Manuel Roxas, Filipino lawyer and politician, 5th President of the Philippines (d. 1948)

Manuel Acuña Roxas, born Manuel Roxas y Acuña on January 1, 1892, and passing away on April 15, 1948, was a pivotal figure in Philippine history. His name, pronounced [maˈnwel aˈkuɲa ˈɾohas] in Tagalog, is synonymous with the dawn of the independent Philippine Republic. He holds the distinction of being the fifth President of the Philippines, serving from 1946 until his untimely death in 1948. His presidency marked a critical juncture, as he led the nation during its transition from a Commonwealth under American sovereignty to a fully independent republic.

Before assuming the highest office, Roxas had an extensive and distinguished career in public service. A brilliant lawyer, he quickly rose through the ranks of Philippine politics. His journey included serving as Governor of Capiz, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and a key figure in the pre-war Commonwealth government under President Manuel L. Quezon. His experience spanned both the legislative and executive branches, preparing him for the immense task of nation-building post-World War II. During the Japanese occupation, his actions became a subject of controversy, but he was ultimately cleared of collaboration charges, allowing him to play a central role in post-war politics.

Leading the Nation: From Commonwealth to Republic

Manuel Roxas served a brief but immensely significant term as the third and last President of the Commonwealth of the Philippines, from May 28, 1946, to July 4, 1946. This short period was a direct prelude to the formal transfer of sovereignty. On July 4, 1946, a historic day for the Philippines, the United States officially ceded its sovereignty over the archipelago, marking the birth of the independent Third Philippine Republic. Manuel Roxas thus became its first President, embarking on a monumental mission to rebuild a nation devastated by the ravages of World War II.

The Challenges and Policies of a Nascent Republic

Roxas's presidency was fraught with immense challenges, yet he laid crucial foundations for the newly independent state. The Philippines in 1946 was a nation in ruins, facing a myriad of issues:

• Massive War Damage: Cities, infrastructure, and the economy were shattered, requiring extensive rehabilitation efforts. Manila, for instance, was one of the most destroyed cities in the world after the war.
• Economic Stagnation: Agricultural production was severely disrupted, industries were crippled, and trade was minimal.
• Peace and Order Issues: The Hukbalahap, a former anti-Japanese guerilla movement, transformed into an agrarian rebellion, posing a significant security threat in Central Luzon.
• Political Divisions: The issue of collaboration with the Japanese during the occupation caused deep rifts in society, which Roxas attempted to heal through a general amnesty for those accused of collaboration.

In response to these formidable challenges, President Roxas implemented several key policies and initiatives:

• Rehabilitation and Reconstruction: He worked tirelessly to secure aid for the war-torn nation, notably through the Philippine Rehabilitation Act and the War Damage Act from the United States, which provided much-needed funds for reconstruction.
• Economic Policy and the Bell Trade Act: To stimulate the economy, Roxas supported the controversial Philippine Trade Act of 1946, commonly known as the Bell Trade Act. This agreement, while granting duty-free entry of Philippine products to the U.S. market, also controversially required the Philippines to amend its constitution to grant U.S. citizens and corporations "parity rights" – equal rights with Filipinos in the exploitation of natural resources and the operation of public utilities. This provision became a significant point of contention and a symbol of perceived economic dependence on the United States.
• Monetary Policy: He was instrumental in the establishment of the Central Bank of the Philippines in 1949 (though actual operations began after his death, the groundwork was laid during his term), crucial for managing the nation's currency and financial system.
• Foreign Relations: Roxas cemented the country's special relationship with the United States through various agreements, including the Military Bases Agreement of 1947, which allowed the U.S. to maintain military facilities in the Philippines for 99 years.

An Untimely Passing and Enduring Legacy

President Manuel Roxas's term was tragically cut short. He died of a heart attack on April 15, 1948, while delivering a speech at Clark Air Base. His sudden passing left the nascent republic under the leadership of Vice President Elpidio Quirino. Despite the brevity of his tenure, Roxas's presidency was instrumental in steering the Philippines through its immediate post-war recovery and in establishing the fundamental structures of its independent government. He is remembered as the leader who guided the nation into its new era of self-governance, facing the monumental task of rebuilding from the ashes of war and navigating the complexities of newly acquired independence.

Frequently Asked Questions About Manuel Roxas

Who was Manuel Roxas?

Manuel Roxas was the fifth President of the Philippines and the first President of the independent Third Philippine Republic. He served from 1946 until his death in 1948.

When did Manuel Roxas serve as President?

He served as the third and last President of the Commonwealth of the Philippines from May 28, 1946, to July 4, 1946. Subsequently, he became the first President of the independent Third Philippine Republic, serving from July 4, 1946, until his death on April 15, 1948.

What was the significance of July 4, 1946, for the Philippines?

July 4, 1946, is the date when the United States officially recognized the full independence of the Philippines, ceding its sovereignty and marking the formal establishment of the Third Philippine Republic.

What were some key challenges during Roxas's presidency?

His presidency faced immense challenges, including widespread war devastation and economic collapse, the Hukbalahap rebellion, and issues related to post-war collaboration with the Japanese.

What was the Bell Trade Act and why was it controversial?

The Bell Trade Act (Philippine Trade Act of 1946) was an agreement with the U.S. that provided duty-free trade but controversially required the Philippines to grant "parity rights" to U.S. citizens and businesses in exploiting natural resources, which was seen by many as an infringement on Philippine sovereignty and economic independence.