Assignment

In
History-1B
(Programs and policies of Philippine President)
Far eastern University
IABF- BM14101

Submitted by:
Halili,Claudine
Jimena, Pearl Shane
Halili, Paula
Caranza, KC
Lumba, Angelica

Submitted to:
Prof Horracio Romero

EMILIO AGUINALDO

PROGRAMS AND POLICIES

ECONOMY (Fiscal Reform)
The Malolos Congress continued its sessions and accomplished certain positive
tasks. The Spanish fiscal system was provisionally retained.
The same was done with the existing taxes, save those upon cockfighting and
other amusements.
War taxes were levied and voluntary contributions were solicited.

Customs duties were established.

A national loan was launched.

POLITICAL (Local Government Reorganization)

Aguinaldo issued two decreed, dated 18th and 20th June, reorganizing the
provincial and municipal governments.
In these documents, Aguinaldo made it clear that although was circumstances
had forced him to become a dictator, his constant desire was to surround himself
with the most representative men of every province and who, by their conduct,
should merit the confidence in their province-mates, in order that, knowing,
through them, the needs of every one of these places, he might adopt the best
measures to attend it them.
The municipal government was established along these lines: all 21-year old
residents were entitled to elect a Popular Council composed of a President, Vice-

President, barrio chiefs, delegate of justice and civil registry, delegate of police
and internal order and delegate of taxes and properties.
Where: a Governor and three councilors, to compose, together with the municipal
resident of the provincial capital, the Provincial Council. Also, provincial military
commanders were provided for each to take charge of recruiting soldiers for the
national army.
Suspension of Article Five of the Malolos Constitution providing the separation of
Church and State. In the mean time the municipalities that might need the
spiritual ministry of a Filipino priest, were to provide funds for his necessary
support.
The proposal was accented on 23rd December and became Transitory Article
No. 100 of the national constitution.
SOCIAL SERVICES (Education)
Aguinaldo ordered schools open. Elementary education was made compulsory
and free.
The Filipino educator,Enrique Mendiola, founded the Instututo de Burgos and
was appointed by the Director of Public Instruction. It offered courses in
agriculture,surveying, and commerce, as well as a complete A.B course.
October 1898- a government decree fixed the opening date of the Universidad
Literia. While the courses offered were Medicine , Surh#gery , Pharmacy, and
Notary Public.
Proffessors were appointed by the President of the Philippines.
FOREIGN POLICIES
Upon the inauguration of the first Philippine Republic, President Emilio Aguinaldo
granted executive clemency to all Spanish civilians being held prisoners.
He also granted permission for all foreigners, including Spaniards, to freely
engage in business in the Philippines.

MANUEL L. QUEZON
PROGRAMS AND POLICIES

The creation of the National Economic Council to serve as advisory body on

economic matters,
Preparing for the phasing out of free trade between the Philippines and the
United States after independence,
Establishment of a minimum wage
The imposition of new taxes to bolster up the Philippine economy in preparation
for eventual independence from America.

Supreme Court appointments

President Quezn was given the power under the reorganization act, to appoint the first
all-Filipino Supreme Court of the Philippines in 1935. From 1901 to 1935, although a
Filipino was always appointed chief justice, the majority of the members of the Supreme
Court were Americans. Complete Filipinization was achieved only with the
establishment of the Commonwealth of the Philippines in 1935. Claro M. Recto and
Jos P. Laurel were among Quezn's first appointees to replace the American justices.
The membership in the Supreme Court increased to 11: a chief justice and ten
associate justices, who sat en banc or in two divisions of five members each.

Ramn Avancea 1935 (Chief Justice) 19351941

Jos Abad Santos 1935

Claro M. Recto 19351936

Jos P. Laurel 1935

Jos Abad Santos (Chief Justice) 19411942

Government reorganization[edit]
To meet the demands of the newly established government set-up and in compliance
with the provisions of the Tydings-McDuffie law, as well as the requirements of the
Constitution, President Quezn, true to his pledge of "More Government and less
politics", initiated a reorganization of the government bodies.[8] To this effect, he
established the Government Survey Board to study the existing institutions and in the
light of the changed circumstances, make the necessary recommendations. [8]
Early results were seen with the revamping of the Executive Department. Offices and
bureaus were either merged with one another or outrightly abolished. Some new ones,
however, were created.[8] President Quezn ordered the transfer of the Philippine
Constabulary from the Department of Interior, to the Department of Finance. Among the
changes in the Executive Departments by way of modification in functions or new
responsibilities, were those of the National Defense, Agriculture and Commerce, Public
Worksand Communications, and Health and Public Welfare.[8]
In keeping with other exigencies posed by the Constitution, new offices and boards
were created either by Executive Order or by appropriate legislative action. [8] Among
these were the Council of National Defense, the Board of National Relief,
the Mindanao and Sulu Commission, and the Civil Service Board of Appeals.[8]
Social justice program
Pledged to improve the lot of the Philippine working class and seeking the inspiration
from the social doctrines of Leo XIII and Pius XI, aside from the authoritative treatises of
the world's leading sociologists, President Quezon started a vigorous program of social
justice, which he traduced into reality through appropriate executive measures and
legislation obtained from the National Assembly.[8]
Thus, a court of Industrial Relations was established to mediate disputes, under certain
conditions, minimizing the inconveniences of the strikes and lockouts. A minimum wage
law was enacted, as well as a law providing for an eight-hour work day and a tenancy
law for the Filipino farmers. Another measure was the creation of the position of Public
Defender to help poor litigants in their court suits. [8]
Commonwealth Act No. 20 authorized Quezon to institute expropriation proceedings
and/or acquire large landed estates to re-sell them at nominal cost and under easy
terms to tenants thereon, thus enabling them to possess a lot and a home of their own.
It was by virtue of this law that the Buenavista estate was acquired by the

Commonwealth Government. Quezon also launched a cooperative system of

agriculture among the owners of the subdivided estates in order to alleviate their
situation and to provide them greater earnings.[8]
In all these, Quezon showed an earnest desire to follow the constitutional mandate on
the promotion of social justice.[8]
Economy
Upon the advent of the Commonwealth, the economic condition of our nation was
fortunately stable and promising.[8] With foreign trade reaching a peak of four hundred
million pesos, the upward trend in business was accentuated and assumed the aspect
of a boom. Exports crops were generally good and, with the exception of tobacco, they
were all in excellent demand in foreign trade markets. Indeed, the value of the
Philippine exports reached an all high of 320,896,000 pesos, the highest since 1929. [8]
Manuel Quezon signing documents.
On the other hand, government revenues amounted to 76,675,000 pesos in 1936, as
compared with the 1935 revenue of 65,000,000 pesos. Even the government
companies, with the exception of the Manila Railroad, managed to earn profits. Gold
production increased about 37% and iron nearly 100%, while cement production
augmented by some 14%.[8]
Not with standing this prosperous situation,[8] the government had to meet certain
economic problems besetting the country and which, if attended to, might jeopardize the
very prosperity then being enjoyed. For this purpose, the National Economic
Council was created. This body advised the government in economic and financial
questions, including promotion of industries, diversification of crops and
enterprises, tariffs, taxation, and formulation of an economic program in the
contemplation of the future independentRepublic of the Philippines.[8]
Again, a law reorganized the National Development Company; the National Rice and
Corn Company (NARIC) was created and was given a capital of four million pesos. [8]
Upon the recommendation of the National Economic Council, agricultural colonies were
established in the country, especially in Koronadal, Malig, and other appropriate sites
inMindanao. The government, moreover, offered facilities of every sort to encourage
migration and settlement in those places. The Agricultural and Industrial Bank was
established to aid small farmers with convenient loans on easy terms. Attention was
also devoted to soil survey, as well as to the proper disposition of lands of the public
domain. These steps and measures held much promise for our economic welfare. [8]
Agrarian reform

When the Commonwealth Government was established, President Quezn

implemented the Rice Share Tenancy Act of 1933. [9] The purpose of this act was to
regulate the share-tenancy contracts by establishing minimum standards. [9] Primarily,
the Act provided for better tenant-landlord relationship, a 5050 sharing of the crop,
regulation of interest to 10% per agricultural year, and a safeguard against arbitrary
dismissal by the landlord.[9] However, because of one major flaw of this law, no petition
for the Rice Share Tenancy Act was ever presented. [9]
The major flaw of this law was that it could be used only when the majority of municipal
councils in a province petitioned for it.[9] Since landowners usually controlled such
councils, no province ever asked that the law be applied. Therefore, Quezn ordered
that the act be mandatory in all Central Luzon provinces.[9] However, contracts were
good for only one year. By simply refusing to renew their contract, landlords were able
to eject tenants. As a result, peasant organizations clamored in vain for a law that would
make the contract automatically renewable for as long as the tenants fulfilled their
obligations.[9]
In 1936, this Act was amended to get rid of its loophole, but the landlords made its
application relative and not absolute. Consequently, it was never carried out in spite of
its good intentions. In fact, by 1939, thousands of peasants in Central Luzon were being
threatened with wholesale eviction.[9]
The desire of Quezn to placate both landlords and tenants pleased neither. By the
early 1940s, thousands of tenants in Central Luzon were ejected from their farmlands
and the rural conflict was more acute than ever.[9]
Indeed, during the Commonwealth period, agrarian problems persisted. [9] This
motivated the government to incorporate a cardinal principle on social justice in the
1935 Constitution. Dictated by the social justice program of the government,
expropriation of landed estates and other landholdings commenced. Likewise, the
National Land Settlement Administration (NLSA) began an orderly settlement of public
agricultural lands. At the outbreak of the Second World War, major settlement areas
containing more than 65,000 hectares were already established. [9]
Educational reforms
Turning his attention to the matter of education in the country, President Quezn by
virtue of Executive Order No. 19, dated February 19, 1936, created the National Council
of Education, with Rafael Palma, former President of the University of the Philippines,
as its first chairman. Funds retained from the early approved Residence Certificate Law
were devoted to the maintenance of the public schools all over the nation and the
opening of many more to meet the needs of the young people. Indeed, by this time

there were already 6,511 primary schools; 1,039 intermediate schools; 133 secondary
and special schools; and five junior colleges. The total number of pupils enrolled was
1,262,353, who were placed under the charge of 28,485 schools teachers That year's
appropriation for public education amounted to 14,566,850 pesos. The private
institutions of learning, for their part, accommodated more than ninety seven thousand
students, thus considerably aiding the government in solving the annual school crisis.
To implement the pertinent constitutional provision, the Office of Adult Education was
also created.[8]
Women's suffrage
President Quezn initiated women's suffrage in the Philippines during the
Commonwealth Era. As a result of the prolonged debate between the proponents of
women's suffrage and their opponents, the Constitution finally provided that the issue be
resolved by the women themselves in a plebiscite. If no less than 300,000 of them were
to affirmatively vote in favor of the grant within two years, it would be deemed granted
the country's women. Complying with this mandate, the government ordered a plebiscite
to be held for the purpose on April 3, 1937.

Quezon broadcasting to his countrymen in Manila, from Washington, D.C., April 5. For
the first 25 minutes on air, Quezon discussedwomen's suffrage and urged that the 10year independence program be limited to a shorter period, 4/5/1937.
Following a rather vigorous campaign, on the day of the plebiscite, the turnout of female
voters was impressive. The affirmative votes numbered 447,725, as against 44,307 who
opposed the grant.
National language[edit]
Another constitutional provision to be implemented by President Quezn's
administration dealt with the question of The Philippines' national language. Following a
year's study, the Institute of the National Language established on 1936
recommended that Tagalog be adopted as the basis for the national language. The
proposal was well received, considering that the Director the first to be appointed at
the time, Jaime C. de Veyra, was an ethnic Visayan.
On December 1937, Quezn issued a proclamation approving the constitution made by
the Institute and declaring that the adoption of the national language would take place
two years hence. With the presidential approval, the Institute of National Language
started to work on a grammar and dictionary of the language.

Council of State[edit]
In 1938, President Quezn enlarged the composition of the Council of State through
Executive Order No. 44. This highest of advisory bodies to the President was
henceforth to be composed of the President, Vice-President, Senate President, House
Speaker, Senate President pro tempore, House Speaker pro tempore, Majority Floor
leader of both chambers of Congress, former Presidents of the Philippines, and some
three to five prominent citizens.
1938 midterm election
Main article: Philippine legislative election, 1938
The Elections for the Second National Assembly were held on November 8, 1938, under
a new law that allowed block voting[11] which favored the governing Nacionalista Party.
As expected, all the 98 seats of the National Assembly went to the Nacionalistas. Jose
Yulo who was Quezn's Secretary of Justice from 1934 to 1938 was elected Speaker.
The Second National Assembly embarked on passing legislation strengthening the
economy. Unfortunately the cloud of the Second World War loomed over the horizon.
Certain laws passed by the First National Assembly were modified or repealed to meet
existing realities.[12] A controversial immigration law that set an annual limit of 50
immigrants per country which[13] affected mostly Chinese and Japanese nationals
escaping the Sino-Japanese War was passed in 1940. Since the law bordered on
foreign relations it required the approval of the U.S. President which was nevertheless
obtained. When the result of the 1939 censuswas published, the National Assembly
updated the apportionment of legislative districts, which became the basis for the 1941
elections.

JOSE P. LAUREL.
Domestic policies

Economy

During Laurel's tenure as President, hunger was the main worry. Prices of essential
commodities rose to unprecedented heights. The government exerted every effort to
increase production and bring consumers'goods under control. However, Japanese
rapacity had the better of it all. On the other hand, guerrilla activities and Japanese
retaliatory measures brought the peace and order situation to a difficult point. Resorting
to district-zoning and domiciliary searches, coupled with arbitrary arrests, the Japanese
made the mission of Laurel's administration incalculably exasperating and perilous. [7]

Food shortage

During his presidency, the Philippines faced a crippling food shortage which demanded
much of Laurel's attention.[8] Rice and bread were still available but the sugar supply
was gone.[9] Laurel also resisted in Japanese demands that the Philippines issue a
formal declaration of war against the United States. He later was forced to declare war
on the USA and Great Britain as long as Filipinos would not have to fight.
Foreign policies

Philippine-Japanese Treaty of Alliance

On October 20, 1943 the Philippine-Japanese Treaty of Alliance was signed by Claro M.
Recto, who was appointed by Laurel as his Foreign Minister, and Japanese
Ambassador to Philippines Sozyo Murata. One redeeming feature was that no
conscription was envisioned.[7]

Greater East Asia Conference

Greater East Asia Conference

Shortly after the inauguration of the Second Philippine Republic, President Laurel,
together with cabinet Ministers Recto and Paredes flew to Tokyo to attend theGreater
East Asia Conference which was an international summit held in Tokyo, Japan from
November 5 6, 1943, in which Japan hosted the heads of state of various component
members of the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere. The conference was also
referred to as the Tokyo Conference.
The Conference addressed few issues of any substance, but was intended from the
start as a propaganda show piece, to illustrate the Empire of Japan's commitments to
the Pan-Asianism ideal and to emphasize its role as the "liberator" of Asia from
Western colonialism.[10]

Martial law

Laurel declared the country under martial law in 1944 through Proclamation No. 29,
dated September 21[citation needed]. Martial law came into effect on September 22, 1944 at
9 am.[citation needed]. Proclamation No. 30 was issued the next day, declaring the existence
of a state of war between the Philippines and the United States and the United
Kingdom. This took effect on September 23, 1944 at 10:00 A.M. [citation needed

Resistance

Due to the nature of Laurel's government, and its connection to Japan, a portion of the
population actively resisted his presidency,[11] supporting the exiled Commonwealth
government;[12] as can be expected.However, this doesn't mean that his government did
not have forces against the pro-colonial resistance. [12]

Assassination attempt

On June 5, 1943, Laurel was playing golf at the Wack Wack Golf
Course in Mandaluyong when he was shot around 4 times with a 45 caliber pistol.
[13]
The bullets barely missed his heart and liver.[13] He was rushed by his golfing
companions, among them FEU president Nicanor Reyes, Sr., to the Philippine General
Hospital where he was operated by the Chief Military Surgeon of the Japanese Military
Administration and Filipino surgeons.[13] Laurel enjoyed a speedy recovery.
Two suspects to the shooting were reportedly captured and swiftly executed by
the Kempetai.[14] Another suspect, a former boxer named Feliciano Lizardo, was
presented for identification by the Japanese to Laurel at the latter's hospital bed, but
Laurel then professed unclear memory.[14] However, in his 1953 memoirs, Laurel would
admit that Lizardo, by then one his bodyguards, was indeed the would-be-assassin.
[14]
Still, the historian Teodoro Agoncillo in his book on the Japanese occupation,
identified a captain with a guerilla unit as the shooter.[14]

Dissolution of the regime

Laurel (left) being taken into U.S. custody at Osaka Airport in 1945, along with Benigno
Aquino, Sr. (center) and Jos Laurel III.

On July 26, 1945, the Potsdam Declaration served upon Japan an ultimatum to
surrender or face utter annihilation. The Japanese government refused the offer. On
August 6, 1945, Hiroshima, with some 300,000 inhabitants, was almost totally destroyed
by an atomic bomb dropped from an American plane. Two days later, the Soviet Union
declared war against Japan.[15] The next day, August 9, 1945, a second atomic bomb
was dropped on Nagasaki. The Allied Forces' message now had a telling effect: Japan
unconditionally surrendered to the Allied Powers on August 15, 1945. [7]
Since April 1945, President Laurel, together with his family and Cabinet member Camilo
Osas, Speaker Benigno Aquino, Sr., Gen. Tomas Capinpin, and Ambassador Jorge B.
Vargas, had been in Japan. Evacuated from Baguio shortly after the city fell, they
traveled to Aparri and thence, on board Japanese planes, had been taken to Japan.
Laurel was put in Sugamo prison then was later transferred to Nara for house arrest. On
August 17, 1945, from Nara Hotel in Nara, Japan, President Laurel issued an Executive
Proclamation which declared the dissolution of his regime .
President Jose Paciano G. Laurel, Sr. is the only Philippine President who served the
three branches of government. He became a senator-congressman, associate justice
and a president of the second republic(Ryan Adaoag Gragasin)

SERGIO OSMEA
ALMA MATER:

University of San Carlos

San Juan de Letran College
University of Santo Tomas
DOMESTIC POLICIES:

Restoration of the Commonwealth

Government Reorganization

Rehabilitation of the PNB

Peoples Court

FOREIGN POLICIES:

United Nations Charter

Foreign Relations Office

International Banking

Bell Trade Act

VICE PRESIDENCY:
In 1924, Quezon and Osmea reconciled and joined forces in what was
denominated the Partido Nacionalista Consolidado against the threat of an
emerging opposition from the Democrata Party. The reunited Nacionalista Party
dominated the political scene until the second break-up when the members
polarized into Pros and Antis in 1934. Quezon and Osmea again reconciled for
the 1935 Presidential Election. In 1935 Quezon and Osmea won the Philippine's
first national presidential election under the banner of the Nacionalista Party.
Quezon obtained nearly 68% of the vote against his two main rivals, Emilio
Aguinaldo and Bishop Gregorio Aglipay.
They were inaugurated on 15 November 1935. Quezon had originally been
barred by the Philippine constitution from seeking re-election. However, in 1940,
constitutional amendments were ratified allowing him to seek re-election for a
fresh term ending in 1943. In the 1941 presidential elections, Quezon was reelected over former Senator Juan Sumulong with nearly 82% of the vote. Reelected in 1941, Osmea remained vice president during the Japanese
occupation when the government was in exile. As Vice-President, Osmea

concurrently served as Secretary of Public Instruction from 193540, and again

from 194144.

MANUEL ROXAS

DOMESTIC POLICIES
Economy
Reconstruction after the war
Agrarian Reform
Amnesty Proclamation
Huks outlawed

FOREIGN POLICIES:
Treaty of General Relations
United States Military Bases
Party Rights Ammendment

On the morning of April 15, 1948 Roxas delivered a speech before the United States
Thirteenth Air Force. After the speech, he felt dizzy and was brought to the residence of
Major General E.L. Eubank at Clark Field, Pampanga. He died later that night of a heart
attack. Roxas' term as President is thus the third shortest, lasting one year, ten months,
and 18 days.

ELPIDIO QUIRINO
DOMESTIC POLICIES:

Economy

Social Program

Agrarian Reform

Integrity Board

FOREIGN POLICIES:

Korean War

Quirino Foster Agreement

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIIVES
Quirino was married to Alicia Syquia on January 16, 1921. The couple had five
children: Tomas Quirino, Armando Quirino, Norma Quirino,Victoria QuirinoGonzalez, and Fe Quirino. His brother Antonio Quirino was the owner of Alto
Broadcasting System, which later merged with Chronicle Broadcasting Network
to form ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation.

SENATE
Quirino was elected as Senator from 1925 to 1931 representing the First
Senatorial District. He then served as Secretary of Finance and Secretary of the
Interior in the Commonwealth government.
In 1934, Quirino was a member of the Philippine Independence mission to
Washington, D.C., headed by Manuel L. Quezon, that secured the passage in the
United States Congress of the TydingsMcDuffie Act. This legislation set the date
for Philippine independence by 1945. Official declaration came on July 4, 1946.
Before the Second World War, Quirino was re-elected to the Senate but was not
able to serve until 1945. During the Battle of Manila in World War II, his
wife, Alicia SyquiRAMONa, and three of his five children were killed as they fled
their home.
After the war, the Philippine Commonwealth Government was restored. The
Congress was likewise re-organized and in the Senate Quirino was installed
was Senate President pro tempore.

RAMON MAGSAYSAY
DOMESTIC POLICIES:

Presidents Inauguration Day

Agrarian Reform

HUBALAHAP

FOREIGN POLICIES:

SEATO
Defense Council
Laurel-Langley Agreement
Bandung Conference
Reparation Agreement

Carlos P. Garcia

Filipino First Policy

President Garca exercised the Filipino First Policy, for which he was known. This policy
heavily favored Filipino businessmen over foreign investors. He was also responsible
for changes in retail trade which greatly affected the Chinese businessmen in the
country. In a speech during a joint session of the Senate and the House of
Representatives on September 18, 1946, President Garcia said the following:
We are called upon to decide on this momentous debate whether or not this land of
ours will remain the cradle and grave, the womb and tomb of our race the only place
where we can build our homes, our temples, and our altars and where we erect the
castles of our racial hopes, dreams and traditions and where we establish the
warehouse of our happiness and prosperity, of our joys and sorrows

Domestic policies
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. Garca 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.
Austerity Program
In the face of the trying conditions of the country, President Garca initiated what has
been called "The Austerity Program". Garcas administration was characterized by its
austerity program and its insistence on a comprehensive nationalist policy. On March 3,
1960, he affirmed the need for complete economic freedom and added that the
government no longer would tolerate the dominance of foreign interests (especially
American) in the national economy. He promised to shake off "the yoke of alien
domination in business, trade, commerce and industry." Garca was also credited with
his role in reviving Filipino cultural arts.
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 underpricing 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.

Diosdado Macapagal

Economic Policy
Twenty days after the inauguration, exchange controls were lifted and the Philippine
peso was allowed to float on the free currency exchange market. The currency controls
were initially adopted by the administration of Elpidio Quirino as a temporary measure,
but continued to be adopted by succeeding administrations. The peso devalued from
P2.64 to the US dollar, and stabilized at P3.80 to the dollar, supported by a $300 million
stabilization fund from the International Monetary Fund.[
Before independence there was free enterprise in the Philippines under
Presidents Manuel Quezon, Sergio Osmea and Manuel Roxas. In 1950
President Elpidio Quirino deviated from free enterprise launching as a temporary
emergency measure the system of exchange and import controls. The controls system
was carried on by President Magsaysay and Garcia.
The first fundamental decision Macapagal had to make was whether to continue the
system of exchange controls of Quirino, Magsaysay and Garcia or to return to the free
enterprise of Quezon, Osmena and Roxas It had been his view since he was a
Congressman for eight years that the suitable economic system for Filipinos was free
enterprise. So on January 21, 1962 after working for 20 straight hours he signed a
Central Bank decree abolishing exchange controls and returning the country to free
enterprise.
During the 20 days available to make a decision on choice between controls and free
enterprise, between his inauguration as President and before the opening of Congress,
Macapagal's main adviser was Governor Andres Castillo of the Central Bank.
Further reform efforts by Macapagal were blocked by the Nacionalistas, who dominated
the House of Representatives and the Senate at that time. Nonetheless, Macapagal
was able to achieve steady economic progress, and annual GDP growth averaged at
5.15% for 196265.
Republic Act No. 3512 An Act Creating A Fisheries Commission Defining Its Powers,
Duties and Functions, and Appropriating Funds Therefor.

Republic Act No. 3518 An Act Creating The Philippine Veterans Bank, and For Other
Purposes.
Republic Act No. 3844 An Act To Ordain The Agricultural Land Reform Code and To
Institute Land Reforms In The Philippines, Including The Abolition of Tenancy and The
Channeling of Capital Into Industry, Provide For The Necessary Implementing Agencies,
Appropriate Funds Therefor and For Other Purposes.
Republic Act No. 4166 An Act Changing The Date Of Philippine Independence Day
From July Four To June Twelve, And Declaring July Four As Philippine Republic Day,
Further Amending For The Purpose Section Twenty-Nine Of The Revised Administrative
Code.
Republic Act No. 4180 An Act Amending Republic Act Numbered Six Hundred Two,
Otherwise Known As The Minimum Wage Law, By Raising The Minimum Wage For
Certain Workers, And For Other Purposes.
In his inaugural address, Macapagal promised a socio-economic program anchored on
"a return to free and private enterprise", placing economic development in the hands of
private entrepreneurs with minimal government interference. Twenty days after the
inauguration, exchange controls were lifted and the Philippine peso was allowed to float
on the free currency exchange market. The currency controls were initially adopted by
the administration of Elpidio Quirino as a temporary measure, but continued to be
adopted by succeeding administrations. The peso devalued from P2.64 to the US dollar,
and stabilized at P3.80 to the dollar, supported by a $300 million stabilization fund from
the International Monetary Fund.
Socio-economic program
The removal of controls and the restoration of free enterprise was intended to provide
only the fundamental setting in which Macapagal could work out economic and social
progress. A specific and periodic program for the guidance of both the private sector
and the government was an essential instrument to attain the economic and social
development that constituted the goal of his labors.
Socio-economic program Such a program for his administration was formulated under
his authority and direction by a group of able and reputable economic and business
leaders the most active and effective of which was Sixto Roxas III. From an examination
of the planned targets and requirements of the Five-Year program formally known as
the Five-Year Socio-Economic Integrated Development Program it could be seen that
it aimed at the following objectives.

 immediate restoration of economic stability; alleviating the plight of the common man;
and establishing a dynamic basic for future growth.
Land reform
Like Ramon Magsaysay, President Diosdado Macapagal came from the masses. He
savored to call himself the "Poor boy from Lubao". Ironically, he had little popularity
among the masses.This could be attributed to an absence of charismatic appeal of his
stiff personality. But despite this, Macapagal had certain achievements.Foremost of
these was the Agricultural Land Reform Code of 1963 (Republic Act No. 3844) which
provided for the purchase of private farmlands with the intention of distributing them in
small lots to the landless tenants on easy term of payment.
Anti-corruption drive
One of Macapagals major campaign pledges had been to clean out the government
corruption that had proliferated under former President Garcia. The administration also
openly feuded with Filipino businessmen Fernando Lopez and Eugenio Lopez, brothers
who had controlling interests in several large businesses.
The administration alluded to the brothers as "Filipino Stonehills who build and maintain
business empires through political power, including the corruption of politicians and
other officials".[13] In the 1965 election, the Lopezes threw their support behind
Macapagals rival, Ferdinand Marcos, with Fernando as Marcos running mate.
Independence Day
Macapagal appealed to nationalist sentiments by shifting the commemoration of
Philippine independence day.
On May 12, 1962, he signed a proclamation which declared Tuesday, June 12, 1962, as
a special public holiday in commemoration of the declaration of independence from
Spain on that date in 1898.
The change became permanent in 1964 with the signing of Republic Act No. 4166.For
having issued his 1962 proclamation, Macapagal is generally credited with having
moved the celebration date of the Independence Day holiday. Years later, Macapagal
told journalist Stanley Karnow the real reason for the change: "When I was in the
diplomatic corps, I noticed that nobody came to our receptions on the Fourth of July, but
went to the American Embassy instead. So, to compete, I decided we needed a
different holiday.
Sabah Claim On September 12, 1962, during President Diosdado Macapagals
administration, the territory of North Borneo, and the full sovereignty, title and dominion

over the territory were ceded by the then reigning Sultan of Sulu, HM Sultan
Muhammad Esmail E. Kiram I, to the Republic of the Philippines. The cession effectively
gave the Philippine government the full authority to pursue their claim in international
courts.
The Philippines broke diplomatic relations with Malaysia after the federation had
included Sabah in 1963.
It was revoked in 1989 because succeeding Philippine administrations have placed the
claim in the back burner in the interest of pursuing cordial economic and security
relations with Kuala Lumpur.
To date, Malaysia continues to consistently reject Philippine calls to resolve the matter
of Sabahs jurisdiction to the International Court of Justice. Sabah sees the claim made
by the Philippines Moro leader Nur Misuari to take Sabah to International Court of
Justice (ICJ) as a non-issue and thus dismissed the claim.
Maphilindo
Maphilindo was described as a regional association that would approach issues of
common concern in the spirit of consensus. However, it was also perceived as a tactic
on the parts of Jakarta and Manila to delay, or even prevent, the formation of the
Federation of Malaysia. Manila had its own claim to Sabah (formerly British North
Borneo), and Jakarta protested the formation of Malaysia as a British imperialist plot.
The plan failed when Sukarno adopted his plan of konfrontasi with Malaysia. The
Konfrontasi, or Confrontation basically aims at preventing Malaysia to attain
independence. The idea was inspired onto President Sukarno by the Partai Komunis
Indonesia (PKI), or literally the Indonesian Communist Party. The party convinced
President Sukarno that the Formation of Malaysia is a form of neo-colonization and will
later affect tranquility in Indonesia. The subsequent development of ASEAN almost
certainly excludes any possibility of the project ever being revived.
Vietnam War
Before the end of his term in 1965, President Diosdado Macapagal persuaded
Congress to send troops to South Vietnam. However this proposal was blocked by the
opposition led by Senate President Ferdinand Marcos who deserted Macapagals
Liberal Party and defected to the Nacionalista Party.
Ferdinand Marcos

The specific areas of the New Society envisioned by Pres. Marcos for reform: 1.Peace
and Order 2.Land Reforms 3.Educational Reforms 4.Labor Reforms 5.Government
Reorganization 6.Economic Reforms 7.Social Services
Peace and Order Martial law to restore peace and order Criminals were either
captured and detained or killed 2. Land Reforms Exploitation of the poor and landless
peasants by their landlords
Presidential Decree No. 2 - proclaiming the whole country as a reform area
Presidential Decree No. 27 abolishes tenancy By the end of martial law in 1981,
532, 153 tenant-farmers had become owners of rice and corn lands in 45 provinces.
Educational Reforms
Marcos believed that education was a very important role towards the goal of the New
Society. President Marcos vowed that his administration shall educate our children,
our men and women, and ourselves. Education Development Decree of 1972
defines a more responsive role for the education system
Labor Reforms First Labor Day Presidential Decree No. 21 fast and just
settlements of disputes through the National Labor Relations Commission Presidential
Decree 99 minimum wages for household helpers Presidential Decree No. 143
Blue Sunday Law (mandatory rest for every worker once a week) Presidential Decree
No. 148 eliminates anti-employment provisions of the Woman and Child Labor Law
Presidential Decree No. 197 More effective apprenticeship program

Govt Reorganization Presidential Decree No. 1 Integrated Reorganization Plan

(dismiss corrupt officials) (a total of 6, 655 employees were dismissed) 6. Economic
Reforms Year Annual rate of Growth Pre-War 3.3% GNP Growth Post-War 5.5% Rate
1978-1979 6.1% 1979-1980 5.4% 1980-1981 4.9%
Pre-War (1920- Post-War (1946- 1978-1980 1940) 1970) Rice Rice Coconut Corn Corn
Centrifugal Sugar Sugar Sugar Lumber/Plywood 6 Key Industries of the Coconut
Coconut Copper/Iron Philippines Abaca Logs Fruits/Vegetables Tobacco Copper
Miscellaneous products Presidential Decree No. 3 appropriating funds for public
works involving rehabilitation and capital development
Social Services
The Marcos Administration extended social services available to the people, focusing on
the people affected by poverty Aim to make the people self-reliant and productive
1.Health and Nutrition 2.Family Planning 3.Housing and Human Settlements
We became the top exporters of rice Liberal credit and extension work was the secret
of Masagana 99 Pre-War (1920- Post-War (1946- 1978-1980 Educated agricultural
technicians 1940) 1970) Provided farmers with full creditRice Rice support Coconut
After 3 years,Corn Philippines experienced its highest the Corn Centrifugal Sugar
productivity increase in rice production (1976-1985) 6 Key Industries Sugar Sugar
Lumber/Plywood Masagana 99 uplifted the lives Coconut of the Coconut of the farmers
Copper/Iron Philippines Mobilized government resources to help the farmers in rural
Abaca Logs Fruits/Vegetables areas (helicopters, etc..) Tobacco Copper Miscellaneous
products
Encourages economical growth Farmers were given technical and financial aid as well
as other incentives
Good Effects: Economic growth rate increases from 5% to 6- 7% (1970-1980) The
GNP increases from P55 billion (1972) to P193 billion (1980) Bad Effects: Year Annual
rate of Growth Debt from the International Monetary Fund Pre-War 3.3% (IMF) and the
World Bank rises from US$2.3 Post-War 5.5% GNP Growth billion (1970) to US$24.4
billion (1983) 1978-1979 6.1% Rate An estimated 10% of the GNP is being 1979-1980
5.4% pocketed. 1980-1981 4.9%
Buildings:
Hospitals Specialty Hospitals Philippine Heart Center, Lung Center, Kidney Institute,
Philippine Children Hospital Schools Power Plants geothermal plants, hydroelectric
plants An International Airport Housing Projects Restorations Intramuros, Luneta
Park, etc Philippine International Convention Center Makiling Center for the Arts

(National Arts Center) Malacaang ti Amianan (Laoag) Nayong Pilipino Museum for
Native Art (Tacloban) Palace In the Sky (Tagaytay) Government Buildings
Bridges: San Juanico Bridge (Samar and Leyte) Toll-Ways: Manila North Diversion
Road Roads and Highways: Marcos Highway (Baguio) These achievements gave
the Philippines a taste of economic prosperity throughout the 1970s
It was an open-door policy mainly on trade and cultural relations Started trading with
countries with Russia and China and other socialist countries It was a cautious opendoor policy Built up relationships with countries who were enemies with the United
States Being the Iron Butterfly, Imelda Marcos, with her charm, went on foreign trips
to open trade relationships, exchange culture and get financial assistance.
1973 Constitution Republic Act No. 6132 1970 Constitutional Convention Act
Presidential Decree No. 73 date of the plebiscite General Order No. 20
postponing the plebiscite
Proclamation No. 1102 Constitution was ratified (organized by Marcos through
Presidential Decree No. 86)
Batasang Bayan and the IBP (Interim Batasang Pambansa Presidential Decree No.
995 created the Batasang Bayan Political Achievements
1980 and 1981 Amendments 1973 Constitution Retirement age = 70 Modified
parliamentary system 1984 Amendments 1973 Constitution Abolished Executive
Committee Vice President constitutional authoritarianism as understood and
practiced in the New Society Political Achievements
Economic Prosperity
during the 1970s and the early 1980s Farmers had price support and financial
support Self-sufficient in rice exports Kilusang Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran Overseas
Filipino Workers Development of Infrastructures
New Society Educational Reforms, Labor Reforms, Land Reforms Social Services
Housing Projects Martial Law maintained peace and order
Although Marcos was branded as dictator, corrupt, human rights violator by fictional
tales passed on from generation to generation and his achievements were Conclusion
expunged subtly by the manipulation of mass media and vindictiveness of the
administration that succeeded him, the impacts of his interventions remained and are
undeniably germane part of our countrys system.

Corazon Aquino

LAWS AND PROGRAMS

a.) restoration of democracy
-abolished the legislature
-declared a revolutionary government
-wrote a new constitution (1987 Constitution)
b.) Land Reform
c.) Free secondary schooling
d.) Proclamation No.9
Cory issues Proclamation No. 9 which provides for the creation of a constitutional
commission (Concom) to draft a new charter truly reflective of the ideals and
aspirations of the Filipino People, on or before September 2 of the same year. She
appoints 48 men and women, led former justice Cecilia Muoz Palma, to be
members of the Concom.
e.) Proclamation no. 1
Cory, in her inaugural address, issues her first edict: Proclamation No. 1 calling all
appointive public officials to submit their courtesy resignations. In her speech, she
proceeded to reorganize the government issuing Executive Order No. 1appointing
Cabinet ministers and task forces to help her run the government.
g.) Proclamation no.3
One month after assuming the presidency, Cory issues Proclamation No. 3,
proclaiming her government a revolutionary government. With this, she suspends
the 1973 Constitution installed during martial law and promulgates a provisional
Freedom Constitution, which vests legislative making powers on her, pending the
enactment of the new constitution.
h.) executive order no.88
Cory issues Executive Order 48: Creating an Ad Hoc Special Committee to supervise

the liquidation of the affairs of the Constitutional Commission of 1986, preservation

of its records, and to undertake its constitutional education campaign.
i.) United States trading in the First Philippine Fund Inc.
On November 9, she opens United States trading in the First Philippine Fund Inc. She
later spoke at a meeting of the United States Chamber of Commerce and the United
States-Philippine Business Committee, where she urged American business to
increase its investment in the Philippines.
i.) ratification of a 1991 treaty
A president must also learn how to bow to the inevitable, as Cory had to do with the
negotiations on the renewal of the US lease on its military bases in the Philippines.
After keeping her options open, she signaled her support for the ratification of a
1991 treaty allowing the Americans continued access to the installation for ten
years, with the option to renew for another ten. The Senate voted 12-11 against the
agreement and the Americans were out of the country by 1992.
e.) Administrative Code of 1987
establishes the various Cabinet departments and offices falling within the executive
branch of government, and under the direct control and supervision of the
President. The Code also prescribes the administrative procedure undertaken in
proceedings before the offices under the executive department.
Executive Order No. 228, July 16, 1987 Declared full ownership to qualified
farmer-beneficiaries covered by PD 27. It also determined the value remaining
unvalued rice and corn lands subject of PD 27 and provided for the manner of
payment by the FBs and mode of compensation to landowners.
Executive Order No. 229, July 22, 1987 Provided mechanism for the
implementation of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).
Proclamation No. 131, July 22, 1987 Instituted the CARP as a major program
of the government. It provided for a special fund known as the Agrarian Reform
Fund (ARF), with an initial amount of Php50 billion to cover the estimated cost of the
program from 1987-1992.
Executive Order No. 129-A, July 26, 1987 streamlined and expanded the
power and operations of the DAR.
Republic Act No. 6657, June 10, 1988 (Comprehensive Agrarian Reform
Law) An act which became effective June 15, 1988 and instituted a
comprehensive agrarian reform program to promote social justice and
industrialization providing the mechanism for its implementation and for other
purposes. This law is still the one being implemented at present.

 Executive Order No. 405, June 14, 1990 Vested in the Land Bank of the
Philippines the responsibility to determine land valuation and compensation for all
lands covered by CARP.
Executive Order No. 407, June 14, 1990 Accelerated the acquisition and
distribution of agricultural lands, pasture lands, fishponds, agro-forestry lands and
other lands of the public domain suitable for agriculture.

BENEFICIARIES OF THE LAWS AND PROGRAMS

The Common People Because they were just coming out of the Marcos Regime.
They were looking for democracy and freedom.
Corporate Owners of the Lands (Agrarian Reform) There were holes in the law
which made it possible for the companies to distribute stocks instead of land
ownership to the farmers.

HOLES AND SHORTCOMINGS OF THE LAWS

She wasnt really able to solve the countrys problems by implementing all that she
promised because she was constantly distracted by coups that threatened the
country and her administration. She focused a lot on disaster management but it
was necessary for her to keep the peace.