Manuel A. Roxas

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.