President Manuel Roxas on Philippines Stamps

MANUEL ROXAS

1 January 1892 to 15 April 1948

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Manuel Roxas served as the Commonwealth President between May 1946 and July 1946 and then became the first president of the independent Republic of the Philippines.

During World War II Roxas was made liaison officer between the Commonwealth government and the United States Army Forces in the Far East. Roxas was captured in 1942 by the Japanese invasion forces. After a period of imprisonment, he was brought to Manila and eventually signed the Constitution promulgated by the Japanese-sponsored Philippine Republic. He was made responsible for economic policy under the government of Jose Laurel.

When the Congress of the Philippines was convened in 1945, the legislators chose Roxas as Senate President. In the Philippine national elections of 1946, Roxas became Commonwealth President. When the Philippines gained independence from the United States on 4 July 1946, he became the first president of the new republic.

Roxas served as President until his abrupt death in 1948 suffering a fatal heart attack after delivering a speech at Clark Air Base making his reign as Philippine President the shortest; 1 year 10 months and 18 days.

First Day Covers

First Anniversary of Independence #512 to 514, 4 Jul 1947

Depicts Roxas taking his oath of office before Chief Justice Moran and Ambassador Paul McNutt

Mourning of President Roxas #525 and 526, 15 Jul 1948

Capiz Provincial Seal #654 (and detail) and 655, 4 Jul 1958

President Roxas was born in Capiz and he is depicted here on the Provincial Seal. The stamps were issued on the 11th anniversary of President Roxas' death