The Birth of the Third Republic of the Philippines

After the war, the Commonwealth was restored pending complete independence. With independence from the US came the establishment of the Third Republic of the Philippines. The government of the independent Republic was riddled with graft and corruption and lost the confidence of the people. The corruption within the government also resulted in the rise of the Left in the form of the HUKBALAHAP or the Huks. The Huks presented even more problems to the Republic.

Independence

July 2, 1946: The Commonwealth Congress ratifies the Bell Trade Act. This act means that the peso was pegged to the US dollar and US citizens and corporations had equal rights to exploit natural resources as Filipino citizens and corporations. It also prohibited the Philippines from manufacturing or selling products that may come into competition with US products. The US Congress threatens to withhold post-war rebuilding funds unless the act is ratified. The Bell Trade Act is denounced and protested against in the Philippines.

July 4, 1946: Under President Manuel Roxas, the Commonwealth comes to an end and an independent Republic of the Philippines begins. The government of the Republic is riddled with graft and corruption and there are many under the table deals. This causes great mistrust between the government and the people.

August 5, 1946: The Treaty of General Relations is ratified between the Philippines and the US. The establishment of US bases is also included in this treaty.

September 7, 1946: Roxas grants a general amnesty to all guerrillas who committed crimes during their anti-Japanese resistance.

January 1, 1947: Introduction of the Parity Amendments granting American citizens and corporations equal rights to Filipinos to exploit natural resources and operate public utilities.

January 31, 1947: The US army relinquishes administrative control of the Philippine army.

March 6, 1947: The Huks are declared a subversive and illegal organisation as it is alleged they have committed acts of sedition and aim to overthrow the government by force.

March 11, 1947: The Parity Amendment is ratified in a national plebiscite.

March 14, 1947: The Treaty of General Relations is signed.

January 28, 1948: President Roxas extends a general amnesty to all those arrested for collaboration with the Japanese.

April 15, 1948: President Roxas dies of a heart attack.

The Huk Insurgency

April 17, 1948: Vice-President Elpidio Quirino assumes the presidency.

June 21, 1948: President Quirino negotiates with Huk leader Luis Taruc and grants amnesty to the Huks on the condition that they surrender with their arms and ammunitions to the authorities.

August 15, 1948: The Huks change their name to Hukbong Mapagpalaya ng Bayan (Liberation Army Movement).

April 19, 1949: Quirino's political enemies unsuccessfully attempt to impeach him for graft and corruption.

April 28, 1949: Most of the Huks are now nothing more than common robbers and bandits. They finally lose the sympathy and respect of the people with the ambush and murder of Aurora Quezon, the late President Quezon's widow, and her family.

November 8, 1949: Elpidio Quirino becomes president (elected) in his own right.

May 17, 1954: Under President Ramon Magsaysay, Luis Taruc surrenders to the government, after four months of negotiations with Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr. of the Daily Mirror. Taruc is sentenced to 12 years imprisonment.

The Second Richest Nation of Asia

March 17, 1957: President Ramon Magsaysay is killed in a plane crash.

March 18, 1957: Vice-President Carlos Garcia assumes the presidency. He is elected president in his own right later in the year.

December 30, 1961: Diosdado Macapagal is elected as president.

May 12, 1962: President Macapagal changes Independence Day from July 4 to June 12.

June 12, 1962: Independence Day celebrations are held. General Emilio Aguinaldo is the guest of honour.

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