101-474: Ramon del Fierro Magsaysay Sr. QSC GCGH KGE GCC (August 31, 1907 – March 17, 1957) was a Filipino statesman who served as the seventh President of the Philippines , from December 30, 1953, until his death in an aircraft disaster on March 17, 1957. An automobile mechanic by profession, Magsaysay was appointed military governor of Zambales after his outstanding service as a guerrilla leader during
202-587: A Chinese mestizo schoolteacher, nurse. He spent his grade school life somewhere in Castillejos and his high school life at Zambales Academy in San Narciso, Zambales . After college, Magsaysay entered the University of the Philippines in 1927, where he enrolled in a Mechanical Engineering course. He first worked as a chauffeur to support himself as he studied engineering; and later, he transferred to
303-463: A close friend to the president because of his charisma to the common people of Mindanao. Zotico was a local journalist and a writer from a family on Camiguin , (then sub-province of Misamis Oriental ), Zotico become a depository of complaints and an eye of the president in the region his diplomatic skills helped the government, moro and the rebels to learn the true situation in every city and municipalities. With his zero corruption mandate he recognized
404-422: A communist and called for the overthrow of the government. 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. 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
505-487: A decision from President Quirino. Quirino's administration excelled in diplomacy, impressing foreign heads of states and world statesmen by his intelligence and culture. He had official travels to the United States, European countries, and Southeast Asia. During his six years in office, he and his Foreign Affairs Secretary , Helen Cutaran Bennett , was able to negotiate treaties and agreements with other nations of
606-665: A first by a Philippine President and a tradition that still continues up to this day. He was then called "Mambo Magsaysay". Also dressed in barong tagalog was the elected vice-president Carlos P. Garcia . The oath of office was administered by Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines Ricardo Paras . For the first time, a Philippine president swore on the Bible on an inauguration. He swore on two Bibles, from each parents' side. As President, he
707-537: A future alliance of these neighboring nations for common protection and aid. The Quirino administration faced a serious threat in the form of the communist Hukbalahap movement. Although 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 then openly declared himself
808-609: 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. When news reached Magsaysay that his political ally Moises Padilla
909-581: A landslide. Elpidio Quirino y Rivera was born on November 16, 1890, at the Vigan Provincial Jail in Vigan , Ilocos Sur . He was the third child of Mariano Quirino y Quebral of Caoayan , Ilocos Sur and Gregoria Rivera y Mendoza of Agoo , La Union . A Chinese mestizo descendant, Quirino was baptized on November 19, 1890. His daughter, Victoria , became the youngest hostess of Malacañang Palace , at 16 years old, when Quirino ascended to
1010-425: A long way towards bringing to reality the rural improvement program advocated by President Magsaysay. President Magsaysay enacted the following laws as part of his Agrarian Reform Program: In early 1954, Benigno Aquino Jr. was appointed by President Magsaysay to act as his personal emissary to Luis Taruc , leader of the rebel group, Hukbalahap . Also in 1954, Lt. Col. Laureño Maraña, the former head of Force X of
1111-541: A number of his followers had either submitted themselves to the conditions of the Amnesty proclamation or surrendered their arms. In the face of countercharges from the Huk to the effect that the government had not satisfied the agreed conditions, President Quirino ordered a stepped-up campaign against dissidents, restoring once more an aggressive policy in view of the failure of the friendly attitude previously adopted. To bring
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#17327809080321212-476: A rather satisfactory conclusion this long drawn controversy between the two countries. 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 for Cebu City where he spoke at a convention of USAFFE veterans and the commencement exercises of three educational institutions, namely: University of the Visayas , Southwestern Colleges , and
1313-498: A regional conference sponsored by the Philippines. Taiwan and South 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, Taiwan, 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
1414-598: A representative of Ilocos Sur 's 1st district from 1919 to 1922. He was then elected as a senator from 1925 to 1935. 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 the United States Congress . In 1935, he was also elected to the 1935 Constitutional Convention that drafted the 1935 Philippine Constitution for
1515-548: A staff of twenty workers, following their period of stay in the Philippines, beginning in July 1950, finally submitted its report on October of the same year. The report made several proposals, most noteworthy, of which were that the United States on, President Quirino gamely and patriotically, took in the recommendations and sought to implement them. Thus, in November 1950, President Quirino and William Chapman Foster , representing
1616-559: A symbol of the country's contribution to the cause of freedom outside native shores. Other Philippine Combat Teams successively replaced the first contingent sent, and they all built a name for discipline, tenacity, and courage, until the armistice that brought the conflict to a halt. By the time of the creation of the Integrity Board, the Bell Mission, led by American banker Daniel W. Bell and composed of five members with
1717-485: A turn of achievement of Zotico that made him his compadre when Zotico named his fifth child after the President when he was elected in 1953, even making the President godfather to the boy. Magsaysay personally visited Mindanao several times because of this friendship, becoming the first President to visit Camiguin, where he was warmly received by thousands of people who waited for his arrival. To amplify and stabilize
1818-449: A year, of which more than 30,000 would 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, proved to be a highly successful morale booster restoring the people's confidence in their own government. He appointed Zotico "Tex" Paderanga Carrillo in 1953 as PCAC Chief for Mindanao and Sulu. He became
1919-580: Is the highest order of the Republic of the Philippines . It has been awarded to only a handful of Filipinos since its creation in 1946. The award was created by Joint Resolution No. 4 dated October 21, 1946, of the 1st Congress of the Philippines . A joint resolution of the Congress of the Philippines has the force of law. The Quezon Service Cross is a decoration conferred by the President of
2020-735: The ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation . There are a number of memorials dedicated to Quirino. In 1964, the municipality of Angaki in Ilocos Sur was renamed to Quirino in his honor. The province of Quirino , established in 1966, was named in his memory. Streets like the Quirino Avenue in Manila and Elpidio Quirino Avenue in Parañaque are named for him. The Novaliches–Ipo Road, where his retirement home
2121-596: The Anglo-Saxon bloc, as well as by the group of Spanish-speaking nations, thus underscoring the hybrid nature of the Filipino people's culture and upbringing. Incumbent President Quirino won a full term as President after the untimely death of President Manuel Roxas in 1948 in the November 1949 presidential election . His running mate, Senator Fernando López , won as Vice President . Despite factions created in
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#17327809080322222-618: The Central Intelligence Agency , had strong influence on the 1953 election, and candidates in the election fiercely competed with each other for U.S. support. In the election of 1953 , Magsaysay was decisively elected president over the incumbent Elpidio Quirino . He was sworn into office on Wednesday, December 30, 1953, at the Independence Grandstand in Manila . He was wearing the barong tagalog ,
2323-654: The First Lady . On July 17, 1948, Congress approved Republic Act No. 333, amending Commonwealth Act No. 502, declaring Quezon City as the new capital of the Philippines , replacing Manila . Nevertheless, pending the official transfer of the government offices to the new capital site, Manila remained to be such for all effective purposes. The term Hukbalahap was a contraction of Hukbong Bayan Laban sa mga Hapon (in English: The Nation's Army Against
2424-676: The Free World . Two Asian heads of state visited the country—President Chiang Kai-shek of the Republic of China in July 1949 and President Sukarno of Indonesia in January 1951. In 1950, at the onset of the Korean War , President Quirino authorized the deployment of over 7,450 Filipino soldiers to Korea, under the designation of the Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea (PEFTOK). While I recognise
2525-457: The Hukbalahap guerrillas. This success was due in part to the unconventional methods he took up from a former advertising expert and CIA agent, 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
2626-482: The Nacionalista and Democratic Parties formed a coalition to ensure Quirino's full defeat. On Election Day , Quirino was defeated by Magsaysay with a landslide vote margin of 1.5 million. Quirino was accused of a Golden arinola scandal which led him to losing the 1953 Philippine presidential election Upon assuming the reins of government, Quirino announced two main objectives of his administration: first,
2727-484: The Pacific War . He then served two terms as Liberal Party congressman for Zambales 's at-large district before being appointed Secretary of National Defense by President Elpidio Quirino . He was elected president under the banner of the Nacionalista Party . He was the youngest to be elected as president, and second youngest to be president (after Emilio Aguinaldo ). He was the first Philippine president born in
2828-517: The Supreme Court Ricardo Paras administered the oath of office. On the same day, Quirino delivered his short, 47-word inaugural remarks at the same room. His first official act as the President was the proclamation of a state mourning throughout the country for Roxas's death. Since Quirino was a widower, his surviving daughter, Victoria, would serve as the official hostess and perform the functions traditionally ascribed to
2929-660: 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. However, much as he tried to become a good president, Quirino failed to win the people's affection. Several factors caused the unpopularity of his administration, namely: Following his failed bid for re-election, Quirino retired to private life. He offered his dedication to serve
3030-533: The University of San Carlos . At the University of the Visayas, he was conferred an honorary Doctor of Laws. That same night, at about 1:00 am PST , 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 Mount Manunggal in Cebu, and that 36 of
3131-579: 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 as possible. The socio-economic value of the same could not be gainsaid and the people were profuse in their gratitude. Finally, vast irrigation projects, as well as enhancement of the Ambuklao Power plant and other similar ones, went
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3232-645: 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 (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 (ACCFA) to help
3333-477: 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
3434-666: The 20th century and the first to be born after the Spanish colonial era . Ramon del Fierro Magsaysay, of mixed Filipino, Spanish , and Chinese descent, was born in Iba, Zambales on August 31, 1907, to Exequiel de los Santos Magsaysay (April 18, 1874 in San Marcelino , Zambales – January 24, 1969 in Manila ), a blacksmith, and Perfecta Quimson del Fierro (April 18, 1886 in Castillejos , Zambales – May 5, 1981 in Manila ),
3535-435: The 56 aboard were killed. The actual number on board was 25, including Magsaysay. He was only 49. Only newspaperman Nestor Mata survived. Vice President Carlos P. Garcia , who was on an official visit to Australia at the time, returned to Manila and acceded to the presidency to serve out the remaining eight months of Magsaysay's term. An estimated two million people attended Magsaysay's state funeral on March 22, 1957. He
3636-551: The 60th anniversary of his death. Quirino was married to Alicia Syquía (1903–1945) on January 16, 1921. The couple had five children: Tomás, Armando, Norma, Victoria , and Fe Angela. On February 9, 1945, his wife and three of their children (Armando, Norma and Fe Angela) were killed by Japanese troops as they fled their home during the Battle of Manila . His brother Antonio Quirino was the owner of Alto Broadcasting System, which later merged with Chronicle Broadcasting Network to form
3737-722: 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: The Japanese 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. On August 12, 1955, President Magsaysay informed
3838-614: 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
3939-523: The Filipino people, becoming the "Father of Foreign Service " in the Philippines. In the evening of February 29, 1956, Quirino was preparing to attend a meeting when he suffered a massive heart attack. He died shortly thereafter at 6:35 pm, at the age of 65, at his retirement house in Novaliches , Quezon City. President Ramon Magsaysay later declared March 1 to 15 as a " period of national mourning ", wherein all flags at all government establishments in
4040-503: The House of Representatives prepared a five-count accusation ranging from nepotism to gross expenditures. Speaker Eugenio Pérez appointed a committee of seven, headed by Representative Lorenzo Sumulong to look into the 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
4141-525: The Institute of Commerce at José Rizal College (now José Rizal University ) from 1928 to 1932, where he received a baccalaureate in commerce. He then worked as an automobile mechanic for a bus company and shop superintendent. At the outbreak of World War II, he joined the motor pool of the 31st Infantry Division of the Philippine Army . When Bataan surrendered in 1942, Magsaysay escaped to
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4242-638: The Japanese Soldiers), members of which were commonly referred to as Huks . With the expiration of the Amnesty deadline on August 15, 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, Huk leader Luis Taruc surreptitiously fled away from Manila, even as
4343-689: The Japanese government, through Prime Minister Ichiro Hatoyama , that the Philippines accepted the Neri-Takazaki agreement. In view of political developments in Japan, the Japanese Prime Minister could only inform the Philippine government of the Japanese acceptance of said agreement on March 15, 1956. The official Reparations agreement between the two government was finally signed at Malacañang Palace on May 9, 1956, thus bringing to
4444-575: The PACSA, charges with extending aid, loans, and relief to less fortunate citizens. Both the policy and its implementation were hailed by the people as harbingers of great benefits. As part of his agrarian reform agenda, President Quirino issued Executive Order No. 355 on October 23, 1950, which replaced the National Land Settlement Administration with Land Settlement Development Corporation (LASEDECO) which takes over
4545-615: The Philippine Army with apathy and distrust. However, Magsaysay's term enhanced the Army's image, earning them respect and admiration. 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 ) and Mexico City , where he spoke at the Annual Convention of Lions International . By 1953, President Quirino thought
4646-711: The Philippine delegation. According to their account, 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. Following the reservations made by Ambassador Rómulo, 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
4747-444: The Philippine government and that of Japan. In the face of adamant claims of the Japanese government that it found impossible to meet the demand for the payment of eight billion dollars by the way of reparations, President Magsaysay, during a so-called "cooling off" 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. When
4848-402: The Philippines and is seldom awarded. Only six Filipinos have been conferred this decoration: Elpidio Quirino Elpidio Rivera Quirino ( Tagalog: [kiˈɾino] ; November 16, 1890 – February 29, 1956) was a Filipino lawyer and politician who served as the 6th President of the Philippines from 1948 to 1953. A lawyer by profession, Quirino entered politics when he became
4949-536: The Philippines with the concurrence of the Congress of the Philippines on Filipino citizens for "exemplary service to the nation in such a manner and such a degree as to add great prestige to the Republic of the Philippines, or as to contribute to the lasting benefit of its people". Nominations for the Quezon Service Cross need to state the services meriting the award and are made only in cases where
5050-718: The Philippines. Quirino had lost his own wife and three children to the Japanese, along with five other members of his family. Despite this great personal loss, he said, "I do not want my children and my people to inherit from me hate for people who might yet be our friends, for the permanent interest of the country." Due to the high anti-Japanese sentiment at the time, many observers considered his actions to be political suicide. Controversially, Quirino even pardoned Japanese war criminals who murdered, raped, and inflicted other serious crimes towards Filipinos during World War II. The Manila Bulletin , an influential Filipino newspaper, has described his actions as "a historic gesture of 'forgiving
5151-488: The Senate. Quirino ran for re-election to the presidency with José Yulo as his running mate in 1953 despite his ill health. His Secretary of National Defense , Ramon Magsaysay , resigned from office and joined the Nacionalista Party . Other prominent Liberals including Vice President Fernando Lopez, Ambassador Carlos Romulo, and Senators Tomás Cabili and Juan Sumulong also bolted Quirino's party. On August 22, 1953,
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#17327809080325252-962: The Soviet Union in the Cold War, or any other imperialistic nations, the Asian–African Conference was held in Bandung , Indonesia in April 1955, upon invitation extended by the Prime Ministers of India , Pakistan , Burma , Ceylon , and Indonesia . This summit 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. Rómulo , it
5353-695: The United States as a great builder in this country, I have never surrendered the sovereignty, much less the dignity and future of our country. In 1951, the Philippines signed the Mutual Defense Treaty with the United States to deter the threat of communism that existed during the Cold War . The military alliance remains to this day a key pillar of American foreign policy in Asia that also includes defense pacts with Japan, South Korea, Thailand, and Australia. In an apparent show of genuine forgiveness and an attempt to improve public relations with Japan, Quirino granted amnesty to all Japanese war criminals and Filipino collaborators who were serving time or on death row in
5454-422: The United States. Quirino assumed the presidency on April 17, 1948, taking his oath of office two days after the death of Manuel Roxas two days earlier of a heart attack after delivering a speech at Clark Air Base in Pampanga . The inauguration took place at the Council of State Room of the Malacañang Palace in Manila as the second non-scheduled extraordinary presidential inauguration . Associate Justice of
5555-402: The administration party, Quirino won a satisfactory vote from the public. It was the only time in Philippine history where the duly elected president, vice president and senators all came from the same party, the Liberal Party. The election was widely criticized as being corrupt, with violence and fraud taking place. Opponents of Quirino were beaten or murdered by his supporters or the police and
5656-426: The all out anti-dissidence campaigns against the Huks, they numbered less 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 in Taruc's surrender on May 17. Further cleanup operations of
5757-410: The chief executive. Following several hearings, on April 19, 1949, after a rather turbulent session that lasted all night, the congressional committee reached a verdict completely exonerating the President. In September 1949, the Fourth General Assembly of the United Nations elected delegate Carlos P. Romulo as its President . The first Oriental to hold the position, Romulo was strongly supported by
5858-445: The cleanest and most corruption-free in modern Philippine history; his rule is often cited as the Philippines's "Golden Years". Trade and industry flourished, the Philippine military was at its prime, and the country gained international recognition in sports, culture, and foreign affairs. The Philippines placed second on a ranking of Asia's clean and well-governed countries. His presidency is seen as people-centered as government trust
5959-417: The conference. 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
6060-403: The country greater freedom to industrialize while continuing to receive privileged access to US markets. The agreement replaced the unpopular Bell Trade Act , which tied the economy of the Philippines to that of United States. The culmination of a series of meetings to promote Afro-Asian economic and cultural cooperation and to oppose colonialism or neocolonialism by either the United States or
6161-444: The country were flown at half-mast as a sign of mourning. Quirino's remains lay in state at the Malacañang Palace from March 2 to 4. On March 5, a necrological service was held for him at the Legislative Building in Manila and his remains were later interred at the Manila South Cemetery . On February 29, 2016, his remains were relocated and reinterred at a special tomb site in the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig , in time for
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#17327809080326262-415: The date of the election on April 23, 1946. The act was signed by President Osmeña on January 5, 1946. Quirino was nominated as Senate President Manuel Roxas 's running mate. The tandem won the election. As Vice President, Quirino was appointed Secretary of Foreign Affairs. Quirino's five years as president were marked by notable postwar reconstruction, general economic gains and increased economic aid from
6363-437: The discontinued Cagayan Valley Railroad Extension project. Presidential elections were held on November 10, 1953, in the Philippines. Incumbent President Elpidio Quirino lost his opportunity for a second full term as President of the Philippines to former Defense Secretary Magsaysay. His running mate, Senator José Yulo lost to Senator Carlos P. García . Vice President Fernando López did not run for re-election. This
6464-519: The election continues to be seen as corrupt. Quirino's second inauguration took place on Friday, December 30, 1949, at the Independence Grandstand in Manila . Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Manuel Moran administered the oath of office. In May 1950, upon the invitation of President Quirino and through the insistent suggestion of United Nations General Assembly President Romulo, official representatives of India , Pakistan , Ceylon , Thailand , Indonesia , and Australia met in Baguio for
6565-400: 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. 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
6666-503: The functions of the Economic Development Corps (EDCOR), President Magsaysay worked for the establishment of the National Resettlement and Rehabilitation Administration (NARRA). 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. Again, it allocated some other twenty-five thousand to a little more than one thousand five hundred landless families, who subsequently became farmers . As further aid to
6767-437: 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 Malacañang Palace. Riding on the crest of the growing wave of resentment against the Liberal Party, a move was next hatched to indict President Quirino himself. Led by Representative Agripino Escareal, a committee composed of seven members of
6868-404: The government. To promote the smooth restructuring of the Armed Forces of the Philippines , the military were made to undergo a reorganization. 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
6969-417: 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. Frank Merrill 's famed guerrilla outfit and saw action at Sawang, San Marcelino, Zambales, first as a supply officer codenamed Chow and later as commander of a 10,000-strong force. Magsaysay
7070-420: The independent South Korea. The United Nations immediately took up this challenge to the security of this part of the world. Carlos Romulo soon stood out as the most effective spokesman for the South Korean cause. On behalf of the 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
7171-406: The men were guilty and Lacson, his 25 men and three other mayors of Negros Occidental municipalities were condemned to the electric chair . Magsaysay was also the general manager of the Manila Railroad Company between October and December 1951. His tenure later motivated him to modernize the rail operator's fleet after stepping into presidency. He also set the first steps in building what has been
7272-623: The newly established Philippine Commonwealth . In the new government, he served as secretary of the interior and finance under the cabinet of President Manuel L. Quezon . After World War II, Quirino was elected vice-president in the April 1946 presidential election , consequently the second and last for the Commonwealth and first for the Third Republic . After the death of incumbent President Manuel Roxas in April 1948, he succeeded to
7373-733: 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 the end of the Manila Conference. Thus were the terms of the Mutual Defense Pact between the Philippines and the United States duly implemented. The Magsaysay administration negotiated the Laurel-Langley Agreement which
7474-763: The people by bringing the government closer to the former. This was symbolically seen when, on inauguration day, President Magsaysay ordered the gates of Malacañan Palace be opened to the general public, who were allowed to freely visit all parts of the Palace complex. Later, this was regulated to allow weekly visitation. True to his electoral promise, he created the Presidential Complaints and Action Committee. This body immediately proceeded to hear grievances and recommend remedial action. Headed by soft-spoken, but active and tireless, Manuel Manahan , this committee would come to hear nearly 60,000 complaints in
7575-482: The people. After periodic surprise visits to the slums of Manila and other backward regions of the country, President Quirino officially made public a seven-point program for social security which included the following: President Quirino also created the Social Security Commission and appointed Social Welfare Commissioner Asuncion Perez as its chairperson. This was followed by the creation of
7676-535: The possible victory of North Vietnam over South Vietnam , which could spread communist ideology to other countries 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 . The active coordination of the Magsaysay administration with the Japanese government led to the Reparation Agreement. This
7777-506: The presidency on April 17, 1948. She married Luis M. Gonzalez in 1950, who became Philippine ambassador to Spain from 1966 to 1971. Quirino was engaged in private law practice of until he was elected as member of the Philippine House of Representatives for Ilocos Sur's 1st congressional district from 1919 to 1922, succeeding Alberto Reyes. He served for only one term and was succeeded by Vicente Singson Pablo in 1922. Quirino
7878-470: The presidency. He won a full term under the Liberal Party ticket , defeating Nacionalista former president José P. Laurel as well as fellow Liberalista and former Senate President José Dira Avelino . The Quirino administration was generally challenged by the Hukbalahap , who ransacked towns and barrios. Quirino ran for president again in November 1953 but was defeated by Ramon Magsaysay in
7979-579: 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 date of the election on not later than April 30, 1946. Prompted by this congressional action, President Sergio Osmeña called the Philippine Congress to a three-day special session. Congress enacted Commonwealth Act No. 725, setting
8080-652: 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 his flight. He restored the people's trust in the military and in the government. Ushering a new era in Philippine government , President Magsaysay placed emphasis upon service to
8181-686: 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. 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 Colonel Azurin, and dispatched to Korea, where its members quickly won much renown for their military skill and bravery. The name of Captain Jose Artiaga, Jr., heroically killed in action, stands out as
8282-562: The remaining guerrillas lasted throughout 1955, cutting their number to less than 1,000 by year's end. The administration of President Magsaysay was active in the fight against the expansion of communism in Asia. 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". Members of SEATO were alarmed at
8383-564: The responsibilities of the Agricultural Machinery Equipment Corporation and the Rice and Corn Production Administration. 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 positions. Vice President Fernando Lopez was most instrumental through his courageous exposés, in securing such
8484-497: The rural people, 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. Along this line of help to the rural areas, President Magsaysay initiated in all earnestness
8585-498: The service performed or contribution made can be measured on the scale established by what the joint resolution terms "the benefaction" of the late President Manuel L. Quezon , after whom the decoration is named. The Quezon Service Cross was proposed by President Manuel Roxas . It is also referred to as the Congressional Quezon Service Cross , as conferment requires the approval of the Congress of
8686-418: 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 fears 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
8787-572: The unforgivable'". All of the convicts were released by December 1953. They had been tried by the American-operated Philippine War Crimes Commission or Filipino civil courts. The pardons contributed to the reconciliation between the Philippines and Japan which eventually led to a friendly relationship. On June 25, 1950, the world was astonished to hear the North Korean aggression against
8888-607: Was Chairman of the House National Defense Committee. In early August 1950, he offered President Elpidio Quirino a plan to fight the Communist guerrillas, 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 in September 1950. He intensified the campaign against
8989-768: Was a close friend and supporter of the United States and a 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 Southeast Asia, South Asia and the Southwestern Pacific. During his term, he made Malacañang literally a "house of the people", opening its gates to
9090-480: Was a trade agreement between the Philippines and 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
9191-653: 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. He was married to Luz Rosauro Banzon on June 16, 1933, and they had three children: Teresita (1934–1979), Milagros (b. 1936) and Ramon Jr. (b. 1938). Other Relatives Several of Magsaysay's relatives became prominent public figures in their own right: On April 22, 1946, Magsaysay, encouraged by his fellow ex-guerrillas,
9292-512: Was an agreement between the two countries, obligating the Japanese government to pay $ 550 million as reparation for war damages to the Philippines. Taking the advantage of the presence of U.S. Secretary John Foster Dulles in Manila to attend the SEATO Conference, the Philippine government took steps to broach with him the establishment of a Joint Defense Council. Vice-President and Secretary of Foreign Affairs Carlos P. Garcia held
9393-690: Was being tortured by men of provincial governor Rafael Lacson, he rushed to Negros Occidental , but was too late. He was then informed that Padilla's body was drenched in blood, pierced by fourteen bullets, and was positioned on a police bench in the town plaza. 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. Magsaysay even used this event during his presidential 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. In August 1954, Judge Eduardo Enríquez ruled
9494-416: Was decided to have the Philippines participate in the conference. Rómulo was asked to head the Philippine delegation. 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. He
9595-514: Was elected under the Liberal Party to the Philippine House of Representatives . In 1948, President Manuel Roxas chose Magsaysay to go to Washington, D.C. 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 term in the House of Representatives. During both terms, he
9696-506: Was first elected as a senator from the 1st senatorial district in 1925. He was re-elected in 1931 and served until the bicameral Congress was abolished in favor of the unicameral National Assembly of the Philippines . He was later secured a comeback to the Senate in 1941, but was not able to serve until 1945 due to World War II . Soon after the reconstitution of the Commonwealth government in 1945, Senators Manuel Roxas , Quirino and their allies called for an early national election to choose
9797-626: Was high among the Filipino people, earning him the nickname "Champion of the masses" and his sympathetic approach to the Hukbalahap rebellion that the Huk rebels were not Communists; they were simple peasants who thought that rebellion was the only answer to their sufferings. He also gained nationwide support for his agrarian reforms on farmers and took action on government corruption that his administration inherited from prior administrations. National Honors Military Medals (Foreign) Foreign Honors Quezon Service Cross The Quezon Service Cross ( Filipino : Krus ng Serbisyo ni Quezon )
9898-452: Was immediately joined by Rómulo, who categorically stated that his delegation believed that "a puppet is a puppet", no matter whether under a Western Power or an Asian state. In the course of the conference, Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru acidly spoke against the SEATO . Ambassador Rómulo delivered a stinging, eloquent retort that prompted Prime Minister Nehru to publicly apologize to
9999-472: Was posthumously referred to as the "Champion of the Masses" and "Defender of Democracy". After his death, vice-president Carlos P. Garcia was inducted into the presidency on March 18, 1957, to complete the last eight months of Magsaysay's term. In the presidential elections of 1957, Garcia won his four-year term as president, but his running mate was defeated. Magsaysay's administration was considered as one of
10100-733: Was the first Airborne Unit, the Scout Rangers , the Canine Unit, and the Cavalry Unit. These units all showed considerable ability. After a sweep by the Liberals in 1949, many Filipinos doubted the election result. 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
10201-413: Was the first time that an elected Philippine President did not come from the Senate . Moreover, Magsaysay began the practice in the Philippines of "campaign jingles" during elections, for one of his inclinations and hobbies was dancing. The jingles that were used during the election period was "Mambo Magsaysay" ", "We Want Magsaysay" , and "The Magsaysay Mambo" The United States Government , including
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