The three presidents who served during the Commonwealth government of the Philippines were Manuel L. Quezon, Sergio Osmeña, and Manuel Roxas. They led the nation during a pivotal period that transitioned the Philippines from an American colony towards full independence.
Presidents of the Commonwealth of the Philippines
The Commonwealth of the Philippines was established on November 15, 1935, and existed until the full declaration of independence on July 4, 1946. During this period, three individuals held the highest office, navigating the country through pre-war years, World War II, and the immediate post-war rebuilding phase.
Here is a summary of the presidents who served under the Commonwealth government:
| # | President | Took Office |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Manuel L. Quezon | November 15, 1935 |
| 2 | Sergio Osmeña | August 1, 1944 |
| 3 | Manuel Roxas | May 28, 1946 |
Manuel L. Quezon (1935 – 1944)
Manuel L. Quezon was the first president of the Commonwealth of the Philippines, taking office on November 15, 1935. He played a crucial role in securing the passage of the Tydings–McDuffie Act, which paved the way for the Commonwealth and promised full independence after a ten-year transition period. His presidency focused on laying the groundwork for an independent nation, including establishing a national language and preparing for self-governance. He continued to lead the government-in-exile during World War II after the Japanese invasion, passing away in the United States in 1944.
Sergio Osmeña (1944 – 1946)
Upon the death of President Quezon, Sergio Osmeña, who was then the Vice President, automatically assumed the presidency on August 1, 1944. He led the Commonwealth government-in-exile and returned to the Philippines with General Douglas MacArthur's liberation forces. Osmeña played a vital role in the re-establishment of the Commonwealth government on Philippine soil and the initial efforts of post-war rehabilitation. His tenure oversaw the final stages of World War II and the immediate aftermath of the Japanese occupation.
Manuel Roxas (1946)
Manuel Roxas was the last president of the Commonwealth of the Philippines, taking office on May 28, 1946. He won the last presidential election under the Commonwealth. His brief term as Commonwealth president was significant as it culminated in the declaration of Philippine independence on July 4, 1946, at which point he became the first president of the independent Third Philippine Republic. His presidency marked the end of the Commonwealth era and the beginning of a fully sovereign Philippines.
These three leaders guided the Philippines through a transformative decade, from the inception of the Commonwealth to the dawn of its full independence.
