Life in the Third Republic
The granting of Philippine Independence on July 4, 1946 signaled the beginning of the Third Republic. The First Republic referred to Aguinaldo’s government while Manuel Roxas ushered in the Third Republic which ended with the declaration of martial law by President Ferdinand Marcos. There were six presidents who served under the Third Republic. They were Manuel A. Roxas, Elpidio R. Quirino, Ramon F. Magsaysay, Carlos P. Garcia, Diosdado P. Macapagal and Ferdinand E. Marcos.
ECONOMIC CONDITIONS
The Second World War destroyed many infrastructures such as buildings, schools, roads, bridges and houses. It also damaged banking as well as agricultural institutions. Poverty was widespread. Agricultural and industrial production was at s standstill. The general condition of the Philippine economy was deplorable. The tasks of reconstruction and rehabilitation fell on the hands of the Commonwealth government under Osmeña. In order to address the economic crisis, the Americans army immediately created the Philippine Civil Affairs (PCAU). This organization aimed at providing relief for those who suffered during the Japanese rule. The PCAU organized food distribution centers in Manila and in the provinces. It also provided employment to laborers, thus creating jobs for the impoverished population. Since there was food shortage, many heads of families misled authorities on the number of persons in their families in order to get more food. Also, since the PCAU sold consumer goods to wholesalers, there was hoarding and the prices of goods increased. In spite of Osmeña’s executive order setting maximum prices for goods, prices continued to increase as wholesalers saw the opportunity to accumulate more profit.
THE COLLABORATION ISSUE
Osmeña’s government also faced the burden of resolving the collaboration issue. The American government under President Roosevelt wanted to penalize those who collaborated with the Japanese by removing them from any position...
