Manuel Roxas: A Political Life in Brief
Early Life and Education:
- Born January 1, 1892, in Capiz, Philippines (now Roxas City).
- Son of prominent businessman and politician Gerardo Roxas.
- Educated in Capiz and Manila, graduating law school with top honors.
Political Career:
- 1917: Elected to municipal council of Capiz.
- 1919-1922: Governor of Capiz.
- 1922-1934: Member of the Philippine House of Representatives, serving 10 years as Speaker.
- 1934: Delegate to the constitutional convention for the Commonwealth of the Philippines.
- 1938-1940: Secretary of Finance.
World War II:
- Served in the pro-Japanese Philippine Executive Commission under President José Laurel.
- Collaboration remains a controversial part of his legacy.
Post-War and Presidency:
- Cleared of collaboration charges by a special court.
- Elected President of the Philippines in 1946.
- Briefly served as President of the Commonwealth before independence.
- Became the first President of the Third Philippine Republic on July 4, 1946.
Presidency:
- Focused on rebuilding the country after World War II.
- Faced challenges such as the Hukbalahap rebellion and a struggling economy.
- Pursued economic rehabilitation and cracked down on the insurgency.
- Signed the Bell Trade Act, granting preferential trade terms to the United States.
Legacy:
- Controversial figure viewed as both a pragmatist and a collaborator.
- Remembered for his role in post-war reconstruction and economic policy.
Personal Life:
- Married to Trinidad de Leon, father of two children.
- Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the Philippines (1934-1935).
Death:
- Died in office on April 15, 1948, of a heart attack.
This is a brief overview of Manuel Roxas’s life and career. Please let me know if you have any specific questions or would like more details on any aspect of his biography.