for the country’s rehabilitation
• Economic Parity Rights granted Americans equal rights to harness the country’s natural resources
• The Military Assistance Agreement established the Joint US Military Advisory Board (JUSMAG) to train the Armed Forces of the Philippines
• The Military Bases Agreement permitted the United States to establish military bases in the Philippines for 99 years
• Roxas oversaw economic recovery, establishing the Rehabilitation Finance Corporation to provide loans to private individuals and corporations
• Other initiatives were also pushed
• The National Tobacco Corporation and National Rice and Corn Corporation were created to support farmers and boost agricultural production

Elpidio R. Quirino as President (1948-1953)

• Elpidio Quirino, the vice-president, succeeded Manuel Roxas after his death
• He began while completing the remaining two years of Roxas’s term
• Born in Ilocos Sur in 1890
• While working, Quirino finished his law degree at the University of the Philippines
• Before becoming the president, Quirino served as the representative of Ilocos Sur, senator, secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs, and vice president
• Quirino focused on preserving peace and order, stimulating the economy through agriculture and industrialization, and restoring public trust

Presidential Action Initiatives

• Aimed at social justice
• Quirino established the Presidential Action Committee on Social Amelioration is also known as PACSA.
• To support farmers, the Agricultural Credit Cooperative Financing Administration got established
• Rural banks were established in municipalities, providing loans to local businesses, farmers, and fisherfolk
• As regard to nationwide industrialization, Quirino launched the Economic Mobilization Program to generate work
• He also set a minimum wage through the Magna Carta of Labor
• The decree to avoid abuse of low wages was implemented on June 17, 1953,

Ramon F. Magsaysay Presidency (1953-1957)

• Presidential aspirant to Partido Nacionalista during the 1953 elections
• Ramon F. Magsaysay’s victory over President Quirino brought him to prominence due to his charisma
• The late President is also known as “Champion of the Masses”
• His main goal was to improve the lives of ordinary people
• Magsaysay got familiar with the public by visiting remote places
• His administration listened to the needs the oppressed through the Presidential Complaints and Action Committee.
• He opened Malacañang to ordinary people, allowing them to voice their grievances
• Magsaysay’s administration also focused on the implementation of land reform through the 1954 Agricultural Tenancy Act
• Under the said Act, tenants became free to select their preferred system of land management on agricultural lands
• The National Resettlement and Rehabilitation Administration (NARRA) gave aid to anyone wishing to relocate

Carlos P. (1957-1961) Garcia Administration

• Garcia, born in Bohol, ascended to the presidency after Magsaysay's demise
• He won the subsequent election in 1957
• The "Filipino First Policy" promoted Filipino-owned businesses
• The austerity program was implemented to uphold culture
• Garcia believed the government should value Filipino citizens over foreign nationals, especially Americans
• The Garcia administration sought changes to military base agreements
• The Philippine flag raises along with the United States flag at the base
• Before the US military installs a missile on a military base, prior notice is necessary
• The military port of Manila also returned for Philippine uses
• The Garcia administration shortened the term of US use of military basis in the country from the past 99 years to only 25 years today
• Focus on cultural aspects, Garcia pushed on developing Philippine identity

Diosdado P. Macapagal (1961-1965) Governance

• Known as "the poor boy from Lubao," Macapagal came from humble beginnings
• He became a successful lawyer through scholarships
• In the 1961 election, Macapagal defeated Garcia
• Macapagal addressed unemployment and food production issues
• The Agricultural Land Reform Code (Republic Act 3844) aimed to have farmers rely on their expertise on land to satisfy the needs of their families
• Farmers can get loans to utilize and pay the tenant landlords that hold the 25% share of their produce
• The Congress who are hacienderos did not successfully enact laws that would push such measure

Foreign Relations of Garcia

• Shared similar values
• Garcia and Chiang Kai Shek (Taiwan leader) create a pact to push against communism.
• Congress passed Anti- Subversion law
• Garcia was part of Association of Southeast Asia with Thailand and the Federation of Malaya

Ferdinand E. Marcos (1965-1972)

• Born in Sarrat, Ilocos Norte
• Served as a representative of Ilocos Norte and a senator
• 1965: Marcos was the one who won against Diosdado Macapagal

Lack of Budget

• In order to accommodate local concerns
• Marcos’ administration borrowed money to IMF or the World Bank to work properly

Explore the challenges and policies of Manuel Roxas's presidency (1946-1948). As the last president of the Commonwealth and first of the Third Republic, Roxas focused on rebuilding the Philippines after World War II with strong US ties. His administration faced economic hardships, infrastructure damage, and maintaining peace.