Elpidio Quirino arrived in the Malacañang Palace to assume the presidency on April 17, 1948, following the sudden death of Manuel Roxas. A trained lawyer from Ilocos Sur, he spent decades navigating the Philippine legislative and executive branches, ultimately guiding the nation through its challenging postwar period of reconstruction and economic stabilization.
Early Development and Education
Born on November 16, 1890, in the Vigan Provincial Jail, Quirino was the son of Mariano and Gregoria Quirino. His early education took place in Vigan before he relocated to Manila High School. He completed his legal training at the University of the Philippines College of Law, distinguishing himself as a topnotcher during the 1915 Philippine Bar Examinations.
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Quirino began his political path representing Ilocos Sur's first district from 1919 to 1922. By 1925, he secured a seat in the Senate, serving until 1935. During this time, he contributed to the Philippine Independence Commission and the 1934 Constitutional Convention. He also held roles as Secretary of the Interior and Local Government and Secretary of Finance, where he famously advocated for a gold-standard currency system and the formation of a central bank, though these proposals were not enacted at the time.
Ascension to the Presidency
Following the reorganization of the government in 1945, Quirino served as Senate President pro tempore and was elected vice president in April 1946. Upon the death of Manuel Roxas in 1948, Quirino took the oath of office administered by Associate Justice Ricardo Paras. His presidency, lasting until 1953, focused on postwar recovery and obtaining economic aid from the United States, amidst ongoing internal conflicts with the Hukbalahap.
Later Years and Legacy
After his defeat in the 1953 presidential election to Ramon Magsaysay, Quirino retired from the highest office. Throughout his career, he received significant honors, including the Grand Cross and the Collar of the Order of Isabella the Catholic. He died on February 29, 1956, in Quezon City and was buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.
Fast facts
- Born: 1890, Vigan
- Died: 1956, Quezon City
- Education: University of the Philippines College of Law
- President of the Philippines: 1948–1953
- Vice President of the Philippines: 1946–1948
- Language: Ilocano
- Religion: Christianity
- Buried at: Libingan ng mga Bayani
Questions readers ask
How did Elpidio Quirino become president?
He was the incumbent vice president who assumed the presidency following the death of Manuel Roxas in 1948.
What major infrastructure change occurred during his presidency?
In 1948, Republic Act No. 333 was passed, which officially declared Quezon City the new capital of the Philippines.
Achievements
- President of the Philippines (1948–1953)
- Vice President of the Philippines (1946–1948)
- Member of the Senate of the Philippines (1945–1946)
- Secretary of Foreign Affairs (1946–1948)
- Collar of the Order of Isabella the Catholic — 1953
- Grand Cross of the Order of Isabella the Catholic — 1946
- Educated at University of the Philippines College of Law and Manila High School
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