Carlos P. Garcia

         Carlos Polestico Garcia Was Born On November 4, 1896, In The Coastal Town Of Talibon, Bohol. Carlos P. Garcia was the fourth president of the Philippines. He served as president from March 23, 1957, to December 30, 1961. Garcia initially assumed the presidency following the tragic death of President Ramon Magsaysay in a plane crash. He was then elected to a full term later in 1957. Garcia is known for his "Filipino First Policy," which prioritized Filipino businesses over foreign interests, and for his advocacy of cultural nationalism.

During his presidency, Carlos P. Garcia faced several significant challenges:

Economic Nationalism: Implementing the "Filipino First Policy" was a major challenge. This policy aimed to prioritize Filipino businesses and entrepreneurs over foreign interests, particularly American businesses that had a dominant presence in the Philippine economy. Balancing this policy with the need for foreign investment and maintaining healthy international relations was complex.

Philippine-U.S. Relations: Garcia had to navigate the intricacies of the Philippines' relationship with the United States. This included issues related to the presence of American military bases in the Philippines and the economic influence of the U.S. in the country. Ensuring national sovereignty while maintaining a beneficial relationship with the U.S. was a delicate task.

Corruption and Government Efficiency: Like many of his predecessors and successors, Garcia faced challenges related to corruption within the government. Ensuring transparency and efficiency in government operations was a continuous struggle.

Social Issues and Poverty: Addressing social inequalities and poverty was a persistent challenge. Although the Hukbalahap Rebellion had been largely quelled, the underlying issues of land reform and social justice remained pressing concerns.

Political Opposition and Factionalism: Garcia dealt with political opposition and factionalism within his own party and from other political groups. Managing these internal divisions and maintaining political stability was crucial for his administration.

Achievements:

Filipino First Policy: One of Garcia's most significant accomplishments was the implementation of the "Filipino First Policy." This policy was designed to prioritize Filipino businesses and entrepreneurs over foreign interests, particularly in the economic sector. It aimed to foster economic independence and promote local industries by giving them preferential treatment in government contracts and business opportunities.

Austerity Program: Garcia introduced an austerity program to control government spending and reduce the national debt. This program focused on fiscal responsibility and aimed to stabilize the Philippine economy by cutting unnecessary expenditures and promoting efficient use of resources.

Cultural Revival: Garcia promoted a cultural revival that sought to strengthen Filipino identity and heritage. He encouraged the preservation and promotion of Filipino culture, arts, and traditions, which helped foster a sense of national pride and unity.

Anti-Corruption Efforts: Garcia's administration took steps to address corruption within the government. He implemented measures to enhance transparency and accountability, although challenges in this area persisted.

Foreign Policy and Diplomacy: Garcia worked to strengthen the Philippines' international relations, maintaining strong ties with the United States while also fostering connections with other countries in Asia. His administration was active in international diplomacy, seeking to position the Philippines as a respected member of the global community.

Contributions:

Filipino First Policy: Garcia is perhaps best known for this policy, which aimed to prioritize Filipino citizens and businesses in economic activities. The policy sought to promote local entrepreneurship and reduce foreign control over key industries, thereby fostering economic self-reliance and national development.

Austerity Program: Garcia implemented an austerity program to address the national budget deficit and reduce government debt. His administration focused on fiscal responsibility, aiming to achieve a balanced budget through cost-cutting measures and improved revenue collection.

Cultural Revival: Garcia promoted Filipino culture and identity, encouraging a sense of national pride and unity. His administration supported cultural programs and initiatives that highlighted Filipino heritage, arts, and traditions.

Balanced Foreign Policy: While maintaining strong ties with the United States, Garcia also sought to strengthen relations with other Asian countries. This approach helped diversify the Philippines' international partnerships and fostered regional cooperation.

Anti-Corruption Efforts: Garcia's administration took steps to address corruption within the government. Although challenges remained, his efforts underscored the importance of transparency and accountability in public service.

Leadership During Transition: Garcia's presidency occurred during a period of significant change, as the Philippines navigated post-war recovery and the early years of independence. His leadership helped stabilize the country and set the stage for future development.

Austerity Program

-The main points of the Austerity Program were:

The government would tighten up its controls to prevent abuses in the over shipment of exports under license and in under-pricing as well.

There would be a more rigid enforcement of the existing regulations on barter shipments.

Government imports themselves were to be restricted to essential items.

The government also would reduce rice imports to a minimum.

An overhauling of the local transportation system would be attempted so as to reduce the importation of gasoline and spare parts.

The tax system would be revised so as to attain more equitable distribution of the payment-burden and achieve more effective collection from those with ability to pay.

There would be an intensification of food production.

The program was hailed by the people at large and confidence was expressed that the measures proposed would help solve the standing problems of the Republic.

Outlawing Communism

-After much discussion, both official and public, the Congress of the Philippines, finally, approved a bill outlawing the Communist Party of the Philippines. Despite the pressure exerted against the congressional measure, President Carlos P. García signed the said bill into law as Republic Act No. 1700 on June 19, 1957. With this legislative piece, the sustained government campaign for peace and order achieved considerable progress and success.

Republic Act No. 1700 was superseded by Presidential Decree No. 885, entitled "Outlawing Subversive Organization, Penalizing Membership Therein and For Other Purposes." In turn, Presidential Decree 885 was amended by Presidential Decree No. 1736, and later superseded by Presidential Decree No. 1835, entitled, "Codifying The Various Laws on Anti-Subversion and Increasing the Penalties for Membership in Subversive Organization." This, in turn, was amended by Presidential Decree No. 1975. On May 5, 1987, Executive Order No. 167 repealed Presidential Decrees Nos. 1835 and 1975 as being unduly restrictive of the constitutional right to form associations.

On September 22, 1992, Republic Act No. 1700, as amended, was repealed by Republic Act No. 7636.