Carlos P. Garcia served as the eighth president of the Philippines, ascending to the office in 1957 following the sudden death of Ramon Magsaysay. A lawyer by profession who initially rose to prominence within the Nacionalista Party, his career spanned over four decades of public service, ultimately concluding with his participation in the 1970 Philippine Constitutional Convention.
Early Career and Education
Born in Talibon in 1896, Garcia obtained his primary and secondary schooling before attending Silliman University and the Philippine Law School. He finished his law degree in 1923, placing in the top ten of the bar examination. Before entering active law practice, he taught at Bohol Provincial High School for two years. His entry into formal politics began with his election to the House of Representatives in 1925, where he served until 1931, followed by a term as Governor of Bohol starting in 1933.
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In 1945, Garcia assumed his seat in the Senate of the Philippines after the liberation of the country during World War II. He remained a senator until 1953, concurrently serving as majority floor leader. That same year, he won the vice-presidency as the running mate of Ramon Magsaysay. As vice-president, he simultaneously held the portfolio for the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, a role in which he facilitated the 1954 Southeast Asian Security Conference.
Presidency and Economic Policy
Upon succeeding to the presidency on March 18, 1957, Garcia secured a full term in the November elections of that year. His administration was defined by the Filipino First Policy, a nationalist economic strategy that prioritized domestic interests over foreign investment. This direction prompted friction with international financial institutions, including the International Monetary Fund, and strained relations with the United States regarding stabilization loans.
Legislative Action and Final Years
Domestically, Garcia signed the Anti-Subversion Act, or Republic Act No. 1700, into law on June 19, 1957, which outlawed the Communist Party of the Philippines. Following his 1961 electoral defeat to Diosdado Macapagal, he eventually returned to public life through the 1970 Constitutional Convention. Garcia died in 1971 and is interred at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.
Fast facts
- Born: 1896, Talibon
- Died: 1971, Quezon City
- President of the Philippines: 1957-1961
- Vice President of the Philippines: 1953-1957
- Political Party: Nacionalista
- Education: Silliman University, Philippine Law School
- Burial Site: Libingan ng mga Bayani
Questions readers ask
What was the Filipino First Policy?
It was an economic strategy implemented during the Garcia administration that prioritized local Filipino businesses and interests over foreign commercial dominance.
How did Carlos P. Garcia become president?
He served as vice-president and succeeded to the presidency upon the death of Ramon Magsaysay in an airplane crash on March 17, 1957.
Achievements
- 1970 Philippine Constitutional Convention election
- President of the Philippines (1957–1961)
- Vice President of the Philippines (1953–1957)
- Secretary of Foreign Affairs (1953–1957)
- Educated at Silliman University and Cagayan National High School
