Lesson XIV The Third Republic Essay Example

as a military aide after the Pearl Harbor incident. He acted as a mediator between the Army Commander and the Philippine government. Prior to Manuel Quezon's departure for Australia at the onset of the war, Roxas assumed the role of presidential secretary. This marked his move towards rehabilitation.

The third Republic commenced with a nation that had been greatly impacted by war. The responsibility of reconstructing and rehabilitating the country fell on Roxas' shoulders as the inaugural president. Roxas believed that without assistance and investment from the United States, the Philippines would be unable to survive or enhance its economy. While in Washington seeking support, Roxas informed the Americans that despite being geographically situated in the Orient, Filipinos were culturally, religiously, ideologically, and economically part of the Western world. Despite their brown skin color, their mindset and values closely resembled those of the Americans. Consequently, Roxas asserted that the Philippines could function as a broadcasting station for Americanism and advocate for their political and economic system.

Roxas asked for two loans: one of $25 million to be paid back in five years and another loan of $1 billion with a 1.5% interest rate over 30 years. In March 1947, the US Congress approved the $25 million loan, while UNRRA granted $10 million despite Roxas's request for $100 million. Furthermore, the Philippines received surplus military equipment worth $50 million from the United States and an additional loan of $60 million from the United States Rehabilitation and Finance Corporation. All this financial assistance was made possible by the Bell Trade Act.

< p style="text-align: justify">The Bell Trade Act, proposed by Congressman C. Jasper Bell, was enacted

by the United States Congress on April 30, 1946. This act set up a free trade relationship between the Philippines and the United States until 1954. After that, Philippine exports to the US would face a tariff that increased by 5% annually until 1974 when all Philippine exports would be taxed fully upon importation into the US.

President Manuel Roxas died on April 15, 1948 in Clark Field, Pampanga due to a sudden heart attack. His passing happened shortly after he affirmed the Philippines' strong bond with the United States during a speech. Concurrently, the Hukbalahap movement was also active.

Elpidio Quirino, the subsequent president, declared that his administration's focus would be on the economic reconstruction and the restoration of peace and order. This dedication aimed to uphold the people's trust and confidence in the government.

The Huks, initially led by Luis Taruc, emerged as a guerilla organization in 1942. Their core objective was to oppose the Japanese invasion of the Philippines. Throughout the war, this movement, which comprised mainly of peasants, actively worked towards establishing a free and democratic Philippines. Operating in Nueva Ejica, Tarlac, Pampanga, and Bulacan, the Huks proved to be the most influential underground resistance force against the Japanese. During the liberation of central and southern Luzon, the Huks played a crucial role in facilitating the entry of American forces. However, following the liberation, the Huks refused to surrender their weapons to the Americans. In response, the Americans progressively arrested and detained Huk members, including Luis Taruc. Taruc suspected that wealthy landowners had influenced the Americans against the Huks. Eventually, Taruc was released from detention due to widespread

peasant protests in Manila.

During Roxas' presidency, he banned and labeled them as lawless individuals and communists. Taruc, who later became a member of Congress, was disqualified from taking his seat. The rest of Roxas' abbreviated term was dedicated to pursuing Taruc and the unsuccessful attempt to eliminate the Huks.

President Quirino, recognizing the loss of faith and confidence in the government among the masses, decided to offer an unconditional amnesty to the Huks after negotiating with Luis Taruc. Upon arriving in Manila, Taruc was greeted with a hero's welcome. However, the Huks, doubting Quirino's sincerity, resumed their armed struggle.

On April 28, 1949, Mrs. Aurora Quezon and her daughter Baby, along with ten others, were ambushed and killed in Nueva Ecija. The responsibility for this tragic incident was placed on the Huks, although Taruc denied any participation.

Taruc later acknowledged that the aim of the Huk was to topple the government. As the Huk gained more power and support, the people of Manila became convinced that a government overthrow was possible. In response, Quirino became concerned and dispatched his Defense Secretary Ramon Magsaysay to persuade the Huks to align with the government by using the policy of attraction.

The Hukbalahap conflict ended when Magsaysay became President. As the President was successful in his policy of attraction and was already connected with the masses, the Huks soon lost popularity. In early 1954, Magsaysay sent journalist Benigno Aquino, Jr. as an emissary to Luis Taruc in order to convince him and his men to surrender. The mission succeeded with Taruc's unconditional surrender, resulting in his imprisonment. The majority of his followers

followed suit. The last leader of the remaining Huks, Jesus Lava, was captured in 1964. This occurred during the Quirino Administration.

Following President Roxas' death in 1948, Vice President Elpidio Quirino assumed the presidency. Quirino's main goals were to uphold the nation's economic revival and reinstate harmony and stability, as these factors played a vital role in gaining the people's trust and confidence.

The national elections on November 8, 1949 were won by Quirino from the Liberal Party (LP), defeating Dr. Jose P. Laurel from the Nacionalista Party (NP) and Jose Avelino from the revel Liberal. Fernando Lopez, also from LP, was elected as vice President. This election was considered to be the dirtiest and bloodiest in Philippine history, as observed by political analysts. Even in faraway Lanao Province in Mindanao, it was reported that birds, bees, monkeys, and even the deceased cast their votes for the "Liberal Party." This information can be found in the Bell Mission Report.

The Bell Trade Relations Act in 1946 enabled the Philippines and the US to engage in unrestricted trade until 1954. However, it became evident that the influx of American products into the Philippine market had a detrimental effect on the country's dollar reserves. Consequently, measures were promptly implemented concerning imports and foreign exchange. In 1950, President Quirino visited the US, despite President Truman having already dispatched a survey mission led by Daniel W. Bell, president of the American Security and Trust Co., to evaluate all facets of the Philippine economy.

The Bell report pointed out various issues affecting the country, such as inefficient production, low incomes, excessive imports, misdirected investments, mounting deficits,

government inefficiency, and corruption. To address these problems, the report suggested several reforms including improved public administration, increased production, higher taxes, better collection of government revenues, implementation of a minimum wage law, imposition of a tax on foreign exchange sales, and land reform. These were some of the accomplishments of Quirino.

The Quirino administration's most significant accomplishment was its success in neutralizing the influential HUkbalahap, thus fulfilling its objective of restoring peace and order. To achieve its goal of economic recovery, Quirino established the President's Action Committee on Social Amelioration (PACSA) to assist in improving the economic well-being of the masses. Quirino's term saw the construction of the Maria Cristina and Ambuklao Dam Projects in infrastructure development. Additionally, the Boy's Town of the Philippines was established to address social welfare concerns. As an exceptional ambassador of goodwill and friendship, Quirino frequently traveled and made strides in enhancing foreign affairs.

Under the Quirino administration, there were numerous accusations of graft and corruption, particularly pertaining to the $50 million scam involving US War Surplus Property. Approximately $20 million of this amount was subject to scrutiny. It was alleged that the Liberal Party took advantage of this scandal for their election campaign. Ramon Magsaysay rose as a popular figure during this era.

Magsaysay emerged as the winner in the presidential election, defeating Quirino. Carlos P. Garcia was elected as vice president. Magsaysay's popularity grew due to his successful campaign against the Huk communist guerillas. He revived the morale of the Philippine Armed Forces by rewarding soldiers who killed Huk members and offering cash incentives for information about them, including their leaders. Through his

aggressive military campaign, Magsaysay significantly weakened the once powerful Huks in rural areas. He became the first president to visit barrios, interact with peasants, show affection towards elderly individuals, carry babies, and work alongside farmers. This portrayed a government that deeply cared for its people.

During Magsaysay's administration, there was a strong focus on improving barrio life, which greatly increased his popularity among the masses. He ran for presidency under the Nationalista Party in November 1953 due to his determination to combat the Huks and other communist groups. Successfully defeating Quirino, he became the first Philippine president to wear the barong tagalog during his inauguration.

In September 1954, in conjunction with the US, France, Britain, Australia, New Zealand, and Pakistan, the Philippines entered into a treaty aimed at preventing communist expansion in Southeast Asia. This treaty led to the establishment of SEATO (Southeast Treaty Organization) in Manila.

The Philippine-Japan Reparation Agreement, which was signed in Manila on May 9, 1956 after lengthy negotiations, stated that Japan would pay a total of $300,000,000 over the course of 25 years. The objective of these payments was to provide compensation for the damages inflicted by Japanese forces during World War II.

Under Magsaysay's leadership, Malacanang was made open to the public as a representation of its dedication to the people. Furthermore, Magsaysay successfully campaigned for the enactment of the Land Tenure Reform Act in Congress to address the land requirements of farmers. Additionally, his tenure saw the establishment of the Social Security System (SSS), which aimed to provide security benefits solely for Filipino workers.

Magsaysay passed away in a plane crash on March 17, 1957

while traveling from Cebu to Manila. This resulted in Vice President Garcia assuming the presidency. The funeral of the late president was attended by around two million Filipinos, which also marked the start of the Garcia Administration.

Garcia, representing the Nacionalista party, was elected for a four-year term after serving out Magsaysay's unfinished term. In the November 1957 presidential election, he defeated Jose Yulo (LP) and other candidates. This was a significant moment in Philippine history as it was the first time that the president and vice president belonged to different political parties.

The National Economic council passed resolution no. 204 upon endorsement of the president, which was signed into law on August 28, 1958. This law, known as Garcia's Filipino First Policy, aimed to give preferential treatment to Filipino businessmen over foreigners. The Garcia administration also implemented the Austerity Program to encourage government budget savings. Additionally, Garcia took action on the Bohlen-Serrano Agreement, which shortened the lease of the US Bases from 99 years to 25 years and allowed for renewal every five years. Despite seeking reelection, Garcia was defeated by Diosdado Macapagal of the liberal party in the 1961 presidential election. Emmanuel Pelaez, also from the Liberal Party, was Macapagal's vice president during his administration.

Macapagal assumed office as the fifth president of the Third Republic on December 30, 1961. His presidency centered around his pledge to bring peace and prosperity to the Filipino people. Following Macapagal's suggestion, Congress approved the Agricultural Land Reform law on August 8, 1963. This legislation aimed to acquire private lands and allocate smaller plots to landless tenant farmers who would repay their costs through

flexible payment terms. Additionally, under Macapagal's administration, the Philippines officially laid claim to Sabah (North Borneo) on June 22, 1962, leading to political tension between Malaysia and the Philippines.

During Macapagal's presidency, significant changes occurred in the Philippines. These included shifting the celebration of Philippine independence day from July 4 to June 12 to align with Aguinaldo's declaration of independence in Kawit. Another change was the promotion of Filipino language usage in official government documents, school diplomas, and signages. However, despite promising a new era of prosperity, Macapagal failed to fulfill this pledge.

Initially, Macapagal announced that he would not seek re-election and instead give Senate President Ferdinand Marcos the opportunity to become the next president. Yet as the next election drew near, Macapagal reversed his decision after Nacionalista members invited Marcos to run against him. The presidential election on November 7, 1965 resulted in a landslide victory for Ferdinand Marcos and Fernando Lopez from the Nacionalista Party over President Macapagal and Vice President Gerardo Roxas. This marked the beginning of the Marcos Administration.

Born on September 11, 1917 in Sarat, Ilocos Norte, Ferdinand Edralin Marcos gained prominence during his law studies at the University of the Philippines. In 1935, he faced trial for the murder of Juliano Nalundasan, a reelected congressman from their district. Despite being found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment by the lower court, Marcos took the bar examination and achieved the highest score while incarcerated. Supreme Court Associate Justice Jose P. Laurel dedicated himself to securing Ferdinand's acquittal.

During his time in prison, Ferdinand Marcos joined as a military soldier in Bataan. After the war ended,

he ran for office and was elected as a congressman in 1949. He later became a senator in 1959 and served as Senate President in 1963. However, upon learning that Macapagal was running for re-election, Marcos left the Liberal Party to become the presidential candidate for the Nacionalista Party in the 1965 election.

Thus began Ferdinand Marcos' first term as president from 1965 to 1969.

Marcos took office as the sixth president of the Philippine republic on December 30, 1965, alongside Vice President Lopez. He encountered various significant challenges that were inherited from the previous administration, such as a depleted national treasury resulting from excessive spending during the Macapagal era.

The Nacionalista Party emerged as the dominant force in the November 14, 1967 election, securing a major victory. Despite facing numerous competitors, only Benigno Aquino Jr., a Liberal senator and former governor of Tarlac, emerged victorious. Aquino Jr., who was the youngest among his fellow senatorial candidates and secured first place in the 1967 senatorial election, contributed to Marcos' re-election with this achievement.

President Marcos' reelection in the Philippines was notable for two reasons. Firstly, he served a second term as president and, secondly, he became the first Philippine President to take his oath of office in the native language on December 30, 1969. Furthermore, economic problems emerged during his administration.

In Marcos' second term, he encountered major challenges. The global economic crisis brought about by rising oil prices greatly affected the Philippines. Arab countries reduced oil production in response to Western Military aid to Israel in the Arab-Israel conflict, resulting in soaring prices of essential goods and increased unemployment

rates. Overspending during the 1969 elections also contributed to higher inflation and currency devaluation. Furthermore, recurrent natural disasters caused extensive damage to infrastructure, crops, and livestock.