Manuel A. Roxas


Manuel Roxas

Last President
Philippine Commonwealth
May 28, 1946 - July 4, 1946

First President
Third Philippine Republic
July 4, 1946 - April 15, 1948

"Our noble aspirations for nationhood, long cherished and arduously contended for by our people, will be realized."

Manuel Roxas was born on January 1, 1892 in Capiz province. He finished his primary education in his hometown and his secondary education in Manila High School. He graduated with a Bachelor of Laws in the University of the Philippines previously named as YMCA law school and topped the bar exams.

Before he started his political career, he worked for Chief Justice Cayetano Arellano as his private secretary and taught law in the Philippine Law School. He had held positions such as municipal councilor, governor, congressman, senator and senate president, and a cabinet member. Approximately 27 years had passed since he started serving the government before he became president. He was the only president of Ilonggo ethnicity.

As House Speaker, he, together with Sergio Osmeņa, was responsible for securing the Hare-Hawes-Cutting Law from the United States which states the granting of Philippine Independence for ten years. During his time World War II broke out and he joined the army. He was assistant to General Douglas MacArthur. After the war, he ran for president and won.

Among the major decisions he made as president were the approval of United States of America-Republic of the Philippines Military Assistance Pact for U.S. continued control over Philippine armed forces thru JUSMAG, and the passing of the Agricultural Tenancy Act.

His administration lasted for only two years. He died of heart attack at Clark Field, Pampanga in April 15, 1948.

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