Elpidio Quirino
Sixth Philippine president; assumed office after Roxas's death.
Elpidio Rivera Quirino became the sixth president of the Philippines after the death of his predecessor, Manuel Roxas, in 1948, having previously served as the country’s second vice president from 1946. Born in the Vigan Provincial Jail in Ilocos Sur to Mariano Quirino and Gregoria Rivera, he was a Chinese mestizo who worked as a teacher while attending secondary school before studying law at the University of the Philippines, where he ranked among the top examinees in the 1915 bar exams. His political career began with a single term as a representative for Ilocos Sur’s first district from 1919 to 1922, followed by election to the Senate in 1925, where he served until the bicameral legislature was replaced by a unicameral National Assembly. As a senator, he briefly acted as Senate Majority Leader and chaired a joint committee on taxation. In 1934, he joined the Philippine Independence Commission that secured the Tydings–McDuffie Act in Washington, D.C., and was later elected to the 1935 Constitutional Convention that drafted the Commonwealth constitution. Under President Manuel L. Quezon, he served as secretary of interior and finance. During his tenure as finance secretary, he proposed creating a Philippine currency system based on the gold standard and recommended establishing a central bank to stabilize prices and lower interest rates, though these proposals were not adopted. After World War II, Quirino was elected vice president in 1946 on the Liberal Party ticket under Manuel Roxas, also serving as secretary of foreign affairs. His presidency was marked by the Hukbalahap insurgency, which ransacked towns and barrios. He sought a full term in 1953 but was defeated by Ramon Magsaysay.
- born
- November 16, 1890, Vigan Provincial Jail, Vigan, Ilocos Sur
- died
- February 29, 1956
- nationality
- Filipino
- known_for
- Sixth president of the Philippines; assumed presidency after Manuel Roxas's deat
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
After World War II, Quirino was elected vice president in April 1946, becoming the second and last vice president for the Commonwealth and the first for the Third Republic. He assumed the presidency on April 17, 1948, two days after Manuel Roxas's death, taking his oath at the Council of State Room of Malacañang Palace. His administration was generally challenged by the Hukbalahap, who ransacked towns and barrios. Quirino ran for president again in November 1953 but was defeated by Ramon Magsaysay in a landslide. During his presidency, he revived President Quezon's 'fireside chats' and faced an impeachment attempt in 1949, from which he was exonerated.
Reader's Guide
Elpidio Quirino's presidency (1948–1953) occurred during a critical period of postwar reconstruction and economic recovery in the Philippines. His administration was marked by notable economic gains and increased U.S. aid, but it was persistently challenged by the Hukbalahap insurgency. Quirino's initial amnesty offer to the Huks failed, leading to a stepped-up military campaign. His legacy includes the declaration of Quezon City as the new capital in 1948, though Manila remained the effective capital. Quirino's defeat in the 1953 election by Ramon Magsaysay reflected growing public discontent. His earlier role in the Philippine Independence Commission and his service in the Quezon cabinet highlight his contributions to the Commonwealth era. The impeachment attempt against him, though unsuccessful, underscored political tensions of the time. Quirino's significance lies in his leadership during a transitional period from Commonwealth to independent republic, navigating postwar challenges and insurgency.
Did You Know?
- Quirino was born at the Vigan Provincial Jail in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, on November 16, 1890.
- He was one of the topnotchers of the 1915 Philippine Bar Examinations.
- Quirino served as acting Senate Majority Leader from 1932 to 1933 while Quezon, Aquino, and Osmeña were on leave in the United States.
- In 1935, as Secretary of Finance, Quirino proposed creating a Philippine currency system based on the gold standard and a central bank, but his proposals were not adopted.
- Quirino's daughter Victoria served as official hostess and performed the functions traditionally ascribed to the First Lady, as he was a widower.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Elpidio Quirino?
Elpidio Quirino was a Filipino lawyer and politician who served as the sixth president of the Philippines from 1948 to 1953. He is most recognized for stepping into the presidency after Manuel Roxas died in office.
How did Elpidio Quirino become president?
Quirino was serving as the second vice president under Roxas when Roxas passed away in 1948, which automatically elevated him to the presidency. Before that, he had held seats in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, as well as key cabinet roles.
What was the biggest challenge of Quirino's presidency?
The Hukbalahap insurgency, a communist-led peasant rebellion, consumed much of his administration and threatened national stability. He had to manage both a military response and political efforts to address the rural grievances fueling the conflict.
Where was Elpidio Quirino born and what was his profession?
He was born on November 16, 1890, in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, in the Philippines. He trained and practiced as a lawyer before dedicating himself to full-time politics.
When did Elpidio Quirino die and how is he remembered?
Quirino passed away on February 29, 1956, a few years after leaving the presidency in 1953. He is remembered as the leader who steered the young Philippine republic through the post-war Hukbalahap rebellion and helped consolidate its early democratic institutions.
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