Manuel Roxas

         Manuel Roxas served as the 5th President of the Philippines from 1946 until his death in 1948. He briefly served as the last President of the Commonwealth of the Philippines and then became the first President of the independent Third Philippine Republic after the US granted the Philippines independence. When he took office, the country was in dire economic straits following extensive damage during World War II. Roxas worked to rebuild the country's economy and infrastructure through loans and establishing organizations like the Philippine Rehabilitation Finance Corporation. However, the new republic still faced major challenges like crime, insurgencies, and operating with large budget deficits in its early years of independence under Roxas' leadership.

Contributions and Achievements of Manuel Roxas

Manuel Roxas was inaugurated as the first president of the New Republic after World Was II

Reconstrution from war damage and life without foreign rule began during his presidency

Congress accepted the Philippine Rehabilitarion Act and Philippine Trade Act laws under his term

Ranked 1^st Place in the Philippine Bar Exam (1913)

Featured in the 100-peso bill, Old Bangk Sentral ng pilipinass building in Intramuros, Manila, Inauguration of the Third Philippine Republic          

Independence from the United States (1946): Granting of Philippine Independence: Manuel Roxas played a crucial role in the Philippines gaining full independence from the United States on July 4, 1946. This marked the end of more than four centuries of foreign colonization.

         

The Bell Trade Act (1946)
Economic Agreements with the U.S.: The Bell Trade Act was an agreement between the U.S. and the Philippines that allowed the Philippines access to the U.S. market under certain conditions. While controversial, it was part of the post-independence economic arrangement between the two nations.

         

Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Post-WWII:
Economic Recovery Programs: After the devastation of World War II, Roxas focused on rebuilding the country’s infrastructure and economy, which had been heavily damaged. His administration worked on the rehabilitation of industries, roads, and government facilities.
Rehabilitation Finance Corporation: He created this agency to provide financial assistance for the reconstruction of damaged properties and businesses.

         

The Tydings–McDuffie Act (1946):
Transition to Independence: Roxas was instrumental in the implementation of the Tydings–McDuffie Act, which led to the establishment of the Commonwealth and ultimately set the path to full independence.

         

Land Reform Program:
Land Resettlement Programs: Roxas launched initiatives aimed at addressing land distribution issues by redistributing public lands to landless farmers to reduce rural poverty.

         

The Philippine Trade Act (1946):
Trade Relations with the U.S.: This act allowed the Philippines to export goods to the U.S. under favorable terms and gave the U.S. preferential treatment in trade relations, continuing the close economic relationship between the two countries post-independence.

         

Post-War Economic Stabilization:
Economic Stabilization Efforts: Roxas’ administration worked to stabilize the Philippine currency, which had been severely affected by the war. His government implemented measures to control inflation and restore confidence in the economy.

         

Veterans' Welfare:
Support for WWII Veterans: As a former military officer, Roxas pushed for laws that supported the rights and welfare of Filipino veterans who fought in World War II, including pension programs and recognition of their sacrifices.

         

Strengthening of the Philippine Army:
Military Modernization: He also worked on the reorganization and strengthening of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to ensure national security, particularly in the aftermath of the war.

         

Political and Social Reforms;
Addressing Political Issues: Roxas was a proponent of political stability. He attempted to consolidate political power, especially during the early years after independence, and focused on tackling the communist insurgency and internal unrest.

         

Creating a National Identity:
Promotion of Filipino Nationalism: During his presidency, he promoted the spirit of Filipino nationalism, encouraging pride in Filipino culture and the sovereignty of the newly independent nation.

         

Establishment of the First Republic’s Constitution:
Constitutional Changes: Although the constitution had been created during the Commonwealth era, Roxas played a role in its continued implementation, focusing on strengthening democratic institutions in the Philippines after full independence.

         

Philippine Independence and the Bell Trade Act (1946):
Independence: Roxas became president shortly after the Philippines gained independence from the United States on July 4, 1946. He played a key role in negotiating the terms of this independence.

         

Bell Trade Act:
He signed this act, which allowed the U.S. to maintain economic dominance over the Philippines for a certain period post-independence. This agreement, however, was controversial because it tied the Philippine economy closely to the U.S.

         

Rebuilding the Economy:
After World War II, the Philippines was left devastated. Roxas faced the monumental task of rebuilding the economy and infrastructure. He focused on promoting reconstruction through the use of foreign aid, including the U.S. $800 million aid package under the Philippine Rehabilitation Act.

         

Land Reform and Agricultural Development:
Roxas attempted to address the issue of land reform. He enacted policies to break up large estates and distribute land to tenant farmers, although the implementation was limited and faced opposition from wealthy landowners.

         

Creation of the Philippine Trade Act of 1946:
The Act was a significant step in regulating the economic relations between the U.S. and the Philippines. This act ensured preferential trade relations between the two countries and provided for tariff reductions, but it also limited Philippine industries' ability to grow without competition.

         

Philippine Rehabilitation Act of 1946:
Signed into law by Roxas, this act allowed the U.S. to assist the Philippines in rebuilding its war-torn economy. It was crucial for infrastructure development, financial assistance, and debt recovery.

         

Foreign Relations and the Philippine-U.S. Relations:
Roxas worked on strengthening relations between the Philippines and the United States. He supported the continuation of U.S. military bases in the Philippines, which was a contentious issue but provided economic and military aid.

         

Founding the Third Republic of the Philippines:
Under his leadership, the Philippines formally became the Third Republic after gaining full independence from the U.S. on July 4, 1946. He was the first president of the newly independent republic.

         

Fighting Communism and the Hukbalahap Movement:
Roxas took steps to curb the rise of the Hukbalahap (Huk) movement, a communist-led insurgency that was active during the post-war period. His administration launched military and political campaigns to weaken the insurgents.

         

Support for the Return of War Veterans' Rights:
Roxas supported the rights of Filipino veterans who fought in World War II, pressing the U.S. government for the recognition of their service and the benefits they deserved.

         

Establishment of the National Economic Council (NEC):
He established the NEC to oversee the planning and coordination of national economic development, a move toward a more structured approach to the country’s economic policies.

         

Civil Rights and Law and Order:
His administration took steps to restore law and order after the war. He promoted civil rights through his stance against the Japanese and the establishment of laws that laid down the legal framework for the country’s recovery.

         

Promoting National Unity:
Roxas worked on promoting national unity after the division caused by World War II. He sought to bridge the gap between the pro-American groups and local Filipinos, navigating the politics of independence and recovery.