PRESIDENTS OF THE

PHILIPPINES

 Born : March 22, 1869, at Kawit, Cavite

First President of the Philippines President of
the First Republic
Died: February 6, 1964, at Veterans Memorial
Hospital, Quezon City
Tenure, January 23, 1899 March 23, 1901

1 GEN. EMILIO AGUNALDO

 Born in Baler, Aurora

Studied at University of Santo Tomas
Elected Governor of his home province Tayabas (now
Quezon)
1906, became a member of Philippine Assembly
1909-1916, Resident Commissioner to the US Congress
campaigning for Philippine independence
Elected in 1935 as the first President of the
Commonwealth
He headed the Philippine Government in exile during
the Japanese occupation
Quezon City and Quezon Province are named after him
Tenure, 1935-1944

2 MANUEL L. QUEZON

 Born on March 9, 1891 in Tanauan,

Batangas
He finished law at the UP, Master of Law
at the Escuela de Derecho, Doctor of Civil
Laws at Yale University, Doctor of
Philosophy at UST, Doctor of Laws at
Tokyo Imperial University
Before the WWII, Quezon appointed him
Associate Justice of Supreme Court
Branded as collaborator after the war
Tenure, 1943-1944

3 JOSE P. LAUREL

 Second President of the Philippine

Commonwealth
President at the age of 67, oldest among the
other Presidents
First President who came from the Visayas
Bachelor of Laws at the UST
Governor in Cebu, Assemblyman and Speaker
for nine years, Senator, Senate Pro Tempore, a
Cabinet member, Vice-President of the
Philippines
Restoration of the Executive department
Tenure, 1944-1946

4 SERGIO OSMEA

Confronted of economic problem, reconstruction and rehabilitation

Problem of collaboration
US gave material and financial aid to the Philippines on condition
that the Philippine Constitution should be amended in order to give
the Americans parity rights in the exploitation of the countrys
natural resources
Republic of the Philippines was born to shoulder the responsibilities
attendant to an independent existence.

THIRD REPUBLIC

 The Third Republic of the Philippines was inaugurated on July 4, 1946. It marked the
culmination of the peaceful campaign for Philippine Independencethe two
landmarks of which were the enactment of the Jones Law in 1916 (in which the U.S.
Congress pledged independence for the Philippines once Filipinos have proven their
capability for self-government) and the Philippine Independence Act of 1934
(popularly known as Tydings-McDuffie) which put in place a ten-year transition
period during which the Philippines had Commonwealth status. The Third Republic
also marked the recognition by the global community of nations, of the nationhood of
the Philippinesa process that began when the Commonwealth of the Philippines
joined the Anti-Axis Alliance known as the United Nations on June 14, 1942,
receiving recognition as an Allied nation even before independence.
Thus, the inauguration of the Third Republic marked the fulfillment of the long
struggle for independence that began with the Philippine Revolution on August 23,
1896 (recent scholarship suggests, on August 24) and which was formalized on June
12, 1898 with the Proclamation of Philippine Independence at Kawit, Cavite.

Third Republic

 Native of Capiz, educated at University of

Manila
Last President of the Commonwealth and the
first President of the Third Republic
Political career: elected Speaker of the
Philippines of the House of Representative;
Secretary of Finance
Advocated the establishment of close political
and economic ties with the United States
On April 15, 1948, following a speech before
an audience of assembled airmen at Clark Field
Air Base, President Roxas died of a heart attack

5 MANUEL ROXAS

 He detailed the challenges the country was facing in the aftermath of war
Establishment of the Rehabilitation Finance Corporation (which would be
reorganized in 1958 as the Development Bank of the Philippines); the creation of
the Department of Foreign Affair and the organization of the foreign service
through Executive Order No. 18; the GI Bill of Rights for Filipino veterans; and the
revision of taxation laws to increase government revenues.
Moved to strengthen sovereignty by proposing a Central Bank for the Philippines
to administer the Philippine banking system which was established by Republic Act
No. 265.
Campaigned for the parity amendment to the 1935 Constitution; demanded by the
Philippine Trade Relations Act or the Bell Trade Act, would give American citizens
and industries the right to utilize the countrys natural resources in return for
rehabilitation support from the United States. The President, with the approval of
Congress, proposed this move to the nation through a plebiscite.
USPhilippine Military Bases Agreement of 1947, which gave the United States the
right to retain the use of sixteen bases, free of rent, with the option to use seven
more for a term of 99 years.
During his administration, the Philippines established diplomatic ties with foreign
countries and gained membership to international entities, such as the United
Nations General Assembly, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization (UNESCO), the World Health Organization (WHO), the International
Labor Organization (ILO), etc.

5 MANUEL ROXAS

 A humble barrio school teacher, born in Vigan, Ilocos

Sur on November 16, 1890
Studied at Manila High School and graduated Bachelor
of Laws at the University of the Philippines
He worked at the Bureau of Lands later at Manila
Police Department as property clerk; employed at the
Philippine Commission and then Philippine Senate
Made by Quezon his Private Secretary
Elected as Ilocos Sur representative; elected Senator in
1925, elected Vice-President in 1946; assumed
Presidency through succession upon the death of Pres.
Roxas
Appointed Secretary of Finance and later Secretary of
Interior

6 ELPIDIO QUIRINO

 Travelled around the country to inspect firsthand the condition of the nation.
Established the Action Committee on Social Amelioration through Administrative
Order No. 68, in order to efficiently promote the welfare of citizens in the rural districts.
He established the Social Security Study Commission by virtue of Executive Order No.
150, to investigate socio-economic problems of the working class and formulate
legislation developing social welfare. The Labor Management Advisory Board,
established by Executive Order No. 158, formulated labor policies and conducted
studies on the ways and means of preventing, minimizing, and reconciling labor
disputes. The Agricultural Credit and Cooperative Financing Administration,
established by Republic Act. No. 821, assisted farmers in securing credit as well as
developing cooperative associations to efficiently market their agricultural
commodities.
The Quirino administration reached out to the leaders and members of Hukbo ng Bayan
Laban sa Hapon (HUKBALAHAP) and the Pambansang Kaisahan ng mga
Magbubukid (PKM) to negotiate peace and put an end to the insurgency. However, it
failed to persuade HUKBALAHAP leader Luis Taruc and other rebel leaders, as they
conceded to register but never disarm. From 1950 to 1953, Secretary of National
Defense Ramon Magsaysay and President Quirino exerted efforts in reforming the
nations Armed Forces and promoting welfare of citizens in the rural areas through the
Economic Development Corps (EDCOR) and Land Settlement and Development
Corporation (LASEDECO). This resulted to a considerable improvement to the
countrys insurgency problem. There were over 25,000 armed communists in early 1950
two thirds of which had either been captured, killed, or had voluntarily surrendered;
an estimated 60,000 firearms were surrendered or captured.

6 ELPIDIO QUIRINO

 Man of the Masses

Born in Iba, Zambales on August 31, 1907
Graduated in a degree of Bachelor of Science in
Commerce
During World War II, he was an able guerilla leader
and became military governor of his province during
the liberation period
On March 17, 1957, President Magsaysay and 25
other passengers of the presidential plane Mt.
Pinatubo perished in a crash, at Mt. Manunggal,
Cebu. Vice President Carlos P. Garcia succeeded to
the presidency on March 18, 1957.
Tenure, 1953-1957

7 RAMON MAGSAYSAY

 Established the Presidential Complaint and Action Commission, which investigated

various citizen complaints and recommended remedial actions through different
government agencies. The principles of the Magsaysay administration were codified
in the Magsaysay Credo, and became the theme of leadership and public service.
Established the Social Security Law of 1954 or Republic Act No. 1161. In an effort
to solve the problems of communism and insurgency, President Magsaysay sought
to protect the farmers, through the creation of laws such as: the Agricultural
Tenancy Act of the Philippines or Republic Act No. 1199; the Land Reform Act of
1955 through Republic Act No. 1400; the formation of the Court of Agrarian
Relations through Republic Act No. 1267; and the National Resettlement and
Rehabilitation Administration (NARRA) through Republic Act No. 1160.
The administration achieved victory over insurgents with the surrender
of Huk leader Luis Taruc in 1954.
Through the Manila Pact of 1954 or the Southeast Asia Collective Defense Treaty,
led the establishment of the Southeast Asian Treaty Organization (SEATO)
The Laurel-Langley Agreement, signed during the Magsaysay administration, gave
the Philippines a preferential trade system with the United States and other
countries. Among its provisions were the right to impose quotas on non-quota
articles and the right to impose export taxes.

7 RAMON MAGSAYSAY

 Politician-poet from Bohol

Served the unexpired term of
Magsaysay

8 CARLOS P. GARCIA

 President Garcia used the momentum of the previous administrations

campaign on social welfare and signed the amendment of the Social Security
Law through Republic Act 1792, establishing the Social Security System on
September 1, 1957.
Promoted the Filipino First policy, whose focal point was to regain
economic independence; a national effort by Filipinos to obtain major and
dominant participation in their economy. The administration campaigned
for the citizens support in patronizing Filipino products and services, and
implemented import and currency controls favorable for Filipino industries.
In connection with the governments goal of self-sufficiency was the
Austerity Program, which President Garcia described in his first State of
the Nation Address as more work, more thrift, more productive investment,
and more efficiency that aimed to mobilize national savings. The Anti Graft
and Corrupt Practices Act, through Republic Act No. 301, aimed to prevent
corruption, and promote honesty and public trust. Another achievement of
the Garcia administration was the BohlenSerrano Agreement of 1959,
which shortened the term of lease of the US military bases in the country
from the previous 99 to 25 years.
President Garcia lost to Vice President Diosdado Macapagal in the
presidential race of 1961.

8 CARLOS P. GARCIA

 Born on September 28, 1910 in Lubao,

Pampanga
Considered a reformist President
Practiced Law in Manila and aided the
Japanese resistance movement
Worked in a law firm, served as second
secretary to the Philippine Embassy in
Washington, D.C.; won a seat in the House of
Representatives in 1956
He initiated a campaign to fight graft and
corruption and to improve the nations
economy

DIOSDADO MACAPAGAL

 On May 12, 1962, he issued Proclamation No. 28, s. 1962, which

declared June 12 as Independence Day. In 1964, Congress
passed Republic Act No. 4166, which formally designated June 12 of
every year as the date on which we celebrate Philippine independence.
Among the laws passed during the Macapagal administration
were: Republic Act No. 3844 or the Agricultural Land Reform Code (an
act that established the Land Bank of the Philippines); Republic Act No.
3466, which established the Emergency Employment
Administration; Republic Act No. 3518, which established the
Philippine Veterans Bank; Republic Act No. 3470, which established the
National Cottage Industries Development Authority (NACIDA) to
organize, revive, and promote the establishment of local cottage
industries; and Republic Act No. 4156, which established the Philippine
National Railways (PNR) to operate the national railroad and tramways.
The administration lifted foreign exchange controls as part of the
decontrol program in an attempt to promote national economic stability
and growth.
In the field of foreign relations, the Philippines became a founding
member of Maphilindo, through the Manila Accord of 1963. The
regional organization of Malay states strove for Asian solutions by
Asian nations for Asian problems, and aimed to solve national and
regional problems through regional diplomacy.

DIOSDADO MACAPAGAL

 Born in Sarrat, Ilocos Norte

A lawyer; convicted of a politically motivated murder but won
acquittal after he appealed his own case
Under the Marcos administration, the country hosted the
Manila Summit in 1966. The conference aimed to resolve the
Vietnam War, and sought the restoration of peace and the
promotion of economic stability and development throughout
the Asia-Pacific region
President Marcos won his re-election bid in the 1969
presidential elections against Liberal Partys Sergio Osmea Jr.
President Marcos gained 5,017,343 votes or 61.47% of the
electorate to become only the second Philippine president in
history to win reelection and the first to do so in the Third
Republic.
Died on September 28, 1989 in Honolulu, Hawaii; his body
was returned to the Philippines in 1992

10

FERDINAND MARCOS

 Marcos reorganized the Armed Forces, the Philippine Constabulary, and the Bureau of
Internal Revenue. In an attempt to solve the problem of technical smuggling, the Bureau
of Customs was also reorganized. The administration, with a goal to strengthen the local
economy, devised construction programs and irrigation projects. The promotion of
Philippine heritage, culture, and arts was achieved through the establishment of the
Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) in 1969.[
Among the laws approved by President Marcos were: Republic Act No. 5186 or the
Investments Incentives Act; Republic Act No. 4864 or the Police Act of 1966;
and Republic Act No. 5173, which established the Philippine Coast Guard.
On the 30th of January 1970, to protest the violent dispersal of the student-led rally
during President Marcos fifth State of the Nation Address four days earlier, a
demonstration was held in front of Malacaan Palace. This event intensified into a
protracted and vicious battle between authorities and the students who tried to storm the
palace. A fire truck was rammed into one of the Palace gates; properties were destroyed
and fires were started by the rallyists. Two persons were reportedly killed and 106 were
injured. The incident and the rallies thereafter became known as the First Quarter
Storm, a period of unrest marked by a series of demonstrations against the Marcos
administration.[29]
On November 27 of the same year, Blessed Pope Paul VI traveled to the Philippines,
attending to the 63.2 million Filipino Catholic faithful. It marked the first time the head
of the Catholic church visited the country. Surviving an assassination attempt upon his
arrival, the Pontiff continued his Philippine visit. He officiated the first Papal Mass in
the Far East at the Manila Cathedral, as well as an open-air mass at the Rizal Park.

10

FERDINAND MARCOS

 As opposition to President Marcos grew significantly due to corruption in the

administration, the Liberal Party then saw an opportunity in the midterm elections of
1971. TheMiting de Avance of the Liberal Party held at Plaza Miranda on August 21,
1971 was cut short when two bombs were hurled at the opposition candidates,
killing nine people and injuring about a hundred. [30] Because of this incident,
President Marcos suspended the Writ of Habeas Corpus, leading to the arrest and
incarceration of twenty people.
The Plaza Miranda bombing, alongside the increasing strength of the Communist
Party of the Philippines and its military wing, the New Peoples Army, and the
Marcos-staged ambush on the convoy of Secretary of Defense Juan Ponce Enrile on
the night of September 22, 1972, were the pretext for Marcos declaration of Martial
Law on September 23, 1972, by virtue of Proclamation No. 1081. The said
proclamation was dated September 21, when in fact it was only put into effect on
September 23.
Opponents of the administration were incarcerated; decree-making powers were
asserted by the President, and when the ongoing Constitutional Convention
produced a draft document, a series of barangay assemblies were held to prevent
Congress from convening as scheduled in January, 1973. After claiming approval of
a new Constitution, the dictatorship ordered Congress padlocked. The ratification
of the 1973 Constitution marked the end of the Third Republic and the beginning of
the Bagong Lipunanthe New Society as the martial law regime was calledunder
President Marcos.

10

FERDINAND MARCOS

 Born on January 25, 1933 into a wealthy and

politically prominent family based in Tarlac
province
First woman President
Graduated in 1954 with a Bachelors of Arts
degree major in French at St. Vincent
College
Decided to study law at FEU but did not
completed; married to Benigno Ninoy
Aquino Jr. in 1956.
Died in August 1, 2009 due to colon cancer

11

CORAZON C. AQUINO

 Born on March 18, 1928

Passed a competitive examination that
qualified him for a government scholarship to
the US Military Academy; pursued further
studies in engineering in the University of
Illinois
Fought during the 1952 Korean War; chief of
staff of the Philippine Civil Action Group to
Vietnam in 1966-1968
Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the
Philippines with a four-star general rank

12

FIDEL V. RAMOS

 Born on April 19, 1937 in Tondo

Served as Mayor of San Juan for 17 years;
elected Senator from 1987-1992; won
Vice-President in 1992; President in 1998
Appointed by Ramos as Chairman of the
Presidential Anti-Crime Commission
(PACC)
Ousted in EDSA People Power 2 in
January 19-20, 2001 due to jueteng scandal

13

JOSEPH EJERCITO ESTRADA

 An economist, journalist, teacher and later a

public servant

14

GLORIA M. ARROYO