MANUEL ACUÑA ROXAS(May 28, 1946 – April 15, 1948)

• Fifth President

• First President of the Independent Third Republic

He was inaugurated on July 4, 1946, the day the U.S. Nacionalista (1919–1945) government granted political Liberal Party (1945-1948) independence to its colony.

CONDITION OF THE PHILIPPINES

CAUSE

World War II just ended.

Farms and factories were ruined.

Bombed roads and bridges.

80% of the school buildings were ruined.

Some Filipinos patronized “American Gangsters”

EFFECT

The country was paralyzed.

Commerce was experiencing recession.

Transport efficiency was down.

Weakened the educational system.

There was a crime rate hike.

PRIMARY PROBLEMS

Low Output GrowthProduction became low because farms and factories were ruined. Production of rice, sugar, coconuts, abaca, coconut oil, cigars, tobacco, gold and chrome, and manganese and lumber was put to a halt because of the destruction of manufacturing facilities.

High Unemployment RateBecause businesses were closing, there were no more jobs available for people. Unemployment rates were rising at a fast pace.

PRIMARY PROBLEMS

Education severely weakenedSchool buildings were destroyed and instruments to teach children were obliterated.

Western InfluencesPolicies done by Roxas were highly influenced by US officials. These policies mostly benefited the welfare of their country. Because of these influences allowed by the former president, the HUKBALAHAP movement still created immense riot and commotion in the country.

PROMISES DURING THE ELECTIONS AND INAUGURATION

Economically, he wants to concentrate on production. He wants an income from exports to buy machines, hire technically skilled people, and buy food. He wants to revive the production of rice, sugar, coconuts, abaca, coconut oil, cigars, tobacco, gold and chrome, and manganese and lumber.

For employment, he wants to give encouragement to Filipinos to participate in the new economy.

PROMISES DURING THE ELECTIONS AND INAUGURATION

He believes that the foundation stone of national rehabilitation can be achieved by: feeding the hungry healing the sick caring for widows and orphans waging war against inflation and

unemployment (by increasing higher wages and production)

PROMISES DURING THE ELECTIONS AND INAUGURATION

He wants assistance from America and believes that the United States is the source of most finances of all these organizations. International Monetary and

Rehabilitation Bank United Nations Relief and

Rehabilitation Administration (for financial aid)

PROMISES DURING THE ELECTIONS AND INAUGURATION

A new tenacy law will take effect and usury will be halted.

“Lands will be purchased by the Government and resold to tenants; new agricultural areas will be

opened to settlement and modern method of agriculture will be taught. It is his aim to raise the

status of the farm worker, to increase his earnings, to spread wide the benefits of modern technology.”

(Roxas, 1946)

LAWS AND PROGRAMS

In 1946, the US congress offered 800 million dollars as rehabilitation money in exchange for the ratification of the Bell Trade Act.

Bell Trade Act The Philippine peso followed the US dollar currency. U.S. citizens and corporations were granted equal

access to the natural resources of the country.

“a curtailment of Philippine sovereignty, virtual nullification of Philippine independence” (1946, OSMEÑA)

LAWS AND PROGRAMS

March 14, 1947 - The Treaty of General Relations was signed.

Treaty of General Relations The proclamation of Philippine

independence written by Pres. Harry Truman was read by Paul McNutt.

an agreement on peace and amity between the US and the Philippines.

LAWS AND PROGRAMS

January 28, 1948 - General Amnesty was given to all those arrested for conniving with Japan.

March 11, 1947 - Parity Amendment was ratified.

Parity Amendment It gave American citizens and corporations equal rights to

Filipinos to utilize natural resources and operate public utilities.

BENEFICIARIES OF THE LAWS AND PROGRAMS

The Treaty of General Relations Both countries benefited Americans surrendered their rule over the

countryMilitary Bases Agreement became

advantageous to the Americans. It allowed them to have US military bases in the country. 23 of those bases were leased for 99 years which means that they can leave the Philippine soil only by 2045.

BENEFICIARIES OF THE LAWS AND PROGRAMS

General Amnesty Guerillas and people who served in

key positions during the Japanese occupation may be reinstated in the government.

Bell Trade Act (Parity Amendment) As mentioned, Americans were given

equal rights as Filipinos to exploit the country’s natural resources.