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THE BIRTH
OF THE THIRD
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
After the war, the Commonwealth was restored pending complete
independence. With independence from the US came the establishment of
the Third Republic of the Philippines. The government of the
independent Republic was riddled with graft and corruption and lost the
confidence of the people. The corruption within the government also
resulted in the rise of the Left in the form of the HUKBALAHAP or the
Huks. The Huks presented even more problems to the Republic.
Independence
July 2, 1946: The Commonwealth Congress ratifies the Bell Trade Act.
This act means that the peso was pegged to the US dollar and US
citizens and corporations had equal rights to exploit natural resources
as Filipino citizens and corporations. It also prohibited the
Philippines from manufacturing or selling products that may come into
competition with US products. The US Congress threatens to withhold
post-war rebuilding funds unless the act is ratified. The Bell Trade
Act is denounced and protested against in the Philippines.
July 4, 1946: Under President Manuel Roxas, the Commonwealth comes to
an end and an independent Republic of the Philippines begins. The
government of the Republic is riddled with graft and corruption and
there are many under the table deals. This causes great mistrust
between the government and the people.
August 5, 1946: The Treaty of General Relations is ratified between the
Philippines and the US. The establishment of US bases is also included
in this treaty.
September 7, 1946: Roxas grants a general amnesty to all guerrillas who
committed crimes during their anti-Japanese resistance.
January 1, 1947: Introduction of the Parity Amendments granting
American citizens and corporations equal rights to Filipinos to exploit
natural resources and operate public utilities.
January 31, 1947: The US army relinquishes administrative control of
the Philippine army.
March 6, 1947: The Huks are declared a subversive and illegal
organisation as it is alleged they have committed acts of sedition and
aim to overthrow the government by force.
March 11, 1947: The Parity Amendment is ratified in a national
plebiscite.
March 14, 1947: The Treaty of General Relations is signed.
January 28, 1948: President Roxas extends a general amnesty to all
those arrested for collaboration with the Japanese.
April 15, 1948: President Roxas dies of a heart attack.
April 17, 1948: Vice-President Elpidio Quirino assumes the presidency.
June 21, 1948: President Quirino negotiates with Huk leader Luis Taruc
and grants amnesty to the Huks on the condition that they surrender
with their arms and ammunitions to the authorities.
August 15, 1948: The Huks change their name to Hukbong Mapagpalaya ng
Bayan (Liberation Army Movement).
April 19, 1949: Quirino's political enemies unsuccessfully attempt to
impeach him for graft and corruption.
April 28, 1949: Most of the Huks are now nothing more than common
robbers and bandits. They finally lose the sympathy and respect of the
people with the ambush and murder of Aurora Quezon, the late President
Quezon's widow, and her family.
November 8, 1949: Elpidio Quirino becomes president (elected) in his
own right.
May 17, 1954: Under President Ramon Magsaysay, Luis Taruc surrenders to
the government, after four months of negotiations with Benigno "Ninoy"
Aquino Jr. of the Daily Mirror. Taruc is sentenced to 12 years
imprisonment.
March 17, 1957: President Ramon Magsaysay is killed in a plane crash.
March 18, 1957: Vice-President Carlos Garcia assumes the presidency. He
is elected president in his own right later in the year.
December 30, 1961: Diosdado Macapagal is elected as president.
May 12, 1962: President Macapagal changes Independence Day from July 4
to June 12.
June 12, 1962: Independence Day celebrations are held. General Emilio
Aguinaldo is the guest of honour.
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