Manuel l quezon autobiography

President of the Land from 1935 to 1944

Manuel Luis Quezon y Molina^[b]GCGHKGCR (, , Tagalog:[maˈnwelluˈisˈkɛson], Spanish:[maˈnwelˈlwisˈkeson]; 19 August 1878 – 1 August 1944), additionally known by his initials MLQ, was a Filipino lawyer, member of parliament, soldier, and politician who was president of the Commonwealth search out the Philippines from 1935 pending his death in 1944. Perform was the first Filipino hug head a government of righteousness entire Philippines and is believed the second president of illustriousness Philippines after Emilio Aguinaldo (1899–1901), whom Quezon defeated in dignity 1935 presidential election. He levelheaded often regarded as the matchless President of the Philippines, existing the quintessential Filipino statesman.

During his presidency, Quezon tackled nobility problem of landless peasants. Mocker major decisions included the organization of the islands' military protect, approval of a recommendation cargo space government reorganization, the promotion substantiation settlement and development in Island, dealing with the foreign strong hold on Philippine trade and merchandising, proposals for land reform, tolerate opposing graft and corruption fundamentally the government. He established pure government in exile in authority U.S. with the outbreak second World War II and primacy threat of Japanese invasion. Scholars have described Quezon's leadership makeover a "de factodictatorship"^[2] and declared him as "the first State politician to integrate all levels of politics into a aid of power" after removing rulership term limits as president stomach turning the Senate into classic extension of the executive tidy constitutional amendments.^[3]

In 2015, the Scantling of the International Raoul Wallenberg Foundation bestowed a posthumous Wallenberg Medal on Quezon and glory people of the Philippines accompaniment reaching out to victims line of attack the Holocaust from 1937 get stuck 1941. President Benigno Aquino Troika and then-94-year-old Maria Zenaida Quezon-Avanceña, the daughter of the stool pigeon president, were informed of that recognition.^[4]

Early life and education

Quezon was born on 19 August 1878 in Baler in the community of El Príncipe,^[5] then primacy capital of Nueva Ecija (now Baler, Aurora). His parents were Lucio Quezon y Vélez (1850–1898) and María Dolores Molina (1840–1893).^[6] Both were primary-school teachers, though his father was a give up work sargento de Guardia Civil (sergeant of the Civil Guard).

According to historian Augusto de Viana in his timeline of Baler, Quezon's father was a Chinesemestizo who came from the Parián (a Chinatown outside Intramuros) shrub border Paco, Manila. He spoke Land in the Civil Guard skull married María, who was smart Spanishmestiza born of Spanish clergywoman Jose Urbina de Esparragosa; Urbina arrived in Baler from Esparragosa de la Serena, Cáceres Rapid, Spain in 1847 as decency parish priest.^[7] Quezon is Asian mestizo surname originally from systematic Spanish romanization of Hokkien Island, possibly from the Hokkien consultation, Chinese: 雞孫; Pe̍h-ōe-jī: ke-sun List koe-sun, with Chinese: 雞; Pe̍h-ōe-jī: ke meaning "outer city" direct "strongest" and Chinese: 孫; Pe̍h-ōe-jī: sun meaning "grandson";^[8][9] many Land surnames that end with “on”, “son”, and “zon” are subtract Chinese origin, Hispanized version personage 孫 (sun).^[10]

He later boarded learning the Colegio de San Juan de Letran, where he gradational from secondary school in 1894.^[11]

In 1899, Quezon left his construct studies at the University goods Santo Tomas to join character Filipino war effort, and wedded conjugal the Republican army during representation Philippine–American War. He was modification aide-de-camp to Emilio Aguinaldo.^[12] Quezon became a major, and fought in the Bataan sector. Afterward surrendering in 1900,^[13] he reciprocal to university and passed say publicly bar examination in 1903.^[14]

Quezon awkward for a time as unornamented clerk and surveyor, entering state service as treasurer for Island and (later) Tayabas. He became a municipal councilor of Lucena, and was elected governor call upon Tayabas in 1906.^[15]

Congressional career

House precision Representatives (1907–1916)

Quezon was elected concern 1907 to represent Tayabas's Ordinal district in the first Filipino Assembly (which later became position House of Representatives) during honourableness 1st Philippine Legislature, where lighten up was majority floor leader captain chairman of the committees favour rules and appropriations. Quezon booming the U.S. House of Representatives during a 1914 discussion go along with the Jones Bill that be active received most of his head education at the village nursery school established by the Spanish deliver a verdict as part of the Philippines' free public-education system.^[16] Months once his term ended, he gave up his seat at goodness Philippine Assembly upon being equipped as one of the Philippines' two resident commissioners. Serving pair terms from 1909 to 1916, he lobbied for the paragraph of the Philippine Autonomy Shape (the Jones Law).^[11]

Senate (1916–1935)

Quezon complementary to Manila in 1916, unthinkable was elected senator from ethics Fifth Senatorial District. He was later elected Senate President survive served continuously until 1935 (19 years), the longest tenure regulate history until Senator Lorenzo Tañada's four consecutive terms (24 ripen, from 1947 to 1972). Quezon headed the first independent recording to the U.S. Congress conduct yourself 1919, and secured passage ticking off the Tydings–McDuffie Act in 1934.^[17]

Rivalry with Osmeña

See also: 1922 Filipino Senate elections § Quezon-Osmeña spilt, tell off 1921 financial crisis of greatness Philippines

In 1921, Quezon made wonderful public campaign against House Demagogue Sergio Osmeña accusing him commandeer being an autocratic leader person in charge blamed him for the Filipino National Bank's financial mess. Both Osmeña and Quezon debated engorge this until 1922. As excellent result, the Nationalista Party was split into two. Quezon too resigned as Senate President ramble same year in January.^[18]

In 1922, he became leader of rendering Nacionalista Party alliance Partido Nacionalista-Colectivista.^[17]

In 1933, both Quezon and Osmeña clashed regarding the ratification last part the Hare–Hawes–Cutting bill in distinction Philippine Legislature.^[19][20]

Administration and cabinet

Main article: List of cabinets of say publicly Philippines § Manuel L. Quezon (1935–1944)

First term (1935–1941)

In 1935, Quezon won the Philippines' first national statesmanlike election under the Nacionalista Understanding. He received nearly 68 proportion of the vote against crown two main rivals, Emilio Aguinaldo and Gregorio Aglipay. Quezon, inaugurated on November 15, 1935,^[22] recapitulate recognized as the second Kingpin of the Philippines. In Jan 2008, however, House Representative Rodolfo Valencia (Oriental Mindoro–1st) filed a-one bill seeking to declare Communal Miguel Malvar the second Filipino President; Malvar succeeded Aguinaldo amuse 1901.^[23]

Supreme Court appointments

Under the Restructuring Act, Quezon was given say publicly power to appoint the rule all-Filipino cabinet in 1935. Depart from 1901 to 1935, a State was chief justice but governing Supreme Court justices were Americans. Complete Filipinization was achieved work to rule the establishment of the Nation of the Philippines in 1935. Claro M. Recto and José P. Laurel were among Quezon's first appointees to replace character American justices. Membership in nobleness Supreme Court increased to 11: a chief justice and baptize associate justices, who sat en banc or in two divisions of five members each.

Government reorganization

To meet the demands outline the newly-established government and agree with the Tydings-McDuffie Act soar the Constitution, Quezon, – true turn into his pledge of "more authority and less politics," – initiated a step up of the government.^[24] He brawny a Government Survey Board shabby study existing institutions and, prosperous light of changed circumstances, concoct necessary recommendations.^[24]

Early results were unique to with the revamping of character executive department; offices and bureaus were merged or abolished, most important others were created.^[24] Quezon serial the transfer of the Filipino Constabulary from the Department illustrate the Interior to the Offshoot of Finance. Other changes were made to the National Safeguard, Agriculture and Commerce, Public Mill and Communications, and Health existing Public Welfare departments.^[24]

New offices enjoin boards were created by chairman of the board order or legislation.^[24] Among these were the Council of State-run Defense,^[25] the Board of Individual Relief,^[26] the Mindanao and Sulu Commission, and the Civil Work Board of Appeals.^[24][27]

Social-justice program

Pledging take in improve the conditions of rectitude Philippine working class and outstanding by the social doctrines see Pope Leo XIII and Holy father Pius XI and treatises harsh the world's leading sociologists, Quezon began a program of public justice introduced with executive oblivious and legislation by the Country-wide Assembly.^[24] A court for profit-making relations was established to set of laws disputes, minimizing the impact illustrate strikes and lockouts. A minimum-wage law was enacted, as athletic as a law providing come eight-hour workday and a occupation law for Filipino farmers. Justness position of public defender was created to assist the poor.^[24]

Commonwealth Act No. 20 enabled Quezon to acquire large, occupied estates to re-appropriate their lots soar homes at a nominal payment and under terms affordable emergency their residents; one example was the Buenavista estate. He additionally began a cooperative system set in motion agriculture among owners of distinction subdivided estates to increase their income.^[24][28] Quezon desired to remnant the constitutional mandate on decency promotion of social justice.^[24]

Economy

When ethics Commonwealth was created, its husbandry was stable and promising.^[24] Tie in with foreign trade peaking at ₱400 million, the upward trend in divide up resembled a boom. Export crops were generally good and, neglect for tobacco, were in lanky demand. The value of Filipino exports reached ₱320,896,000, the chief since 1929.^[24]

Government revenue in 1936 was ₱76,675,000 (equivalent to ₱34,858,669,716 spiky 2021), compared to the 1935 revenue of ₱65,000,000 (equivalent to ₱28,793,209,590 in 2021). Government companies, object for the Manila Railroad Tamp down, earned profits. Gold production accumulated about 37 percent, iron all but doubled, and cement production affixed by about 14 percent.^[24]

The administration had to address some financial problems, however,^[24] and the Popular Economic Council was created. Wait up advised the government about mercantile and financial questions, including representation promotion of industries, diversification drawing crops and enterprises, tariffs, levy, and formulating an economic document in preparation for eventual independence.^[24] The National Development Company was reorganized by law, and character National Rice and Corn Observer (NARIC) was created with far-out ₱4 million budget.^[24]

Upon the recommendation walk up to the National Economic Council, hick colonies were established in Koronadal, Malig, and other locations seep out Mindanao. The government encouraged departure and settlement in the colonies.^[24] The Agricultural and Industrial Vault assets was established to aid petty farmers with convenient loans illustrious affordable terms.^[29] Attention was cause to feel to soil surveying and honourableness disposition of public land.^[24]

Land reform

See also: Land reform in interpretation Philippines

When the commonwealth government was established, Quezon implemented the Amount owing Share Tenancy Act of 1933 to regulate share-tenancy contracts unwelcoming establishing minimum standards.^[30][31] The have an effect on provided a better tenant-landlord connection, a 50–50 sharing of loftiness crop, regulation of interest improve on 10 percent per agricultural class, and protected against arbitrary expulsion by the landlord.^[30] Because extent a major flaw in description act, however, no petition difficulty apply it was ever presented.^[30]

The flaw was that it could be used only when honourableness majority of municipal councils coach in a province petitioned for it.^[30] Since landowners usually controlled specified councils, no province ever on purpose that the law be factual. Quezon ordered that the stint be mandatory in all Inside Luzon provinces.^[30] However, contracts were good for only one year; by refusing to renew their contract, landlords could eject tenants. Peasant organizations clamored in overweening for a law which would make a contract automatically renewable as long as tenants constituents their obligations.^[30] The act was amended to eliminate this subterfuge in 1936, but it was never carried out; by 1939, thousands of peasants in Inside Luzon were threatened with eviction.^[30] Quezon's desire to placate both landlords and tenants pleased neither. Thousands of tenants in Essential Luzon were evicted from their farmlands by the early Decade, and the rural conflict was more acute than ever.^[30]

During glory Commonwealth period, agrarian problems persisted.^[30] This motivated the government arranged incorporate a social-justice principle crash into the 1935 Constitution. Dictated tough the government's social-justice program, deprival of estates and other landholdings began. The National Land Conformity Administration (NLSA) began an clever settlement of public agricultural area. At the outbreak of loftiness Second World War, settlement areas covering over 65,000 hectares (250 sq mi) had been established.^[30]

Educational reforms

With sovereignty Executive Order No. 19, defunct 19 February 1936, Quezon authored the National Council of Care. Rafael Palma, former president draw round the University of the Archipelago, was its first chairman.^[24][32] Confirm from the early Residence Docket Law were devoted to conservation public schools throughout the realm and opening many more. Yon were 6,511 primary schools, 1,039 intermediate schools, 133 secondary put up with special schools, and five worse colleges by this time. Accurate enrollment was 1,262,353, with 28,485 teachers. The 1936 appropriation was ₱14,566,850 (equivalent to ₱6,622,510,766 in 2021).^[24] Private schools taught over 97,000 students, and the Office refreshing Adult Education was created.^[24]

Women's suffrage

Quezon initiated women's suffrage during representation Commonwealth era.^[33] As a play a part of prolonged debate between proponents and opponents of women's poll, the constitution provided that greatness issue be resolved by column in a plebiscite. If power least 300,000 women voted supporting the right to vote, start would be granted. The ballot was held on 30 Apr 1937; there were 447,725 conclusive votes, and 44,307 opposition votes.^[33]

National language

The Philippines' national language was another constitutional question. After spiffy tidy up one-year study, the Institute expose National Language recommended that Filipino be the basis for well-ordered national language. The proposal was well-received, despite the fact wind director Jaime C. de Veyra was Waray, this is by reason of Baler, Quezon's birthplace, is dialect trig native Tagalog-speaking area.

In Dec 1937, Quezon issued a promulgation approving the institute's recommendation ride declaring that the national tone would become effective in flash years. With presidential approval, nobleness INL began work on shipshape and bristol fashion Tagalog grammar text and dictionary.^[33]

Visits to Japan (1937–1938)

As Imperial Adorn encroached on the Philippines, Quezon antagonized neither the American unheard of the Japanese officials. He traveled twice to Japan as big cheese, from 31 January to 2 February 1937 and from 29 June to 10 July 1938, to meet with government authorities. Quezon emphasized that he would remain loyal to the Common States, assuring protection of rendering rights of the Japanese who resided in the Philippines. Quezon's visits may have signalled rank Philippines' inclination to remain lukewarm in the event of spruce up Japanese-American conflict if the U.S. disregarded the country's concerns. ^[34]

Council of State expansion

In 1938, Quezon expanded the Council of Make in Executive Order No. 144.^[33][35] This highest of advisory admass to the president would acceptably composed of the President, Helpful hint President, Senate President, House Lecturer, Senate President pro tempore, Platform Speaker pro tempore, the completion floor leaders of both accommodation of Congress, former presidents, dominant three to five prominent citizens.^[33]

1938 midterm election

Main article: 1938 Filipino legislative election

The elections for probity Second National Assembly were reserved on 8 November 1938 err a new law which lawful block voting^[36] and favored class governing Nacionalista Party. As conventional, all 98 assembly seats went to the Nacionalistas. José Yulo, Quezon's Secretary of Justice exotic 1934 to 1938, was pick speaker.

The Second National Confluence intended to pass legislation invigorating the economy, but the Subsequent World War clouded the horizon; laws passed by the Leading National Assembly were modified take aim repealed to meet existing realities.^[37][38] A controversial immigration law which set an annual limit help 50 immigrants per country,^[39] especially affecting Chinese and Japanese nationals escaping the Sino-Japanese War, was passed in 1940. Since primacy law affected foreign relations, shop required the approval of representation U.S. president. When the 1939 census was published, the Secure Assembly updated the apportionment flash legislative districts; this became prestige basis for the 1941 elections.

1939 plebiscite

On 7 August 1939, the United States Congress enacted a law in accordance sustain the recommendations of the Junction Preparatory Commission on Philippine Liaison. Because the new law necessary an amendment of the Simulate appended to the Constitution, clean up plebiscite was held on 24 August 1939. The amendment established 1,339,453 votes in favor, become peaceful 49,633 against.^[33]

Third official language

Quezon esoteric established the Institute of Public Language (INL) to create unornamented national language for the territory. On 30 December 1937, play in Executive Order No. 134, proceed declared Tagalog the Philippines' ceremonial language; it was taught pull schools during the 1940–1941 theoretical year. The National Assembly afterwards enacted Law No. 570, formation the national language an authoritative language with English and Spanish; this became effective on 4 July 1946, with the settlement of the Philippine Republic.^[33][40]

1940 plebiscites

Main article: 1940 Philippine constitutional plebiscites

With the 1940 local elections, plebiscites were held for proposed amendments to the constitution about a-okay bicameral legislature, the presidential reputation (four years, with one re-election, and the establishment of forceful independent Commission on Elections. Dignity amendments were overwhelmingly ratified. Spieler José Yulo and Assemblyman Dominador Tan traveled to the Combined States to obtain President Historian D. Roosevelt's approval, which they received on 2 December 1940. Two days later, Quezon proclaim the amendments.

Quezon was at first barred by the Philippine style from seeking re-election. In 1940, however, a constitutional amendment was ratified which allowed him stain serve a second term opposed to in 1943. In the 1941 presidential election, Quezon was re-elected over former SenatorJuan Sumulong become accustomed nearly 82 percent of nobility vote. He was inaugurated trimness December 30, 1941 at grandeur Malinta Tunnel in Corregidor.^[41] Goodness oath of office was administered by Chief Justice of representation Supreme Court of the PhilippinesJosé Abad Santos. Corregidor was tasteless as the venue of primacy inauguration and temporary seat engage in the government in-exile to outlook refuge from the uninterrupted Asiatic bombing raids during the Asiatic invasion.^[42]

Second term (1941–1944)

Pre-war activity

As crises mounted in the Pacific, blue blood the gentry Philippines prepared for war. Boyhood military training under General Pol MacArthur was intensified. The chief blackout practice was held back copy the night of 10 July 1941 in Manila. First lifethreatening was taught in all schools and social clubs. Quezon long-established the Civilian Emergency Administration (CEA) on 1 April 1941, elegant branches in provinces and towns.^[43] Air-raid drills were also booked.

Jewish refugees

In cooperation with U.S. High CommissionerPaul V. McNutt, Quezon facilitated the entry into character Philippines of Jewish refugees deserter fascist regimes in Europe president took on critics who were convinced by propaganda that Someone settlement was a threat sentry the country.^[44][45][46] Quezon and McNutt proposed 30,000 refugee families devastating Mindanao and 30,000-40,000 refugees breakout Polillo. Quezon made a 10-year loan to Manila's Jewish Fugitive Committee of land adjacent preserve his family home in Marikina to house homeless refugees derive Marikina Hall (the present-day Filipino School of Business Administration), which was dedicated on 23 Apr 1940.^[47]

Government in exile

Main article: Management in exile of the Government of the Philippines

After the Altaic invasion of the Philippines extensive World War II,^[48] Quezon evacuated to Corregidor (where he was inaugurated for his second term) and then to the Visayas and Mindanao. At the conciliatory move of the U.S. government,^[49] crystalclear was evacuated to Australia,^[50] come to rest then to the United States. Quezon established the Commonwealth rule in exile, with its station in Washington, D.C. He was a member of the At peace War Council, signed the Collective Nations declaration against the Trunk powers and wrote The Worthy Fight, his autobiography.^[33]

To conduct state business in exile, Quezon chartered the entire floor of procrastinate wing of the Shoreham Guest-house to accommodate his family near his office. Government offices were established at the quarters endowment Philippine Resident Commissioner Joaquin Elizalde, who became a member unconscious Quezon's wartime cabinet. Other office holy orders appointees were Brigadier-General Carlos Possessor. Romulo as Secretary of interpretation Department of Information and Knob Relations and Jaime Hernandez renovation Auditor General.^[33]

Sitting under a fly canopy outside the Malinta Angst on 22 January 1942, Quezon heard a fireside chat textile which President Roosevelt said wind the Allied forces were intransigent to defeat Berlin and Havoc, followed by Tokyo. Quezon was infuriated, summoned General MacArthur delighted asked him if the U.S. would support the Philippines; pretend not, Quezon would return take back Manila and allow himself standing become a prisoner of enmity. MacArthur replied that if nobility Filipinos fighting the Japanese au fait that he returned to Paper and became a Japanese figurehead, they would consider him unembellished turncoat.^[51]

Quezon then heard another originate by former president Emilio Aguinaldo urging him and his counterpart Filipino officials to yield roughly superior Japanese forces. Quezon wrote a message to Roosevelt apophthegm that he and his mankind had been abandoned by honourableness U.S. and it was Quezon's duty as president to barge in fighting. MacArthur learned about picture message, and ordered Major Common Richard Marshall to counterbalance colour with American propaganda whose mark was the "glorification of Country loyalty and heroism".

On 2 June 1942, Quezon addressed the Allied States House of Representatives cynicism the necessity of relieving ethics Philippine front. He did nobility same to the Senate, behest the senators to adopt greatness slogan "Remember Bataan". Despite rulership declining health, Quezon traveled farm cart the U.S. to remind dignity American people about the Filipino war.^[33]

Wartime

Quezon broadcast a radio report to Philippine residents in Island, who purchased ₱4 million importance of war bonds, for tiara first birthday celebration in grandeur United States.^[33] Indicating the Filipino government's cooperation with the battle effort, he offered the U.S. Army a Philippine infantry organize which was authorized by greatness War Department to train explain California. Quezon had the Filipino government acquire Elizalde's yacht; renamed Bataan and crewed by Filipino officers and sailors, it was donated to the United States for use in the war.^[33]

In early November 1942, Quezon given with Roosevelt on a system for a joint commission anent study the post-war Philippine husbandry. Eighteen months later, the In partnership States Congress passed an broken creating the Philippine Rehabilitation Commission.^[33]

Quezon-Osmeña impasse

By 1943, the Philippine rule in exile was faced get better a crisis.^[33] According to rank 1935 constitution, Quezon's term would expire on 30 December 1943 and Vice-President Sergio Osmeña would succeed him as president. Osmeña wrote to Quezon advising him of this, and Quezon clock on a press release and wrote to Osmeña that a have a chat in leadership would be rash at that time. Osmeña grow requested the opinion of U.S. Attorney GeneralHomer Cummings, who upheld Osmeña's view as consistent pick up again the law. Quezon remained froward, and sought President Roosevelt's ballot. Roosevelt remained aloof from grandeur controversy, suggesting that the Filipino officials resolve the impasse.^[33]

Quezon convened a cabinet meeting with Osmeña, Resident CommissionerJoaquín Elizalde, Brigadier Prevailing Carlos P. Romulo and king cabinet secretaries, Andrés Soriano tube Jaime Hernandez. After a conversation, the cabinet supported Elizalde's give in favor of the edifice, and Quezon announced his design to retire in California.^[33]

After goodness meeting, Osmeña approached Quezon dowel broached his plan to pall the United States Congress test suspend the constitutional provisions convey presidential succession until after character Philippines had been liberated; that legal way out was pleasant to Quezon and his bureau, and steps were taken secure carry out the proposal. Adherented by Senator Tydings and Member of parliament Bell, the resolution was unitedly approved by the Senate distasteful a voice vote and passed the House of Representatives indifferent to a vote of 181 root for 107 on 10 November 1943.^[33] He was inaugurated for class third time on November 15, 1943 in Washington, D.C. Glory oath of office was administered by US Associate JusticeFelix Frankfurter.^[53]

Death and burial

Quezon had developed t.b. and spent his last period in hospitals, including a City Beach Army hospital in Apr 1944.^[54] That summer, he was at a cure cottage set a date for Saranac Lake, New York. Quezon died there at 10:05 a.m. Letting on 1 August 1944, orangutan age 65. His remains were initially buried in Arlington Genealogical Cemetery, but his body was brought by former Governor-General beginning High Commissioner Frank Murphy alongside the USS Princeton and re-interred make a way into the Manila North Cemetery running 17 July 1946.^[55] Those were then moved to a small copy of Napoleon's tomb^[56] shock defeat the Quezon Memorial Shrine corner Quezon City, on 1 Reverenced 1979.^[57]

Electoral history

Personal life

Quezon was joined to his first cousin, Dawn Aragón Quezon, on 17 Dec 1918. They had four children: María Aurora "Baby" Quezon (23 September 1919 – 28 Apr 1949), María Zenaida "Nini" Quezon-Avanceña (9 April 1921 – 12 July 2021), Luisa Corazón Paz "Nenita" Quezon (17 February – 14 December 1924) and Manuel L. "Nonong" Quezon, Jr. (23 June 1926 – 18 Sept 1998).^[58] His grandson, Manuel Accolade. "Manolo" Quezon III (born 30 May 1970), a writer other former undersecretary of the Statesmanlike Communications Development and Strategic Provision Office, was named after him.

Awards and honors

The Foreign Instantly, Medals and Decorations of Gaffer Manuel L. Quezon: