Ramon Magsaysay - The Presidents of the Philippines

Ramon Magsaysay

Magsaysay was the third president of the Third Republic of the Philippines from December 30, 1953-March 17, 1957). His parents were Exequel Magsaysay and Perfecta Del Fiero. He studied in Castillejos (elementary) and Secondary Course at Zambales Academy, both in Zambales. He obtained a commercial degree in 1933 after studying in Jose Rizal College in Makati.

His first experience of politics was when he served two terms (1946-1950) as a Liberal Party Congreswsman for Zambales. President Elpidio Quirino appointed him secretary of defense to solve a problem with the Huks, wherein their leader, Luis Taruc established a People's Liberation Army and called for the overthrow of the government. He carried one of the most anti-guerilla campaigns in modern history. He wanted to win the trust of the peasants after realizing that they couldn't survive withoput popular support. The Huks no longer became a threat after he offered land and tools to those who came over to the government side and hr insisted that army units treat the people with respect. He reformed the army, dismissing corrupt and incompetent officers and emphasizing mobility and flexibility in the combat operations against the guerillas. These resulted into a lot of enemies in the government and compelled him to resign after charging the Quirino administration of corruption and incompetence on February 28.

Even if he was a Liberal, the Nacionalista Party backed him for presidency against Quirino in the 1963 elections, supported by Romulo. He was a close friend and supporter of the United States and a vocal spokesman against communism during the Cold War.

He died on March 17, 1957 because of a plane crash before the expiration of his presidency. He was replaced by Carlos P. Garcia. Many mourned because a well-loved leader was lost. He was also considered a legendary figure in Philippine Politics.