Ramon Magsaysay

President of the Philippines from 1953 up to his death in 1957

"Magsaysay" redirects here. For other uses, see Magsaysay (disambiguation).

In this Philippine name, the middle name or maternal  family name is del Fierro and the surname or paternal family name is Magsaysay.

Ramon Magsaysay

7th President of the Philippines
In office
December 30, 1953 – March 17, 1957
Vice President| Carlos P. Garcia
Preceded by| Elpidio Quirino
Succeeded by| Carlos P. Garcia
6th Secretary of National Defense
In office
January 1, 1954 – May 14, 1954
President| Himself
Preceded by| Oscar Castelo
Succeeded by| Sotero B. Cabahug
In office
September 1, 1950 – February 28, 1953
President| Elpidio Quirino
Preceded by| Ruperto Kangleon
Succeeded by| Oscar Castelo
Member of the House of Representatives from Zambales’ Lone district
In office
May 28, 1946 – September 1, 1950[1]
Preceded by| Valentin Afable
Succeeded by| Enrique Corpus
Military Governor of Zambales
In office
February 1, 1945 – March 6, 1945
Appointed by| Douglas MacArthur
Preceded by| Jose Corpuz
Succeeded by| Francisco Anonas
Personal details
Born|

Ramon del Fierro Magsaysay

(1907-08-31)August 31, 1907
Iba, Zambales, Philippine Islands
Died| March 17, 1957(1957-03-17) (aged 49)
Balamban, Cebu, Philippines
Cause of death| Airplane crash
Resting place| Manila North Cemetery, Santa Cruz, Manila, Philippines
Political party| Nacionalista (1953–1957)
Other political
affiliations| Liberal (1946–1953)[2][3]
Spouse|

Luz Banzon

(m. 1933)​

Children|

* Teresita
* Milagros
* Ramon, Jr.

Alma mater| University of the Philippines
José Rizal University (BComm)
Profession| Soldier, automotive mechanic
Signature|
Military service
Allegiance|  Philippines
Branch/service| Philippine Commonwealth Army
Years of service| 1942–1945
Rank| Captain
Unit| 31st Infantry Division
Battles/wars|

* World War II
* Battle of Bataan
* Philippine resistance

Ramon Magsaysay's voice

Speech for receiving his Doctor of Laws from the University of the East
(Recorded on January 25, 1957)

Ramon del Fierro Magsaysay Sr. QSC GCGH KGE GCC (August 31, 1907 – March 17, 1957) was a Filipino statesman who served as the seventh President of the Philippines, from December 30, 1953, until his death in an aircraft disaster on March 17, 1957. During his term, he is regarded to be the "Golden Age" of the Philippines. An automobile mechanic by profession, Magsaysay was appointed military governor of Zambales after his outstanding service as a guerrilla leader during the Pacific War. He then served two terms as Liberal Party congressman for Zambales's at-large district before being appointed Secretary of National Defense by President Elpidio Quirino. He was elected president under the banner of the Nacionalista Party. He was the youngest to be elected as president, and second youngest to be president (after Emilio Aguinaldo). He was the first Philippine president born in the 20th century and the first to be born after the Spanish colonial era.

## Biography

[edit]

### Early life and education

[edit]

Magsaysay in his teenage years

Ramon del Fierro Magsaysay, of mixed Tagalog, Visayan, Spanish, and Chinese descent, [4][5] was born in Iba, Zambales on August 31, 1907, to Exequiel Magsaysay y de los Santos (April 18, 1874, in San Marcelino, Zambales – January 24, 1969, in Manila), a blacksmith, and Perfecta del Fierro y Quimson (April 18, 1886, in Castillejos, Zambales – May 5, 1981, in Manila), a Chinese mestizo schoolteacher, nurse.[6][4]

He spent his grade school life somewhere in Castillejos and his high school life at Zambales Academy in San Narciso, Zambales.[7] After college, Magsaysay entered the University of the Philippines in 1927,[7] where he enrolled in a Mechanical Engineering course. He first worked as a chauffeur to support himself as he studied engineering; and later, he transferred to the Institute of Commerce at José Rizal College (now José Rizal University) from 1928 to 1932,[7] where he received a baccalaureate in commerce. He then worked as an automobile mechanic for a bus company[8] and shop superintendent.

### Career during World War II

[edit]

Magsaysay as a guerrilla fighter during the Second World War

At the outbreak of World War II, he joined the motor pool of the 31st Infantry Division of the Philippine Army.

When Bataan surrendered in 1942, Magsaysay escaped to the hills, narrowly evading Japanese arrest on at least four occasions. There he organised the Western Luzon Guerrilla Forces, and was commissioned captain on April 5, 1942. For three years, Magsaysay operated under Col. Frank Merrill's famed guerrilla outfit and saw action at Sawang, San Marcelino, Zambales, first as a supply officer codenamed Chow and later as commander of a 10,000-strong force.[6]

Magsaysay was among those instrumental in clearing the Zambales coast of the Japanese prior to the landing of American forces together with the Philippine Commonwealth troops on January 29, 1945.[citation needed]

### Family

[edit]

He was married to Luz Rosauro Banzon on June 16, 1933, and they had three children: Teresita (1934–1979), Milagros (b. 1936) and Ramon Jr. (b. 1938).

Other Relatives

Several of Magsaysay's relatives became prominent public figures in their own right:

* Ramon "Jun" Banzon Magsaysay Jr., son; former Congressman and Senator
* Francisco "Paco" Delgado Magsaysay, entrepreneur
* Genaro Magsaysay, brother; former Senator
* Vicente Magsaysay, nephew; Former Governor of Zambales
* JB Magsaysay, grandnephew; actor, politician, and businessman
* Antonio M. Diaz, nephew; Congressman and Assemblyman of Zambales
* Anita Magsaysay-Ho, cousin; painter

### House of Representatives (1945–1950)

[edit]

On April 22, 1946, Magsaysay, encouraged by his fellow ex-guerrillas, was elected under the Liberal Party[2] to the Philippine House of Representatives. In 1948, President Manuel Roxas chose Magsaysay to go to Washington, D.C. as Chairman of the Committee on Guerrilla Affairs, to help to secure passage of the Rogers Veterans Bill, giving benefits to Philippine veterans.[citation needed] In the so-called "dirty election" of 1949, he was re-elected to a second term in the House of Representatives. During both terms, he was Chairman of the House National Defense Committee.[citation needed]

### Secretary of National Defense (1950–1953)

[edit]

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In early August 1950, he offered President Elpidio Quirino a plan to fight the Communist guerrillas, using his own experiences in guerrilla warfare during World War II. After some hesitation, Quirino realized that there was no alternative and appointed Magsaysay Secretary of National Defence in September 1950.[9] He intensified the campaign against the Hukbalahap guerrillas. This success was due in part to the unconventional methods he took up from a former advertising expert and CIA agent, Colonel Edward Lansdale. In the counterinsurgency the two utilized deployed soldiers distributing relief goods and other forms of aid to outlying, provincial communities. Prior to Magsaysay's appointment as Defense Secretary, rural citizens perceived the Philippine Army with apathy and distrust. However, Magsaysay's term enhanced the Army's image, earning them respect and admiration.[10]

In June 1952, Magsaysay made a goodwill tour to the United States and Mexico. He visited New York, Washington, D.C. (with a medical check-up at Walter Reed Hospital) and Mexico City, where he spoke at the Annual Convention of Lions International.

By 1953, President Quirino thought the threat of the Huks was under control and Secretary Magsaysay was becoming too weak. Magsaysay met with interference and obstruction from the President and his advisers, in fears they might be unseated at the next presidential election. Although Magsaysay had at that time no intention to run, he was urged from many sides and finally was convinced that the only way to continue his fight against communism, and for a government for the people, was to be elected president, ousting the corrupt administration that, in his opinion, had caused the rise of the communist guerrillas by bad administration. He resigned his post as defense secretary on February 28, 1953,[11] and became the presidential candidate of the Nacionalista Party,[12] disputing the nomination with Senator Camilo Osías at the Nacionalista national convention.

#### 1951 Padilla incident

[edit]

Theatrical poster of the 1961 film The Moises Padilla Story that narrates the 1951 event.

When news reached Magsaysay that his political ally Moises Padilla was being tortured by men of provincial governor Rafael Lacson, he rushed to Negros Occidental, but was too late. He was then informed that Padilla's body was drenched in blood, pierced by fourteen bullets, and was positioned on a police bench in the town plaza.[13] Magsaysay himself carried Padilla's corpse with his bare hands and delivered it to the morgue, and the next day, news clips showed pictures of him doing so.[14] Magsaysay even used this event during his presidential campaign in 1953.

The trial against Lacson started in January 1952; Magsaysay and his men presented enough evidence to convict Lacson and his 26 men for murder.[13] In August 1954, Judge Eduardo Enríquez ruled the men were guilty and Lacson, his 25 men and three other mayors of Negros Occidental municipalities were condemned to the electric chair.[15]

### Manila Railroad leadership

[edit]

Magsaysay was also the general manager of the Manila Railroad Company between October and December 1951. His tenure later motivated him to modernize the rail operator's fleet after stepping into presidency. He also set the first steps in building what has been the discontinued Cagayan Valley Railroad Extension project.[16]

### 1953 presidential campaign

[edit]

Main article: 1953 Philippine presidential election

Presidential elections were held on November 10, 1953, in the Philippines. Incumbent President Elpidio Quirino lost his opportunity for a second full term as President of the Philippines to former Defense Secretary Magsaysay. His running mate, Senator José Yulo lost to Senator Carlos P. García. Vice President Fernando López did not run for re-election. This was the first time that an elected Philippine President did not come from the Senate. Moreover, Magsaysay began the practice in the Philippines of "campaign jingles" during elections, for one of his inclinations and hobbies was dancing. The jingles that were used during the election period was "Mambo Magsaysay"", "We Want Magsaysay", and "The Magsaysay Mambo"

The United States Government, including the Central Intelligence Agency, had strong influence on the 1953 election, and candidates in the election fiercely competed with each other for U.S. support.[17][18]

## Presidency (1953–1957)

[edit]

See also: List of executive orders by Ramon Magsaysay

Presidential styles of
Ramon Magsaysay

Reference style| His Excellency
Spoken style| Your Excellency
Alternative style| Mr. President

In the election of 1953, Magsaysay was decisively elected president over the incumbent Elpidio Quirino. He was sworn into office on Wednesday, December 30, 1953, at the Independence Grandstand in Manila.[19] He was wearing the barong tagalog, a first by a Philippine President and a tradition that still continues up to this day. He was then called "Mambo Magsaysay". Also dressed in barong tagalog was the elected vice-president Carlos P. Garcia.[20] The oath of office was administered by Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines Ricardo Paras. For the first time, a Philippine president swore on the Bible on an inauguration.[21] He swore on two Bibles, from each parents' side.[22]

As President, he was a close friend and supporter of the United States and a vocal spokesman against communism during the Cold War. He led the foundation of the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization, also known as the Manila Pact of 1954, that aimed to defeat communist-Marxist movements in Southeast Asia, South Asia and the Southwestern Pacific.

During his term, he made Malacañang literally a "house of the people", opening its gates to the public. One example of his integrity followed a demonstration flight aboard a new plane belonging to the Philippine Air Force (PAF): President Magsaysay asked what the operating costs per hour were for that type of aircraft, then wrote a personal check to the PAF, covering the cost of his flight. He restored the people's trust in the military and in the government.

* The taking of the oath of office of President Ramon Magsaysay

* President Ramon Magsaysay and then Vice President Carlos P. Garcia

* President Ramon Magsaysay (center) with Secretary of National Defense Sotero Cabahug and Chief of Staff Jesus M. Vargas

* President Ramon Magsaysay meets Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand Marcos

* President Ramon Magsaysay, inspects signal bridge of USS Wasp (CVA-18) during his visit in Manila Bay (1954)

* President Ramon Magsaysay (right) with Vice President Carlos P. Garcia (center) and Thai Prime Minister Plaek Phibunsongkhram (left)

* President Ramon Magsaysay on a 1957 stamp of the Philippines after his death

### Administration and cabinet

[edit]

Main article: List of cabinets of the Philippines § Ramon Magsaysay (1953–1957)

### Domestic policies

[edit]

Economy of the Philippines under
President Ramon Magsaysay
1953–1957Population

1954|  ≈ {\displaystyle \approx } 21.40 million
Gross Domestic Product (1985 constant prices)
1954|  Php 157,054 million
1956| Php 179,739 million
Growth rate, 1954–56| 7.2%
Per capita income (1985 constant prices)
1954|  Php 7,339
1956|  Php 8,073
Total exports
1954|  Php 36,462 million
1956|  Php 34,727 million
Exchange rates
1 US US$ = Php 2.00
1 Php = US US$ 0.50
Sources: Philippine Presidency Project
Malaya, Jonathan; Eduardo Malaya. So Help Us God... The Inaugurals of the Presidents of the Philippines. Anvil Publishing, Inc.

#### Presidential Inauguration Day

[edit]

Ushering a new era in Philippine government, President Magsaysay placed emphasis upon service to the people by bringing the government closer to the former.[3]

This was symbolically seen when, on inauguration day, President Magsaysay ordered the gates of Malacañan Palace be opened to the general public, who were allowed to freely visit all parts of the Palace complex. Later, this was regulated to allow weekly visitation.[3]

True to his electoral promise, he created the Presidential Complaints and Action Committee.[3] This body immediately proceeded to hear grievances and recommend remedial action. Headed by soft-spoken, but active and tireless, Manuel Manahan, this committee would come to hear nearly 60,000 complaints in a year, of which more than 30,000 would be settled by direct action and a little more than 25,000 would be referred to government agencies for appropriate follow-up. This new entity, composed of youthful personnel, all loyal to the President, proved to be a highly successful morale booster restoring the people's confidence in their own government. He appointed Zotico "Tex" Paderanga Carrillo in 1953 as PCAC Chief for Mindanao and Sulu. He became a close friend to the president because of his charisma to the common people of Mindanao.[citation needed]

Zotico was a local journalist and a writer from a family on Camiguin, (then sub-province of Misamis Oriental), Zotico become a depository of complaints and an eye of the president in the region his diplomatic skills helped the government, moro and the rebels to learn the true situation in every city and municipalities. With his zero corruption mandate he recognized a turn of achievement of Zotico that made him his compadre when Zotico named his fifth child after the President when he was elected in 1953, even making the President godfather to the boy. Magsaysay personally visited Mindanao several times because of this friendship, becoming the first President to visit Camiguin, where he was warmly received by thousands of people who waited for his arrival.[3]

#### Agrarian reform

[edit]

See also: Land reform in the Philippines

To amplify and stabilize the functions of the Economic Development Corps (EDCOR), President Magsaysay worked[3] for the establishment of the National Resettlement and Rehabilitation Administration (NARRA).[3] This body took over from the EDCOR and helped in the giving some sixty-five thousand acres to three thousand indigent families for settlement purposes.[3] Again, it allocated some other twenty-five thousand to a little more than one thousand five hundred landless families, who subsequently became farmers.[3]

As further aid to the rural people,[3] the president established the Agricultural Credit and Cooperative Financing Administration (ACCFA). The idea was for this entity to make available rural credits. Records show that it did grant, in this wise, almost ten million dollars. This administration body next devoted its attention to cooperative marketing.[3]

Along this line of help to the rural areas, President Magsaysay initiated in all earnestness the artesian wells campaign. A group-movement known as the Liberty Wells Association was formed and in record time managed to raise a considerable sum for the construction of as many artesian wells as possible. The socio-economic value of the same could not be gainsaid and the people were profuse in their gratitude.[3]

Finally, vast irrigation projects, as well as enhancement of the Ambuklao Power plant and other similar ones, went a long way towards bringing to reality the rural improvement program advocated by President Magsaysay.[3]

President Magsaysay enacted the following laws as part of his Agrarian Reform Program:

* Republic Act No. 1160 of 1954 – Abolished the LASEDECO and established the National Resettlement and Rehabilitation Administration (NARRA) to resettle dissidents and landless farmers. It was particularly aimed at rebel returnees providing home lots and farmlands in Palawan and Mindanao.
* Republic Act No. 1199 (Agricultural Tenancy Act of 1954) – governed the relationship between landowners and tenant farmers by organizing share-tenancy and leasehold system. The law provided the security of tenure of tenants. It also created the Court of Agrarian Relations.
* Republic Act No. 1400 (Land Reform Act of 1955) – Created the Land Tenure Administration (LTA) which was responsible for the acquisition and distribution of large tenanted rice and corn lands over 200 hectares for individuals and 600 hectares for corporations.
* Republic Act No. 821 (Creation of Agricultural Credit Cooperative Financing Administration) – Provided small farmers and share tenants loans with low interest rates of six to eight percent.[23]

#### Hukbong Bayan Laban sa Hapon

[edit]

In early 1954, Benigno Aquino Jr. was appointed by President Magsaysay to act as his personal emissary to Luis Taruc, leader of the rebel group, Hukbalahap. Also in 1954, Lt. Col. Laureño Maraña, the former head of Force X of the 16th PC Company, assumed command of the 7th BCT, which had become one of the most mobile striking forces of the Philippine ground forces against the Huks, from Colonel Valeriano. Force X employed psychological warfare through combat intelligence and infiltration that relied on secrecy in planning, training, and execution of attack. The lessons learned from Force X and Nenita were combined in the 7th BCT.

With the all out anti-dissidence campaigns against the Huks, they numbered less than 2,000 by 1954 and without the protection and support of local supporters, active Huk resistance no longer presented a serious threat to Philippine security. From February to mid-September 1954, the largest anti-Huk operation, "Operation Thunder-Lightning" was conducted that resulted in Taruc's surrender on May 17. Further cleanup operations of the remaining guerrillas lasted throughout 1955, cutting their number to less than 1,000 by year's end.[24][25]

### Foreign policies

[edit]

Eleanor Roosevelt with President Ramon Magsaysay and First Lady Luz Magsaysay in Manila

#### Southeast Asia Treaty Organization

[edit]

The administration of President Magsaysay was active in the fight against the expansion of communism in Asia. He made the Philippines a member of the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO), which was established in Manila on September 8, 1954, during the "Manila Conference".[26] Members of SEATO were alarmed at the possible victory of North Vietnam over South Vietnam, which could spread communist ideology to other countries in the region. The possibility that a communist state can influence or cause other countries to adopt the same system of government is called the domino theory.[27]

The active coordination of the Magsaysay administration with the Japanese government led to the Reparation Agreement. This was an agreement between the two countries, obligating the Japanese government to pay $550 million as reparation for war damages to the Philippines.[27]

The SEATO agreement have proved to be unpopular among the Philippines' Asian neighbors, having its original members were the U.S., France, the U.K., Australia, Pakistan and New Zealand, with the U.S. as its driving force. His support for South Vietnamese president Ngo Dinh Diem became unpopular to the Vietnamese public especially those in the north. Magsaysay also pressured Cambodian Prince Norodom Sihanouk for Cambodia to join SEATO and claimed that the prince was violating Cambodia's non-alignment policy.[28]: 91-94

#### Defense Council

[edit]

Taking the advantage of the presence of U.S. Secretary John Foster Dulles in Manila to attend the SEATO Conference, the Philippine government took steps to broach with him the establishment of a Joint Defense Council. Vice-President and Secretary of Foreign Affairs Carlos P. Garcia held the opportune conversations with Secretary Dulles for this purpose. Agreement was reached thereon and the first meeting of the Joint United States–Philippines Defense Council was held in Manila following the end of the Manila Conference. Thus were the terms of the Mutual Defense Pact between the Philippines and the United States duly implemented.[3]

#### Laurel-Langley Agreement

[edit]

Main article: Laurel–Langley Agreement

At Malacañang Palace, 1955. Clockwise, from top left: Senator Edmundo Cea, Former President Jose P. Laurel Sr., Senator Cipriano Primicias, Senate President Eulogio A. Rodriguez, Sr., President Ramon Magsaysay, & House Speaker Jose B. Laurel, Jr.

Under Magsaysay’s leadership, Filipino nationalists addressed the killing of Filipinos who were crossing the perimeter of American military bases and growing anger over the Bell Trade Act. Negotiations with the United States led to the revision of these agreements, resulting in the Laurel-Langley Agreement signed in December 1954 by Senator Jose P. Laurel and James Langley. This agreement ended American control over Philippine currency and allowed more business opportunities for Filipino businessmen.[29]: 43 The agreement expired in 1974. Although it proved deficient, the final agreement satisfied nearly all of the diverse Filipino economic interests. While some have seen the Laurel-Langley agreement as a continuation of the 1946 trade act, Jose P. Laurel and other Philippine leaders recognized that the agreement substantially gave the country greater freedom to industrialize while continuing to receive privileged access to US markets.[30]

The agreement replaced the unpopular Bell Trade Act, which tied the economy of the Philippines to that of United States.

#### Bandung Conference

[edit]

The culmination of a series of meetings to promote Afro-Asian economic and cultural cooperation and to oppose colonialism or neocolonialism by either the United States or the Soviet Union in the Cold War, or any other imperialistic nations, the Asian–African Conference was held in Bandung, Indonesia in April 1955, upon invitation extended by the Prime Ministers of India, Pakistan, Burma, Ceylon, and Indonesia. This summit is commonly known as the Bandung Conference. Although, at first, the Magsaysay Government seemed reluctant to send any delegation. Later, however, upon advise of Ambassador Carlos P. Rómulo, it was decided to have the Philippines participate in the conference. Rómulo was asked to head the Philippine delegation.[3] At the very outset indications were to the effect that the conference would promote the cause of neutralism as a third position in the current Cold War between the capitalist bloc and the communist group. John Kotelawala, Prime Minister of Ceylon, however, broke the ice against neutralism.[3] He was immediately joined by Rómulo, who categorically stated that his delegation believed that "a puppet is a puppet",[3] no matter whether under a Western Power or an Asian state.[3]

In the course of the conference, Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru acidly spoke against the SEATO. Ambassador Rómulo delivered a stinging, eloquent retort that prompted Prime Minister Nehru to publicly apologize to the Philippine delegation.[3] According to their account, the Philippine delegation ably represented the interests of the Philippines and, in the ultimate analysis, succeeded in turning the Bandung Conference into a victory against the plans of its socialist and neutralist delegates.[3] However according to the final communique of the conference, communism as a threat in Asia was not mentioned. Instead, participating countries viewed that colonialism, racialism, cultural suppression, discrimination, and nuclear weapons as regional threats. Solutions offered by the conference for these threats were less ideological, which namely includes:[28]: 93

> (1) respect for human rights; (2) respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations; (3) recognition of the equality of all races and of all nations; (4) non-interference in the internal affairs of another country; (5) respect for the right of each nation to defend itself singly or collectively, in accordance with the UN Charter; (6) refraining from acts of threats or aggression or the use of force against another country; (7) promotion of mutual interests and cooperation; and (8) respect for justice and international obligations.

#### Reparation agreement

[edit]

Following the reservations made by Ambassador Rómulo, on the Philippines' behalf, upon signing the Japanese Peace Treaty in San Francisco on September 8, 1951, for several years of series of negotiations were conducted by the Philippine government and that of Japan. In the face of adamant claims of the Japanese government that it found impossible to meet the demand for the payment of eight billion dollars by the way of reparations, President Magsaysay, during a so-called "cooling off"[3] period, sent a Philippine Reparations Survey Committee, headed by Finance Secretary Jaime Hernandez, to Japan for an "on the spot" study of that country's possibilities.[3]

When the Committee reported that Japan was in a position to pay, Ambassador Felino Neri, appointed chief negotiator, went to Tokyo. On May 31, 1955, Ambassador Neri reached a compromise agreement with Japanese Minister Takazaki, the main terms of which consisted in the following: The Japanese government would pay eight hundred million dollars as reparations. Payment was to be made in this wise: Twenty million dollars would be paid in cash in Philippine currency; thirty million dollars, in services; five million dollars, in capital goods; and two hundred and fifty million dollars, in long-term industrial loans.[3]

On August 12, 1955, President Magsaysay informed the Japanese government, through Prime Minister Ichiro Hatoyama, that the Philippines accepted the Neri-Takazaki agreement.[3] In view of political developments in Japan, the Japanese Prime Minister could only inform the Philippine government of the Japanese acceptance of said agreement on March 15, 1956. The official Reparations agreement between the two government was finally signed at Malacañang Palace on May 9, 1956, thus bringing to a rather satisfactory conclusion this long drawn controversy between the two countries.[3]

### Controversies

[edit]

#### "Consecration" of the Philippines to Sacred Heart

[edit]

In December 2, 1956, during the Second National Eucharistic Congress in Manila, President Ramon Magsaysay publicly consecrated the Philippines to the Sacred Heart of Jesus,[31] which was initially planned since November of the same year.[32] This act was a reiteration of a similar dedication made by then-Vice President Fernando Lopez in 1950. Magsaysay's decision, however, ignited significant controversy and opposition. Protestant groups, including the Philippine Federation of Christian Churches, voiced strong objections, arguing that the consecration favored a particular religion and violated the constitutional principle of separation of church and state.[33] Dr. Gumersindo Garcia, a regent of the University of the Philippines, was notably vocal, stating that the president should not endorse any specific church, as it undermines the religious diversity of the nation.[32]

Supporters of Magsaysay, such as Senator Soc Rodrigo and Raul Manglapus, defended his actions by asserting that he was acting in a personal capacity, exercising his individual religious freedom.[34] Despite these defenses, the act intensified debates about the role of religion in government affairs. Organizations like "The Spirit of 1896," dedicated to upholding individual rights and the separation of church and state, expressed doubts about the constitutionality of the consecration.[34]

## Death

[edit]

Main article: 1957 Cebu Douglas C-47 crash

Magsaysay's term, which was to end on December 30, 1957, was cut short by a plane crash. On March 16, 1957, Magsaysay left Manila for Cebu City where he spoke at a convention of USAFFE veterans and the commencement exercises of three educational institutions, namely: University of the Visayas, Southwestern Colleges, and the University of San Carlos.[35] At the University of the Visayas, he was conferred an honorary Doctor of Laws. That same night, at about 1:00 am PST, he boarded the presidential plane "Mt. Pinatubo", a C-47, heading back to Manila. In the early morning hours of March 17, the plane was reported missing. By late afternoon, newspapers had reported the airplane had crashed on Mount Manunggal in Cebu, and that 36 of the 56 aboard were killed. The actual number on board was 25, including Magsaysay. He was only 49. Only newspaperman Nestor Mata survived. Vice President Carlos P. Garcia, who was on an official visit to Australia at the time, returned to Manila and acceded to the presidency to serve out the remaining eight months of Magsaysay's term.[36]

The crash site of Ramon Magsaysay's presidential plane at Mount Manunggal, Cebu | Monument at the crash site in Manunggal, Balamban, Cebu | Ramon Magsaysay's tomb in the Manila North Cemetery

|
|

An estimated two million people attended Magsaysay's state funeral on March 22, 1957.[37][38][39] He was posthumously referred to as the "Champion of the Masses" and "Defender of Democracy". After his death, vice-president Carlos P. Garcia was inducted into the presidency on March 18, 1957, to complete the last eight months of Magsaysay's term. In the presidential elections of 1957, Garcia won his four-year term as president, but his running mate was defeated.[40]

## Legacy

[edit]

In 1957, the United States government issued a commemorative stamp in honor of Magsaysay; part of the Champion of Liberty series.

Magsaysay's administration was considered as one of the cleanest and most corruption-free in modern Philippine history; his rule is often cited as the Philippines's "Golden Years". Trade and industry flourished, the Philippine military was at its prime, and the country gained international recognition in sports, culture, and foreign affairs. The Philippines placed second on a ranking of Asia's clean and well-governed countries.[41][42]

His presidency is seen as people-centered as government trust was high among the Filipino people, earning him the nickname "Champion of the masses" and his sympathetic approach to the Hukbalahap rebellion that the Huk rebels were not Communists; they were simple peasants who thought that rebellion was the only answer to their sufferings. He also gained nationwide support for his agrarian reforms on farmers and took action on government corruption that his administration inherited from prior administrations.[43][44]

## Honors

[edit]

National Honors

* : Quezon Service Cross \- posthumous (July 4, 1957)[45]
* : Order of the Golden Heart, Grand Collar (Maringal na Kuwintas) - posthumous (March 17, 1958)[46][47]

Military Medals (Foreign)

* United States:: Commander, Legion of Merit (June 13, 1952)

Foreign Honors

* Thailand: Knight Grand Cordon(Special Class) of The Most Exalted Order of the White Elephant (April 1955)[48]
* Cambodia: Grand Cross of the Royal Order of Cambodia (January 1956)[49]

## Ancestry

[edit]

Ancestors of Ramon Magsaysay

|  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 8\. Gregorio Magsaysay

|
|
|
|
|
|
|

| 4\. Domingo Mauricio Magsaysay|

|  |  |
| 9\. Sotera Gatpandan

| 2\. Ezequiel Magsaysay|

|  |  |  |  |
| 10\. Quintín Marcos de los Santos

| 5\. Ambrosía de los Santos|

|  |  |
| 11\. Paulina Martínez de Toledo

| 1\. Ramon Magsaysay|
|  |  |  |  |  |  |
| 12\. Serafín del Fierro

| 6\. Juan Crisóstomo del Fierro|

|  |  |

| 3\. Perfecta del Fierro|

|  |  |  |  |

| 7\. María Quimson|

|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |

## See also

[edit]

* President of the Philippines
* Ramon Magsaysay Award
* Ramon Magsaysay, Jr.

## References

[edit]

1. ^ Appointed Secretary of National Defense on September 1, 1950.
2. ^ a b "Ramon Magsaysay." Microsoft Student 2009 [DVD]. Redmond, WA: Microsoft Corporation, 2008.
3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y Molina, Antonio. The Philippines: Through the centuries. Manila: University of Santo Tomas Cooperative, 1961. Print.
4. ^ a b Tan, Antonio S. (1986). "The Chinese Mestizos and the Formation of the Filipino Nationality". Archipel. 32: 141–162\. doi:10.3406/arch.1986.2316 - via Persée.
5. ^ Ryan, Allyn C. (2007). A Biographical Novel of Ramon Magsaysay. Xlibris Corporation. ISBN 978-1-4257-9161-2.
6. ^ a b Manahan, Manuel P. (1987). Reader's Digest November 1987 issue: Biographical Tribute to Ramon Magsaysay. pp. 17–23.
7. ^ a b c House of Representatives (1950). Official Directory. Bureau of Printing. p. 167. Retrieved May 3, 2022.
8. ^ Greenberg, Lawrence M. (1987). The Hukbalahap Insurrection: A Case Study of a Successful Anti-insurgency Operation in the Philippines, 1946-1955. Analysis Branch, U.S. Army Center of Military History. p. 79. Retrieved May 3, 2022.
9. ^ Thompson, Roger C. (September 25, 2014). The Pacific Basin since 1945: An International History. Routledge. ISBN 978-1-317-87529-1. Retrieved May 3, 2022.
10. ^ Ladwig III, Walter C. (2014). When the Police are the Problem: The Philippine Constabulary and the Huk Rebellion (PDF). in C. Christine Fair and Sumit Ganguly, (eds.) Policing Insurgencies: Cops as Counterinsurgents. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press. Archived from the original (PDF) on May 13, 2016. Retrieved May 31, 2014.
11. ^ Barrens, Clarence G. (1970). I Promise: Magsaysay's Unique PSYOP "defeats" HUKS. US Army Command and General Staff College. p. 58. Retrieved May 3, 2022.
12. ^ Simbulan, Dante C. (2005). The Modern Principalia: The Historical Evolution of the Philippine Ruling Oligarchy. UP Press. p. 162. ISBN 978-971-542-496-7.
13. ^ a b "The Philippines: Justice for the Governor". Time Magazine. September 6, 1954. Archived from the original on November 28, 2009. Retrieved February 3, 2010.
14. ^ "Remembering President Ramón Magsaysay y Del Fierro: A Modern-Day Moses". Retrieved February 3, 2010. A privileged speech by Senator Nene Pimentel delivered at the Senate, August 2001.
15. ^ "The Philippines: Justice for the Governor". Time. September 6, 1954. Archived from the original on November 28, 2009. Retrieved February 3, 2010. Second page of Time's coverage of Rafael Lacson's case.
16. ^ Satre, Gary (December 1999). "The Cagayan Valley Railway Extension Project". East Japan Railway Culture Foundation. Retrieved May 3, 2022.
17. ^ Cullather, Nick (1994). Illusions of influence: the political economy of United States-Philippines relations, 1942–1960. Stanford University Press. pp. 108–109\. ISBN 978-0-8047-2280-3.
18. ^ Tharoor, Ishaan (October 13, 2016). "The long history of the U.S. interfering with elections elsewhere". The Washington Post. Retrieved May 546121, 2019.
19. ^ Inaugural Address of President Magsaysay, December 30, 1953 (Speech). Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines. December 30, 1953. Retrieved June 2, 2023.
20. ^ Halili, M.C. (2010). Philippine History. Rex Book Store, Inc.
21. ^ Baclig, Cristina Eloisa (June 21, 2022). "Presidential inaugurations: Traditions, rituals, trivia". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved June 6, 2023.
22. ^ Elefante, Fil (June 27, 2016). "Tales of past presidential inaugurations: Superstition and history". Business Mirror. Retrieved June 6, 2023.
23. ^ "Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) – Organizational Chart". Archived from the original on February 18, 2010. Retrieved November 7, 2009.
24. ^ Carlos P. Romulo and Marvin M. Gray, The Magsaysay Story (1956), is a full-length biography
25. ^ Jeff Goodwin, No Other Way Out, Cambridge University Press, 2001, p.119, ISBN 0-521-62948-9, ISBN 978-0-521-62948-5
26. ^ "Ramon Magsaysay – president of Philippines". August 27, 2023.
27. ^ a b Grace Estela C. Mateo: Philippine Civilization – History and Government, 2006
28. ^ a b Dagdag, Edgardo E. (1999). "The Philippines and the quest for stable peace in Southeast Asia: A historical overview" (PDF). Asian Studies.
29. ^ Jimenez, Miguel Antonio (September 28, 2018). "VIEWS ON THE PHILIPPINE ECONOMY THROUGH THE NATIONALIST LENS: 1945 - 1992". TALA: An Online Journal of History. 1 (1). ISSN 2651-7108.
30. ^ Illusions of influence: the political economy of United States–Philippines. By Nick Cullather
31. ^ III, Manuel L. Quezon (April 13, 2022). "Vox populi? Vox humbug!". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved February 22, 2025.
32. ^ a b "Magsaysay Rapped for Proposal To Dedicate Republic to Sacred Heart". www.hawaii.edu. Retrieved February 22, 2025.
33. ^ "Protests Ignored in Consecration of Philippines". Christianity Today. December 24, 1956. Retrieved February 22, 2025.
34. ^ a b "Rebuilding the Walls Separating Church From State". Arab News. December 7, 2005. Retrieved February 22, 2025.
35. ^ Moneva, Dominico (March 18, 2006). "Speak out: Magsaysay's death". Sun Star Cebu. Archived from the original on May 17, 2008. Retrieved March 21, 2008.
36. ^ "Official Month in Review: March 16 – March 31, 1957". Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines. March 31, 1957. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
37. ^ Zaide, Gregorio F. (1984). Philippine History and Government. National Bookstore Printing Press.
38. ^ Townsend, William Cameron (1952). Biography of President Lázaro Cárdenas. See the SIL International Website at:  Establishing the Work in Mexico.
39. ^ Carlos P. Romulo and Marvin M. Gray: The Magsaysay Story (The John Day Company, 1956, updated – with an additional chapter on Magsaysay's death – re-edition by Pocket Books, Special Student Edition, SP-18, December 1957)
40. ^ Halili, M.C. (2010). Philippine History. Rex Book Store, Inc.
41. ^ Guzman, Sara Soliven De. "Has the government become our enemy?". Philstar.com. Retrieved September 28, 2022.
42. ^ "Reforming the AFP Magsaysay's". National Historical Commission of the Philippines. September 5, 2012. Archived from the original on September 28, 2022. Retrieved September 28, 2022.
43. ^ FilipiKnow (November 27, 2016). "6 Reasons Why Ramon Magsaysay Was The Best President Ever". FilipiKnow. Retrieved September 28, 2022.
44. ^ "Philippine History: President Ramon F. Magsaysay: Champion of the masses". ph.news.yahoo.com. Retrieved September 28, 2022.
45. ^ "History of the Quezon Service Cross". Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines. Archived from the original on August 30, 2017. Retrieved August 25, 2020.
46. ^ "President's Month in Review: March 16 – March 31, 1958". Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines.
47. ^ "Roster of Recipients of Presidential Awards". Retrieved July 11, 2022.
48. ^ "Official Month in Review: April 1955". Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines. April 1, 1955. Retrieved August 25, 2020. "In the afternoon the President received the decoration of the Knight Grand Cordon of the Most Exalted Order of the White Elephant, the highest decoration conferred by the government of Thailand."
49. ^ "Official Month in Review: February 1956". Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines. February 1, 1956. Archived from the original on August 25, 2020. Retrieved August 25, 2020. "The Prince presented the President with the Grand Croix de l'Ordre Royal du Cambodge, Cambodia's highest decoration for a foreign chief of state."

## External links

[edit]

Wikisource has original works by or about:
Ramon Magsaysay

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Ramon Magsaysay.

* Ramon Magsaysay on the Presidential Museum and Library Archived May 14, 2016, at the Wayback Machine
* Ramon Magsaysay on the Official Gazette
* Stanley J. Rainka Papers Finding Aid, 1945–1946, AIS.2009.04, Archives Service Center, University of Pittsburgh. (Correspondence with Ramon Magsaysay)
* "Did the CIA use pop music to help elect president of the Philippines?" by Robert Tollast, The National News, Jan 21, 2022

House of Representatives of the Philippines

Preceded by

Valentin Afable

|  Member of the House of Representatives from Zambales's at-large district
1946–1950  | Succeeded by

Enrique Corpus

Political offices
Preceded by

Elpidio Quirino

|  President of the Philippines
1953–1957  | Succeeded by

Carlos P. Garcia

Preceded by

Ruperto Kangleon

|  Secretary of National Defense
1950–1953  | Succeeded by

Oscar Castelo

Preceded by

Oscar Castelo

|  Secretary of National Defense
1954  | Succeeded by

Sotero Cabahug

Party political offices
Preceded by

José P. Laurel

|  Nacionalista Party nominee for President of the Philippines
1953 | Succeeded by

Carlos P. Garcia

Articles related to Ramon Magsaysay

* v
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* e

Presidents of the Philippines

First Republic (1899–1901)|

* Emilio Aguinaldo

Commonwealth (1935–1946)|

* Manuel L. Quezon (1935–1944)
* Sergio Osmeña (1944–1946)
* Manuel Roxas (1946)

Second Republic (1943–1945)|

* Jose P. Laurel

Third Republic (1946–1973)|

* Manuel Roxas (1946–1948)
* Elpidio Quirino (1948–1953)
* Ramon Magsaysay (1953–1957)
* Carlos P. Garcia (1957–1961)
* Diosdado Macapagal (1961–1965)
* Ferdinand Marcos (1965–1973)

Martial law era (1973–1981)|

* Ferdinand Marcos

Fourth Republic (1981–1986)|

* Ferdinand Marcos (1981–1986)
* Corazon Aquino (1986)

Fifth Republic (1986–present)|

* Corazon Aquino (1986–1992)
* Fidel V. Ramos (1992–1998)
* Joseph Estrada (1998–2001)
* Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (2001–2010)
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Lists related to presidents and vice presidents of the Philippines

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Presidents|

| Professional career|

* Campaign slogans
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* Pardons granted

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Personal life|

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Quezon Service Cross recipients

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* Benigno Aquino Jr.
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* Miriam Defensor Santiago

* v
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Cabinet of President Ramon Magsaysay (1953–1957)

Vice-President|

* Carlos P. Garcia (1953-1957)

Secretary of Agriculture and Natural Resources|

* Placido Mapa (1953)
* Salvador Araneta (1954-1955)
* Juan Rodriguez (1956-1957)

Secretary of Education, Culture and Sports|

* Cecilio Putong (1953-1954)
* Justice Pastor Endencia (1954)
* Gregorio Hernandez, Jr. (1954-1957)

Secretary of Foreign Affairs|

* Carlos P. Garcia (1954-1957)

Secretary of Finance|

* Jaime Hernandez (1954-1957)

Secretary of Justice|

* Pedro Tuazon (1953–1957)

Secretary of Labor|

* Eleuterio Adevoso (1954)
* Angel Castano (1954-1957)

Secretary of National Defense|

* Ramon Magsaysay (acting capacity; 1954)
* Sotero Cabahug (1954-1956)
* Eulogio Balao (1956-1957)

Secretary of Commerce and Industry|

* Oscar Ledesma (1953–1957)

Secretary of Public Works, Transportation and Communications|

* Vicente Orosa (1954-1955)
* Florencio Moreno (1955–1957)

Administrator of Social Services and Development|

* Pacita Madrigal-Warns (1954-1957)

Executive Secretary|

* Fred Ruiz Castro (1953-1955)
* Fortunato de Leon (1956-1957)

* v
* t
* e

Candidates in the 1953 Philippine presidential election

Liberal Party|

| President:|

* Elpidio Quirino

|

Vice President:|

* José Yulo

Nacionalista Party|

| President:|

* Ramon Magsaysay (won)

|

Vice President:|

* Carlos P. Garcia (won)

Other third party candidates|

| President:|

* Gaudencio Bueno

|

Authority control databases

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* ISNI
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