MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT SERGIO OSMENA 1944-1946 BOOK 4 I VOLUME 3 Historical Papers and Documents President Sergio Osmena, Third President of the Philippines, Second President of the Commonwealth of the Philippines. MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT SERGIO OSMENA 1944-1946 BOOK 4 I VOLUMES Historical Papers and Documents Messages of the President Book 4: Sergio Osmeha Volume 3 Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office http://www.gov. ph http://www.malacanang.gov.ph http://www.pcdspo.gov.ph ISBN 2. 978-621-8032-02-6 All rights reserved. The content of this publication may be copied, adapted, and redistributed, in whole in part, provided that the material is not used for commercial purposes and that proper attribution be made. No written permission from the publisher is necessary. Some of the images used in this publication may be protected by restrictions from their original copyright owners. Published exclusively by The Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office Office of the President of the Philippines 3/F New Executive Building, Malacanan Palace, San Miguel, Manila Teh: 736-0719, 736-0718 Fax no.: 736-6167 Website: http://www.pcdspo.gov.ph Book design by the Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office Published in the Philippines. The National Library of the Philippines CIP Data Recommended entry: Philippines. President (Osmena : 1944-1946) Messages of the President : Sergio Osmena, 1944-1946, Book 4 / Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office. - Manila: Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office, [20161,2016. pages ; cm ISBN 978-621-8032-02-6 Contents: vol. 1. Official Week and Month in Review - vol. 2. Appointments and Designations - vol. 3. Historical Documents and Papers - vol. 4. Executive Orders - vol. 5. Administrative Orders - vol. 6. Proclamations - vol. 7. Other Issuances - vol. 8. Cabinet Minutes. 1. Osmena, Sergio, President - Philippines - 1944-1946. 2. Presidents - Messages - Philippines. 3. Philippines - Politics and government - 1944-1946. I. Title. 959.9044092 DS686.4 2016 P620160163 The Messages of the President Book 4: Sergio Osmena Volume 3 was compiled and published by the Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office in May 2016 in Manila, Philippines. THE REPUBLIC OE THE PHILIPPINES BENIGNO S. AQUINO III President of the Philippines PAQUITO N. OCHOA, JR. Executive Secretary JOSE RENE D. ALMENDRAS Cabinet Secretary MARIANO DIMAANDAL Director IV, Malacanang Records Office PRESIDENTIAL COMMUNICATIONS DEVELOPMENT AND STRATEGIC PLANNING OEEICE MANUEL L. QUEZON III Undersecretary of Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning JAN MIKAEL dL. CO Assistant Secretary Senior Presidential Speechwriter and Head of Correspondence Office JUAN POCHOLO MARTIN B. GOITIA Assistant Secretary Managing Editor, Official Gazette GINO ALPHONSUS A. BAYOT Director V Head, Research Division EDGAR RYAN S. EAUSTINO Head, Presidential Museum and Library JONATHAN E. CUEVAS MA. ROMMIN M. DIAZ Director III Head Executive Assistant Director IV Technical Division YOLANDO B. JAMENDANG JR. TERESITA L. MENDIOLA Chief Administrative Officer Director II Head, Message Crafting Division KATHERINE AIRA M. ESPINO MARK PHB.IPPE P. LEGASPI KRISTINA D. JAVIER Media Monitoring Institutional Memory Official Gazette Heritage SASHA B. MARTINEZ Social Media RAYMOND ANDREW MAYMAY Associate Editor Official Gazette ATTY. SARAH Q. SISON Legal CHRISTIAN E. SOQUENO Citizen Engagement Official Gazette Messages of the President Book 4: Sergio Osmena Volume 3 PUBLICATIONS DIVISION Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office MANUEL L. QUEZON III Editor in Chief JUAN POCHOLO MARTIN B. GOITIA Managing Editor JONATHAN E. CUEVAS Technical Director KATHERINE AIRA M. ESPINO Project Manager 2014-2016 MARY CLAIRE LORRAINE CAPUL Project Manager 2016 MARK PHILIPPE P. LEGASPI Head, Heritage Division CAMILLE ROSE B. DUEOURT GAMIL BANCOLITA SCHURLYNS BIANG MARY CLAIRE LORRAINE CAPUL JERICO CATALLA ANGELA KAYE CRESCINI KRIS RICHARD GERONIMO JUSTIN HAROLD HINGCO PAOLA MELGAZO ALFREDO NAVARRO III Institutional Memory KRIZIA ALMENARIO NATHAN ANDRADA JAMILLE DOMINGO MA. KATRINA FERNANDO GRACE GUIANG MARIA ANNA GUMAPAC MARIA THERESA LAMPA JOHN RIMHER MANUBAY FRANCES MARA MENDOZA KARLO OROPESA PATRICIA CARLA RAYMUNDO Institutional Memory 2012-2015 Project Coordinator CHEREY ANN MAE BIGAY COLINE ESTHER CARDENO ROBERTO DANIEL DEVELA FRANCIS KRISTOFFER PASSION JOSELITO ARCINAS LARISSA ANGELA SALAZAR SARAH JESSICA WONG Editors MA. KRISTINA ABELLA MA. ROMMIN DIAZ LANCIE MITZI ONG ALEXANDRIA SUPLIDO ARMIL ORDIALES JESSIE CRUZ MICHAEL LOUIS BAUTISTA JOI MARIE ANGELICA INDIAS Researchers Graphic Designer Support Staff OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 INTRODUCTION As the President’s chief message-crafting body, the Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office (PCDSPO), is mandated to provide strategic communication leadership and support to the Executive Branch, its composite agencies, and instrumentalities of government. The PCDSPO is also mandated to act as custodian of the institutional memory of the Office of the President. One of our projects is the continuation of the series of books called the Messages of the President, started in 1936 by Jorge B. Vargas, Executive Secretary to President Manuel L. Quezon. The series was a wide collection of executive issuances, speeches, messages, and other official papers of the President. The volumes were intended to serve as the definitive compilation of presidential documents. The series was continued until the Quirino administration, although the series for the Presidential administrations of Presidents Quezon, Roxas, and Quirino were never completed. In 2010, President Benigno S. Aquino III ordered the revival of the series and the constitution of a complete set, covering all 15 presidential administrations. With pride, we continue what Vargas began. We would like to extend our gratitude to our partners for without whose gracious cooperation, this project would have not been possible. A note on organization: Each presidential administration’s messages are in book form, compiled and subdivided into volumes. The books are as follows: Book 1: Emilio Aguinaldo Book 2: Jose P. Laurel Book 3: Manuel L. Quezon Book 4: Sergio Osmena Book 5: Manuel Roxas Book 6: Elpidio Quirino Book 7: Ramon Magsaysay Book 8: Carlos P. Garcia Book 9: Diosdado Macapagal Book 10: Eerdinand E. Marcos Book 11: Corazon C. Aquino Book 12: Eidel V. Ramos Book 13: Joseph Ejercito Estrada Book 14: Gloria MacapagaTArroyo Book 15: Benigno S. Aquino III Each book is subdivided into the following volumes: Volume 1: Official Week/Month in Review Volume 2: Appointments and Designations Volume 3: Historical Papers and Documents Volume 4: Executive Orders Volume 5: Administrative Orders Volume 6: Proclamations 9 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Prologue Volume 7: Other issuances Volume 8: Cabinet minutes We hope that this collection will be a useful and vital reference for generations to come. 10 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 PREFACE On July 30, 2010, President Benigno S. Aquino III issued Executive Order No. 4, which effectively renamed what was previously called the Malacanang Museum into the Presidential Museum and Library (PML) and placed it under the supervision and control of the Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office (PCDSPO). The PML is responsible for preserving, managing, and promoting the history and heritage of the Philippine presidency. It is the principal historical and artistic repository in support of the institution of the presidency, for the benefit of the Republic and the Lilipino people. In partnership with the PCDSPO, which has pioneered the publication of the Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines as a web archive and information website, the PML has taken this mandate and placed it on the cutting edge of the information age. Much has been done over the past years, under the administration of President Aquino III, to digitize executive issuances, speeches, letters, and other presidential papers; and publish them online. The project is not limited to a single administration, nor does it discriminate. This collection, published as databases, as well as print and e-publications, includes documents from the presidency of Emilio Aguinaldo to the current Aquino administration. This represents the government’s allegiance to transparency, continuity, and the fostering of an informed citizenry, as well as an effort, in earnest, to preserve the institutional memory of the Presidency. All this was done not just for the posterity, but for the current generation and the ongoing task of nation building. The PML are proud partners of the Official Gazette and PCDSPO team, to whom we made the collections available. We sincerely hope that this series will serve as a vital reference to educators, students, journalists, lawyers, historians, and the public at large. 11 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 FOREWORD This is the third volume of President Sergio Osmena’s official papers, which constitutes the fourth book of the Messages of the President series. The series was started in 1936 by Executive Secretary Jorge B. Vargas, during the first year in office of Manuel L. Quezon, the first President of the Commonwealth of the Philippines. President Osmena-the second President of the Commonwealth of the Philippines but for the current generation and the ongoing task of nation building, assumed office on August 1, 1944, and was President until May 28, 1946. This volume collects President Osmena’s Historical Papers and Documents, which include letters, statements, and other documents deemed of historical significance. 13 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 BOOK 4 PRESIDENT SERGIO OSMENA President Sergio Osmena is the second President of the Commonwealth of the Philippines. He assumed office after the death of Manuel L. Quezon on August 1, 1944. President Osmena was scheduled to assume the presidency of the Commonwealth of the Philippines after Manuel L. Quezon’s term and would have assumed office on November 15, 1943. However, the Philippines was occupied by the Japanese, and was at war. On November 12, 1943, Joint Resolution No. 95 was passed by the United States Congress and was approved by the President of the United States, continuing President Quezon’s term for the duration of the war and postponing Osmena’s right to succeed the presidency until constitutional processes had been restored in the country. Osmena relinquished his right to the presidency to Quezon because under the circumstances, the principal concern and primary consideration of the government was to win the war, liberate its people, and establish independence. Osmena mentioned this in his speech as Vice President, formally relinquishing his right to the presidency. Sergio Osmena was President until May 28, 1946. The executive issuances of President Osmena began with Proclamation No. 1-W, signed on August 1, 1944, in Washington, D.C. On September 27, 1944, the ‘W’ series was dropped and the numbering was changed starting with Executive Order No. 20. His executive issuances ended with Proclamation No. 38, signed on May 27, 1948. President Osmena’s documents were gathered from its official sources such as the Official Gazette of the Philippines; Philippines Magazine; Malacanang Records Office’s Book of Executive Issuances; various ephemera, including government booklets; and the MacArthur Archive Collections. The American Psychological Association (APA) style was used for the citation. The titles that have been provided by the researchers are enclosed in square brackets, considering that the exact wordings and its order were not verbatim from the document being described. Book titles are italicized while the speech titles are not. If in any case that the book title is the same as the title of the speech, the book title should be transcribed in italics. 15 CONTENTS Introduction 9 Preface 1 1 Foreword 13 Research Notes 15 Historical Papers and Documents 1 9 • Addresses and Speeches Inaugural Address of His Excellency Sergio Osmena: To the Cabinet-in-exile 26 Message of His Excellency Sergio Osmena: To the Filipino people upon his arrival on Philippine shores with the American forces of liberation 30 Message of His Excellency Sergio Osmena: On the occasion of the 9th Anniversary of the Commonwealth of the Philippines 33 Speech of His Excellency Sergio Osmena: Over the Voice of Freedom 35 Address of His Excellency Sergio Osmena: On the occasion of the re-establishment of the Commonwealth Government of the Philippines in Manila 37 Speech of His Excellency Sergio Osmena: On the occasion of the Induction into Office of the Members of his New Cabinet (Spanish Version) 40 Speech of His Excellency Sergio Osmena: On the occasion of the Induction into Office of the Members of his New Cabinet 46 Radio Speech of His Excellency Sergio Osmena: To the Latin- American Republics 51 Message of His Excellency Sergio Osmena: To the Filipino people on America’s Independence Day 53 Eulogy delivered by His Excellency Sergio Osmena: On the commemoration of First Death Anniversary of the First President of the Philippine Commonwealth 54 Speech of His Excellency Sergio Osmena: On honoring Manuel L. Quezon 57 Speech of His Excellency Sergio Osmena: On the commemoration of the 47th Anniversary of the occupation of the Philippines by America 61 Speech of His Excellency Sergio Osmena: On the occasion of President Quezon’s Birthday 64 Speech of His Excellency Sergio Osmena: On the occasion of President Quezon’s Birthday (Spanish Version) 68 Talumpati ng Kagalang-galang Sergio Osmena: Sa Isang Pagdiriwang na Parangal sa Araw ng Pagsilang ng Pangulong Quezon 73 Speech of His Excellency Sergio Osmena: Before the Senate of the Philippines on ratification of an official copy of the Charter of the United Nations 78 Message of His Excellency Sergio Osmena To Supreme Allied Commander Douglas MacArthur. On the occasion of the signing of the Japanese surrender document 80 Message of His Excellency Sergio Osmena: To Chairman Robert Smith 81 Address of His Excellency Sergio Osmena: On the occasion of his 67th birthday 82 Speech of His Excellency Sergio Osmena: Before a demonstration of the people of Manila on the grounds of Malacanan Palace On the occasion of his 67th birthday 84 Speech of His Excellency Sergio Osmena: Before the delegation of the Democratic Alliance 88 Speech of His Excellency President Osmena: On the occasion of the opening of the first library in Manila by the Office of War Information of the United States Army in the Philippines 90 Speech of His Excellency Sergio Osmena: In the Herald-Tribune Eorum 92 Address of His Excellency Sergio Osmena: Before the Executive Session of the Tydings Committee 96 Message of His Excellency Sergio Osmena: On the 10th anniversary of the Philippine Commonwealth 97 Talumpati ng Kagalang-galang Sergio Osmena: Nang dumating sa Maynila 98 Speech of His Excellency Sergio Osmena: At the welcome program held in his Honor upon his arrival from the United States 1 03 Address of His Excellency Sergio Osmena: On the occasion of the celebration of National Heroes’ Day 1 08 Speech of His Excellency Sergio Osmena:At the reactivation and citation ceremony of the 803rd Engineer Aviation Battalion 110 Speech of His Excellency Sergio Osmena: Before the members of the Philippine Association of University Women 112 Speech of His Excellency Sergio Osmena: Before the Manila Rotary Club at its Weekly Luncheon 114 Message of His Excellency Sergio Osmena: Before the National Christmas Youth Conference 116 Speech of His Excellency Sergio Osmena: At Plaza Miranda, Quiapo, Manila 117 Congratulatory Message of His Excellency Sergio Osmena: To President-elect Manuel A. Roxas 118 • Messages to Congress Mensahe ng Kagalang-galang Sergio Osmena: Alang sa Unang Kongresong Pilipinhon 119 Message to the Congress of His Excellency Sergio Osmena: On the State of the Nation 127 Message of His Excellency Sergio Osmena: To the Philippine Congress on the rehabilitation of Philippine banks 134 Message of His Excellency Sergio Osmena: To the Philippine Congress on the enactment of an approved bill 136 Message of His Excellency Sergio Osmena: To the Congress of the Philippines on the National Budget for the Eiscal Year ending, June 30, 1946 137 Message of His Excellency Sergio Osmena: Before the Philippine Congress 141 Message of His Excellency Sergio Osmena: Before the Philippine Congress 142 Message of His Excellency Sergio Osmena: To the Congress on the enactment of House Bill No. 250 143 Message of His Excellency Sergio Osmena: To the Congress of the Philippines on the Budget Amendment 144 Budget Message of His Excellency Sergio Osmena: Before the Congress of the Philippines 146 Message of His Excellency Sergio Osmena: To the Congress on the enactment of House Bill No. 77 147 Speech of His Excellency Sergio Osmena: On the opening day of the Congress’ Second Special Session 148 Message of His Excellency Sergio Osmena: At the Senate of the Philippines 151 Speech of His Excellency Sergio Osmena: Before the Senate of the Philippines on ratification of an official copy of the Charter of the Unites Nations 154 Message of His Excellency Sergio Osmena: To the Eilipino People on V-J Day 156 Message of His Excellency Sergio Osmena: On the Additional Modifications of the Budget for the Eiscal Year 1946 157 Message of His Excellency Sergio Osmena: To the Congress on the consideration and early approval of proposed hills administered by the Bureau of Internal Revenue 159 Message of His Excellency Sergio Osmena: Before the Congress of the Philippines 160 Message of His Excellency Sergio Osmena: Before the Congress of the Philippines 162 Message of His Excellency Sergio Osmena: Before the Congress of the Philippines 1 64 Message of His Excellency Sergio Osmena: To the Congress on the disapproval of House Bill No. 302 165 Message of His Excellency Sergio Osmena: To the Congress on the Approval of House Bill No. 39 166 • Letters and Telegrams Letter of His Excellency Sergio Osmena: To Honorable Joaquin M. Elizalde on his resignation 167 Exchange of Messages of His Excellency Sergio Osmena: With the Secretary of Interior, Tomas Confesor 1 70 Cablegram of His Excellency Sergio Osmena: To the people of Cebu 1 71 Letter of His Excellency Sergio Osmena: To Secretary of War Henry L. Stimson on the reestablishment of the Philippine Government 1 72 Letter of His Excellency Sergio Osmena: To Secretary Jaime Hernandez 1 74 Letter of His Excellency Sergio Osmena: To Secretary Jaime Hernandez 1 76 Cablegram of His Excellency Sergio Osmena: Eor Secretary Jaime Hernandez 1 77 Radiogram of His Excellency Sergio Osmena: Eor Einance Secretary Jaime Hernandez 1 78 Cablegram of His Excellency Sergio Osmena: To Secretary Jaime Hernandez 1 80 Cablegram of His Excellency Sergio Osmena: To Einance Secretary Jaime Hernandez 181 Letter of His Excellency Sergio Osmena: To Einance Secretary Jaime Hernandez 1 82 Letter of His Excellency Sergio Osmena: To Bohol Governor Conrado D. Marapao 1 84 Letter of His Excellency Sergio Osmena: To Admiral Emory S. Land Chairman, U. S. Maritime Commission 186 Memorandum of His Excellency Sergio Osmena: To Budget and Einance Commissioner Ismael Mathay 187 Letter of His Excellency Sergio Osmena: To Secretary of the Interior Harold L. Ickes 188 Letter of His Excellency Sergio Osmena: To Secretary Basilio J. Valdes 189 Cablegram of His Excellency Sergio Osmena: To Secretary Jaime Hernandez 190 Letter of His Excellency Sergio Osmena: To Secretary Jaime Hernandez on various matters 191 Radiogram of His Excellency Sergio Osmena: To Secretary Jaime Hernandez 1 93 Texts of Cables of His Excellency Sergio Osmena: Sent to Secretary of War Henry L. Stimson and the Hon. Herbert Lehman, Director of the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration On the occasion of the reestablishment of the Commonwealth Government 1 94 Letter of His Excellency Sergio Osmena:To Secretary of Einance and Reconstruction Jaime Hernandez 196 Letter of His Excellency Sergio Osmena: To the President of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce 197 Letter of His Excellency Sergio Osmena: To U.S. Secretary of State Edward J. Stettinius, Jr. on the acceptance of the invitation and appointment of Philippine Delegation to a United Nations conference 198 Letter of His Excellency Sergio Osmena: To the United States President 200 Letter of His Excellency Sergio Osmena: To Eleet Admiral Ernest J. King 201 Letter of His Excellency Sergio Osmena: To Secretary to the President Jose S. Reyes on the construction of temporary office buildings 202 Letter of His Excellency Sergio Osmena: To General Donovan on technicolor motion pictures 203 Letter of His Excellency Sergio Osmena: To Secretary to the President Jose S. Reyes 204 Letter of His Excellency Sergio Osmena: To Secretary to the President Jose S. Reyes on the arrival of the Ty dings party 205 Letter of His Excellency Sergio Osmena: To General J. G. Harbord 206 Letter of His Excellency Sergio Osmena: Eor the Secretary of War on the payment of salaries and allowances to Philippine Army officers 207 Letter of His Excellency Sergio Osmena: To the United States President Harry S. Truman On the occasion of Japan’s unconditional surrender 208 Exchange of Christmas and New Year Messages of His Excellency Sergio Osmena: With the United States President Harry S. Truman, Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers Douglas McArthur, General of the Army George C. Marshall, United States Secretary of the Navy James Eorrestal, Eleet Admiral Chester Nimitz, and Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek, President of the Chinese Republic 209 Letter of His Excellency Sergio Osmena: To Resident Commissioner Carlos P. Romulo instructing him to work for the extension of the full benefits of the G. I. Bill of Rights to Eilipino war veterans 213 • Press Statements Statement of President Sergio Osmena: On signing Joint Resolution No. 1 of the Philippine Congress 216 Statement of President Sergio Osmena: On the occasion of the Complete Liberation of the Philippines 218 Statement of President Sergio Osmena: On the occasion of the twenty-ninth Anniversary of the passage of the Jones Act 219 Statement of President Sergio Osmena: On Philippine Rehabilitation 220 Statement of President Sergio Osmena: On Signing Commonwealth Act No. 682 creating a People’s Court and an Office of Special Prosecutors for the Prosecution and Trial of Crimes against National Security committed during the Second World War 221 Statement of President Sergio Osmena: On Rizal Day 222 Statement of President Sergio Osmena: On the Eirst Anniversary of the Restoration of the Commonwealth of the Philippines 223 Statement of President Sergio Osmena: On the occasion of the election of Hon. Manuel A. Roxas to the Presidency of the Philippines 225 Joint Statement of President Sergio Osmena and President-elect Manuel Roxas: On urging the acceptance of the Bell Trade Act and the Tydings War Damage Act 226 Statement of President Osmena: Upon retiring into private life 227 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 President Sergio Osmena in his office at the Leyte Provincial Capitol, 1945. 21 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT SERGIO OSMENA 1944-1946 BOOK 4 I VOLUMES Historical Papers and Documents President Sergio Osmena and Brigadier General Carlos P. Romulo, at the Leyte Provincial Capitol, 1945. OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 Historical Papers and Documents These are documents that, in the judgment of the President, are deserving of publication and preservation for the historical record of the country and the administration. In some cases when there were none selected at the time, we have provided the documents, based on official publications, the personal and public papers of the presidents or members of their staff, or other archival sources. 25 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 ADDRESSES AND SPEECHES Inaugural Address of His Excellenq^ Sergio Osmefia President of the Philippines To the Cabinet-in-exile [Delivered at Washington, D.C., on August 10, 1944] Gentlemen of the Cabinet: Nine days ago when I performed the painful duty of announcing the passing of our beloved leader. President Manuel L. Quezon, I said in part: “President Quezon’s death is a great loss to the freedom loving world. No champion of liberty fought for such a noble cause with more determination and against greater odds. His whole life was dedicated to the achievement of his people’s freedom, and it is one of the sad paradoxes of fate that with forces of victory fast approaching the Philippines, he should pass away now and be deprived of seeing the culmination of his labors — the freedom of his people.” President Quezon was a champion of freedom in war and in peace. The plains and hills of Bataan where the brave Filipino and American soldiers faced with heroism the overwhelming power of the Japanese invader were also his field of action during the Revolutionary Days. The city of Washington where his body temporarily rests was the scene of his early appeals and peaceful efforts for Philippine freedom. It was here, almost thirty years ago, where he secured from Congress the promise of independence which is contained in the preamble of the Jones Law. Here, again, 18 years later, he succeeded in obtaining the passage of the Tydings-McDuffie Act — a reenactment with some slight amendments of the Hare-Hawes-Cutting Law which was rejected previously by the Philippine Legislature. Pursuant to the provisions of the Tydings-McDuffie Law, which was accepted by the Filipino people, we drafted our Constitution and established the present Commonwealth of the Philippines, and elected Manuel L. Quezon as its first President. When the war came and it became necessary to evacuate Manila, President Quezon, frail and sick as he was, moved with his Cabinet to Corregidor where he shared with the soldiers the rigors of the tunnel life and from there braved the hazards of a perilous journey to the Visayas, Mindanao, Australia, and America, in order to continue the fight for the freedom of his people. Here, in Washington, with his War Cabinet, he functioned as the legitimate Government of the Filipino people and served as the symbol of their redemption. It was largely through his untiring efforts that the Philippines was made a member of the United Nations and accorded a seat in the Pacific War Council. It was through his initiative that negotiations were held, resulting in the introduction of Senate Joint Resolutions 93 and 94. By the terms of Senate Joint Resolution 93; the advancement of the date of the independence prior to July 4, 1946, was authorized and the pledge given to the Filipino people by President Roosevelt in 1941 — that Philippine 26 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 independence will not only be established but also protected — was sanctioned by Congress. His efforts to secure the rehabilitation of the Philippines from the ravages of war resulted in the enactment by Congress of Senate Joint Resolution 94 which provides for the physical and economic rehabilitation of the Philippines. Even before Congress definitely acted on this resolution, he had already created the Postwar Planning Board, entrusting it, together with his Cabinet, with the task of making studies and submitting recommendations looking toward the formulation of a comprehensive rehabilitation program for the Philippines. In the last few moments before his martyrdom, the great Rizal lamented that he would not be able to see the dawn of freedom break over his beloved country, but he prophesied that his countrymen would see that day. “I have sown the seeds,” he said, “others are left to reap.” Quezon, more fortunate than Rizal, died with the comforting thought that the freedom of the Philippines was already an incontestable reality, awaiting only the certain defeat of the enemy for its full expression. The immediate duty, then, of those of us who, under the mandate of the Constitution and the laws of the Philippines, are charged with the mission of continuing President Quezon’s work, is to follow the course he has laid, to maintain and strengthen our partnership with America, and to march forward with the United Nations with unwavering faith and resolute determination until complete victory is won. The tide of the war which rose high against us in the early stages of the struggle has turned in our favor. The forces of victory are on the march everywhere — in Europe, in India, and China, and in the Pacific. Normandy and Brittany have been occupied by the Anglo-American forces. Poland is half reconquered by our Great Russian ally. Two-thirds of the Italian peninsula are in our hands, while thousands and thousands of planes continue to batter and destroy German communication and production centers, bringing the war to the German homeland. In the Pacific, the progress of the war has been equally impressive. Most of the Japanese strongholds in the Bismarck archipelago, in New Guinea, in the Gilberts and in the Marshalls, have fallen. The Japanese bastion of Saipan is in Allied hands; so is Tinian. The reconquest of Guam is almost completed. B-29’s, the American super-fortresses, are already penetrating the Japanese inner defenses, causing destruction in the enemy’s vital centers of production. General MacArthur’s forces are hammering the enemy’s outposts only 250 miles from the Philippines; while the United States Navy, maintaining mastery in the central Pacific, is relentlessly attacking Palau, Yap, Ponape and the Bonin Islands, in its steady advance toward the Philippines, China and Japan. The size and strength of the Allied landings in Europe, supported by thousands of planes and using thousands of ships, surpasses the immigration. It is no wonder that before them the most formidable defenses of the enemy are crumbling. I believe that when our D-Day comes the same pattern will be followed, and the mighty Allied forces will join our brave loyal countrymen in an epic victory. But the forces of freedom will not land in the Philippines with guns and tanks alone. They will also bring with them food, medical supplies and clothing which are so much needed by our suffering people. 30,000,000 pesos has already been set aside for the requisition of these supplies which will be sent to the front as soon as possible for distribution to our civilian population. As the war progresses and as more troops are landed in the Philippines, increasing quantities of these supplies will be made available. Philippine relief will be prompt and adequate. As Philippine territory is wrested from the enemy, civil government will promptly follow military occupation so that the orderly processes of self-government may be established under the Constitution Red Cross units, both Eilipino and American, will follow the armies of freedom to help alleviate the suffering of the people. Hospitals, health and puericulture centers will be reestablished. All the schools 27 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 in operation before the war will be reopened in order to resume an education of patriotism, democracy and humanitarianism. The veterans of our wars for independence, and all those who supported our struggle for freedom, will receive for their labors and sacrifices the full recognition expected of a grateful nation. War widows and orphans will be provided for. Ample compensation will be made for the destruction of public and private properties. Roads and bridges destroyed by the enemy will be rebuilt. Disrupted communications by land, sea, and air, will be repaired and improved. Towns and cities which either were destroyed or suffered damages because of the war will be reconstructed under a systematic and scientific town planning program. In this program, the towns of Bataan and Zambales will receive preferential attention. Bataan, the historic battleground where our brave soldiers, Americans and Filipinos, faced the enemy until death, will be made a national shrine. In providing for the reconstruction of our industries and the rehabilitation of our agriculture, immediate attention will be given to factory workers and farm hands throughout the Philippines, and full and generous assistance will be given to the small farmers who, because of the war, have lost their nipa hut, their work animals and farm implements. We are making preparations to meet the manifold problems arising from the closing and insolvency of our banks, insurance and credit institutions, the adulteration of our currency with unsound enemy issues, the impairment of the basis of taxation and the initial difficulty of tax collection. Moreover, we are formulating a long-range economic program with a view to securing that sound economic foundation which will give our independence stability and permanence. In the gigantic task of rehabilitation and reconstruction, we are assured of America’s full assistance and support. The joint Filipino- American Rehabilitation Commission, created by Congress is already functioning. This Commission is under the chairmanship of a staunch friend of the Filipino people. Senator Tydings of Maryland. To it is entrusted the task of studying and recommending to the United States and Philippine Governments measures calculated to secure the complete physical and economic rehabilitation of the Philippines and the reestablishment as soon as possible of such commercial relations between the two countries as will assure us a reasonable level of public and private prosperity. In the preparation and execution of the Filipino rehabilitation program, America’s support and assistance are essential. But there are responsibilities which we as people must undertake ourselves, and which can be assumed only if we are faithful to our ideals, principles and commitments. We are a Christian people and the faith that we imbibed sprang from our contacts with nations of Occidental civilization. We embraced Christianity a century before the Pilgrim Fathers landed at Plymouth. For more than 400 years we have kept that faith. We cannot now turn back and be a pagan people. For centuries we have been a law-abiding people. We believe in and practise democracy. That is the reason why Section III, Article II of our Constitution provides that we renounce war as an instrument of national policy and adopt the generally accepted principles of international law as part of the law of the nation. It is repugnant to our Christian traditions and democratic ideals to be the satellite of a conquering power or to be allied with the masters of brute force, whether in Asia, Europe or elsewhere. The mutual relationship between the American and Filipino peoples for half a century has revealed to the Filipinos the high ideals of the American nation and the good faith that has always animated the United States in its dealings with us. Out of this association have arisen mutual understanding and continuous cooperation between the two countries, resulting in great national progress for the 28 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 Philippine progress that is without parallel in history. In the Epic of Bataan where the American and Filipino soldiers fought together, the enduring friendship of our two peoples was sealed. In this war between a free world and a slave world, the Philippines has freely and voluntarily taken side with the defenders of liberty and democracy. In the same manner as the enemy is resorting to every means to attain his evil ends, the United Nations are exerting their utmost to achieve complete victory. Pledged in this war to the finish, we will continue doing our best to help the war effort. Every commitment made by us in this respect will be fulfilled. The Filipino people, with their wisdom in peace and gallantry in war, have established their right to take place in the family of nations as a full and sovereign member. We cannot renounce this right nor its obligations and responsibilities. We shall, as a free and self-respecting nation, fulfill our duties not only to ourselves but also to the entire freedom-loving world by participating in the establishment and preservation of a just peace for the benefit of mankind. Our path of duty is clear. It is the path of national honor, dignity and responsibility. It was laid out for us by the great heroes of our race — Rizal, Bonifacio and Quezon. We shall move forward steadily to reach our goal, maintaining our faith in the United States and fully cooperating with her. In the fulfillment of my duties as President of the Philippines, I ask in all humility but in all earnestness the cooperation of all my countrymen in the United States, Hawaii, in the homeland and elsewhere in the world. With their full and unstinted cooperation and support, and God helping me, I shall not fail. Source: Presidential Museum and Library Osmena, S. (1944). Inaugural Address of His Excellency Sergio Osmena President of the Philippines to the Cabinet-in-exile. Miscellaneous Publications, [pp. 8-9]. 29 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 Message of His Excellency Sergio Osmefia President of the Philippines To the Filipino people upon his arrival on Philippine shores with the American forces of liberation [Released on October 20, 1944] MY BELOVED PEOPLE: By the Grace of God, and by the honor of America, I am again with you. Happy as I am to be back on Philippine soil, I am sad that our late and beloved President Quezon is not here to witness the realization of the great cause to which he dedicated his life — the independence of the Philippines. I know, however, that you feel as I do, that he is here with us in spirit, to unite our people and to encourage us toward the achievement of the vital undertaking which lies ahead. General MacArthur and I have returned together to accomplish a common objective: to restore to our people peace and prosperity, freedom and happiness. We were enjoying these blessings of democracy under the benevolent guidance of the United States when the enemy wantonly attacked us, interrupting our steady progress toward complete nationhood. This enemy is still on Philippine soil. It is thus our immediate purpose to destroy his power and to expel him from our country. Primarily, this task belongs to the armies of freedom which are now, as during the fateful days of December, 1941, under the able leadership of General Douglas MacArthur, who is assisted by competent generals and admirals. With him are the brave soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen of America and soldiers of our own race who have come to sacrifice their lives, if need be, so that Japan may be vanquished and the enslaved may be free again. No one, I believe, is better qualified than General MacArthur to accomplish this, for even during the dark period of the war, he had faith in the ability of the United States to obtain ultimate victory over the enemy in the Philippines. This view I shared with him. From what I have seen with my own eyes I can assure you that, as pledged by President Roosevelt, General MacArthur has at his disposal the men and resources needed to deal the enemy a mortal blow. But it must be realized that the liberation of the Philippines is a joint enterprise which can only be speedily and thoroughly accomplished with the wholehearted support of our people. You in your homes, in the towns, in the barrios, in the mountains, whether or not you belong formally to the underground, must do your part in accordance with the directives which the leaders of the underground and the guerrillas will receive from General MacArthur. You must do your utmost, as did your sons and brothers on Bataan and Corregidor, in Cebu and throughout our beloved land. As the enemy is progressively driven out and order is restored in our country, so will the normal functions of civil government be resumed in the liberated areas. In my capacity as the head of the Philippine Commonwealth I will as promptly and effectively as possible direct the restoration of the democratic functions of government in the administration of the nation, the provinces and the municipalities. But I did not come back to the Philippines merely to see the reestablishment of the constitutional government which existed here before Pearl Harbor. 30 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 During the time that our government was compelled, by circumstances, to carry on in Washington, first under the leadership of President Quezon, and then under mine, it expanded the scope of its activities to include some of the prerogatives possessed only by independent nations. For the American Government did not only recognize the Commonwealth Government as the lawful government of the Filipino people, but also gave it the consideration accorded to governments of countries possessing the attributes of absolute sovereignty. This more advanced government is the one which I have brought back to you. It is even more than that. We have the word of America that our country which has been ravaged by the war will be reconstructed and rehabilitated. Steps have already been taken to this end. With the return of normal conditions, law and order will be fully reestablished and democratic processes of constitutional government restored. It will then be my duty to report these facts to the President of the United States with the request that Philippine independence be proclaimed prior to the date originally set in the Tydings-McDuffie Law. The President of the United States, with whom I conferred a few days ago, authorized me to announce to you that this request will be granted. As you know, this independence was originally set for July 4, 1946. If it were not for the Japanese invasion, our independence would have come as previously scheduled. The gallant stand of our people on Bataan and Corregidor and in the other parts of the islands, and their continued opposition to the enemy, however, reemphasized to the United States and to the world that we are capable of establishing and maintaining an independent government. It was in due recognition of this valiant performance by our people, the bravery of our soldiers, and the loyalty of our population to America and to the cause of freedom that Congress authorized the President of the United States to advance the date of our independence. This is the independence which was the dream of the innumerable heroes and martyrs of our history and for which our people struggled many years, both in peace and in war. This is the independence which has been made possible by our adherence to the fundamental principle of Filipino- American cooperation and which the sovereign power has granted us under the provisions of the Tydings-McDuffie Act and subsequent legislation. This is the independence which was already within our grasp when the enemy invaded our soil. This is the independence which the valiant defenders of our homeland — Americans and Filipinos — fought and died for in the Battle of the Philippines. Notwithstanding enemy propaganda, our people have remained loyal not only to the United States, but to our traditional concepts of freedom and independence as well. This propaganda claimed that the promise of independence as set forth in the Tydings-McDuffie Act would never be redeemed by the United States; that, in any event, the United States would never be able to return to the Philippines; that Japan was invincible; and that the only way for the Filipino people to be free was to accept the Japanese proffer of independence. It is now certainly more clear than ever that this Japanese propaganda is nothing more than empty words. The forces of freedom which are crushing the enemy on every battlefront have fought their way back to the Philippines. I am confident that all our people, without exception, will rally to the banner of liberty and democracy and give to the army of liberation their determined and unqualified support. In this crucial hour, I urge every Filipino to do his duty by actively participating in the struggle, the outcome of which will bring not only freedom and happiness to our people, but also peace, law and security to the entire world. 31 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 Here is a new challenge to our sense of national responsibility. We shall not fail. In conclusion, I wish to say that just as I left Washington the President of the United States asked me to be the bearer of a message of congratulations to the people of the Philippines on the regaining of freedom, and he asked me to give to you his warm and affectionate personal regards. SERGIO OSMENA President of the Philippines Source: Presidential Museum and Library Osmena, S. (1944). Message of President Sergio Osmena to the Filipino people upon his arrival on Philippine shores with the American forces of liberation. Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines, 41(2), 150-152. 32 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 Message of His Excellency Sergio Osmefia President of the Philippines On the occasion of the 9th Anniversary of the Commonwealth of the Philippines [Released in Spanish and English, November 15, 1944] Following is the text of a message by President Osmena broadcast to the world in Spanish and English on November 15, 1944, on the occasion of the Ninth Anniversary of the Commonwealth of the Philippines: Nine years ago today the Commonwealth of the Philippines was born under the sponsorship of the United States of America. That event marked one of the greatest achievements of history. A dependent people attained practically complete self-rule not through violence but through peaceful processes and as the result of friendly negotiations with the sovereign country. It was the last step on the road to independence, the dream and aspiration of every Eilipino for uncounted generations. The final withdrawal of United States sovereignty over the Philippines was set for July 4, 1946. During the intervening years, the Commonwealth Government assumed the great task of preparing for the responsibilities of independent nationhood. This task was undertaken under the able leadership of our first President, the late Manuel L. Quezon. We expanded our public school program and the health facilities for our people. We embarked on a program of economic readjustment to make our country economically as well as politically independent. We started vast public works projects all over the islands. We undertook to raise the standard of living of the people and improved the lot of the underprivileged. We established minimum wages and maximum hours for industrial workers. We increased the efficiency of courts, long the people’s bulwark against injustices of all kinds. We adopted a program of national defense. There was peace and order throughout the land and the people were happy in the enjoyment of their freedom and prosperity. And then the ruthless Japanese invader struck. He wrecked the economic structure on which our nation had been built and sought to destroy our liberties. He inflated our country with worthless Japanese money. He disrupted our communications. He plundered the wealth of our farms and our factories, our forests and our mines. He conscripted our labor for his purposes. He forced upon our people his ideas of regimentation and totalitarianism, and he substituted violence, suspicion, and terror for order, confidence and peace. But never in the blackest day of our captivity did our people waver in their faith in America. They did not forget the American promise of our real and lasting independence. Nor did the American people forget it. Hence, when the United States finally gathered its vast resources for the great battle of liberation, it found the Eilipinos ready to do their share in a joint endeavor to crush the power of the enemy. Slowly but steadily the tide of Japanese aggression was thrown back. After an unbroken series of military victories in the Southwest Pacific, American forces landed on Philippine soil under the command of General Douglas MacArthur. And today the Commonwealth Government, kept alive in Washington through the period of enemy occupation, its position advanced by the recognition given 33 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 it by the United States, is again firmly reestablished in our beloved homeland. The members of my Cabinet and I have brought that government back to the Philippines to exercise the authority conferred upon it by our Constitution and our laws. Already we have reestablished the provincial government of Leyte and the municipal government of Tacloban. Already we have reopened the public schools in the liberated areas. Already we have brought rehef to the needy and medical supplies to the sick. Already we have taken steps for the economic rehabilitation of Leyte, the Philippine province in which the American Army of liberation first landed. That army is now secure in the greater part of Leyte and is steadily reoccupying the remainder of the island. But this is only the beginning. By far the greater portion of our country still must be reclaimed. Millions of our compatriots are still in want and groan under the yoke of Japanese domination. A powerful and treacherous foe is still entrenched upon our soil. But what has already been done in the liberated area will soon be accomplished everywhere in the Philippines. Our period of anguish and trial is nearing its end. This Ninth Anniversary of the establishment of the Commonwealth is a deeply significant day for every Filipino for it bears the promise of final victory. It is a prelude to brighter days. We shall be redeemed from slavery. As a crowning glory to Philippine-American collaboration, we shall become a full member of the concert of independent nations. For all this we do not have to wait for July 4, 1946. The date will be advanced. Independence will be reorganized as soon as the Japanese invader has been expelled from our shores. Today the full import of the great promise made to us just nine years ago, has been thrown into bold relief. That is the promise that General MacArthur and his forces are fighting gallantly to redeem. The roar of the American guns has announced to the world that America has returned and that our feet are again set on the road to a true and lasting independence. No action by the enemy can prevent its attainment. The cause of democracy and liberty, the right of every people to govern itself and to be secure against aggression, the great moral issues of justice and righteousness and human dignity are being fought out in the Philippines today. I am proud of the way the American soldier is fighting this battle. I am also proud of the way Filipinos are aiding in that fight. Everywhere now underground forces are harassing the enemy, attacking him night and day from the flanks and from the rear, giving him no rest, and helping the armies of liberation in every way. The complete victory of American arms and the liberation of the Filipino people are assured. That is the most significant fact of this ninth anniversary of the establishment of the Commonwealth. Its first six years were blessed by peace. The last three years were torn by the strife of war. But neither peace nor war has changed the nature of the Commonwealth. In peace and in war the Philippine Commonwealth stands as a monument to human progress, a beacon of hope for all dependent peoples everywhere who believe in conciliation, righteousness and human understanding. For if any lesson of permanent value is to be derived from the Philippine-American experiment as shown by the Commonwealth of the Philippines, it is that America and the Philippines have demonstrated that there is a new road that leads to freedom and security, and it is the road of good will, mutual understanding and peace. Source: Presidential Museum and Library Osmena, S. (1944). Message of President Sergio Osmena on the occasion of the 9th Anniversary of the Commonwealth of the Philippines. Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines, 41(2), 159-161. 34 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 Speech of His Excellency Sergio Osmefia President of the Philippines Over the Voice of Freedom [Released on November 23, 1944] Since my return to the Philippines a month ago it has been my good fortune to meet a number of guerrilla leaders. The world will long remember the epic stand of the guerrillas. After the fall of Bataan and Corregidor and the tragic defeat of the Allied armies in Asia, our people found themselves pitted against the might of Japan. Then the guerrilla movement came into being. It was the people’s continued fight against the invaders. The guerrillas, almost without arms at the beginning, hungry and unclothed, gave battle to the enemy from every nook and corner of the land. For three seemingly interminable years and despite unbelievable hardships, they carried the torch of freedom, confident that America would not fail them and that MacArthur would fulfill his pledge to return. Our nation is justly proud of the guerrillas and the Philippine Government shall see to it that they are properly rewarded. We have taken the initial step of incorporating all guerrillas recognized by the Military Command into the Philippine Army, with United States Army pay. But in our praise of the guerrillas we should not be forgetful of the loyal civilian population that was left behind to face the ire of the invader and support the guerrillas. It was not possible for all to evade the enemy: the fate of the immense majority was to bear the manacles of enslavement. Unfortunately, this has given rise to different attitudes and actions in relation to the Japanese rule causing some misunderstandings among our people. This state of affairs has created one of the most serious problems with which our Government is confronted. We cannot close our eyes to the realities of the Japanese occupation. It is cruel and harsh. An arbitrary government has been imposed on the Filipino people by the sword and the initial misfortune of American and Filipino arms left the majority of eighteen million Filipinos no other recourse but to submit to a despotic regime if they were to survive. Not all public officials could take to the hills to carry on the heroic struggle. Some had to remain in their posts to maintain a semblance of government, to protect the population from the oppressor to the extent possible by human ingenuity and to comfort the people in their misery. Had their services not been available, the Japanese would either have themselves governed directly and completely or utilized unscrupulous Filipino followers capable of any treason to their people. The result would have been calamitous and the injuries inflicted to our body politic beyond cure. The problem under consideration must be solved with justice and dignity. Every case should be examined impartially and decided on its own merits. Persons holding public office during enemy occupation, for the most part, fall within three categories; those prompted by a desire to protect the people, those actuated by fear of enemy reprisals, and those motivated by disloyalty to our government and cause. The motives which caused the retention of the office and conduct while in office, rather than the sole fact of its occupation, will be the criteria upon which such persons will be judged. 35 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 Those charged with giving aid and comfort to the enemy, whether office holders or private citizens, with being traitors and disloyal to the governments of the Philippines and of the United States will be dealt with in accordance with law. But for the common good and our national welfare, I appeal to all the citizens of the Philippines to support their government in meeting its responsibilities by lawful procedures. Persons in possession of information on acts of disloyalty to the Commonwealth Government or that of the United States should report it to the authorities. But under no circumstances should any person or group take the law into their hands. Ours is a constitutional government, ours is a community educated in the norms of a Christian civilization. Due respect for the law, rigid adherence to those principles established in civilized countries, complete obedience to the decisions of the courts — all these involve forms of character and high moral attributes that are the possession of enlightened countries like ours. On the threshold of occupying a sovereign place in the concert of free nations, we must live up to our responsibilities. We must prove our ability to maintain domestic peace and our capacity to mete out justice. Precisely when the eyes of the civilized world are focused on our country, we cannot allow acts of personal revenge and misguided zeal to cast a reflection on our civilization and our ability to maintain an orderly government. Ours is a government by law: the splendor of its majesty must never be dimmed in our land. The dignity and courage of the Filipino people in the face of calamity have elicited the admiration of the world. With a long tradition of peace, the Filipino nevertheless faced war bravely. Fie died heroically when death was demanded of him by the exigencies of battle. Under the tyranny of the Japanese he toiled to survive. But when the forces of redemption were compelled to rain death on his home and destroy his property in order to dislodge the enemy, he was never heard to complain. Fie realized that the price of freedom is high and was ready to pay the cost. Today he labors on the wharfs of Tacloban, tills the fields of Leyte and renders war service everywhere without hesitation or regrets, with the enthusiasm of a human being who is again free to shape his destiny. As a people we have come of age. We must move forward, just and firm but merciful and humane, closely united, animated by the same social aspirations to happiness, bound together as a political state by the wise dispositions of our Constitution and our laws. God helping me, I shall strive to this end. Source: Presidential Museum and Library Osmena, S. (1944). Speech of President Sergio Osmena over the Voice of Freedom. Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines, 41(1), 101-103. 36 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 Address of His Excellency Sergio Osmefia President of the Philippines On the occasion of the re-establishment of the Commonwealth Government of the Philippines in Manila [Released on February 27, 1945] MY FELLOW COUNTRYMEN: This 20 is an historic event in an historic city. From the time our Malay ancestors founded it more than eight centuries ago, colonial powers have fought for its conquest and domination. The Spaniards, the Dutch, the English, a Chinese pirate, our revolutionary fathers, have all vied with each other and shed blood for its possession; because its conquest has always meant the ultimate control of the entire archipelago. But today’s event is different from any of the previous conquests and victories. The present victory of American arms is not a victory for power, control or domination, but a victory for freedom, democracy and independence. In sharing with you today the exultation over the triumph of American arms, let us bow our heads in reverent memory of our sacred dead and the dead of our Allies whose lives are the forfeit that these, our liberties, might be restored. We mourn the destruction of our once beautiful capital city of Manila and the murder of thousands of innocent people by the Japanese vandals, but this latest dastardly act of a savage enemy which has aroused the conscience of an outraged world should steel us to the firm resolve to continue the fight with every ounce of our strength until he shall have been completely vanquished. To President Roosevelt who, in our grim days in Corregidor and Bataan, solemnly pledged to us in the name of the American people, the men and resources of the United States for our liberation, this day must be also a day of happiness over a pledge fulfilled. We shall be forever grateful to him and to the American people. To General MacArthur, this campaign has been a crusade. Friend and defender of our race, he never lost faith in the spiritual strength of our people. In this crusade, he is finishing the noble work begun by his illustrious father. General Arthur MacArthur who, on August 13, 1898, successfully led another American Army to free Manila from a European power. General Douglas MacArthur will go down in history not only for his signal military successes but also for consistently following truly democratic methods in dealing with Philippine civil affairs in areas retaken from the enemy. Instead of taking advantage of military operations to maintain military government over territories already recaptured, he has been faithful in his role as liberator in the truest American tradition. Thus, forty- eight hours after the occupation of Tacloban by the American forces, he turned over the functions of government to our Commonwealth. And now, in this City of Manila, he is following the same procedure. To all the gallant members of the United States Forces, I bespeak the immeasurable indebtedness, the highest admiration, and the eternal gratitude of our people for their victorious accomplishments. They have come as brothers-in-arms enlisted in and dedicated to the sacred cause of restoring our liberties. 37 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 The time has come when the world should know that when our forces surrendered in Bataan and Corregidor, resistance to the enemy was taken up by the people itself — resistance which was inarticulate and disorganized at its inception but which grew from day to day and from island to island, until it broke out into an open warfare against the enemy. The fight against the enemy was truly a people’s war because it counted with the wholehearted support of the masses. From the humble peasant to the barrio school teacher, from the volunteer guard to the women’s auxiliary service units, from the loyal local official to the barrio folk — each and every one of these contributed his share in the great crusade for liberation. The guerrillas knew that without the support of the civilian population, they could not survive. Whole towns and villages dared enemy reprisal to oppose the hated invader openly or give assistance to the underground movement. It is thus that the Filipino people drew the ire of the Japanese who has never followed the rules of civilized warfare. And now his conduct towards the civilian population has become more cruel and brutal, embittered as he is by his failure to enlist the support of the people. For this reason, it is imperative that the war against him be prosecuted all over the country relentlessly and with dispatch in order that the people’s agony may not be prolonged and precious human life may be salvaged. As I take over the civil functions of the Commonwealth Government in our country, I cannot but pause in all humility, for guidance and inspiration before the figures of Jose Rizal for his patriotism, Andres Bonifacio for his indomitable courage, Apolinario Mabini for his far-sighted statesmanship, and Manuel L. Quezon for his devotion to the cause of independence. That no time may be lost in the complete restoration of the Commonwealth of the Philippines, the Executive and Judicial branches will be re-established with utmost vigor and dispatch and I now call upon all the duly elected members of our Congress who have remained steadfast in their allegiance to our Government during the period of enemy occupation, to be in readiness to meet in Manila as soon as conditions permit for the re-establishment of the Legislative branch. I am fully cognizant that problems of great national significance must be faced immediately. The re-establishment of law and order in areas already liberated, the reopening of schools, the reorganization of the government, both national and local, are among the complicated problems that have arisen as a consequence of enemy occupation. Foremost among these problems is that of relief and rehabilitation, the urgency of which cannot be overemphasized. This war has not only caused untold misery and suffering to the individual; it has also brought about wanton destruction, economic dislocation and financial bankruptcy to the nation at large. Farms and industries have to be rehabilitated; banks and credit institutions have to be reopened; roads and bridges have to be repaired; schools and hospitals have to be rebuilt; destroyed and damaged properties, both public and private, have either to be rehabilitated or indemnified. The legitimate claim of the common laborer and of the small farmer who has lost his only work animal and nipa hut must be given preferential attention. So that these manifold problems may be faced with promptness and energy, I shall enlist the assistance of all those possessing not only proven ability and loyalty but also the confidence and trust of the people. In Leyte, as a recognition of the guerrillas who so valiantly fought the Japanese, I appointed Colonel Ruperto Kangleon as the Acting Governor of that province. Today I have the pleasure to announce that, as a tribute to the civilian elements of our country who resisted the enemy with courage and fortitude, I have chosen Governor Tomas Confesor as the ranking member of my Cabinet, appointing him Secretary of the Interior, and in charge of the reorganization of the City of Manila. Our independence is a settled question. Our five decades of consistent struggles, in peace and war, have come to a definite, successful end. Our Government, when in exile, was considered 38 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 as possessing the attributes of an independent nation. We are one of the United Nations. We have President Roosevelt’s word that when normal conditions have returned, law and order re-established, and democratic processes restored, our request for the advancement of the date of independence will be granted. I hope this can be accomplished on August 13, 1945, the forty-seventh anniversary of the landing of the American forces in Manila. Thus Occupation Day will become Philippine Independence Day. The gravity of our new problems demands the collective effort of all the people. The government cannot undertake to solve them alone. It needs the support of the people — a united people. More than ever before, now that the rapid advance of our forces is widening its field of action, the government needs a united popular support to enable it to undertake successfully its tremendous tasks. Not by dissension and bickerings, not by resort to violence and lawlessness can we serve the national interest. It would be tragic indeed if at this last state of our crucial struggle for nationhood, we should fall apart and be divided against ourselves. We have had enough misfortunes and sufferings in this war; we cannot bear any more. To plunge ourselves into the abyss of disunion would be suicidal. As the head of your duly constituted government, I therefore appeal to you, my people, to remain united. I urge you to forget petty political differences, to bury the hatreds and animosities engendered by the struggle, to obey the rule of law, justice and reason, and to remember that we all belong to one common country, our beloved Philippines. United we will continue assisting effectively in the successful prosecution of the war and in the rehabilitation of our country. United we can speedily achieve the full restoration of the constitutional processes of our Government, disrupted by the enemy. United and in close cooperation with the United States, we can win for ourselves and our children all the blessings of democracy, freedom and security for which we have sacrificed so much in this titanic struggle against the brutal forces of tyranny and oppression. Source: University Archives, University of the Philippines Diliman Library Osmena, S. (1945). Address of President Osmena on the occasion of the re-establishment of the Commonwealth Government of the Philippines in Manila, February 27, 1945. The re-establishment of the Commonwealth Government of the Philippines in Manila, February 27, 1945. [Bureau of Printing: Manila.] 39 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 Speech of His Excellency Sergio Osmefia President of the Philippines On the occasion of the Induction into Office of the Members of his New Cabinet (Spanish Version) [Released on March 8, 1945] DISCURSO DEL HON. SERGIO OSMENA, PRESIDENTE DE EILIPINAS, CON OCASION DE LA TOMA-POSESION DE LOS MIEMBROS DE SU NUEVO GABINETE EN MANILA, EL 8 DE MARZO DE 1945 Este dia he tornado el juramento de cargo de los miembros de mi nuevo Gabinete. Desearia aprovecharme de esta ocasion en que los jefes de nuestros diferentes departamentos ejecutivos toman posesion de su cargo para sintetizar a grandes rasgos los acontecimientos de la guerra durante los tres ultimos anos en cuanto afectaron al funcionamiento del Gobierno de nuestra Mancomunidad, asi como la realizacion del programa de independencia tal como se habia acordado entre los Estados Unidos y Pilipinas. Desearia tambien establecer los principios basicos que habran de guiarnos a medida que restauramos el Gobierno de la Mancomunidad en nuestra Capital. Quisiera que mis colaboradores en el Gobierno tuvieran siempre presente dos pensamientos cardinales: l.° Que siempre debieran existir estrechas relaciones entre el pueblo y el gobierno, y para conseguir esto el gobierno dene que ganarse la confianza del pueblo. 2 ° Que nuestro Gobierno tal como es hoy, es el producto de la colaboracion filipino-americana, y que debe desplegarse todo esfuerzo para mantener y fomentar relaciones mas intimas en ere los dos pueblos. La ocupacion de Pilipinas por el Japon no fue meramente una invasion militar. Lo fue tambien ideologica y cultural. Ha sido un intento de embaucar a nuestro pueblo con las ideas totalitarias del invasor, con su espiritu de conquista y explotacion sus teorias de la superioridad de la raza Yamato, su modo de vida. Los filipinos pronto se dieron cuenta de esto y, dando oidos sordos a las seductoras promesas del enemigo, presentaron valiente y decidida oposicion. Continuaron la lucha aun despues de que la resistencia militar organizada, tan heroicamente mantenida por soldados americanos y filipinos, hubo de cesar ante la arrolladora superioridad numerica del enemigo. Ahora que se ha puesto al descubierto el secretismo que con respecto a Pilipinas se guardaba por exigencia militar, el mundo exterior ha vislumbrado la brava gesta heroica de nuestras guerrillas, los intrepidos exponentes de la resistencia popular. Todo honor sea dado a esos soldados de la libertad que tan brillantemente prosiguieron la lucha de los heroes de Bataan. Seria un error, sin embargo, el creer que el empeno se circunscribio a la esfera de accion de las guerrillas. Las fuentes fueron mas anchas y profundas — estaban en el alma misma del pueblo. Procediendo de las filas del pueblo, las guerrillas constituian en realidad el ejercito del pueblo. Por esta razon, el enemigo, inherentemente despotico y cruel, puso violentamente sus manos sobre el pueblo. Pero a pesar de sus medidas de represion, la resistencia 40 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 persistio en todo el pais — en los llanos como en las montanas, en los centres de poblacion como en los barrios remotes, en las lindes septentrionales de las islas y en el mas extreme sur del pais. Fue la voluntad comun del pueblo; fue toda la nacion, resuelta a oponerse a toda costa a la dominacion del invasor. For tres largos anos de miseria y sufrimiento, de persecucion y de sacrificio, los filipinos permanecieron fieles a sus ideales. El control militar del enemigo ejercido en ciertas areas, especialmente cerca de las costas, no pudo ni por un memento quebrantar la absoluta y completa resistencia moral del pueblo, del uno al otro confin del pais. Para exponer esta determinacion del pueblo y para representarlo en el exterior, y de un mode especial en los Estados Unidos, los mas altos funcionarios de vuestro gobierno constitucional aceptaron la invitacion del Presidente de Estados Unidos para salir de Corregidor trasladando el asiento del gobierno a Washington, D.C. Este paso fue autorizado por una ley de la Asamblea Nacional. Los funcionarios de la Mancomunidad comprendieron que mientras mantuviesemos el nucleo del Gobierno de la Mancomunidad en el exterior por medio de su caudillo, el Presidente y su Gabinete, y en virtud de los poderes de emergencia al mismo concedidos por la Asamblea Nacional, nuestro status legal bajo la ley internacional no cambiaria, aunque el enemigo lograra ocupar militarmente todo el territorio filipino. Es bien sabido que la mera ocupacion militar de un territorio no da al ejercito invasor los derechos de soberania. Asi pues, a pesar de la invasion japonesa, nuestro Gobierno Constitucional no solamente se salvo de destruccion, sino que continue funcionando en Washington, D.C. Fue oficialmente reconocido por los Estados Unidos y los otros 42 miembros del importante grupo internacional conocido por las Naciones Unidas. Laborando de cerca con el Gobierno de los Estados Unidos, vuestro Gobierno, durante su permanencia en aquel pais, se propuso lograr los siguientes objetivos: 1. Mantener el interes del pueblo americano en la redencion de Filipinas como una sagrada obligacion que se habian impuesto los Estados Unidos; 2. Acelerar la preparacion de hombres, materiales y planes necesarios para la reconquista de Filipinas; 3. Adelantar el advenimiento de nuestra independencia; 4. Obtener garantias adecuadas para la permanencia de nuestra independencia politica; 5. Trabajar por nuestra rehabilitacion y estabilidad economicas como el fundamento material de nuestra estructura independiente. Todos estos objetivos se ban logrado sustancialmente. El feliz desembarque de las fuerzas libertadoras bajo el General MacArthur en Leyte, Mindoro, Lingayen, Zambales, Batangas, Bataan y Corregidor, seguido por la ocupacion completa de la Ciudad de Manila, representa una parcial pero elocuente replica a nuestra apelacion a los Estados Unidos para que nos ayudara en nuestra redencion. El poder de America que ha destruido en pocas semanas todo el poderio levantado por el Japon durante anos, continuara empleandose hasta que el ultimo vestigio de la invasion haya desaparecido de nuestro suelo. Estabamos en camino de la independencia de conformidad con el programa convenido entre Estados Unidos y Filipinas, cuando nos ataco alevosamente el Japon, decidido a despojarnos de esa libertad. Los caudillos de vuestro gobierno ban tornado los pasos necesarios en los Estados Unidos para que la realizacion de este programa de independencia no sufra demora a pesar de la guerra. No solamente esta ya asegurada la pronta realizacion de este programa, sino que hemos obtenido ademas una nueva e importante concesion de los Estados Unidos, y es: la promesa formal de que nuestra independencia sera garantizada. Elabiendo sido yo miembro de las diversas misiones filipinas que en los ultimos veinte anos se enviaron a los Estados Unidos, puedo decir que durante nuestras negociaciones para la independencia 41 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 con los caudillos de los principales partidos polidcos en Estados Unidos, jamas encontramos interes alguno en ellos respecto a la proteccion de nuestra independencia, una vez concedida. Lo mejor que pudimos oir de nuestros simpatizadores fue que, ya que queriamos ser independientes, y puesto que la independencia habia sido prometida, la misma nos seria concedida; pero una vez dada, terminaria definitivamente nuestra conexion con los Estados Unidos. Elio suscito en muchos animos una grave preocupacion en relacion con el futuro de nuestra Eilipinas independiente. Viviendo en el Oriente, rodeados de paises con enormes poblaciones, algunos de ellos en posesion del espiritu de agresion y conquista, nunca pudimos en el pasado encontrar una contestacion completamente satisfactoria a la pregunta con frecuencia becba a nosotros sobre como podriamos asegurar la inviolabilidad de nuestro territorio contra la agresion de una potencia de primer orden. Debera recordarse en este respecto que despues de nuestras revoluciones de 1896 y 1898, cuando nuestro pueblo consiguio establecer un gobierno republicano en Malolos, los principales funcionarios de aquel gobierno abrieron negociaciones con los Estados Unidos para una independencia de Eilipinas bajo la proteccion americana. La propuesta fracaso en su aceptacion. Debera tambien recordarse que a traves del largo periodo de nuestra pacifica campana por la independencia, todos nuestros partidos politicos tuvieron en sus plataformas clausulas expresando el deseo de nuestro pueblo de obtener garantias para nuestra independencia, una vez concedida por la potencia soberana. En esas plataformas, especialmente en la del Partido Nacionalista, la idea de la neutralizacion de Eilipinas fue repetidas veces incluida. El 28 de diciembre de 1941 el Presidente Roosevelt prometio que nuestra independencia seria establecida y protegida. Aquella fue la primera vez que un alto funcionario americano daba la promesa de proteccion despues de la independencia. Esta promesa que did grandes alientos a nuestros soldados en Bataan, que entonces estaban peleando juntos, bombro a bombro con los americanos, fue un factor importante en nuestra decision de trasladar el asiento del gobierno a los Estados Unidos, con el fin de continuar alii la campana por la independencia que parecia estar al horde de la derrota en Eilipinas, a pesar de la lealtad y heroismo de nuestro pueblo. Con nuestros reveses en los campos de batalla, la siguiente fase tenia que contenderse en el campo de la diplomacia. Si los caudillos del Gobierno de la Mancomunidad hubieran incurrido en el grave error de colocarse al alcance del poder del enemigo, no solo hubiera desaparecido toda semblanza de gobierno constitucional, sino que, al mismo tiempo, semejante paso hubiera dado lugar en Estados Unidos a la creencia de que nuestro pueblo renunciaba a su independencia por largo tiempo ansiada, la independencia real prometida por America, y que se habia resignado al status de un mero vasallo del imperio japones. Encuentro una satisfaccion grande en informar a nuestro pueblo que la promesa de independencia con proteccion americana, hecha por el Presidente Roosevelt el 28 de diciembre de 1941, y reiterada por el mismo el 13 de agosto de 1943, recibio sancion legislativa cuando el Congreso aprobo la Resolucion Conjunta No. 93 y que se convirtio en ley el 29 de junio de 1944. Esta resolucion conjunta fue presentada en el Congreso de los Estados Unidos a ruego nuestro. Dimos a la misma nuestro firme apoyo cuando se estaba considerando por ambas Camaras del Congreso, y finalmente fue aprobada sin ninguna division de partido. De hecho, la aprobacion en ambas camaras fue unanime. De esa forma, las dilatadas negociaciones por nuestra independencia que se habian iniciado en 1922 por la primera mision parlamentaria a Estados Unidos, bajo la presidencia de Manuel L. Quezon, entonces Presidente del Senado, llegaron a una feliz conclusion bajo la autoridad del Gobierno de la Mancomunidad que funciono en Washington, D.C., desde el 13 de mayo de 1942 hasta el 3 de octubre de 1944. La independencia en que sonaron Rizal y todos los otros martires de nuestra historia, y para cuya consecucion dieron sus vidas los heroes de nuestras revoluciones, sera no solo una realidad, sino que contara con las positivas seguridades hoy existentes al efecto de que las bendiciones de la libertad que esa independencia habra de acarrear, seran permanentes y duraderas. 42 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 Previendo los graves problemas que los estragos de la guerra traen y la imperativa necesidad de la rehabilitacion y reconstruccion del pais, vuestro Gobierno de la Mancomunidad insto la aprobacion de la legislacion necesaria por parte del Congreso de los Estados Unidos. Semejante legislacion fue aprobada el 29 de junio de 1944, y bajo sus disposiciones se ha creado una Comision de Rehabilitacion Filipina compuesta de nueve americanos y nueve filipinos. Tiene ahora su asiento en Washington y esta investigando todos los danos causados por la guerra y otras necesidades de rehabilitacion para la accion debida, y esta formulando planes para nuestras futuras relaciones economicas con los Estados Unidos. Entre sus tareas mas urgentes, que al mismo tiempo constituye un ineludible deber del Gobierno de la Mancomunidad en su totalidad, esta el de proporcionar toda la ayuda posible a las victimas de la guerra en nuestro pais — los veteranos de la guerra, especialmente aquellos invalidos o tullidos; a las viudas y huerfanos que perdieron sus seres amados en este holocausto de guerra y miseria: a desolados padres y madres que inmolaron a sus queridos hijos en aras de la libertad y de la democracia; a la familia campesina que ha perdido sus animales de labor y ha visto sus productivos campos devastados por el enemigo; a los artesanos y los obreros de fabricas que estan ahora sin trabajo y en la indigencia; a los ciudadanos ahora sin hogar, a las victimas del incendio que viven en ruinas y en habitaciones atestadas de gente impropias para morada humana; a los sobrevivientes de las matanzas al por mayor en Manila y en otros puntos de Filipinas. La actitud de los filipinos en Bataan y en todo el pais ha constituido un factor vital en la realizadon del ideal de independencia garantizada por los Estados Unidos, cuya raigambre arranca de los gloriosos dias de la Revolucion Filipina. Y es asi, porque esta actitud ha inaugurado una nueva era en las relaciones filipino-americanas. Ela sellado para siempre los lazos de amistad y comprension que unen a los dos pueblos. En el pueblo americano ha creado un interes permanente en nuestro bienestar, en nuestra libertad y en nuestra seguridad. En nuestro pueblo ha tenido la virtud de infundir un nuevo espiritu de alta responsabilidad y ha fortalecido la amistad y buena voluntad para con los Estados Unidos. Para las otras democracias del mundo esta actitud ha llevado la conviccion de que el pueblo filipino ha llegado ya a su mayoria de edad, y como resultado de ello, estas naciones, anticipando la fecha de la independencia, han tratado a Filipinas como una nacion independiente de tal forma que durante nuestra estancia en Washington, D.C., nuestros representantes se encontraban con los representantes de esas naciones sobre una base de completa igualdad. Es por esta razon el por que en las primeras palabras que pronuncie al pisar suelo filipino en Leyte, en octubre de 1944, afirme que habiamos venido no solo para restaurar las funciones del Gobierno de la Mancomunidad existentes al tiempo del ataque japones en 8 de diciembre de 1941, sino tambien para restablecer el Gobierno de la Mancomunidad en una forma mas avanzada y progresiva. Con este status avanzado, nosotros disfrutaremos de nuevos poderes que nos proponemos ejercer con cuidado y teniendo por unica guia el bienestar de nuestro pueblo. Es obvio que esta nueva situacion impone a su vez responsabilidades mas amplias que nosotros, sin vacilacion, debieramos tomar sobre nuestros hombros. En este momento en que restablecemos nuestro Gobierno en la capital de Filipinas, es procedente que hagamos conocer los ideales y principios que habran de guiar nuestras acciones. Afirmamos por la presente nuestra fe en y nuestra adhesion a los principios de libertad y democracia — fe y adhesion nacidas en los tempranos dias de nuestra historia malaya, amamantadas por cuatrocientos anos de contacto con el Occidente, consagradas por nuestros padres revolucionarios, vigorizadas por las ensenanzas de America, ratificadas en los procesos constitucionales de nuestra Mancomunidad, y ahora santificadas con la sangre de los millares de martires y heroes filipinos de la presente guerra. 43 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 Condenamos la ideologia totalitaria que el enemigo ha procurado imponernos bajo un gobierno de soberanos por si mismos constituidos o “escogidos por Dios,” y por la presente reafirmamos nuestra devocion a los principios de soberania popular, de un gobierno del pueblo, para el pueblo y por el pueblo. Creemos en la superioridad de una democracia responsable, padfica y sumisa a la ley, leal a sus instituciones y decidida a luchar por su modo de vida, por encima de un degenerado fasdsmo y totalitarismo con sus vidas regimentadas, desprovistas de la propia voluntad. Restableceremos en nuestro pais un sistema social y politico que este fundado en la fe mutua, en la honradez y confianza, y no en la sospecha, en la corrupcion y en el temor, sistema en que los funcionarios y empleados del gobierno no sean los amos del pueblo sino sus servidores, actuando como instrumentos necesarios por conducto de los cuates pueda darse impulso y resguardo al bien comun y al bienestar individual. Denunciamos la barbara doctrina de responsabilidad colectiva por actos individuales, doctrina bajo la cual millares de inocentes, hombres y mujeres, hallaron su muerte. Nos pronunciamos por las libertades individuates, garantizadas por nuestra Constitucion, y proclamamos el derecho de cada hombre y mujer a gozar de la vida, de la libertad y del logro de la felicidad. Rechazamos la teoria de la existencia de razas escogidas o superiores; nos atenemos a la verdad por si misma evidente de que ninguna raza particular tiene el monopolio sobre la capacidad para progresar y para el gobierno propio. Creemos en la universalidad de la cultura, e iremos en busca de los implementos del progreso en cualquiera fuente donde es posible hallarlos. Reafirmamos nuestra fe en el principio de colaboracion filipino-americana, cuya eficacia ha quedado exitosamente probada tanto en tiempos de paz como de guerra. Este principio ha sido la causa del progreso sin paralelo de nuestro pueblo durante los ultimos 46 anos. Es una garantia para la permanencia de la civilizacion cristiana en el Oriente. Reiteramos nuestra adhesion a la Carta del Atlantico firmada por las Naciones Unidas, de que somos miembros, puesto que en ese documento las mismas expresan su deseo de no efectuar cambio territorial alguno que no este en consonancia con la voluntad libremente expresada del pueblo correspondiente, y de “respetar el derecho de todos los pueblos a escoger la forma de gobierno bajo la cual hayan de vivir.” Creemos en la eficacia del principio de seguridad colectiva como una garantia de la paz del mundo y como la mejor seguridad del arreglo do las disputas internacionales, no por el arbitrio de las armas sino por los procesos de paz y justicia. Ejemplo concreto de la aplicacion de este principio es la legislacion disponiendo para despues de la independencia de Eilipinas, el uso por parte de los Estados Unidos de bases navales y aereas aqui para la proteccion mutua de Eilipinas y de los Estados Unidos. Es ese un convenio mutuo con el designio no solamente de proteger a ambas naciones sino tambien de contribuir a la paz de la region del Pacified y a la seguridad colectiva de las naciones del mundo. Nos declaramos por un nuevo mundo fibre de indigencia y de temor, provisto de mayores salvaguardias para una paz duradera, y que ofrezca amplias oportunidades para negociaciones amistosas y la adjudicacidn judicial de disputas internacionales y el propio desarrollo de las naciones. Estamos dispuestos a tomar parte, estrechamente asociados con los Estados Unidos, en cualquier pacto internacional basado en la justicia y encaminado a la organizacidn y preservacidn de la paz del mundo. Sobre estos principios proclamamos nuestra actitud. Por las miserias, los sufrimientos y los sacrificios soportados por nuestro pueblo durante su larga noche de cautiverio; 44 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 Por el humo que aun ahora se levanta de nuestras ciudades, pueblos y villas en devastacion; Por la sangre filipina y tambien americana, que se ha derramado tan abnegada y copiosamente en Bataan y Corregidor, en las colinas de Leyte, en las montanas y planicies de Luzon y en todo Pilipinas; Invocamos al Dios de las Naciones para que atestigiie, por nosotros mismos y por un pueblo amalgamado en uno en el crisol del fuego, esta solemne promesa de consagrar a la decidida prosecucion de la guerra hasta la victoria final, nuestras vidas y lo que nuestros padres nos legaron y sin lo cual la vida misma no tendria significado alguno — nuestro sagrado honor. Source: University Archives, University of the Philippines Diliman Library Osmena, S. (1945). Speech of President Osmena on the Induction of Office of the Members of his New Cabinet (Spanish Version), March 8, 1945. Discurso del Hon. Sergio Osmena, Fresidente de Filipinas: con ocasion de la toma-posesion de los miembros de su nuevo gabinete en Manila el 8 de Marzo de 1 945. Bureau of Printing: Manila. 45 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 Speech of His Excellency Sergio Osmefia President of the Philippines On the occasion of the Induction into Office of the Members of his New Cabinet [Released on March 8, 1945] Today I have inducted into office the members of my new Cabinet. I wish to take advantage of this occasion when the heads of our various executive departments are installed in their posts, to summarize in rough outline the developments of the war during the last three years as they affected the functioning of our Commonwealth Government and the carrying out of the independence program as agreed upon between the United States and the Philippines. I wish also to lay down the basic principles that will guide us as we reestablish the Commonwealth Government in our capital city. I would like my co-workers in the government to always bear in mind two cardinal thoughts: First — That there should always be a close relationship between the people and their government, and to achieve this the government must take the people into its confidence. Second — That our government as it is today, is the product of Philippine-American collaboration and that every effort should be exerted to maintain and foster closer relationship between the two peoples. The Japanese occupation of the Philippines was not only a military invasion. It was also an ideological and cultural invasion. It was an attempt to foist on our people the invader’s totalitarian ideas, his spirit of conquest and exploitation, his theories of the superiority of the Yamato race, his way of life. The Filipinos soon found this out, and closing their ears to the alluring promises of the enemy, put up a brave and determined opposition. They continued the struggle even after organized military resistance, so gallantly maintained by American and Filipino soldiers, had to cease before the overwhelming numerical superiority of the enemy. Now that the veil of secrecy imposed by military necessity surrounding the Philippines has been lifted, the outside world has obtained glimpses of the brave and heroic deeds of our guerrillas, the intrepid exponents of popular resistance. All honor to these soldiers of liberty who brilliantly continued the fight of the heroes of Bataan. It would be an error, however, to believe that the struggle was limited to the sphere of action of the guerrilleros. The fountain springs were wider and deeper — they were in the very soul of the people itself. Coming from the ranks of the people, the guerrillas were in reality the people’s army. For this reason, the enemy, inherently despotic and cruel, laid violent hands on the people. But in spite of his repressive measures, resistance persisted all over the country — on the plains as in the mountains, in the population centers as in the remote barrios, in the northernmost islands, in the southernmost tip of the country. It was the common will of the people; it was the entire nation, resolved to oppose, at any cost, domination by the invader. Throughout three long years of misery and suffering, of persecution and sacrifices, the Filipino people remained faithful to their ideals. The military control by the enemy in certain areas, especially near the coasts, did not for a moment break the absolute and complete moral resistance of the people through the length and breadth of the land. 46 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 To represent this will of the people and to act on their behalf abroad, and especially in the United States, the highest officials of your constitutional government accepted the invitation of the President of the United States to evacuate Corregidor, transferring the seat of Government to Washington, D.C. This step was authorized by an Act of the National Assembly. The Commonwealth officials realized that so long as we maintained the nucleus of the Commonwealth Government abroad, through its head, the President and his Cabinet, and by means of the emergency powers given him by the National Assembly, our legal status under international law would not be changed, even if the enemy were able militarily to occupy all of the Philippine territory. It is well known that mere military occupation of a territory does not confer sovereign rights on the invading army. Thus, despite the Japanese invasion, our Constitutional Government was not only saved from destruction, but continued to function in Washington, D.C. It was officially recognized by the United States and the other 42 members of the important international group known as the United Nations. Working closely with the Government of the United States, your Government, during its stay in that country, set before itself the following objectives: 1. To maintain the interest of the American people in the redemption of the Philippines as a sacred obligation which had been assumed by the United States; 2. To speed up the preparation of the necessary men, material and plans for the reconquest of the Philippines; 3. To accelerate the advent of our independence; 4. To obtain adequate guarantees of the permanence of our political independence; 5. To work for our economic rehabilitation and stability as the material foundation of our independent structure. All these objectives have been substantially achieved. The successful landing of the liberating forces under the command of General MacArthur in Leyte, Mindoro, Lingayen, Zambales, Batangas, Bataan and Corregidor, followed by the complete occupation of the City of Manila, represents a partial but eloquent reply to our appeals to the United States for aid in our redemption. The might of America which has destroyed in a few weeks all the power built up by Japan in years will continue to be employed until every vestige of the invasion has disappeared from our soil. We were on the road to independence in accordance with the program agreed upon between the United States and the Philippines when Japan treacherously attacked us, bent on taking away that freedom from us. The leaders of your government have taken the necessary steps in the United States so that the realization of this independence program would not be delayed in spite of the war. Not only is the speedy realization of this program already assured, but we have obtained a new and important concession from the United States: the formal pledge that our independence will be guaranteed. Having been a member during the last twenty years of various Philippine missions sent to the United States, I may say that during our negotiations for independence with the leaders of the two principal parties in the United States, we had never before found any interest among them in the protection of our independence, once granted. The best that we heard from our sympathizers was that since we wanted to be independent, and since independence had been promised, it would be given to us; but once given, our political connection with the United States would be definitely terminated. This aroused in the minds of many of us serious concern as to the future of our independent Philippines. Living in the Orient, surrounded by countries with enormous populations, some of them possessing the spirit of aggression and conquest, never in the past had we discovered a completely satisfactory answer to the question frequently addressed to us as to how we could assure the inviolability of our territory against aggression from a first-class power. It will be recalled in this connection that after our 47 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 revolutions of 1896 and 1898, when our people succeeded in establishing a republican government in Malolos, the leading officials of that government opened negotiations with the United States for the independence of the Philippines under American protection. The proposal failed of acceptance. It will also be recalled that throughout the long period of our peaceful campaign for independence, all of our political parties always had in their platforms planks expressive of the desire of our people to obtain guarantees of our independence, after its concession by the sovereign power. In these platforms, especially in that of the Nationalist Party, the idea of the neutralization of the Philippines was repeatedly included. On December 28, 1941, President Roosevelt promised that our independence would be established and protected. This was the first time that a high American official came out with the promise of protection after independence. This promise which gave great encouragement to our soldiers in Bataan, then fighting side by side with the Americans, was an important factor in our decision to transfer the seat of government to the United States to continue there the campaign for independence which seemed to be on the verge of defeat in the Philippines despite the loyalty and heroism of our people. With our reverses on the battlefield, the next phase would have to be fought in the field of diplomacy. If the leaders of the Commonwealth Government had committed the grave error of placing themselves within the power of the enemy, not only would every semblance of constitutional government have disappeared, but such a step would have given rise in the United States to the belief that our people had renounced their long-desired independence, the real independence pledged by America, and had resigned themselves to the status of a mere vassal of the Japanese Empire. I take great satisfaction in informing our people that the promise of independence with American protection made by President Roosevelt on December 28, 1941, which was reiterated by him on August 13, 1943, was given legislative sanction when Congress approved S. J. Res. No. 93 and which became law on June 29, 1944. This Joint Resolution was introduced in the Congress of the United States at our request. We gave it our firm support while it was under consideration by both Houses of Congress and it was finally approved without any party division. In fact, the vote in both chambers was unanimous. Thus, the protracted negotiations for our independence which were initiated by the first parliamentary mission to the United States in 1922 under the chairmanship of Manuel L. Quezon, at that time President of the Senate, were happily concluded under the authority of the Government of the Commonwealth which functioned in Washington, D.C., from May 13, 1942, to October 3, 1944. The independence of which Rizal and all the other martyrs in our history dreamed, and for the realization of which the heroes of our revolutions gave their lives, will not only be a reality but there is now positive assurance that the blessings of liberty which that independence will bring shall be permanent and enduring. Foreseeing the serious problems brought about by the ravages of war and the imperative need for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the country, your Commonwealth Government urged the passage of the necessary legislation by the Congress of the United States. Such legislation was approved on June 29, 1944, and under its provisions a Filipino Rehabilitation Commission has been created, composed of nine Americans and nine Filipinos. It is now sitting in Washington and is investigating all the war damages and other rehabilitation needs for proper action, and is formulating plans for our future economic relations with the United States. Among its most urgent tasks, which likewise is an inescapable duty of the Commonwealth Government as a whole, is that of giving the utmost possible aid to the war victims in our country — the war veterans, especially those disabled or crippled; to the widows and orphans who have lost their loved ones in this holocaust of war and misery; to the lonely fathers and mothers who have sacrificed their beloved sons on the altar of freedom and democracy; to the peasant family who had lost its work 48 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 animals and seen its productive fields devastated by the enemy; to the artisans and the factory workers who are now jobless and in want; to the homeless city dwellers, fire victims who now live in shambles and in crowded rooms unfit for human habitation; to the survivors of the wholesale massacres in Manila and other places in the Philippines. In the realization of the ideal of independence guaranteed by the United States, the roots of which may be traced back to the glorious days of the Philippine Revolution, the attitude of the Filipinos in Bataan and throughout the whole country has been a vital factor. This is so because it has inaugurated a new era in Filipino-American relationship. It has sealed forever the ties of friendship and understanding binding the two peoples. In the American people it has created a permanent interest in our welfare, our freedom, and our security. Into our people it has infused a new spirit of high responsibility and it has strengthened the friendship and goodwill towards the United States. To the other democracies of the world, this attitude has brought the conviction that the Filipino people has already come of age and as a result, these nations, anticipating the date of our independence, have treated the Philippines as an independent nation so that throughout our stay in Washington, D.C., our representatives met the representatives of these nations on a basis of complete equality. It is for this reason that in the first words I uttered upon my stepping on Philippine soil in Leyte in October, 1944, I affirmed that we came not only to restore the functions of the Government of the Commonwealth which existed at the time of the Japanese attack on December 8, 1941, but to reestablish the Commonwealth Government in a more advanced and progressive form. With this advanced status, we will enjoy new powers which we propose to exercise with care and with the welfare of our people as our sole guide. Obviously, this new situation imposes likewise wider responsibilities which we should shoulder without vacillation. At this moment when we reestablish our Government in the capital of the Philippines, it is fitting that we make known the ideals and principles which will guide our actions. We hereby reaffirm our faith in, and adherence to, the principles of freedom and democracy — a faith and an adherence born in the early days of our Malay history, nurtured by four hundred years of Western contact, consecrated by our revolutionary fathers, invigorated by the teachings of America, ratified in the constitutional processes of our Commonwealth, and now sanctified by the blood of the thousands of Filipino martyrs and heroes of the present war. We condemn the totalitarian ideology which the enemy has sought to impose on us under a government by self-constituted or God-chosen rulers, and we hereby reaffirm our devotion to the principles of popular sovereignty, of a government of the people, for the people, and by the people. We believe in the superiority of a responsible democracy, peaceful and law-abiding, loyal to its institutions and determined to fight for its way of life, over a degenerate fascism and totalitarianism with its regimented lives, devoid of wills of their own. We shall reestablish in our country a social and political system which is founded on mutual faith, honesty and confidence and not on suspicion, corruption and fear, and in which government officials and employees are not the masters of the people but their servants, acting as necessary instrumentalities through which the public good and the individual welfare may be advanced and safeguarded. We denounce the barbarous doctrine of collective responsibility for individual acts under which thousands of innocent men and women have met their death. We stand for the individual liberties, guaranteed by our Constitution, for the right of every man and woman to enjoy life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. We reject the theory of the existence of chosen or superior races; we hold to the self-evident truth that no particular race has a monopoly on the capacity for progress and self-government. 49 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 We believe in the universality of culture, and we shall seek the implements of progress in whatever source they may be found. We reaffirm our faith in the principle of Philippine-American collaboration, its workability having been successfully tested both in peace and in war. This principle has been responsible for the unparalleled progress of our country during the last 46 years. It is a guarantee for the permanence of Christian civilization in the Orient. We reiterate our adherence to the Atlantic Charter signed by the United Nations of which we are a member; for in that document they expressed their desire to effect no territorial changes that do not accord with the freely expressed will of the people concerned, and “to respect the right of all people to choose the form of government under which they will live.” We believe in the efficacy of the principle of collective security as a guarantee of world peace and the best assurance of the settlement of international disputes not by the arbitrament of arms but by the processes of peace and justice. The legislation providing for the use, after the independence of the Philippines, by the United States of naval and air bases here for the mutual protection of the Philippines and the United States is a concrete example of the application of this principle. It is a mutual agreement designed not only for the protection of both nations but as a contribution to the peace of the Pacific region and the collective security of the nations of the world. We stand for a new world free from want and fear, provided with greater safeguards for lasting peace and offering ample opportunities for friendly negotiations and judicial adjudication of international disputes and the self-development of nations. We are ready to take part, in close association with the United States, in any international pact based on justice and directed toward the organization and preservation of the peace of the world. On these principles we take our stand. By the miseries, the sufferings and the sacrifices undergone by our people during their long night of captivity; By the smoke that even now rises from our ravaged cities, towns and villages; By the blood, Filipino as well as American, which was poured out so unstintedly at Bataan and on Corregidor; in the hills of Leyte, the mountains and plains of Luzon, and all over the Philippines; We call on the God of Nations to witness, for ourselves and for a people welded into one in the crucible of fire, this pledge to consecrate to the determined prosecution of this war until final victory is achieved, our lives, and that which our fathers have bequeathed to us and without which life would be meaningless — our sacred honor. Source: Presidential Museum and Library Osmena, S. (1945). Speech of President Osmena on the occasion of the Induction into Office of the Members of his New Cabinet. Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines, 41(1), 92-98. 50 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 Radio Speech of His Excellency Sergio Osmefia President of the Philippines To the Latin-American Republics [Released on June 8, 1945] From Malacanan Palace, historic residence of Spanish captains-general, later, of American governors-general, and now, of the President of the Philippines, I greet you most cordially. The Philippines has always regarded the Spanish-American nations as brother nations, and knows that they feel for her the same reciprocal sentiment of affection and sympathy. Within the bonds of this spiritual union that binds us, nothing is more proper, at this transcendental moment in our national existence, than to communicate with our brother nations on that side of the Pacific Ocean. A new chapter in our checkered history is about to begin. Tomorrow, our Congress will convene, and for the first time since our country was invaded more than three years ago, the voice of our people, speaking through their duly elected representatives in the Legislature, is to be heard again. In this part of the world, the war is not yet over; as a matter of fact the thunder of front line artillery is still audible in our Capital. The enemy has been routed in every engagement, but though incapable now of organized resistance, he has fled to the hills and will have to be hunted down one by one. In spite of these difficulties, however, I, as Chief Executive, have convoked the First Philippine Congress, because I am sure that our people are anxious to see the democratic procedures, which obtained before the war, fully restored. Now that the formal proclamation of our independence approaches, the eyes of the world are focused on us and we must prove our capacity to discharge those responsibilities which must come with the freedom we have so dearly won on the battlefield. In the great task of liberating the Philippines, Americans and Filipinos again fought side by side as they had done in Bataan and Corregidor. When that great soldier and statesman. General of the Army Douglas MacArthur, made good his pledge to return, he found that the Filipinos too had stood by their word and kept faith with the United States. The Philippine campaign has been a joint undertaking, the fitting climax of a policy of cooperation which has characterized Filipino-American relations for nearly fifty years. The military partnership between the Philippines and the United States will continue until Japan sues for unconditional surrender. Last week I offered General MacArthur a full division of Filipino soldiers, led by Filipino officers, to take part in the campaign for the complete defeat of Japan. That offer has been accepted and our volunteers, most of whom have fought in Bataan and Corregidor, stand ready to join their American brothers-in-arms in the fight against Japan. Soon the militarists 51 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 of Japan will realize how futile their efforts have been to poison the mind of the Filipinos against the Americans. Very soon they will know that they cannot break asunder, by force of arms or propaganda, a friendship founded on faith, good-will and mutual understanding. Source: Presidential Museum and Library Osmena, S. (1945). Radio Speech of His Excellency Sergio Osmena, President of the Philippines, to the Latin-American Republics. Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines, 41(3), 246-247. 52 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 Message of His Excellency Sergio Osmefia President of the Philippines To the Filipino people on America’s Independence Day [Released on July 4, 1945] Today, Americans as well as other peoples who, like ourselves, have been inspired by the ideals of America, are commemorating the historic declaration that the people of the United States “are and of right ought to be free and independent.” This year’s observance of Independence Day takes on added significance when we consider that this day millions of America’s sons, scattered over the world’s battlefronts, fighting for humanity’s right to be free and secure. Many of these millions are on Philippine soil today, completing the liberation of our country and preparing for the bigger fight ahead — the final assault on the Japanese Empire. We owe it to ourselves who have suffered at the hands of the ruthless enemy to help make that battle truly final. It is to our particular interest that the fight against Japan be decisive against the forces of militarism and aggression that took such a heavy toll of life in our country. This is the task we must resolve to accomplish in the furtherance of the underlying principles on the Declaration of Independence of 1776 — the same principles which the builders of the American nation proclaimed not only for themselves but for all the peoples of the earth. Source: Presidential Museum and Library Osmefia, S. (1945). Message of President Sergio Osmefia to the Filipino people on America’s Independence Day. Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines, 41(4), 292-293. 53 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 Eulogy delivered by His Excellency Sergio Osmefia President of the Philippines On the commemoration of First Death Anniversary of the First President of the Philippine Commonwealth [Delivered over a radio hookup extending to the United States during the Commonwealth Hour, Manila, August 1, 1945] IN MEMORIAM MANUEL LUIS QUEZON One year ago today, at Saranac Lake in the State of New York, Manuel L. Quezon, first President of the Commonwealth of the Philippines, passed to a better life. It was his sad lot not to have seen his people rescued from the clutches of the enemy, but there could be no doubt in his mind that their liberation towards which he had bent all his energy would not be long in coming, as in fact it came. Not only this. He knew also that, once freed from the Japanese, his people would have no more fear of the future because the independence to which he had given the best years of his life would finally be established under the protecting wings of the United States. President Quezon rendered many signal services to his country in various high positions: as a provincial executive in Tayabas in his younger days, as the Majority Floor Leader in the first Philippine Assembly, as Resident Commissioner in Washington, as head of the Philippine Senate, and lastly, as President of the Commonwealth. But none of these services, brilliant as they were, can excel, in point of permanent benefit to his people, the achievements of his administration as our War President in the United States. From the outbreak of the war in the Philippines in December, 1941, the question that taxed his mind most was whether, as Chief Executive, it was not his duty to remain at the side of his people and share their fate. Not until after prolonged and painful deliberations did he finally decide to separate from his people temporarily and accept the invitation of President Roosevelt to establish his government in Washington. This decision was not only the wise and patriotic thing to do, but the only thing to do under the circumstances. And thus it was that, after repeated consultations with his associates in the government, first in Marikina before departing from Manila, and later in Corregidor, in Negros and in Mindanao, he finally resolved to go. Why were his associates so unanimously of the opinion that he should leave the Philippines under these circumstances? Firstly, it was their conviction that nothing further could be done to prevent the invasion and eventual occupation of the Philippines. Secondly, it was clear to them that in order to be sustained and successful the resistance movement had to be directed from outside the orbit of enemy control. And thirdly, it was apparent in the light of international law and military possibilities that the independence of the Philippines could come only from the United States, and that, obviously, the United States was the only place where we could continue the work of establishing that independence. The suggestion made somewhere that President Quezon should not have left the Philippines to prove his willingness to share the fate of his people, is a sentimental argument of very dangerous 54 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 implications. Subjected to the ruthless will of the conqueror, President Quezon would have been unjustly placed in a position where he either had to refuse to cooperate and perhaps meet the tragic fate of Jose Abad Santos — a loss which the country could not afford — or submit to the enemy and head the list of puppet officials. It is my firm belief that President Quezon would have preferred death to service under the hated enemy. But supposing that, instead of continuing his role as leader of the Resistance, he had chosen to be an instrument in the execution of Japan’s sinister designs, then he would have inflicted the cause of the Philippines in the United States an injury beyond repair. By virtue of his official position as head of the nation, and by his positive acts and unequivocal pronouncements before the war. President Quezon had to be, as indeed he was, the logical and supreme leader of our national resistance. In the Philippines as well as in America he was until his death the symbol of Filipino aspiration for freedom and independence. Our people in general, and our soldiers and guerrilleros in particular, accepted his leadership and backed it to the limit. Thus inspired by the gallant stand of his countrymen, before and after the fall of Bataan, President Quezon could make but one decision: place himself beyond the enemy’s reach and work in the United States for the prompt redemption of the Philippines and the early realization of its independence. By this decision our late President demonstrated both personal courage and a spirit of sacrifice hard to equal. He had been a sick man several years before the outbreak of the war, and for many months prior to 1941 he had had to absent himself from office at the insistence of his physicians. Notwithstanding these handicaps, he travelled by airplane and by submarine — two means of transport to which he had the strongest aversion — in order to escape from the invader and be able to maintain in America the integrity of our constitutional government. The events are too recent to require a detailed recital. Suffice it to say that, under the leadership of President Quezon, the Government of the Commonwealth functioned in Washington not only with the recognition of the United States, but of the other nations with which America is allied in this war. The Commonwealth, in a word, acquired an advanced political status because, anticipating the promised recognition of our independence the American Government had taken the steps to invest us with international personality. President Quezon was privileged to sign the United Nations Declaration as if he represented an already independent nation. We were admitted to membership in the United Nations, and we were accorded a seat in the Pacific War Council. As a result of his contacts with the Government in Washington, his repeated conferences with President Roosevelt, and his impassioned speeches in and outside Congress, he was able to focus the interest of the people of the United States on the problems of the Pacific, an interest which, before his arrival in Washington, had been centered in the European front, the front to which the resources of America were already committed. And thus it was that, even before the surrender of Germany, the problem of the reconquest of the Philippines was brought to the fore and General MacArthur was able to return to Philippine soil to wage his brilliant campaign of liberation, earlier than originally planned. The success of American arms, ably assisted by the long-suffering Filipino guerrillas and civilian volunteers, is a monument to the vision and faith of President Quezon. But the greatest achievement of the Quezon Administration in Washington, one that excels any in this great leader’s long record of struggle for our independence, is the enactment by the American Congress on June 29, 1944, of the legislation providing for the establishment of bases in Philippine territory for the mutual protection of the United States and the Philippines and the maintenance of peace in the Pacific. The advantage of the security which this law known as Joint Resolution 93 provides for our independent existence and national integrity cannot be over-emphasized. As far as human foresight can reach, this protection insures for our present and future generations the peaceful enjoyment of the blessings of independence. If President Quezon, in his long and fruitful career, had 55 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 done nothing more than this, it would already assure him of an imperishable place in our history and list him, besides, among mankind’s great benefactors as one of the architects of that permanent universal peace so eagerly, patiently and wisely sought by the United Nations after the bitter experience of this war. As soon as the exigencies of the war should permit it — and I believe that that will be soon — the mortal remains of our beloved President will be brought to our soil that they may rest eternally in the bosom of his country. How much he would have loved to see again the dear and familiar silhouette of our mountains even if, as he used to say shortly before his death, he had to close his eyes after and forever. He will not return to us again, as he used to, from his foreign travels in the triumphal days of his prodigious career — vigorous and overflowing with patriotic ardor for the cause of causes, the cause of the liberty of his people. His fighting days are over. But now the nation is ready to accord him a greater tribute of love and admiration. As with Rizal, Bonifacio, Mabini and our other national heroes, we will erect him a monument worthy of his glory. The popular gratitude will manifest itself in numberless other ways, for such is the way with our people — always ready to recognize those who have served them ably and well. The Filipino nation is not an ungrateful nation: it is great, noble and magnanimous, and never yet has it failed to give recognition and recompense wherever these are due. And because such is the character of our people, their expressions of gratitude, I am sure, will not be limited to their late beloved leader, but will be extended as well to his loved ones, in particular to that noble and self-sacrificing partner of his life who shared with him not only his triumphs and glories but also his disappointments and sufferings. I believe I am faithfully interpreting the sentiment of our people when I say that it is our duty to assign to Madame Quezon a life pension in keeping with her state and commensurate with her circumstances. It is my purpose to make a recommendation to this effect to the Congress in the coming special session, in line with the practice in the United States of pensioning the widows of America’s Presidents. And after we have done all this, we shall have only partly settled the debt of gratitude that we shall forever owe that great and noble Statesman — Manuel L. Quezon. Source: Presidential Museum and Library Osmena, S. (1945). Eulogy delivered by His Excellency, Sergio Osmena, President of the Philippines, on the commemoration of First Death Anniversary of the First President of the Philippine Commonwealth. Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines, 41(5), 381-384. 56 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 Speech of His Excellency Sergio Osmefia President of the Philippines On honoring Manuel L. Quezon [Released on August 1, 1945] MANUEL L. QUEZON parangAl NG PANGULONG SERGIO OSMENA May isang taon na ngayon, sa Lawa ng Saranac, sa estado ng Nueva York, si Manuel L. Quezon, unang Pangulo ng Commonwealth ng Pilipinas, ay lumipat sa mabuting buhay. Naging malungkot niyang kapalarang hindi na niya nakita ang pagkatubos ng kaniyang bayan sa mga kuko ng kaaway, nguni’t hindi mapag-aalinlanganang nauukit sa kaniyang isipan na ang paglayang pinag-ukulan ng buo niyang lakas ay hindi na matatagalan at darating, gaya nang sa katotohanan ay dumating. Nalalaman din naman niyang kapagkarakang mapalaya sa mga hapones, ang kaniyang bayan ay wala nang panganganiban sa hinaharap, sapagka’t ang pagsasariling pinag-ukulan ng lalong pinakamabuti ng kaniyang panahon sa buhay ay matatatag, sa wakas, sa ilalim ng mapagkalingang pakpak ng Estados Unidos. Ang Pangulong Quezon ay nagdulot ng maraming mahahalagang paglilingkod sa kaniyang bayan sa iba’t ibang matataas na tungkulin: sa pagka tagapagpaganap ng lalawigan sa Tayabas sa panahon ng kaniyang kabataan, sa pagka patnubay ng nakararami sa Unang Kapulungang Bayan, sa pagka sugong kinatawan sa Washington, sa pagka pangulo ng Senado Pilipino, at sa wakas sa pagka pangulo ng Commonwealth. Nguni’t alin man sa mga paglilingkod na iyan, maningning na gaya ng kaniyang mga kaningningan, ay hindi makahihigit sa ganang nauukol sa pagdudulot ng palagiang kapakinabangan sa kaniyang bayan, na di gaya ng mga nagawa ng kaniyang pangasiwaan sa pagka Pangulo natin sa Digma sa Estados Unidos. Mula nang sumiklab ang digma sa Pilipinas noong Disyembre, 1941, ang suliraning pinagkaabalahang mabuti ng kaniyang isipan ay kung sa pagka Pinunong Tagapagpaganap, ay tungkulin niyang manatili sa piling ng kaniyang bayan at makibahagi sa kapalaran nito. Pagkatapos pa lamang ng mahaba at masusing pag-aaral kaniyang ipinasiya sa wakas na humiwalay sa kaniyang bayan, sa pangsamantala, at tanggapin ang paanyaya ng Pangulong Roosevelt na itatag ang kaniyang pamahalaan sa Washington. Ang kapasiyahang ito ay hindi lamang siyang pinakamatalino at pinakamakabayang magagawa, kundi siyang tanging bagay na magagawa sa harap ng mga pangyayari. At sa gayon, pagkatapos ng mga paulit-ulit na pagsangguni sa kaniyang mga kasama sa pamahalaan, una sa Marikina bago siya umalis sa Maynila, at pagkatapos ay sa Korehidor, sa Negros at sa Mindanaw, ay ipinasiya niya sa katapusang lumakad. Bakit ang kaniyang mga kasama ay buong pagkakaisang nagpalagay na dapat siyang umalis sa Pilipinas sa harap ng mga pangyayari noon? Una, ay sapagka’t naniniwala silang wala nang magagawa 57 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 pa upang mapigil ang pagsalakay at ang pagsakop sa Pilipinas. Ikalawa, maliwanag sa kanilang upang maipagpatuloy at maipagtagumpay ang kilusan sa pagsalungat ay kailangan itong pamatnubayan mula sa labas nang nasasakupan ng kapangyarihan ng kaaway. At ikatlo, lumalabas sa harap ng batas na pangdaigdig at sa mga sukat mangyari sa hukbo, na ang pagsasarili ng Pilipinas ay maaari lamang magbuhat sa Estados Unidos, at sa ganyan ay sa Estados Unidos lamang tanging maaari nating ipagpatuloy ang mga gawain sa pagtatatag ng kasarinlan. Ang palagay ng ilan na ang Pangulong Quezon ay hindi dapat sanang umalis sa Pilipinas upang patunayan ang kaniyang pagnanais na makibahagi sa kapalaran ng kaniyang bayan, ay isang matuwid na nauukol sa damdamin na totoong mapanganib na pahalagahan. Sasailalim ng malupit na pamalakad ng sumakop, ang Pangulong Quezon ay napalagay sana sa isang katayuang hindi siya makatatangging tumulong at marahil ay aabutin din niya ang kakilakilabot na naging kapalaran ni Jose Abad Santos — isang pagkawalang totoong napakalaki sa ating bayan — o kaya’y sasalilong ng kaaway at mangunguna sa talaan ng mga pinunong manike. Lubos akong naniniwalang tiyak na pipiliin ng Pangulong Quezon ang kamatayan kay sa maglingkod sa ilalim ng kinamumuhiang kaaway. Nguni’t ipalagay na sa halip na nagpatuloy sa kaniyang tungkuling lider ng Pagsalangsang, ay minabuti niyang maging isang kasangkapan sa pagsasagawa ng mapanganyayang hangarin ng Hapon, ay mangyari pang nakagawa sana siya ng lalong malaking pagsira sa usapin ng Pilipinas sa Estados Unidos, na hindi na mangyayaring malunasan. Sanhi sa kaniyang tungkulin sa pamahalaan sa pagka pinuno ng bansa at sanhi sa kaniyang mga tahasang gawi at pahayag nang bago magkadigma, ang Pangulong Quezon ay kailangan, at siya namang na sa matuwid, na siya ang maging mataas na patnubay ng ating pangbansang pagsalangsang. Sa Pilipinas at gayon din sa Amerika, hanggang sa kaniyang kamatayan, ay siya ang sagisag ng mithiing pilipino sa paglaya at pagsasarili. Ang ating bayan, sa pangkalahatan, at ang ating mga kawal at gerilyero, lalonglalo na, ay sumang-ayon sa kanyang pamamatnubay at kinatigan siya hanggang sa sukdulan. Sa gayon, ibinubunsod ng matapang na paninindigan ng kaniyang mga kababayan, bago at pagkatapos na bumagsak ang Bataan, ang Pangulong Quezon ay walang magagawa kundi isang kapasiyahan lamang: lumagay siya sa hindi maaabot ng kaaway at pagsikapan sa Estados Unidos ang madaling pagtubos sa Pilipinas at ang maagang ikagaganap ng kaniyang pagsasarili. Sa pamamagitan ng kapasiyahang ito, ang ating yumaong Pangulo ay nagpakilala ng katapangan at ng diwa ng pagpapakasakit na hindi matutularan. Siya ay maysakit, ilang taon pa muna bago sumiklab ang digma, at sa maraming buwan bago sumapit ang 1941 ay kinailangan niyang huwag dumalo sa kaniyang tanggapan sa tagubilin ng kaniyang mga manggagamot. Sa harap ng mga balakid na iyan ay naglakbay din siya sa pamamagitan ng aeroplano at ng submarino — dalawang sasakyang totoong pinakaiilagan niya — upang makatakas sa lumusob at mapanatili sa Amerika ang kabuuan ng ating pamahalaang konstitusional. Ang mga pangyayari ay totoong sariwa pa upang isaisahing ipaliwanag. Sapat nang sabihing sa ilalim ng pamamatnubay ng Pangulong Quezon, ang pamahalaan ng Commonwealth ay inilipat sa Washington, hindi lamang angkin ang pagkilala ng Estados Unidos, kundi ng iba mang bansang kaanib ng Amerika sa digmang ito. Ang Commonwealth, sa isang pangungusap, ay nagtamo ng pasulong na kalagayan sa kapamayanan, sapagka’t sa pagpapauna na sa ipinangakong pagkilala sa ating kasarinlan, ang pamahalaang amerikano ay gumawa ng mga hakbang upang dulutan tayo ng kakaniyahang dapat angkinin sa pakikiharap sa ibang bansa. Ang Pangulong Quezon ay nagkaroon ng biyayang makalagda sa Pahayag ng mga Bansang Nagkakaisa, na parang kumakatawan na siya sa isang bansang nagsasarili. Tinanggap tayong maging kagawad ng mga Bansang Nagkakaisa, at binigyan tayo ng isang luklukan sa Sangguniang Digma sa Pasipiko. Pinakabunga ng kaniyang mga pakikipagtalastasan sa pamahalaan sa Washington, ng kaniyang mga paulit-ulit na pakikipanayam sa 58 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 Pangulong Roosevelt, at ng kaniyang malalamang talumpati sa loob at labas ng Kongreso, ay natamo niyang pag-ukulan ng pagmamalasakit ng bayan ng Estados Unidos ang mga suliranin sa Pasipiko, isang pagmamalasakit na noong bago siya dumating sa Washington, ay napapako lamang sa larangan sa Europa, sa larangang pinag-uubusan ng buong kayamanan at magagawa ng Amerika. At sa ganyan, maging nang bago sumukd ang Alemania, ang suliranin ng pagbawi sa Pilipinas ay naharap na at ang Eleneral MacArthur ay nakabalik sa lupang Pilipinas upang maisagawa ang kaniyang maningning na pakikibaka sa pagtubos, na maaga kay sa unang binalak. Ang mga tagumpay na ito ng hukbong amerikano, na mabisang tinulungan ng matagal nang nagtiis ng hirap na gerilyang pilipino at ng mga kusang loob na mamamayang sibil, ay isang alaala sa malayong abot ng paningin at pananalig ng Pangulong Quezon. Nguni’t ang pinakamalaking nagawa ng pangasiwaang Quezon sa Washington, na nakahihigit sa alin man sa mga nagawa ng dakilang lider na itong matagal na nakitunggali sa ating ikapagsasarili, ay ang pagkakapatibay ng Kongreso Amerikano noong ika-29 ng Elunio, 1944 ng batas na nagtatadhana ng pagbubukas ng mga himpilan sa lupaing Pilipinas alang-alang sa ikakakalinga kapuwa ng Estados Unidos at Pilipinas at sa pangangalaga ng kapayapaan sa Pasipiko. Ang kabutihan sa kapanatagan ng batas na itong kilala sa tawag na Magkalakip na Kapasiyahan 93 na nagtatadhana ng ating pamumuhay na nagsasarili at ng kabuuan ng bansa ay hindi maaaring mapuwing. Elanggang sa maaabot ng paningin ng mga tao, ang pagkalingang ito ay tumitiyak, sa ating kasalukuyan at hinaharap na salin ng mga tao, ng mapayapang pagtatamasa ng biyaya ng pagsasarili. Kung ang Pangulong Quezon, sa kaniyang mahaba at mabungang pamumuhay, ay wala nang nagawang iba kundi ito, ay sapat na ring makatiyak sa kaniya ito ng isang hindi malilimot na kabanata ng ating kasaysayan at sapat na maging sanhi pa rin upang makahanay siya ng mga lalong dakilang pinagkakautangan ng loob ng katauhan, tulad ng isa sa mga tagabalangkas ng palagiang kapayapaang pangdaigdig, na mataos na pinakamithi at buong tiyaga at talinong hinangad ng mga Bansang Nagkakaisa pagkatapos ng mapait na napagdanasan sa digmaang ito. Kapagkarakang ipahintulot ng mga bagay na kinakailangan ng digma — na ipinalalagay kong sa madaling panahon na lamang — ang mga labi ng ating iniibig na Pangulo ay dadalhin sa ating lupain upang dito manatiling habang panahon sa kaibuturan ng kaniyang bayan. Gaano ang magiging pagnanais niyang makitang muli ang minamahal at na sa balintataw ng kaniyang mga mata ang anyo ng ating mga kabundukan, kahi’t na pagkatapos ay mapikit ang kaniyang mga mata magpakailan man, gaya nang malimit niyang sabihin nang mga huling araw bago siya mamatay! Elindi na siya muling babalik uli sa atin, gaya nang karaniwan niyang pagbabalik, mula sa kaniyang mga paglalakbay sa ibang bansa nang mga mapanagumpay na araw ng kaniyang kahanga- hangang pamumuhay — masugid at lipos ng init ng pagkamakabayan sa usapin ng mga usapin, sa usapin ng kalayaan ng kaniyang bayan. Ang mga araw ng kaniyang pakikibaka ay nagdaan. Nguni’t ngayon ang bansa ay nahahandang magdulot sa kaniya ng isang dakilang pag-uukol ng pag-ibig at paghanga. Gaya rin kina Rizal, Bonifacio, Mabini at iba pa nating pangbansang bayani, ay magtatayo tayo para sa kaniya ng isang alaalang karapatdapat sa kaniyang kadakilaan. Ang pagkilala ng utang na loob ng madia ay mailalahad na sarili sa hindi mabilang na ibang paraan, sapagka’t ganyan ang ugali ng ating bayan — lag! nang handang kilalanin ang mga naglingkod sa kanila ng tumpak at maayos. Ang bansang pilipino ay isang bansang marunong kumilala ng utang na loob; dakila, marangal at may magandang puso, at kailan man ay hindi pa nagkukulang sa pagkilala at pagtugon sa lahat ng kailangang kilalanin at tugunin. At sapagka’t ganyan ang ugali ng ating bayan, ang kaniyang pagpapahayag ng utang na loob, natitiyak ko, ay hindi magkakasiya na lamang sa kaniyang yumaong iniibig na patnubay, kundi paaabutin din sa iniibig nito, lalonglald na sa maharlika at nagpakasakit sa sariling kasama niya sa 59 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 buhay na nakiramay sa kaniya, hindi lamang sa kaniyang mga tagumpay at kapurihan, kundi gayon din sa kaniyang mga pagkasiphayo at pagtitiis. Naniniwala akong matapat na nadadama ko ang niloloob ng ating bayan sa aking pagsasabing tungkulin nating maglaan para kay Ginang Quezon ng isang pensiong panghabang buhay sa pagpapanatili sa kaniyang kalagayan at sa pagtugon sa mga pangyayari sa kaniya. May layon akong gumawa ng isang tagubilin sa bagay na ito sa Kongreso sa darating na tanging pulong, katulad nang pinaiiral sa Estados Unidos na pagkakaloob ng pension sa mga balo ng mga Pangulo ng Amerika. At pagkatapos na magawa natin ang lahat ng ito, ay nababayaran lamang natin ang bahagi ng ating utang na loob na sa habang panahon ay dapat nating tanawin sa dakila at maharlikang estadista — MANUEL L. QUEZON. Source: University of the Philippines Diliman Osmena, S. (1945). Parangal ng Pangulong Sergio Osmena: Manuel L. Quezon. Manila: Bureau of Printing. 60 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 Speech of His Excellency Sergio Osmefia President of the Philippines On the commemoration of the 47th Anniversary of the occupation of the Philippines by America [Released on August 13, 1945] For the first time, after three years of Japanese oppression, we celebrate August Thirteenth, the day the Americans first came to the Philippines 47 years ago. This also happens to be the year, and almost the day, of Japan’s final and complete defeat. It is, therefore, only proper that we turn our thoughts to the meaning of an event so decisive in our national life and the history of the world. There might have been some doubt as to America’s designs at the beginning of her sovereignty in the Philippines. It is a historical fact that in the battles which culminated in the capture of Manila there arose certain disagreeable incidents between the Filipino revolutionists and the American forces. The discord led to the unfortunate hostilities of February 4, 1899, which marked the prelude to the costly conflict of about three years between two peoples that had fought together against Spain. Subsequent developments, however, dissipated such suspicion as the Filipinos might have had regarding the intentions of America. President McKinley soon came out with his famous instructions to his representatives in the Philippines that they organize a government and formulate a policy giving primary consideration to the welfare of the Filipinos, and adapting it, besides, to their interests and idiosyncrasies. It was evident that America, giving proof of the originality of her political genius as well as her altruism, was inaugurating for the edification not only of the Orient but of the whole world an experiment which was bound to revolutionize the established order of relationship between strong and weak peoples, between conqueror and conquered — in a word, the entire colonial system itself as known to the Great Powers. And so began this unparalleled American-Filipino partnership covering the first third of this century, with the Philippines playing her role, not as a colony as this term is defined in the lexicon of power politics, but as a junior partner guided by America towards a definite goal: independence. The main chapters in the history of this partnership are too well-known to require a further narration. These chapters have synthetic names universally understood: Cooper Bill of 1902, Philippine Assembly of 1907, Filipino Majority in the Government in 1913 as a result of the election of President Wilson, the Jones Law of 1916 and, finally, the Hare-Hawes-Cutting Independence Law of 1933 which, with slight amendments, became the Tydings-McDuffie Independence Law of 1934. This law established the Commonwealth in 1935. Such was the state of affairs, with the Filipino ship of state navigating peacefully towards its final destination — the independence fixed for the 4th of July, 1946, — when on the morning of the 8th of December, 1941, we were jolted by the brutal impact of war. Then followed Japan’s occupation of the Philippines. So sure were the Japanese of their invincibility and, therefore, of the permanency of their occupation, that they tried to induce the Filipinos to establish a government with the appearances, of independence but which, obviously, was only a puppet government in every respect. 61 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 Was the association between America and the Philippines terminated because of the Japanese occupation? On the contrary, America decided to liberate the Philippines from Japanese tyranny and in effect bent all her efforts towards that end. On the 28th of December, 1941, President Roosevelt addressed his now historic message to the Philippines in which he reiterated not only the American promise of independence but also the assurance that that independence would be protected. Then on August 13, two years ago. President Roosevelt in a special broadcast to the Philippines reiterated his previous promise of independence, saying: “I give to the people of the Philippines my solemn pledge that their freedom will be redeemed and their independence established and protected. The entire resources in men and materials of the United States stand behind that pledge.” This statement of President Roosevelt, received by the radio stations of all the underground forces, spread like wildfire among the guerrilleros and the civilian populations. Its effect was to consolidate and stiffen the resistance to the enemy, all of his fraudulent promises of independence notwithstanding. In the meantime the Committee appointed by the Japanese Army to prepare a constitution had finished its work and the puppet government was formally established. President Roosevelt again spoke to the world that neither this government nor the former, called the Philippine Executive Commission, would be recognized by the United States; that the only legitimate government of the Philippines was the Commonwealth Government established in Washington under the auspices of the United States. Furthermore, in full recognition of the loyalty of the Filipinos to the cause of democracy. President Roosevelt urged the American Congress to give sanction to his pledge of protected independence for the Philippines. The Congress then enacted the memorable Joint Resolution No. 93 which authorizes the President of the United States to advance the date of that independence and to negotiate with the President of the Philippines the establishment and maintenance in the Islands of bases for the mutual protection of both countries. Viewed from the perspective of these historic developments, this Occupation Day projects itself into the limelight of history to inspire all liberty-loving peoples of the world. The great experiment undertaken by America, with the active collaboration of the Philippines, now stands out for the admiration of all mankind. It has fructified abundantly; it has elevated our norms of life; promoted all forms of public works; accelerated the development of our agriculture, industry, commerce and other phases of material progress; given us a school system which aims not only at the extension of the benefits of education to all our people but also at the development of higher educational standards; preserved the life and improved the health of the masses through progressive sanitation; imbued us with the principles and practices of an efficient, orderly, just and honest government. In one word, it has made us heirs to the American way of life and inculcated in us the great ideals of American democracy — that democracy which, once derided by totalitarian states as blundering and inefficient, now stands as the marvel and admiration of the whole world. The great experiment presents to us vividly, and in all its splendor, the allegory of a small country — the only Christian country in the Orient — led by the great American nation on the broad highway of freedom towards its destiny — independence. The most important result of this experiment is that the Philippines has become one of the bastions of permanent peace in the Pacific, not only because America will have in this archipelago military, air and naval bases with the backing of her unlimited material resources, but above all because these bases will be supported and sustained by another bastion more impregnable because it derives its strength from the spirit. This spiritual bastion is no other than Philippine democracy, molded by America’s own hands and sanctified with her blood and her own sacrifices. From this bastion wells the strength which enabled us to resist the enemy’s 62 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 tyranny until the day of our liberation. On this bastion America places her reliance, and she knows that, just as in the past three years this spiritual fortress stood firm against the oppressor’s onslaughts, in the years to come it shall not fail. Liberated from the enemy, and on the eve of establishing our independence, we express again our gratitude on this 47th anniversary of Occupation Day to that great Republic for the benefits, material and spiritual, which she has lavished and we hope will continue to lavish on our country. I thank you. Source: University of the Phiiippines, Coilege of Law Library Osmena, S. (1945). Speech of President Osmena on the commemoration of the 47th Anniversary of the occupation of the Philippines by America. Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines, 41(5), 385-388. 63 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 Speech of His Excellency Sergio Osmefia President of the Philippines On the occasion of President Quezon’s Birthday [Delivered at the City Hall, Manila, August 19, 1945] IT HAD always been my pleasure and privilege during the life of President Quezon to take part in programs dedicated to his birthday, and now that he is no longer with us, it is a greater privilege and pleasure to dedicate a few thoughts to the departed friend. This occasion naturally brings to mind a multitude of memories and impressions and I only regret that I cannot cover all of a past that has been a life-time and an association of more than half a century. I knew Quezon for the first time in 1893, when both of us were students of law in the University of Santo Tomas. We lived under the same roof in the same room of that university. Among our classmates — in law and philosophy and letters — were men who in later life figured prominently in public affairs, in the judiciary, in commerce, and in other activities. Among them, to mention only a few of the well known, were Felipe G. Calderon and Enrique Mendiola, Juan Sumulong and Fernando Salas, Vicente Singson Encarnacion and Vicente Madrigal, Rafael Palma and Jaime C. de Veyra, Simeon Mobo and Mariano Yengco, Vicente Albert and Gregorio Agoncillo. Also among us were the poet laureate, Cecilio Apostol, and the intellectual adviser of Andres Bonifacio — Emilio Jacinto — rightly called the brains of the Katipunan. Quezon then already showed signs of that quick thinking, that dialectic keenness, and that power of improvisation by which he was to distinguish himself in his parliamentary career and in his memorable battles in the arena of politics. Our friendship as students in the University of Santo Tomas, far from being a transient affair, was the prelude to an association of a life-time. Interrupted by the revolution against Spain and the war against America, our comradeship was renewed when we met again, shortly after the end of hostilities, to review for the bar examinations. Then, when we were already lawyers, the parallelism between our lives was continued with his appointment as fiscal of Mindoro and mine as fiscal of Cebu and Negros Oriental. A few years later he was elected governor of his province, Tayabas, and I governor of my province, Cebu. Once again, we found ourselves working together in that memorable convention of governors in 1906, the first of its kind to be held in Manila, in which one could already perceive the outlines of the ideology and political action of Filipino nationalism which was to inspire the labors and achievements of the Philippine Assembly. We were only a few Nacionalista governors, all of us young — the fighting Quezon of Tayabas, the circumspect Jaime C. de Veyra of Leyte, and the effusive Isauro Gabaldon of Nueva Ecija. The Federal Party, then the ruling party, dominated the convention, but in spite of this, we were able to assert the Nacionalista principles which, after suffering a temporary setback by the defeat of our arms at the hands of America, recaptured the popular imagination and gained new impetus under the libertarian crusade launched in the arena of peace and legality. Came the Philippine Assembly in 1907, and my personal and political association with Quezon grew stronger. He was elected Floor Leader of the Assembly and I Speaker. When it became necessary 64 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 to carry the fight for independence to the United States, Quezon was sent to Washington as our emissary and there held high the Filipino name. That did not break up our partnership: distance did not prevent a closer collaboration between us for the cause of our liberty, and when finally, success crowned our efforts and Commissioner Quezon brought home the Jones Law in 1916, we continued working together to push the new experiment in Filipino autonomy to its logical conclusion and save the final lap which separated us from our goal: independence. Then the Philippine Senate was created. Believing that the leader of the Filipino participation in the Government should be at the head of this upper chamber of the legislature, Quezon offered me the Senate Presidency. However, after mature deliberation I thought otherwise and preferred to remain as Speaker of the House of Representatives. It was my opinion then (although I realized later that I was wrong as subsequent developments proved) that it was in the Speakership where the Filipino leadership in the Government ought to reside because the House was the more representative body and as such the more sensitive to the popular will. Quezon was then elected President of the Senate. The intimacy of our long and fruitful association was not disturbed by any serious incident until in 1922 certain differences arose to split the Nacionalista Party. However, because they were not fundamental differences, affecting as they did only the methods of directing and leading the Filipino participation in the Government, they were quickly ironed out and a reconciliation within the party followed. Viewing that incident from the perspective of this day, what healed the rupture and reconciled the antagonistic elements was the absence of the human and personal factor, or what I might call the ingredient of egotism. Even in the midst of the acrimonious conflict, when the tension of animosity was at its height, Quezon and I never ceased to be friends and never did we lose the respect we owed each other. The personal element never interfered in the clash of pure ideas. This feeling tending towards conciliation and concord was the thing that permitted me to give him my full support at the moment when he most needed it. It will be recalled that in the elections of 1922 the Nacionalistas were split over the issue of unipersonalism and collectivism. The results of the elections were such that Quezon could not organize the House of Representatives with only the votes of the Colectivistas. Many of my followers still resentful, stoutly opposed a reconciliation with Quezon and were inclined, instead, to enter into a coalition with the Democratas who had gained considerable strength in those elections. It was evident that had we wanted to revenge on Quezon in order to destroy him, the most logical step would have been to accept the Democratas’ insistent proffer of a coalition or, to go farther, agree to fuse with them into a new party. I thought however that the more decent, the more proper, and the more patriotic thing to do was to repair the broken wings of the Nacionalista Party. Thus overcoming the temptations of reprisal, and obeying only what I thought was the dictate of the national interest, I placed myself on the side of the moderate elements of my group who were anxious to rejoin their old comrades. This immediately led to the organization of the House, with the election of a Colectivista Speaker and the consequent rehabilitation of the Nacionalista Party. It will be remembered that from then on Quezon and I worked together again as if nothing had happened, he as my chief and I giving him fully of my support in the same way that he had supported me during the fifteen years that I was his chief and head of the Nacionalista Party. I believe that it can be said without immodesty and arrogance that, thanks to our unity, the country once more was able to continue its progressive march towards the goal of its destiny, overcoming all difficulties, the most serious being that of 1923-1927 during the administration of General Wood. The course of my political relations with Quezon did not suffer any new interruption of importance until in 1933 when, after great efforts in the United States, the independence Mission popularly known as the OSROX (Osmena-Roxas) Mission returned to the Philippines with the Hare- Hawes-Cutting Law. After this law was rejected by the Legislature at his insistence President Quezon 65 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 headed a mission to the United States in quest of another law. In Washington, however, he found that the only legislation possible was something equal or similar to the one which the Legislature had just rejected. Once again the proposition whether the Filipinos were capable of subordinating personal considerations to the cause of their independence, was put to a test, a severe test. It seems superfluous to restate, since it is of contemporary history, that our patriotism stood the test. I decided then to remain in the Philippines instead of going with President Quezon as he had insistently asked me to do, in order that I could prepare the ground here to support him when the moment came. That moment came when Senator Tydings asked the opinion of the OSROX Mission regarding the Tydings-McDuffie Bill, then pending in Congress, which was practically the same as the Hare-Hawes-Cutting Law for which we had worked. The radical elements of my group in Manila insisted on rejecting the new bill. This was neither unnatural nor extraordinary, considering that said elements were still resentful of Quezon and his followers. However, because I had placed myself definitely on the side of the moderate elements, the OSROX Mission, and the group that was helping us in the Philippines, decided to support President Quezon by accepting the Tydings-McDuffie Law. This conciliatory attitude made possible the subsequent acceptance of the law not only by the Legislature but by the whole country. Once again the Nacionalista Party emerged from a crisis which might have disrupted it. Once again, Quezon and I were able to set aside differences in the interest of the nation. Once again, we were able to save unity at a moment when it was most needed for the health and welfare of our people, relegating to the background the personal complex, the human equation. And once again, we were able to renew an association and a collaboration so modestly started in our student days in the University of Santo Tomas and so happily continued through the long years. And that was how, in the height of his popularity and political prestige, Quezon as the Coalition candidate on the same ticket with me — he for President and I for Vice-President — was able to say in his speech of acceptance the following words regarding our joint labors: “I shall not recite again the vicissitudes through which we have gone during these years, but when I look back at the efforts we have exerted to reach the goal which together we had set for ourselves, I am happy to find that at the end of our long journey we can face our people from the same platform, with our obligations fulfilled, our mutual esteem and respect increased, and I believe enjoying, besides, the continued confidence and support of our people.” Another incident which might have caused a split between Quezon and I was when, by operation of law, he should have ceased as President on November 15, 1943, and I should have succeeded him in the leadership of the Philippine Government. The situation was very clear. I was by law automatically entitled to the Presidency on that date. Under the circumstances then, this situation might have deteriorated into a division in our government in exile, and so, in order to maintain the united front of our struggle against the common enemy, I called at the White House and in Congress to ask for a legal means whereby President Quezon could be permitted to continue discharging his powers as President during the emergency. The Congress accepted my suggestions and I had the satisfaction of seeing President Quezon’s command extended so that he and not I should accompany the forces of liberation to the Philippines to rescue our people from the clutches of the enemy. But Providence willed otherwise, and he having passed to a better life, I had to take the helm and join the liberation forces in Tacloban on October 20, 1944. With deep sincerity and humility I said then: “By the Grace of God, and by the honor of America, I am again with you. Happy as I am to be back on Philippine soil, I am sad that our late and beloved President Quezon is not here to witness the realization of the great cause to which he dedicated his life — the independence of the Philippines. I know, however, that you feel as I do, that he is here with us in spirit, to unite our people and to encourage us toward the achievement of the vital undertaking which lies ahead.” 66 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 It gives me singular satisfaction to recall all these incidents because they show how President Quezon and I were able to maintain a personal and political association so auspiciously begun in the days of our adolescence and ending only with his death. As you have already seen, like everything human, that association had its lights and shadows — more lights than shadows — sunbeams and clouds, but over and above all difficulties and against the fluctuations of adversity, it stood like a rock. I feel above all happy to recapitulate them today because I am convinced that all the sacrifices we have made to save the unity of the nation in the crucial moments of our history have not been in vain and that together we have contributed, at least modestly on my part, to the safe arrival of our country where it happily stands today. The dominant note of that association was the subordination of everything personal to the supreme interest of the nation, sometimes to an extent almost incredible. In all humility, but with firm conviction and the tranquility of conscience of a man who has done his duty, I submit this fact to history: my joint acts with President Quezon permit the Philippines to offer to the world one of those examples of personal renunciation, of high collective responsibility, of impregnable solidarity so rare in the annals of the democracies. In celebrating for the first time in the Philippines after our liberation the anniversary of the birthday of President Quezon, I wish to reiterate that my administration will follow the course set by my predecessor. It is part and parcel of that patriotic course to secure the rehabilitation of the Philippines, the recognition of its independence, and the protection of that independence against all external aggression. I firmly believe that, united under the protection of Divine Providence, we shall fully realize these objectives. Source: University of the Phiiippines Main Library Osmena, S. (1945). Speech delivered by Sergio Osmeha, President of the Philippines on the occasion of President Quezon’s birthday, August 19, 1945 at the City hall of Manila. Manila: Bureau of Printing. 67 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 Speech of His Excellency Sergio Osmefia President of the Philippines On the occasion of President Quezon’s Birthday (Spanish Version) [Delivered at the City Hall, Manila, August 19, 1945] DISCURSO DEL HONORABLE SERGIO OSMENA, PRESIDENTE DE EILIPINAS, PRONUNCIADO EN EL CITY HALL CON MOTIVO DE LA CELEBRACION DEL NATALICIO DEL EINADO PRESIDENTE MANUEL L. QUEZON, EL 19 DE AGOSTO DE 1945 SENORAS Y SENORES: En vida del Presidente Quezon fue siempre un privilegio y un placer para mi el tomar parte en los programas dedicados a celebrar su natalicio. Ahora que el ya no se halla entre nosotros es mayor mi deseo de reclamar el mismo privilegio, consagrando al amigo ido la ofrenda de unos cuantos pensamientos. Esta ocasion me trae naturalmente a la mente una multitud de recuerdos e impresiones y siento solamente que no haya tiempo ni vagar para abarcar un pasado que ha sido toda una vida y una asociacion de poco mas de medio siglo. Conoci a Quezon por primera vez en 1893 cuando empezamos a cursar la ampliacion de derecho en la Universidad de Santo Tomas. Viviamos entonces bajo un mismo techo en un compartimiento de la misma Universidad. Fueron nuestros companeros de clase — Derecho y Filosofia y Letras — algunos que mas tarde figuraron de modo prominente en la vida publica, en el magisterio, en el comercio y en otras actividades. Para no cansaros con una lista larga, mencionare solamente algunos nombres bien conocidos: Felipe G. Calderon y Enrique Mendiola; Juan Sumulong y Fernando Salas; Vicente Singson Encarnacion y Vicente Madrigal; Rafael Palma y Jaime C. de Veyra; Simeon Mobo y Mariano Yengco; Vicente Albert y Gregorio Agoncillo. Tambien fueron nuestros condiscipulos el laureado poeta Cecilio Apostol y el inspirador intelectual de Andres Bonifacio, Emilio Jacinto, llamado con razon cerebro del Katipunan. Quezon ya daba muestras entonces de aquella viveza de ingenio, de aquella agudeza dialectica y de aquella facultad para improvisar que tanto admiramos despues en sus dias de parlamentario y de luchador en el alborotado palenque de la politica. Nuestro companerismo estudiantil en la Universidad de Santo Tomas no fue una cosa pasajera, transeunte, sino que fue el preludio de una asociacion que duro toda la vida. Truncada nuestra camaraderia por las vicisitudes de la revolucion contra Espana y de la guerra contra America despues, volvimos a encontrarnos cuando, apenas terminada dicha guerra, nos preparamos para habilitarnos en los examenes de abogacia en la Corte Suprema. Abogados ya, parecia que el paralelismo de nuestras vidas iba a continuar: el fue nombrado Fiscal de Mindoro y a mi vez recibi el nombramiento de Fiscal de Cebu. 68 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 Algunos anos despues el fue elegido Gobernador de su provincia, Tayabas, y fui tambien elegido Gobernador de la mia, Cebu. Entonces nos encontrarnos otra vez laborando juntos en aquella memorable Asamblea de Gobernadores de 1906, la primera que se convoco en Manila, en la cual, cabe decir, se dibujo ya el esquema de la ideologia y accion politica del nacionalismo filipino que despues habia de inspirar e informal la labor y el historial de la Asamblea Filipina. En aquella Asamblea de Gobernadores no eramos mas que unos cuantos nacionalistas, todos jovenes, entre ellos el combativo Quezon, de Tayabas, el mesurado Jayme C. de Veyra, de Leyte, y el efusivo Isauro Gabaldon, de Nueva Edja. El partido mayoritario entonces era el Federal que dominaba la asamblea. Con todo, fue ya posible para nosotros reafirmar en aquella Asamblea de Gobernadores el ideario nacionalista que, habiendo sufrido un pasajero eclipse con la derrota de nuestras armas en el conflicto con America, replegose en el seno de las masas populares y alii comenzaba a resurgir y cobrar brios bajo el aliento de la nueva cruzada redentista, emprendida en el terreno de la paz y de la legalidad. Despues vino la Asamblea Filipina en 1907. En ella se reafirmo y robustecio mas mi asociacion personal y politica con Quezon. El fue elegido floor leader de la Asamblea y yo Speaker de la misma. Y cuando fue preciso extender el area de nuestras luchas por la independencia llevandolas al seno de la America misma, Quezon fue enviado a Washington como nuestro emisario y alii planto muy alto el pabellon filipino. No por eso se, quebranto el consorcio entre nosotros. La distancia no fue obice para que colaboraramos mas estrechamente en la ingente tarea de promover la causa de nuestra libertad. Y cuando finalmente el exito corono nuestros comunes esfuerzos trayendo en 1916 el Comisionado Quezon la Ley Jones sobre autonomia filipina, seguimos laborando conjuntamente para llevar a cumplido efecto el nuevo experimento y salvar la etapa final que nos separaba de la anhelada meta: la independencia. Entonces se instituyo por primera vez el Senado Filipino. Quezon creia que el leader de la participacion filipina en el gobierno debia situarse al frente de este alto cuerpo colegislador, asi que me ofrecio su presidencia. Despues de madura deliberacion, sin embargo, llegue a una opinion contraria; asi que rehuse la oferta y prefer! continuar siendo Speaker de la Camara de Representantes, pensando entonces (si bien creo que equivocadamente, segun lo demostraron acontecimientos posteriores) que era en ella donde debia alojarse el caudillaje popular en el gobierno por ser el cuerpo mas representativo y, por ende, el mas sensible al influjo y a los vaivenes de la opinion publica. Quezon fue entonces elegido Presidente del Senado. La tersura de esta larga y fecunda asociacion no se perturbo seriamente sino cuando en 1922 surgieron ciertas diferencias que acabaron por dividir al Partido Nacionalista. Sin embargo, como estas diferencias no eran fundamentales sino que mas bien concernian a los metodos de direccion y caudillaje de la participacion filipina en el gobierno, pronto pudieron ser compuestas efectuandose la reconciliacion de los elementos que en mala bora se habian desunido. Pero cuando se examina bien desde esta lejana perspectiva aquella crisis politica, lo que creo yo posibilito, liana y expeditamente, la composicion de la ruptura, la fusion de los elementos disperses, fue la ausencia del factor humano y personal, la ausencia del que yo llamaria ingrediente fulanista. Aun en medio de la acrimonia del conflicto, cuando la tension de las animosidades era mas fuerte, Quezon y yo nunca dejamos de ser amigos, nunca dejamos de concedernos mutua estimacion y mutuo respeto. La nota personal jamas acibaro el choque puro de las ideas. Esta atmosfera, mejor todavia, este estado de animo propenso a la conciliacion y a la concordia, fue lo que me permitio a mi dar a Quezon mi completo apoyo en el momento en que este mas lo necesitaba. Se recordara que con motivo de la ruptura de 1922, los nacionalistas se dividieron en las elecciones de aquel ano por el issue del unipersonalismo y del colectivismo. El resultado de las elecciones fue tal que Quezon no podia organizar la Camara de Representantes con solamente los votos 69 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 de los colectivistas. Muchos de mis seguidores, sintiendo aun el escozor del resentimiento por causa de la division, se oponian vigorosamente a una reconciliacion con el Presidente del Senado. Su inclinacion era mas bien a una coalicion con los democratas que habian adquirido bastante fuerza en aquellas elecciones. Era evidente que si lo que nos propusieramos entonces fuera vengarnos del Presidente Quezon y destruirle, el paso mas logico era aceptar el insistente ofrecimiento de los democratas de formar una coalicion con ellos, o, yendo mas lejos, efectuar una fusion fundando un nuevo partido. Crei, sin embargo, que lo mas decente, lo mas consistente y lo mas patriotico era ayudar a recomponer las alas rotas del Partido Nacionalista; asi que, ahogando la tentacion de represalia, no oyendo mas que la voz de lo que creia era mi deber frente al interes general del pais, me coloque decididamente del lado de los elementos moderados de mi grupo que optaban por una reconciliacion con los antiguos correligionarios. Esto did lugar inmediatamente a la organizacion de la Camara con la eleccion de un Speaker colectivista y la consiguiente recomposicion del Partido Nacionalista. Se recordara que desde entonces Quezon y yo volvimos a laborar juntos como si no hubiera pasado nada, el siendo mi jefe ahora y dandole yo, sin reservas, el mismo apoyo que yo habia merecido de el cuando por unos 15 anos habia sido su jefe y jefe del Partido Nacionalista. Creo que puede perfectamente, decirse, sin inmodestia ni arrogancia, que gracias otra vez a nuestra union el pais pudo seguir avanzando en su continuada y progresiva marcha hacia la meta de sus destinos, no sin arrostrar y veneer graves dificultades, siendo entre ellas, la mas seria indudablemente, la crisis de 1923-1927 bajo la administracion del General Wood. La normalidad de mis relaciones politicas con Quezon no volvio a sufrir ninguna otra sacudida importante sino en 1933 cuando, despues de una laboriosa gestion en los Estados Unidos, la Mision Osrox (Osmena-Roxas), volvio a Eilipinas con la Ley de Independencia conocida por Ley Hare-Hawes- Cutting. Rechazada la ley por la Legislatura Eilipina como lo habia urgido el Presidente Quezon, el encabezo una mision para trabajar por una nueva legislacion en los Estados Unidos, hallando, sin embargo, en Washington que la unica ley posible era una igual o parecida a la que por su instancia habia rechazado la Legislatura. Una vez mas sometiase a prueba, a dura prueba, la proposicion de si los filipinos eramos capaces de realizar un nuevo sacrificio, sobreponiendonos a diferencias y querellas que podian ser fatales a la causa de nuestra libertad. Parece superfluo repetir, porque ello es de historia contemporanea, que afortunadamente nuestro patriotismo salio bien librado de la prueba. Me decidi en aquel tiempo a quedarme en Pilipinas en vez de ir con el Presidente Quezon como el me habia insistentemente pedido, precisamente para estar preparado desde aqui a proporcionarle el necesario apoyo en el momento oportuno y decisivo. Ese momento llego cuando el Senador Tydings pidio la opinion de la Mision Osrox acerca del proyecto de ley Tydings-McDuffie que entonces se estaba tramitando en el Congreso y que practicamente era la misma Ley Elare-EIawes-Cutting por la cual habiamos trabajado. Los elementos radicales de mi grupo en Manila insistian en el rechazamiento del nuevo bill. Esto no era antinatural ni extraordinario teniendo en cuenta que tales elementos sentian aun el escozor de lo que ellos creian un agravio recibido del Presidente Quezon y de sus partidarios. Sin embargo, por haberme colocado decididamente al lado de los elementos moderados, la Mision Osrox y el grupo que nos ayudaban en Pilipinas resolvieron apoyar al Presidente Quezon aceptando la Ley Tydings-McDuffie. Esta actitud conciliatoria posibilito la aceptacion de la Ley Tydings-McDuffie, no solamente por la Legislatura, sino por todo el pais. Una vez mas se recompuso el Partido Nacionalista despues de una crisis que parecia definitiva. Una vez mas Quezon y yo pudimos dejar a un lado diferencias pasajeras para buscar tan solamente el bien del pais. Una vez mas pudimos salvar la unidad en un momento en que ella era tan necesaria para la salud y el interes de la nacion, dejando a un lado el complejo personal, el elemento humano. Una vez mas pudimos recomponer una asociacion y una colaboracion tan modestamente iniciada en nuestros 70 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 dias estudiantiles en los claustros universitarios de Santo Tomas y felizmente continuada a lo largo de los anos. Asi fue que en el apogeo de su popularidad y prestigio politico, Quezon, siendo candidato de la coalicion para Presidente del Commonwealth en un ticket en que los dos figurabamos, el para Presidente y yo para Vicepresidente, pudo decir con propiedad lo siguiente en su discurso de aceptacion refiriendose a nuestra labor conjunta: “Las vicisitudes por que hemos atravesado durante estos anos no van a ser narradas de nuevo; pero cuando vuelvo la mirada atras y contemplo los esfuerzos que hemos desplegado para alcanzar la meta que nos propusimos juntos lograr, me siento feliz al ver que al final de la larga jornada podemos encarar a nuestro pueblo, levantados sobre una misma plataforma, con nuestros compromisos cumplidos, con nuestra mutua amistad y estima engrandecida, y todavia, creo yo, gozando de la continuada confianza y apoyo de nuestro pueblo.” Otra ocasion que pudo haber sido de desavenencia entre Quezon y yo, fue cuando el debia cesar en la presidencia el 15 de noviembre de 1943 y yo asumir la jefatura del Gobierno de Pilipinas. La situacion era clara. Por ministerio de la ley yo ascendia automaticamente a la presidencia en aquella fecha. Dadas las circunstancias, esto hubiera podido causar la division del gobierno filipino en exilio. Para mantener el frente unido en nuestra lucha con el enemigo, acudi a la Casa Blanca y al Congreso en demanda de un medio legal que permitiese al Presidente Quezon continuar en el desempeno del cargo de Presidente durante la emergencia. El Congreso respondio a mis sugestiones y tuve la satisfaccion de ver prolongado el mando del Presidente Quezon para que, llegada la ocasion, pudiera el, como el jefe de nuestro gobierno, acompanar a Pilipinas a las fuerzas libertadoras y lograr con ellas la liberacion del pais. Dios ha dispuesto de otro modo. Habiendo el pasado a mejor vida, hube de tomar su sitio al desembarcar en Tacloban el 20 de octubre de 1944. Con profunda sinceridad y humildad dije entonces lo siguiente: “Deploro que nuestro difunto y amado Presidente Quezon no se encuentre hoy entre nosotros para presenciar la realizacion de la gran causa a la cual dedico su vida, la independencia de Pilipinas. Se, sin embargo, que sends, como yo siento, que el se halla con nosotros en espiritu para unir a nuestro pueblo y alentarnos a llevar a cabo a tarea vital que tenemos delante.” Al traer a colacion todas estas remembranzas e impresiones siento una singular satisfaccion al considerar que el Presidente Quezon y yo fuimos capaces de sostener una asociacion personal y politica que habiendo comenzado bajo tan felices auspicios en los dias de nuestra adolescencia, resistio las mas duras pruebas y no termino sino con su muerte. Como ya habeis visto, esa asociacion, como toda cosa humana, tuvo sus claridades y sus sombras — mas de aquellas que de estas — tuvo sus auroras y sus nubarrones, pero, en lo esencial. Soto siempre par encima de los contratiempos y de los vaivenes de la adversidad. Me siento, sobre todo, feliz al recapitularla porque estoy convencido de que todos los sacrificios que hicimos para salvar la unidad de la nacion en los momentos decisivos de la historia de nuestro pueblo en esos anos en que nos toco administrar sus asuntos, no se hicieron en vano y ban contribuido, siquiera modestamente, en lo que a mi parte toca, a que el pais llegara a donde ha llegado hoy. La nota dominante en esa asociacion ha sido la subordinacion de todo lo personal al interes supremo de la patria, hasta limites a veces inconcebibles de desprendimiento. Con toda humildad, pero con firme conviccion y con la tranquilidad de conciencia de un hombre que cree haber cumplido con su deber, entrego al juicio de la historia el siguiente hecho: Mi actuacion conjunta con el Presidente Quezon permite a Pilipinas ofrecer al mundo uno de esos ejemplos de renunciacion personal, de alta responsabilidad colectiva, de inquebrantable solidaridad tan raros en la historia de las democracias. Al celebrar por primera vez en Pilipinas el natalicio del finado Presidente, despues de nuestra liberacion, deseo reiterar mi proposito de encaminar mi administracion por los mismos cauces patrioticos trazados por mi antecesor. Es parte esencial de esa labor pro patria obtener la rehabilitacion 71 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 de Pilipinas, lograr el reconocimiento de su independencia y asegurar su integridad contra toda agresion exterior. Creo firmemente que, unidos y bajo el amparo de la Divina Providencia, alcanzaremos la plena realizacion de esos objectivos. Agosto 19, 1945. Source: University of the Philippines Main Library Osmena, S. (1945). Discurso del Hon. Sergio Osmena Presidente de Pilipinas pronunciado en el City Hall con motivo de la celebracion del Natalico del Finado President Manuel L. Quezon, el la de Agosto de 1 945. Manila: Bureau of Printing. 72 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 Talumpati ng Kagalang-galang Sergio Osmefia Pangulo ng Pilipinas Sa Isang Pagdiriwang na Parangal sa Araw ng Pagsilang ng Pangulong Quezon [Ika-19 ng Agosto, 1945] KABABAIHAN AT KAGINOOHAN: Nang nabubuhay pa ang Pangulong Quezon ay lagi nang naging isang biyaya at kaluguran kong makilahok sa mga palatuntunang iniuukol sa pagdiriwang sa araw ng kaniyang pagsilang. Ngayong wala na siya sa atin ay lalong malaki ang aking nais na hilingin ang biyaya ring iyan, upang iukol sa kaibigang yumao ang paghahandog ng ilang gunitain. Ang pagkakataong ito ay mangyari pang nagpapasariwa sa aking isip ng maraming ala-ala at dinaramdam ko lamang na walang sapat na panahon at hindi mangyayaring magpakalawig upang masaklaw ang isang nagdaang naging isang buong buhay at isang pagsasamang higit sa kalahating siglo. Unang nakilala ko si Quezon noong 1893 nang nagsisimula kaming mag-aral ng pagkaabogado sa Unibersidad ng Santo Tomas. Naninirahan kami noon sa ilalim ng iisang bubungan ng isang silid ng nabanggit na ring Unibersidad. Naging kasama namin sa paaralan — sa Derecho at Filosofia at Letras — ang ilang pagkatapos ay napatanyag sa hayag na pamumuhay, sa pagtuturo, sa kalakal at sa iba pang gawain. Upang huwag kayong mainip sa isang mahabang talaan, ay babanggitin ko lamang sa inyo ang ilang pangalang lalong kilala: Felipe G. Calderon at Enrique Mendiola; Juan Sumulong at Fernando Salas; Vicente Singson Encarnacion at Vicente Madrigal; Rafael Palma at Jaime C. de Veyra; Simeon Mobo at Mariano Yengco; Vicente Albert at Gregorio Agoncillo. Naging kasamahan din namin sa paaralan ang pinutungan ng “laurel” na makatang Cecilio Apostol at ang patnubay ng katalinuhan ni Andres Bonifacio, si Emilio Jacinto, na may matuwid na tinaguriang utak ng Katipunan. Noon si Quezon ay nagpapakilala nang may buhay na talino, ng katalasan ng isip at ng kahusayan sa mga biglaang pagkakataon na tunay na hinangaan natin pagkatapos sa kaniyang panahon ng pagkamangbabatas at laging pakikitunggali sa gitna nang magusot na larangan ng politika. Ang aming pagsasama sa pag-aaral sa Unibersidad ng Santo Tomas ay hindi naging isang bagay na lumilipas, panandalian, kundi siyang naging pangunahin ng isang pagsasamang tumagal nang buong buhay. Nahadlangan ang aming pagsasama ng mga pangyayari sa himagsikan laban sa Espanya at ng digma laban sa Amerika pagkatapos, ay muli kaming nagkatagpo nang bahagya pa lamang natatapos ang digma at naghahanda kami upang magsulit sa pagkaabogado sa Ktt. Hukuman. Nang maging abogado na kami, ay waring magpapatuloy ang pagkakapanabay namin sa buhay: nahirang siyang Piskal sa Mindoro at ako naman ay tinanggap ko ang pagkakahirang sa akin na Piskal sa Sebu. Makaraan ang ilang taon ay nahalal siyang gobernador sa kaniyang lalawigan, Tayabas, at ako man naman ay nahalal na gobernador sa aking lalawigan, Sebu. Sa gayon ay nagkatagpo kami uling magkasamang gumagawa sa hindi malilimot na Kapulungan ng mga Gobernador noong 1906, ang unang ipinaganyaya sa Maynila, na diyan, maaaring sabihin, ay ibinadha na ang balangkas ng mithiin at kilos sa politika ng pagkamakabayang pilipino, na pagtakapos ay siyang naging patnubay 73 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 at tuntunin ng gawain at kasaysayan ng Kapulungang Bayan. Sa nasabing Kapulungan ng mga Gobernador ay iilan kammg gobernador na nasionalista, lahat ay mga batangbata, at diyan ay kabilang ang mapusok na Quezon ng Tayabas, ang mapanukat na Jaime C. de Veyra ng Leyte at ang palaisip na Isauro Gabaldon ng Nueva Ecija. Ang lapiang nakararami noon ay ang Federal na siyang nakapangyayari sa Kapulungan. Gayon man, ay nagawa rin naming muling patibayan sa Kapulungang iyan ng mga gobernador ang mithiing makabayan, na sa dahilang nagdanas nang panandaliang paglalaho sa pagkagahis ng ating mga sandata sa pakikiharap sa Amerika, ay nanatili sa kaibuturan ng mga mamamayan at diyan ay nagsisimulang muling sumibol at magkaroon ng sigla sa ilalim ng sanghaya ng bagong kilusan sa pagkatubos, na isinasagawa sa larangan ng kapayapaan at napapaloob sa batas. Pagkatapos ay dumating ang Kapulungang Bayan nang 1907. Boon ay muling tumibay at lalong naging matalik ang aking sariling pakikisama at pad sa politika kay Quezon. Siya’y nahalal na “floor leader” ng Kapulungan at ako’y Espiker niyan. At nang kailanganing palawakin ang abot ng aming pakikitunggali alang-alang sa ikapagsasarili upang dalhin sa Amerika na rin, si Quezon ay ipinadala sa Washington sa pagkasugd natin at diyan ay itinirik na totoong mataas ang watawat na pilipino. Hindi dahil diyan ay nasira ang aming pagsasamahan. Ang kalayuang namamagitan ay hindi naging balakid upang magtulungan kaming lalong mahigpit sa mabigat na gawaing ipagsanggalang ang usapin ng ating paglaya. At nang sa wakas ay putungan ng tagumpay ang aming mga pagsisikap at taglayin noong 1916 ng sugong kinatawang Quezon ang Batas Jones ukol sa kapangyarihang pilipino, ay nagpatuloy kaming magkatulong na kumikilos upang maisakatuparan ang bagong pagsubok at maabot ang pangwakas na yugtong namamagitan pa sa pinakamimithing marating: ang pagsasarili. Noon unang itinatag ang Senado Pilipino. Inakala ni Quezon na ang lider ng pakikilahok ng pilipino sa pamahalaan ay dapat lumagay na siyang pangulo ng mataas na kapulungang tagapagbatas na ito, at sa ganyan ay kaniyang inihandog sa akin ang panguluhan noon. Gayon man, pagkatapos ng masusing pagsusuri, ay nagkaroon ako ng paniwalang salungat; kaya tinanggihan ko ang alok at minabuti kong magpatuloy na Espiker ng Kapulungan ng mga Kinatawan, at ipinalagay ko noon (bagama’t inaakala kong mail, ayon sa ipinakilala ng mga pangyayari pagkatapos), na sa Kapulungan ng mga Kinatawan dapat lumagay ang patnubay ng bayan sa pamahalaan sapagka’t siyang kapulungang lalong kumakatawan sa bayan, at dahilan diyan ay siyang lalong magalaw sa lakas at takbo ng damdaming bayan. Si Quezon noon ay nahalal na Pangulo ng Senado. Ang buklod ng mahaba at mabungang pagsasamang ito ay hindi nagimbal nang malakas kundi noong 1922 na gumitaw ang ilang pagkakasalungatang humangga sa pagkahati ng Lapiang Nasionalista. Gayon man, sapagka’t ang pagkakasalungatang ito ay hindi malaki sa dahilang nauukol lamang sa pamamaraan ng pamamatnubay at pangangasiwa sa pakikilahok ng pilipino sa pamahalaan, ay madaling naayos at naganap ang muling pagkakasundo ng mga pangkat na sa hindi mabuting sandali ay nagkahiwalay. Nguni’t kung susuriing mabuti mula sa malayo nang panahong ito ang ligamgam na iyon sa politika, ang inaakala kong nagbigay daan ng maluwag at madali, sa pagkakaganap ng salungatan, sa pagkakabuklod na muli ng mga pangkat na sumabog, ay ang pagkawala ng pagpapahalaga sa sarili, ang pagkawala ng aking matatawag na sangkap na makakangino mang tao. Maging sa gitna ng kahigpitan ng tunggalian, noong maagting na totoo ang mga pagbabaka, si Quezon at ako’y hindi kailan man nakalimot sa pagkakaibigan, kailan man ay hindi namin tinalikuran ang pagtitinginan ng isa’t isa at ang paggagalangan. Ang nauukol sa sarili ng bawa’t isa, kailan man ay hindi nagpaasim sa pagtutunggali ng mga kuro-kurd. Ang kalagayang iyon, lalong maliwanag, ang katayuang iyon ng loob na handa sa pagkakasundo at pag-uunawaan, ay siyang nagtulot sa aking ipagkaloob kay Quezon ang aking ganap na pagkatig sa mga sandaling kinakailangan niyang lubos ito. Magugunitang sanhi sa pagkakahiwalay noong 74 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 1922, ang mga nasionalista ay nahati sa halalan nang taong iyon sa “issue” ng “unipersonalismo” at “colectivismo.” Ang kinalabasan ng halalan ay Hindi maitatag ni Quezon ang Kapulungan ng mga Kinatawan kung sa pamamagitan lamang ng mga boto ng “colectivista.” Marami sa aking mga kapanalig, sanhi sa tinataglay pa ang sakit ng pagdaramdam sanhi sa pagkakahiwalay, ay mahigpit na sumasalungat sa isang pakikipagkasundo sa Pangulo ng Senado. Ang kanilang minamabuti ay isa pa ngang pakikipagkasundo sa mga demokratang nagkaroon ng malaking lakas sa halalang iyon. Maliwanag na kung ang hahangarin namin noon ay maghiganti sa Pangulong Quezon at ibagsak siya, ang hakbang na lalong marapat ay tanggapin ang mapiling alok ng mga demokrata na magtatag ng isang pakikipagsangdugo sa kanila, o tumungo pa sa dako toon, gumawa ng isang paglalakip at magtatag ng isang bagong lapian. Gayon man, ay inakala kong ang lalong malinis, ang lalong nababagay at ang lalong makabayan ay tumulong na ayusin ang mga pakpak na sira ng Lapiang Nasionalista; kaya, nilunod ang tukso ng paghihiganti, hindi dininig kundi ang tingig lamang ng inaakala kong tungkulin ko sa harap ng pangkalahatang kapakanan ng bayan, at tahasang lumagay ako sa piling ng pulutong na mahinahon sa aking pangkat na umaayon sa isang muling pakikipagkasundo sa kanilang dating mga kapanalig. Ito’y kagyat na nagbigay daan sa pagtatatag ng Kapulungan ng mga Kinatawan sa pamamagitan ng paghahalal ng isang Espiker na “colectivista” at ng bungang muling pag-aayos ng Lapiang Nasionalista. Magugunitang mula noon si Quezon at ako’y muling nagtulong sa gawaing magkasama na parang walang ano mang nangyari, siya’y naging pinund ko at ipinagkakaloob ko, nang walang pasubali, ang pagkatig na ginawa rin naman niya sa akin sa loob ng labinglimang taong ako naman ang kaniyang pinund at pinund ng Lapiang Nasionalista. Inaakala kong maaaring masabi nang tahasan, walang paghahambdg at pagmamalaki, na salamat uli sa aming pagkakaisa at ang bayan ay nakapagpatuloy sa kaniyang walang humpay at pasulong na paglakad sa landas na patungo sa kaniyang layunin, na mangyari pang nakararanas at natatawiran naman ang mga balakid, na diyan ang lalong malubhang hindi mapag-aalinlanganan, ay ang ligamgam nodng 1923-1927 sa ilalim ng pangasiwaan ng Heneral Wood. Ang katatagan ng aking pakikisama sa politika kay Quezon ay hindi nagdanas ng iba pang pagkagimbal na mahalaga kundi nodng 1933, na pagkatapos ng isang mabalakid na paglakad sa Estados Unidos, ang Misidn sa Pagsasariling kilala ng madia sa tawag na Misidn OSROX (Osmena- Roxas), ay nagbalik sa Pilipinas na taglay ang Batas ng Kasarinlan na kilala sa tawag na Batas Hare- Hawes-Cutting. Pagkatapos na matanggihan ang batas ng Batasang Pilipino gaya nang hiniling ng Pangulong Quezon, ay nangulo siya sa isang misidn upang lumakad ng isang bagong batas sa Estados Unidos, nguni’t natagpuan sa Washington na ang tanging batas na maaaring matamo ay isang katulad o makakatulad ng sa kahilingan niya ay tinanggihan ng Batasan. Minsan pang sumailalim ng pagsubok, mahigpit na pagsubok, ang suliraning kung tayong mga pilipino ay may kakayahang gumawa ng isang bagong pagpapakasakit, na isaisang tabi ang mga pagkakasalungatan at pagtutuligsaang maaaring makapagpanganyaya sa usapin ng ating kalayaan. Tila kalabisang ulitin, sapagka’t iyan ay mga sariwang pangyayari pa lamang, na sa kabutihang palad ang ating pagkamakabayan ay nakalagpas na maluwalhati sa pagsubok. Minarapat ko nodng maiwan sa Pilipinas sa halip na sumama sa Pangulong Quezon na gaya ng kaniyang mapiling hiningi sa akin, upang mapahanda mula rito ang pagdudulot sa kaniya ng kinakailangang pagkatig sa sandaling kinakailangan at pangkatapusan. Ang sandaling iyan ay dumating nang hingin ng Senador Tydings ang kuro-kurd ng Misidn OSROX ukol sa balak na batas na Tydings-McDuffie na nod’y nilalakad sa Kongreso at halos siya na ring Batas Hare-Hawes- Cutting na pinagsikapan naming matamo. Ang pulutong ng mapupusdk sa aking pangkat ay naggigiit ng pagtatakwil sa bagong balak na batas. Itd’y hindi nasasalungat sa dapat mangyari kung isasaalang- alang na ang nasabing pulutong ay nagdaramdam pa ng kirdt na ipinalalagay nilang isang pang- 75 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 aaping tinanggap sa Pangulong Quezon at sa kaniyang mga kapanalig. Gayon man, sanhi sa lumagay ako nang tahasan sa piling ng pulutong ng mga mahinahon, ang Mision OSROX at ang pangkat na tumutulong sa amin sa Pilipinas ay nagpasiyang katigan ang Pangulong Quezon at tinanggap ang Batas Tydings-McDuffie. Ang mahinahong gawing ito ay siyang nagbigaydaan pagkatapos upang tanggapin ang Batas Tydings-McDuffie, Hindi lamang ng Batasan, kundi ng Huong bayan. Minsan pang naayos na muli ang Lapiang Nasionalista, pagkatapos ng isang ligamgam na sa malas ay patuluyan na. Minsan pang naiwan namin ni Quezon at ako sa isang tabi ang mga pagkakasalungatang panandalian upang matagpuan lamang ang kaligtasan ng bayan. Minsan pang nailigtas namin ang pagkakaisa sa isang sandaling siyang kinakailangan sa kabutihan at kapakanan ng bansa, na iniwan sa isang tabi ang pagtingin sa sarili, ang kasiraan ng tao. Minsan pang naayos naming muli ang isang pagsasama at ang isang pagtutulungang buong kapakumbabaang pinasimulan sa aming panahon ng pag-aaral sa mga silid ng Unibersidad ng Santo Tomas at maligayang naipagpatuloy sa hinabahaba ng mga taon. Sa ganyan, sa karurukan ng kaniyang kabantugan at pangalan sa politika, si Quezon, sa pagkakandidato ng nagsangdugong lapian sa pagka Pangulo ng Commonwealth sa isang tiket na kapuwa kami naroon, siya ay sa pagka Pangulo at ako’y sa pagka Pangalawang Pangulo, ay naaring masabi nang tumpak ang sumusunod sa kaniyang talumpati sa pagtanggap ng kandidatura, sa pagtukoy sa aming magkalakip na paggawa: “Ang mga balabalaking aming binagtas sa loob ng mga taong ito ay Hindi muling isasalaysay; nguni’t kung nililingon ko ang nagdaan at minamalas ko ang mga pagsisikap na aming ginawa upang maabot ang tinatangkang patutunguhan, ay nagagalak akong makitang sa katapusan ng mahabang paglalakbay ay makahaharap kami sa aming bayan, na nakatayo sa iisang tungtungan, na natupad ang aming mga pangakd, angkin ang matalik na pagkakaibigan at pagtitinginang lalo pang malaki, at inaakala kong nag-aangkin pa ng patuloy na pagtitiwala at pagkatig ng ating bayan.” Isa pang pangyayaring maaaring maging sanhi sana ng pagkakasalungatan namin ni Quezon ay noong dapat siyang magtapos sa pagka pangulo nang ika-15 ng Nobiembre ng 1943 at ako ang maghawak ng pamunuan ng Pamahalaan sa Pilipinas. Ang kalagayan ay maliwanag. Sa tadhana ng batas ay dapat akong mapataas sa panguluhan nang araw na iyon. Sanhi sa mga pangyayari, ang bagay na iyan ay maaaring naging sanhi ng pagkakahati sa pamahalaang pilipinong na sa ibang bansa. Upang mapangalagaan ang pagkakaisa sa harap ng pakikipagbaka sa kaaway, ay dumulog ako sa Gusaling Puti at sa Kongreso upang humingi ng isang pamamaraang naaayon sa batas na magbibigay daang ang Pangulong Quezon ay makapagpatuloy sa pagganap ng tungkuling Pangulo sa panahon ng kagipitan. Ang Kongreso ay tumugon sa aking mungkahi at nagkaroon ako ng kasiyahang makitang nagpapatuloy sa pamiminund ang Pangulong Quezon, upang kung dumating ang pagkakataon, sa pagkapinund ng ating pamahalaan ay makasama siya sa Pilipinas ng mga hukbong manunubos at matamong kasama niyan ang pagtubos sa bayan. Nagpasiya ng ibang bagay ang Dios. Sa pagkakalipat niya sa mabuting buhay, ay kinailangan kong gampanan ang kaniyang tungkulin sa paglunsad sa Takloban nang ika-20 ng Oktubre ng 1944. Angkin ang mataos na katapatan at pagpapakumbaba ay sinabi ko noon ang sumusunod: “Dinaramdam kong ang ating yumao at minamahal na Pangulong Quezon ay wala rito ngayon at Hindi natin kasama upang saksihan ang pagkaganap ng dakilang usaping pinag-ukulan niya ng buhay, ang pagsasarill ng Pilipinas. Gayon man, ay nalalaman kong nadadama ninyo, gaya ng pagkadama ko, na siya’y kasama natin sa diwa upang makihalubilo sa ating bayan at pasiglahin tayong maganap ang mahalagang gawaing na sa harap natin.” Sa pagbanggit sa lahat ng pangyayari at bagay na iyan ay nakakaramdam ako ng isang katangitanging kasiyahan sa pagkagunitang ang Pangulong Quezon at ako ay nagkaroon ng kakayahang makapanindigan sa isang pagsasamang pangsarilinan at sa politika, na sanhi sa nagsimula 76 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 sa ilalim ng maliligayang bubong nang mga araw ng aming kabataan, ay nakitunggali sa lalong mabibigat na pagsubok at hindi natapos kundi sa kaniyang kamatayan. Gaya ng inyong nakita, tulad ng lahat ng bagay ng mga tao, ang pagsasamang iyan ay nagkaroon ng kaniyang mga kaliwanagan at ng kaniyang mga kadiliman — higit ang una kay sa huli — nagkaroon ng kaniyang mga liwayway at ng kaniyang mga kasungitan, nguni’t sa lalong mahahalaga, ay lagi nang nakalutang, sa kabila ng mga balakid at ng mga balabalaki ng kasaliwaan. Sa ibabaw ng lahat ay nadadama ko ang kaligayahan kung nagugunita ko ang lahat, sapagka’t naniniwala akong ang lahat ng pagpapakasakit na ginawa namin upang mailigtas ang pagkakaisa ng bansa sa mga sandaling maseselang sa kasaysayan ng ating bayan sa mga taong iyon na napaukol sa amin ang pangangasiwa ng kaniyang mga bagay-bagay, ay hindi ginawang nawalan ng saysay at nakatulong, kahi’t maliit sa bahaging nauukol sa akin, upang ang bayan ay makarating sa naabot ngayon. Ang mahalagang pangyayari sa pagsasamang iyan ay ang pagsasailalim ng lahat ng nauukol sa sarili sa dakilang kapakanan ng bayan, hanggang sa dako pa roon, kung minsan, nang hindi na madalumat na hanggahan ng pagpapakasakit. Angkin ang buong pagpapakumbaba, nguni’t matibay ang paniniwala at tiwasay ang budhi ng isang taong naniniwalang natupad ang kaniyang tungkulin, ay ipinagkakaloob ko sa kasaysayan ang sumusunod na pangyayari: Ang aking ginawang kasama ang Pangulong Quezon ay nagbibigay daan sa Pilipinas na ihandog sa daigdig ang isa sa mga halimbawa ng pagtanggi sa kapakanan ng sarili, na taglay ang mataas na pananagutang magkalakip, ang hindi masisirang pagkakaisa na totoong madalang na matagpuan sa kasaysayan ng mga demokrasia. Sa pagdiriwang na una sa Pilipinas ng araw ng pagsilang ng yumaong Pangulo, pagkatapos na matubos tayo, ay nais kong ulitin ang aking layong isalandas ang aking pangasiwaan sa tunguhing makabayang iginuhit ng aking sinundan. Isang bahaging totoong kailangan ng gawaing iyan sa kabutihan ng bayan ang pagtatamo ng pagbabagong buhay ng Pilipinas, makamtan ang pagkilala sa kaniyang kasarinlan at matiyak ang kaniyang kabuuan laban sa lahat ng pagsalakay mula sa labas. Matibay akong naniniwalang kung nagkakaisa at sa ilalim ng pagkandili ng Mapagkalingang Langit, ay mararating natin ang lubos na kaganapan ng mga layuning iyan. Source: University of the Phiiippines Main Library Osmena, S. (1945). Talumpating binigkas ng Pangulong Osmena noong ika-9 ng Agosto, 1945, sa isang pagdiriwang na parangal sa araw ng pagsilang ng Pangulong Quezon. Manila: Bureau of Printing. 77 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 Speech of His Excellency Sergio Osmefia President of the Philippines Before the Senate of the Philippines on ratification of an official copy of the Charter of the United Nations [Released on August 27, 1945] MR. PRESIDENT AND MEMBERS OE THE SENATE OE THE PHILIPPINES: A few days ago I received from Washington the report of the Philippine Delegation to the United Nations Conference on International Organization, held in San Francisco from April 25 to June 26, 1945. This report includes an official copy of the Charter of the United Nations, with the statute of the International Court of Justice annexed thereto, which was adopted in the Conference signed by the representatives of fifty nations, including the Commonwealth of the Philippines. As I had occasion to state before, we have reason to be proud of the position our country occupied at that historic conference. The part our delegates played in the actual formulation and adoption of the Charter is evidence of the admitted capacity of our people to share in the deliberations affecting the fundamental problems of mankind. It is with profound gratification that I invite the attention of this body to the fact that during the consideration of the proposal of trusteeship for dependent peoples, the Philippine Delegation was able to assume the leadership in the advocacy of independence as the goal toward which the aspiration of the peoples placed under trusteeship should lead. The stand of our delegation is fully in agreement with the world’s concept of our people as a democratic nation, and attests to our advocacy of self- government and freedom for all the peoples of the world. After the Charter has been accepted by this body, the Philippines as a member of the United Nations, will be entitled to the exercise of such rights as are now enjoyed only by full sovereign states. The Philippines will have a seat in the General Assembly and will exercise the right of choosing members, or of being chosen a member, of the Security Council. The Philippines will be entitled to take part in the selection of the members of the Social and Economic Council, of the Trusteeship Council, and also of the jurists who will sit in the International Court of Justice. Those who have made a thorough study of the Charter make no claims to perfection for this instrument. But its provisions offer, under the present circumstances, the most practical means of reducing international irritations and of mediating conflicts which might otherwise plunge the world into another and even more terrible holocaust than that which has just ended. The Charter is not merely a remedial measure. It embodies great constructive power. It establishes agencies to ensure the cooperation of all nations in the improvement of the economic, social, and cultural conditions of all peoples. As President Truman said: “This Charter points down the only road to enduring peace. There is no other. Let us not hesitate to join hands with the peace-loving peoples of the earth and start down that road with firm resolve that we can and will reach our goal.” I am taking the liberty of transmitting to you for your information the whole text of the message of the President of the United States on this subject. The United States Senate has already ratified 78 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 this Charter, thus making the United States definitely a leading member of this new international organization established by the free nations of the world to maintain peace and security and friendly relations among them. I consider it a privilege to appear before you to bring personally the official copy of the Charter of the United Nations received by our Government from the State Department of the United States of America. It is indeed a happy coincidence that when the Senate is called upon to exercise, for the first time in our history, its constitutional authority to ratify an international agreement, it should be this new Magna Carta which brings the Philippines into fellowship with all the peace-loving nations of the earth. I extend to you my heartiest congratulations on the opportunity which has come to this august body to exercise a high duty in behalf not only of our nation but also of mankind. Source: Presidential Museum and Library Osmena, S. (1945). Speech of His Excellency Sergio Osmena, President of the Philippines, before the Senate of the Philippines on ratification of an official copy of the Charter of the Unites Nations. Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines, 41(6), 492-493. 79 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 Message of His Excellency Sergio Osmefia President of the Philippines To Supreme Allied Commander Douglas MacArthur On the occasion of the signing of the Japanese surrender document [Released on September 3, 1945] Eighteen million Filipinos join me in sending you our heartfelt blessing at this moment of final victory. Even in our darkest hour our faith in you and America stood firm. Now that the battle has been won, your name will forever be emblazoned in our hearts as a symbol of the American spirit. Source: Presidential Museum and Library Osmefia, S. (1945). Message of His Excellency Sergio Osmefia, President of the Philippines, to Supreme Allied Commander Douglas MacArthur on the occasion of the signing of the Japanese surrender document. Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines, 41(6), 500. 80 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 Message of His Excellency Sergio Osmefia President of the Philippines To Chairman Robert Smith [Released on September 4, 1945] Robert Smith Chairman, Victory Chest Council Los Angeles, Cal. MANY THANKS YOUR MESSAGE. Delighted to have Mrs. Quezon act as my personal representative. Eollowing is message for use in connection with observance: QUOTE The victory of freedom’s forces in the Pacific places a heavy burden of responsibility upon all of us. It is our duty to live up to the principles of freedom and democracy for which so many have died and suffered. While we shall never forget their hardships, remembrance is not enough. All of us everywhere, in the Philippines, in the United States, and in every freedom-loving land, must work harder than ever before to assure a lasting and fruitful peace. Eor the people of the Philippines, there is a long, hard road of reconstruction ahead. Our homes have been destroyed. Our public buildings and public works are in ruins. Our agriculture and industry are badly shattered. We are already immersed in the desperate task of reconstruction, but we need help. Through the aid of your victory chest drive. I know that many Americans and Eilipinos in California will want to contribute toward the help we need. In the name of the Eilipino people who have suffered and are still suffering from the consequences of the war that has now ended, I send you my greetings and my thanks. ENDQUOTE SERGIO OSMENA President of the Philippines DB/ebc Source: National Library of the Philippines Osmefia, S. (1945). [Message of President Osmefia to Chairman Robert Smith]. Osmefia Collections, Rare book Section. National Library of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines. 81 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 Address of His Excellenq^ Sergio Osmefia President of the Philippines On the occasion of his 67th birthday [Broadcast by shortwave to the United States over the nationwide network of the Columbia Broadcasting System, September 9, 1945] GREETINGS TO ALL OE MY ERIENDS IN AMERICA: I welcome this opportunity to speak to you again from this battleground of freedom, where our people are rising out of the ruins of the war that is now ended. In a struggle as terrible as the one we have survived, a nation shows its true mettle. You in America have prevented the aggressor nations from carrying out their evil purposes against you. We in the Philippines have regained our freedom. These victories were won because our two nations — together with all the other United Nations — were able to achieve the common goal. To me, the friendship between the American people and the Filipino people is one of the most inspiring developments of our time. And having faced the same danger, fought the same enemy for survival and struggled for the same ideals, this friendship will endure forever. American-Filipino collaboration was not born in this war. Rather, it was matured in this war. It was the product of a long period of mutual understanding, mutual confidence, mutual help. I am proud that, throughout my lifetime, I have been able to witness the growth of this bond between my people and yours — and that I have been able to help foster its growth. In the year 1907, the United States permitted us to establish the Philippine Assembly, of which I was the Speaker. This was the first popularly elected national legislative body in the Philippines — indeed in any of the colonial territories of the Far East. It was our first great step toward representative, democratic government, a step taken with the assistance of America, a step that has led to our Commonwealth Government of today and will lead to our independent Republic of tomorrow. At the time of its establishment, I expressed my confidence that the Assembly would “cement the relationship between the already closely related Americans and Filipinos”. And the first official act of the Philippine Assembly was to adopt a resolution, addressed to President Theodore Roosevelt, thanking the American people for permitting us to establish the Assembly and thereby to participate directly in making the laws by which we were governed. That was thirty-eight years ago. In the time that has passed since then, the bond between us has grown stronger. The political actions which bound us together in the past were recently welded into military action which bound us even more closely. It was my privilege, during all these years, without interruption, to support the principle of cooperation between the Philippines and the United States. I was convinced this policy was both sound and wise during the time I was Speaker of the Philippine Assembly. I saw this policy ever more highly vindicated as the years passed. The closeness of our understanding was very evident to me during my many talks with your late very great President, Franklin D. Roosevelt, as well as with your new and also great President, Harry S. Truman. 82 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 Now, we in the Philippines are approaching the great day of our independence. For you, the independence of the Philippines is a symbol of the health and strength of your democratic ideals. For us, our independence marks our emergence as a free and sovereign nation. When our independent Republic is established, there will of course be a new political relationship between our two nations. But this I want to say, as strongly as I know how. When the Republic of the Philippines is established, I shall consider the friendship and collaboration between my nation and yours to be the essential feature of this new political relationship. That is my policy now. I am sure it will always be the cornerstone of Philippine foreign policy in the future. I know that I speak in the name of eighteen million Filipinos when I give this message to our friends in America: We have been loyal to you in peace and in war, and you have been loyal to us in peace and in war. We both stand today upon the threshold of a new era. Whatever happens, the bond between us shall remain firm, the cooperation between us shall continue, the intimate friendship between us shall become ever closer. In that spirit, we face the future. Source: Presidential Museum and Library Osmena, S. (1945). Address of Flis Excellency Sergio Osmena, President of the Philippines, on the occasion of his 67th birthday. Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines, 41(6), 489-490. 83 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 Speech of His Excellency Sergio Osmefia President of the Philippines Before a demonstration of the people of Manila on the grounds of Malacanan Palace On the occasion of his 67th birthday [Released on September 9, 1945] LADIES AND GENTLEMEN: After three years of absence from our country under painful and tragic circumstances, you can imagine my joy at being able to celebrate my birthday with my family and with our people, of whose kindness, sympathy, and affection I have received so many proofs. Having reached the age of 67 years, I thank God for His protection and for having preserved my life, and I thank our people for the opportunity they have given me to continue to serve them. It will hardly be denied that the condition of the Philippines today does not justify any celebration. With many of our cities and towns in ruins, with thousands of families homeless and half-clothed, with our agriculture, industry, and commerce paralyzed, with public works and essential public services dislocated, with a government beset with financial difficulties — in a word, with the pulse of the country’s life weakened by three years of war without precedent in its destruction of material as well as moral and spiritual values, the panorama before our eyes does not lend comfort to the heart. But with all this, my countrymen, I feel exceedingly happy because, in the midst of all this pain and misery, I am still with you, sharing your fate and, above all, satisfied that our liberation from the enemy more than compensates for all the losses which we have suffered. And what is more, I am thrilled at the manifestation of good will from so many friends and compatriots from all parts of the country. I thank them all for their kindness as also those friends from abroad who have felicitated me on this day. On a day like this, which marks one more lap, one more milestone, in the long and arduous journey of life, it would not be amiss to pause and cast a retrospective glance, not so much to indulge in a natural satisfaction over distances covered and achievements made, as to draw inspiration from the past, the better to trace a firm and secure path into the future. This retrospective glance becomes more important and useful when it is considered that we are on the threshold of independence and, as such, at the end of an epoch and the opening of a new. Our time is brief and the recapitulation must be swift. In examining the history of our country for the last 45 years, the phases which project themselves into the observer’s view are the following: firstly, the final convergence on the ideal of independence, and secondly, the constructive achievements of Filipino nationalism and the tactics and methods that made them possible. In the general exhaustion and discouragement produced by the defeat of our arms in the war against America at the beginning of the century, the Federal Party emerged with its Utopian policy of annexing the Philippines to the American Union. In part as a reaction to this dream, which for a time fired some imagination especially among the conservative elements, there sprang up various independist groups which, differing in their procedures and battletactics, nevertheless were united in one common 84 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 aspiration — independence as soon as possible. Coinciding with the organization of the First Philippine Assembly in 1907, these groups consolidated themselves into the Grand Nacionalista Party. After 1907, in one election after another, the nationalists defeated their adversaries and the time came when the strength of opposing political parties became so negligible that it had to be conceded that no election could be won except on a platform of immediate independence. Nationalism had definitely triumphed and had brought all parties to blazon independence on their banners. It cannot be doubted that this unity of aspiration gave a tremendous impetus to our hbertarian campaigns and paved the way for the Independence Law through which our efforts will reach a glorious culmination on July 4, 1946, with the establishment of the Philippine Republic. The conclusion is now inescapable that our fight for independence is definitely won, and that, as a political solution, it admits of no revision or backward step. This is because that solution is founded not only of our peaceful struggles for liberty during the last 45 years, but upon ah of our revolutions up to the end of the last century. Hardly less important than this great success, to my mind, were the methods which made its achievement possible. When, after the war with America and the establishment of civil government, the restrictions placed on political action were lifted, there were organized, as I have already said, the various independist groups which drew their ideals from the Revolution. The temptation then was great to follow a policy of systematic and aggressive resistance to American sovereignty. The so-called dollar imperialism was a very suggestive theme, lending itself readily to dramatic declamations. As a slogan it could be exploited at public meetings to excite the emotions of the populace. On the other hand, we had the positive assurances of the Americans and their representatives in the Philippines, to the effect that America had not come to conquer and colonize us in the manner of the European powers, but to help us Filipinos to form a democratic government, teach us its liberties, educate our youth and our common people, reconstruct our economy, establish public sanitation, build good roads, organize our agriculture, industries and commerce — in a word, to teach us the art of self- government. Placed at these crossroads, so to speak, what were we to do? The moment called for a transcendental decision which, for better or for worse, would affect and influence the whole course of our destiny. Such a decision some of us independists made, choosing to meet the challenge of the Americans, that is, work out a government and collaborate with them in the realization of their program, but without ceding one point in our historic and traditional demand for liberty and independence. Instead of adopting a purely negative, critical and declamatory attitude, or one of at least passive resistance, we resolved to submit to the test of proving our capacity to govern ourselves. It must not be assumed that this policy was unanimously accepted in the beginning; on the contrary, it was squarely opposed by certain sectors of public opinion. As the man most responsible for the Filipino strategy of those days, I was criticized, at times bitterly, and it was even insinuated that I had sold out to the Americans in exchange for prerogatives and advantages for the Nacionalistas in the government. The ultra-radicals charged that we were sacrificing liberty to soft comforts and the power and privileges entailed in cooperation with the sovereign. That, however, was false. Never had we been more free, and never were we more firm in the pursuance of the fundamental program of independence. With less noise and truculence, we merely put the emphasis on the necessity of proving our capacity for self-government by positive acts. As a matter of fact, we continued a step by step advance toward the independence law which crowned our efforts. Is the work of Filipino nationalism now over? Has its role ended with the winning of that glorious victory? Roundly I answer no. Filipino nationalism, embracing the people’s deepest aspirations, satisfactorily discharged a historic task as the first architect of our nation. Filipino nationalism must now inspire and conserve and perpetuate it. 85 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 The tasks before us are of such character and magnitude that the Filipino people could find no greater challenge to that genius for leadership and that capacity for construction of which it has given so many brilliant and eloquent proofs under Nacionalista leadership. The problems which demand our attention may be divided into two categories: first, those calling for solutions which cannot be postponed, and, second, those which are of a long-range nature and permit of more time. The immediate problems are those relating to the satisfaction of the basic and primordial needs of the people, like housing, clothing, food, and medicine. Included in this category, among others, are the problems of sanitation, public education, land and maritime transportation, peace and order, essential public works, banks and other credit establishments, and public finance. In one word, they are problems which have to do with the immediate reestablishment of at least that order and such conditions as prevailed in the pre-war period. Involved in these problems is the great debt of gratitude we owe to those who fell in the night of oppression, victims of the enemy, both those who lost their lives on the front lines as defenders of their land and of the principles of democracy, and those who succumbed in dungeons and torture- chambers, paying with their lives for their unbending loyalty. This debt the nation must pay, not in lip-service alone, but in terms of substantial and tangible help for their widows, orphans, and other dependents. In remembering the widows of so many martyrs, many of them unknown, I believe I voice a universal sentiment when I express the profound gratitude of the country also to the Filipino woman for the loyalty and patriotism she demonstrated during the years of the Japanese occupation; silently but effectively, she, too, served the cause of the Resistance. I am sure that in the tremendous tasks of the post-war period, in the formidable work of rehabilitation and reconstruction, that same woman will do honor to her legendary patriotism, placing at the service of her country and her government the genius and constructive capacity of which she has given such abundant proofs in the past. Nor must we, in dispensing legitimate recompense, forget those who have survived the disaster — the Philippine Army soldiers who faced death on the front lines, the heroic men who slugged it out with the enemy in mountains and jungles, the patriots who withstood the tortures of the military police, and last but not least, the civilian volunteers who at every opportunity risked their lives to sabotage the enemy. To all of these men the nation owes the duty of recognizing and rewarding their valor. There are also the long-range problems. Our objective is not only to reestablish pre-war conditions but to improve those conditions. This will require a vast national program, covering all the phases of our economy. It will be necessary for us to develop our immense natural resources, under the restrictions and safeguards provided in our Constitution. Those resources are the patrimony of our nation, and should only be exploited rationally and for the benefit of each and every Filipino. They must not fall into the hands of a privileged few, foreign or native. In developing these resources, our objective should not merely be to create wealth, but to see to it that that wealth goes to the benefit of the common man. Our aim is not to make millionaires, but to create for the citizen every opportunity in the form of work which will be sufficiently rewarding to permit him and his family to enjoy the essential comforts of civilization. Concomitantly, it is our duty to expand our program of social legislation, making it more liberal and progressive. Without doing away with the system of free competition and free enterprise based on private property rights, we should endeavor to extend to the maximum, the benefits of a sound and efficient system of social and economic security. We cannot live in a little world of our own that refuses to move forward. The signs of the times are clear: the masses no longer consider the political bill of rights as the alpha and omega of any constitution, but also demand an economic bill of rights and its enforcement. 86 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 Such is the great adventure in reconstruction which faces the Filipino people. The question naturally arises: How should we accept a challenge of such magnitude? What methods should we adopt to undertake the mighty task ahead, and how attack the problems that must be solved? Success or failure will largely depend upon the manner of approach. It is of primary importance that we adopt no prideful attitude in the face of this challenge. It would be unpardonable to pretend that we can accomplish everything by our own efforts alone. While indeed the basic effort must be ours, still it is evident that without the assistance of the United States no degree of success is possible. We shall also need the help of the international agencies created by the United Nations for the rehabilitation of world economy and finance. But the principal aid, I repeat, must come from our noble ally — the United States of America. It is therefore absolutely essential that our conduct now and in the future be guided by the fundamental principle that we must retain the confidence, the great and constructive sympathy, which America has always shown toward us, and particularly during these last few years which have culminated in our liberation from Japanese tyranny. The same policy which in the past, under nationalist leadership, won the confidence and good- will of America in the joint enterprise of building our nation, should be followed now and in the future, with such modifications as the circumstances may require, particularly the circumstance that America will soon cease to exercise suzerainty over our affairs. Our conduct must be such as to give no room for doubt regarding our adherences and loyalty. Nothing should be done to detract from the magnificent conception which America and the world have formed of our country in the war’s role of honor. This does not mean that, already independent, we should be subservient to influences from the outside world, or that we should tolerate interferences in our internal affairs. Neither America nor any other liberty-loving country, I believe, would take any action impairing our sovereignty. But it is evident that our Allies in the great crusade against the forces of oppression will have the right to expect of us such conduct as is in keeping with the great ideals and principles for which so many lives have been sacrificed. In no other way can we continue to hold their friendship and respect. And we should never lose sight of the fact that our collaboration with America after this war will not end with the accomplishment of the task of reconstruction and rehabilitation. America and the Philippines are bound to protect their integrity and interests mutually, securing also the peace in the Pacific through the creation and maintenance of bases in this country. Aside from this, even after the bonds of our political dependence are severed, America and the Philippines will have common aims to promote, which are not only of a material, but of a moral and spiritual character. In the material sphere, it will interest both countries to promote commerce and the exchange of goods and services to an extent and under such terms as their respective economies will permit. On the cultural and spiritual side, America leaves here a language, a culture, and certain institutions through which, notwithstanding the cessation of our political dependence, America will exert a permanent influence over Filipino life. We have, therefore, a Filipino-American collaboration not for ten, twenty, or fifty years, but for all time — so long as there is such a thing as Filipino democracy, the fruition, on this side of the Pacific, of American democracy. Source: Presidential Museum and Library Osmena, S. (1945). Speech of His Excellency Sergio Osmena, President of the Philippines, before a demonstration of the people of Manila on the grounds of Malacanan Palace on the occasion of his 67th birthday. Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines, 41(6), 483-488. 87 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 Speech of His Excellency Sergio Osmefia President of the Philippines Before the delegation of the Democratic Alliance [Delivered at Malacanan Palace, September 23, 1945] MY COUNTRYMEN: I am happy to receive you all and I am very eager to have your petition. Your suggestions are entirely welcome, and I promise to give them my most careful and sympathetic attention. It is only proper that you should take a keen interest in the rehabilitation of the Philippines. After all your trouble and suffering, you show a commendable determination to help your Government produce order from chaos and solve your common problems. Your frank acknowledgment of our present limitations reveals your sense of fairness. You are aware of the precarious condition of our national economy and our public finance. You realize the fact that in order for us to solve our problems of relief and rehabilitation, we need all the resources we can muster in money as well as in materials. Precisely because of this situation, I feel it is my duty to go again to the United States as soon as my pressing official work here will permit. I am hopeful that in my negotiations with the United States authorities, I shall have behind me the united and whole-hearted support of our people. All of us must work together and see eye to eye with one another in the matter not only of rebuilding our country on the ruins of war, but of standing well in the eyes of the world. We are now, as you all know, a member of the United Nations organization. Only the other day I had the honor of affixing my signature to the document ratifying our adherence to the Charter of Democracy. Whatever we do, therefore, must be in keeping with the new spirit of human unity that is behind the United Nations. It was this spirit which kept the ranks of the Democracies compact in the darkest hours of the titanic struggle with Fascism, and it is this same spirit which must preserve mankind in the new day of peace. The freedom-loving peoples of the earth have survived the great test of war by pulling together: they cannot fail in peace, if they bear in mind their common destiny as creatures of one God. In this post-war era, when all chauvinistic aims must give way to collective responsibility, it would be fatal not to open our eyes to the realities emphasized by the war. These realities are basically economic, and their main goal is the well-being and security of the Common Man. No program of economic betterment can be evolved upon any other basis than the improvement of the lot of the ordinary citizen. I have said it before, and I say it again now, that the citizen’s Bill of Political Rights is no longer enough; that there must be, besides it, a Bill of Economic Rights. To formulate, adopt and enforce this Bill of Economic Rights we must stand and work together as a people one and indivisible. Man must be free from want. We must expand our social legislation program to include all the neglected phases of the worker’s life. We must keep that always in mind. We will have fought the war in vain, the patriotic sacrifices and the suffering of our people will have been in vain, if our leaders now neglect the interests of the masses of the people. They indeed demand, — have long demanded, a fairer 88 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 share in the fruit of labor, better wages, a piece of land they can call their own, a home in which to live, ample educational opportunities for their children. What could be more reasonable? That is only just. The current of national opinion runs strongly in the direction of these reforms, and I pledge every legitimate endeavor of my Administration to their establishment. I thank you. Source: Presidential Museum and Library Osmena, S. (1945). Speech of President Sergio Osmena before the delegation of the Democratic Alliance. Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines, 41(7), 689-690. 89 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 Speech of His Excellency President Osmefia President of the Philippines On the occasion of the opening of the first library in Manila by the Office of War Information of the United States Army in the Philippines [Released on September 26, 1945] LADIES AND GENTLEMEN: The opening of this library amid the ruins of our devastated capital should gladden every Filipino heart. As the first tangible evidence of America’s interest in our cultural rehabilitation, this library is a landmark in Philippine postwar history. The vandalic Japanese did not only rob us of our possession, but they also tried to tyrannize us culturally. It was part of this policy of cultural tyranny to destroy the sources of our democratic ideas, in the hope of controlling our minds and dominating our lives. The Japanese had to extirpate free thought in order to make room for totalitarian doctrines. They had to institute here a sort of mental blackout in order that the Filipinos might obey unquestioningly the decrees of the self-styled master race of Asia. Almost the first thing, therefore, they did upon setting foot on our soil was to mutilate our books and destroy all forms of literature which had to do with democratic ideas. Every vestige of American influence was erased from the pages of our textbooks, as if by doing so they could kill the Filipino child’s love for America. This vicious attempt to suppress freedom of thought reached its climax with the Battle for the Philippines when, in their characteristic vandalic way, the retreating, defeated Japanese burned schools and libraries. Needless to say, the Filipinos resisted this cultural aggression, and won: far from giving up their democratic ideas, they only felt a greater repugnance for Japanese thought and Japanese doctrines. It was a complete Filipino victory over the pretensions of a perverted Fascist way of life. In depriving us of the means of free thought and free expression, the Japanese merely taught us to look for such things more eagerly. The lack of reading matter did not kill, but rather sharpened, the natural Filipino thirst for ideas. And now that America has returned we can slake that thirst again in the great literature of the American people. This library — this treasure-house of democracy — is the symbol of free America. The Office of War Information is to be congratulated for opening it to our people. Heretofore the OWI has done excellent work in the Philippines. It has been a staunch friend and supporter of our people. It has given us reliable news in the press and over the radio. It comforted us through the dark days of our enslavement under the Japanese. And now it sets up this library as further positive proof of its usefulness as an agency of America’s cultural genius. 90 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 I voice a nation-wide sentiment when I say that the OWI, which has served us faithfully and well, deserves the deepest gratitude of the Filipino people. I wish it all success in the new information service to which it will shortly be dedicated. Source: Presidential Museum and Library Osmena, S. (1945). Speech of President Sergio Osmena on the occasion of the opening of the first library in Manila by the Office of War Information of the United States Army in the Philippines. Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines, 41(7), 691-692. 91 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 Speech of His Excellency Sergio Osmefia President of the Philippines In the Herald-Tribune Forum [Delivered in New York City, October 29, 1945] I am delighted to be able to participate in the Herald-Tribune forum which has done so much to help inform and crystallize American public opinion on the vital problems confronting your country. With your indulgence I propose to discuss briefly the future of Philippine-American cooperation — a subject which has a direct bearing on the whole problem of “responsibility of victory.” Thirty-eight years ago, this month, in the year 1907, there convened in Manila the first popularly elected Legislative Assembly of the Philippines. That assembly faced many problems. Our country was emerging out of centuries of Spanish rule and everywhere we had to cope with the tasks of education, economic development, political growth. One of the most pressing questions at that time, strange though it may seem to us now, was to what extent were we Filipinos willing to cooperate with the United States. Remember, if you will, the background of our history. For three and a half centuries, we had been under the rule of Spain. Spain had brought us many good things — our Christian religion, our Western orientation, our familiarity with European government systems, but it had not brought us liberty. We had to get that for ourselves. We had to rebel against Spain. By the time Dewey’s squadron sailed into Manila Bay for the battle that was to end Spanish rule in the Philippines, the Filipino revolutionists had overthrown Spanish control of the whole country with the exception of Manila itself. Our leaders had assumed that after the American victory Philippine independence would be recognized at once by the United States, but your country preferred to establish its sovereignty over the Philippines and give us only a promise of future freedom. Since there had never been in all history a case of a powerful sovereign voluntarily assisting a weak colonial people toward self-government and liberty, many Filipinos did not believe your promise and there followed the bloody years of war between Americans and Filipinos. After the conflict, the American policy of increasing self-government for the Filipino people began to unfold. It was a new and revolutionary policy. It was an experiment, a common adventure — indeed, a promise to all the submerged millions of this world. When the Philippine Assembly first met in 1907, there were still some Filipinos who did not fully trust the American intentions in our country. I had the honor to be elected Speaker of that Assembly and the burden of decision on the question whether or not to cooperate with the American government in the Philippines fell largely upon me. I helped make the decision to cooperate. The first resolution of the Philippine Assembly was addressed to President Theodore Roosevelt, thanking the American people for permitting us to establish the Assembly and thereby to participate directly in making the law by which we were governed, and the first law that we passed was an appropriation of a million pesos for the construction not of armaments but of schools where the people could learn the English language and American democracy. 92 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 All of us in the Philippines know now that this decision to work with you and grow with you and fight by your side was a wise decision. The record is there for the whole world to see and it is a record of which both your people and mine may well be proud. There is another and equally important fact to remember about this record. It is the fact that, although the Philippines was under American sovereignty when Japan invaded the Philippines, we Filipinos fought in defense of the American flag. In other areas, under similar circumstances, the people chose not to defend the sovereign power whose flag flew over their country. As you know, in some places they actually welcomed the Japanese. We did not do that. We chose not to do that. Our struggle by your side was a deliberate decision made by the people of the Philippines. We decided to defend your sovereignty, not as slaves fighting for their masters, but as a free people making a free decision to join in defense of the free way of life which your country represents. Now, we in the Philippines, on the eve of our independence, face the same issue that we faced in 1907, when our first Philippine Assembly convened — the same issue that we faced in December, 1941, when the enemy attacked your sovereignty in the Philippines. We must decide whether after independence Philippine- American cooperation should continue and how close it should be. My own position on this matter is well known. I see no reason why the cutting of our political ties when independence comes need make any change in the close relationship between our two nations. My predecessor. President Quezon, and I have assured our people that Philippine-American friendship is a two-way passage. We have offered our most sincere cooperation to your Government. We have gladly consented to the building of bases on our soil for the protection of the Philippines and the United States even after our country is independent. Now, as in the past, we are willing to assume our full responsibility to the United States. I hold to that policy of taking for granted that the United States, for its part, will discharge its full responsibilities because of your commitments to the Philippines. You did so not only because you are the kind of liberty-loving people that you are, but also because you will receive something in return. You made a commitment to the Philippines when your late and very great President Franklin D. Roosevelt told the Filipino people in the very earliest days of the war that “your freedom will be redeemed and your independence established and protected” and that we would be “assisted in the full repair of the ravages caused by the war.” President Roosevelt’s worthy successor, Harry S. Truman, reaffirmed the promise when he said, “The Philippine people whose heroic and loyal stand in the war has won the affection and admiration of the American people will be fully assisted by the United States in the great problems of rehabilitation and reconstruction which lie ahead.” You made a commitment to the Philippines when, in 1909, the Congress of the United States decided to establish a free-trade relationship between our two countries. Our Philippine Assembly adopted a resolution petitioning you not to do so, expressing the fear that free trade “would in the future become highly prejudicial to the economic interests of the Filipino people” because it would orient our entire economy in your direction, but you decided to establish free trade in spite of our protest. We have made the best of this and the best has been very good indeed. We had achieved before the war the highest standard of living of any nation in the Orient. Our economy before the war was prospering. The truth today is that unless some such relationship is restored and maintained for a reasonable time, we shall not be able to rehabilitate our country. You made a commitment to the Philippines when you undertook to protect our independence and when we agreed on the establishment of American air and naval bases for mutual necessity in the Philippines. That commitment involves for your own safety as well as for ours something more than 93 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 the mere building and maintenance of bases. It involves a network of roads and communications to make those bases worthwhile and it involves the assurance of a peaceful, prospering hinterland to make those bases firm. President Truman has always borne these commitments in mind. Only a few days ago, he made public a series of directives to various United States agencies and officials covering many problems of the Philippines. Most of the specific points he made arose out of the conversations which I have had with the President and other high officials of your Government. I want to make it clear, however, that neither President Truman nor I consider the concrete steps taken last week to be anything like a complete program for the solution of our problems. They do not cover many of the overall questions of full rehabilitation and reconstruction in the Philippines. I believe that American responsibility to the Philippines will not have been fulfilled until these problems are settled. When I speak of the pressing need for America to carry out her responsibility to the Philippines I am thinking of very specific matters. We are asking for twenty years of quota limited free trade with the United States on the basis of the 1940 level and not a strangulating graduated tax on such trade. We are asking for fair treatment on war damages providing just compensation to those who suffered when the war came to Philippine soil protected by American sovereignty. We are asking the United States to help us pick up again from where we were when the Japanese attacked American sovereignty in the Philippines. The past half century of gigantic progress in the Philippines, brutally interrupted though it was by the war, is one of the brightest pages of human history. Your inspiration, your guidance, your help has been tremendous and the United States of America will always be respected for her role in the Philippines. But do not forget that Filipinos, too, had something to do with all of this. Our progress was achieved by us largely through our efforts and entirely without money. Check back over the appropriations voted by your Congress through all these years, and you will find no item for the operation of our Government, the building and maintenance of our school system, the construction of our roads and public works, the development of our public health program. The costs were not borne by you; they were borne by us. We do not ask for your charity anymore than we have asked for it in the past. What we do ask for as we have in the past is your help, your understanding, your willingness to fulfill the obligations which you yourselves have assumed. I know how warm and friendly is the American sentiment toward the Filipino people. Every person I have talked to in this country, whether public official or private citizen, has revealed his heartfelt sympathy for our present distress and his sincere desire to help us get back on our feet. There is a very special American feeling for us just as there is a very special Filipino feeling for you. Nowhere in the world is there a relationship between two peoples that resembles the relationship between the American people and the Filipino people. But today we must make up our minds on the basis of this relationship about the future strength of the ties that bind us together. President Truman in his recent directives has shown to the world that he gives a very special priority to the problems of relief, reconstruction and rehabilitation in the Philippines. Fie has for himself made the decision and it is a good decision, but our trade relations, our war damage claims, our overall rehabilitation needs are not for him alone to decide. These questions come before the Congress of the United States and they come before the intelligence and the conscience of the American people. 94 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 This is a period when your people must decide whether or not the Filipino-American brotherhood that existed before the war and was sealed in blood during the war, will continue now that the war is ended. And even after independence, we of the Philippines cannot make that decision for you; we can only tell you that for our part we want to continue our close cooperation with you. Source: Presidential Museum and Library Osmena, S. (1945). Speech of President Osmena in the Herald-Tribune Forum. Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines, 41(8), 950-954. 95 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 Address of His Excellenq^ Sergio Osmefia President of the Philippines Before the Executive Session of the Tydings Committee [Delivered in Washington, D.C., November 5, 1945] I am very thankful to you Mr. Chairman and to the members of your committee for the privilege of meeting with you once more on the eve of my departure for the Philippines. I am especially grateful for your keen interest in our problems. Soon after my arrival here last month I conferred with your distinguished chairman and the next day the Senate approved the Bill making available to the Commonwealth Government the amount of $71,000,000 for general purposes in the Philippines. Without these funds it would have been difficult for the Philippine Government to function. A week later I was given the opportunity of meeting with you in this Committee Room. I pictured for you the distressing condition of my people as a result of the war and the urgent need for rehabilitation. Without losing time you started discussing our needs and as a result a few days later Senator Tydings introduced the Philippine Rehabilitation Bill of 1945. I understand you are now ready to report this Bill out of the Committee. Through this Bill when finally approved the Filipino people will be materially assisted in the rebuilding of their homes and the restoration of their industries. I am informed that the members of the Committee are of one mind on this Bill. I hope that when the Bill is favorably reported it will be passed with the least possible delay. The element of time is essential in this matter. The lives of my people depend on your action. Indeed the life of the nation depends on it. Once again the world will see that America always makes good on her promise. As for the Filipino people I know you will have their undying gratitude. Source: Presidential Museum and Library Osmefia, S. (1945). Address of President Sergio Osmefia before the Executive Session of the Tydings Committee. Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines, 41(1), 113-114. 96 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 Message of His Excellency Sergio Osmefia President of the Philippines On the 10th anniversary of the Philippine Commonwealth [Released on November 15, 1945] Ten years of Commonwealth Government have been crucial years for our country. During this decade we were placed on our mettle before the world. The test was greater than anyone dreamed in 1935. For we have had a war, three years of enemy occupation, and a whirlwind of devastation. During this decade, our people have met this test to the satisfaction and respect of the whole world. But we must not delude ourselves into thinking that, having met the test, there is no more to be done. Democracy is always a test for people who have chosen it as their way of life. In years to come, as we confront the problems of reconstruction and rehabilitation, we shall still be on our mettle — before our own conscience and before the world. This is a time, then, to recall our past progress and to rededicate ourselves to the spirit of national unity and patriotism out of which we can build a strong, prosperous, healthy Philippines. This is especially important on the eve of our independence, which will be an accomplished fact on or before July 4, 1946. Source: Presidential Museum and Library Osmefia, S. (1945). Message of President Sergio Osmefia on the 10th anniversary of the Philippine Commonwealth. Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines, 41(8), 946-947. 97 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 Talumpati ng Kagalang-galang Sergio Osmefia Pangulo ng Pilipinas Nang dumating sa Maynila [Ika-21 ng Nobyembre, 1945] Nagkaroon ako ng katangian sa aking paglalakbay na pabalik na ito, na, maisama kong makauwi sa sariling bayan ang mabunying mag-anak ng yumaong Pangulong Quezon. Si Gng. Quezon at ang kaniyang mga anak ay sumama sa kanilang mabunying asawa at ama noong Marso ng 1942 nang hilingin ng Pangulo ng Estados Unidos sa kaniya na pangsamantalang ilipat sa Washington ang Pamahalaang Commonwealth. May sakit siya noon at napapatawan ng mabigat na gawain at pananagutan sa mga bagaybagay ng ating bayang na sa digma. Ang mag-anak na ito ay siyang sa tuwi- tuwi na ay magiliw na nangangalaga sa kaniya at nagdudulot ng kaginhawahan at kasiyahang totoong kinakailangan niya sa mahabang pagkakasakit. At nang dumating ang hindi maiiwasan, ay kaharap silang lahat. Ang kanilang pagbabalik sa Pilipinas sa panahong ito na taglay lamang nila ang ala-ala ng ating yumaong patnubay ay mangyari pang isang malungkot na pagkakataon. Nguni’t natitiyak kong sa gitna ng kanilang pamimighati, ay makatatagpo sila ng aliw at kaluguran sa walang maliw na pag- ibig at mataos na pagmamahal sa kanilang lag! nang angkin sa push ng kanilang sariling bayan. Hinihingi ko sa inyo ang isang sandaling pananahimik bilang mapitagang pagpaparangal sa yumaong Pangulong Quezon. Pinasasalamatan ko kayo sa inyong pamahayag na ito ng pagbati sa aking pagbabalik buhat sa Washington. Matamis ang pagbabalik. Sa buong panahon ng aking panunuparan ng gawain sa Estados Unidos, ang aking isipan ay lagi nang na sa inyo. Nagtungo ako sa Washington, sa pagka isang tagapagsalita, hindi sa aking sarili, kundi sa ngalan ninyo at sa ngalan ng buong bayan natin. Ang malaking pagkakatipong ito ay nagpapagunita sa akin sa isang katulad na pagtanggap na inihandog sa akin nang bumalik ako buhat sa panunuparan ng tungkol sa Estados Unidos noong 1939. Ang malaking pagbabago sa daigdig na naganap mula noon ay maaari lamang mailarawang mabuti sa paghahambing ng panunungkulang iyon at nang kagaganap ko pa lamang ngayon. Noong 1939, gaya nang magugunita ninyo, ang aking tungkulin ay matamo ang ilang totoong kinakailangang pag-aayos ng mga tadhana sa pangangalakal ng Batas sa Pagsasarili ng Pilipinas. Nang tumulak ako sa Maynila ay marami ang naniniwalang ang kalagayan sa Washington ay hindi magbibigay daan ng pagtatagumpay ng aking tungkulin. Ang ulap ng digma ay lumalaganap na sa Europa, at ang mga siiliraning pangloob ng Amerika ay totoong malaki. Ngayon, nang dumating ako sa Washington, ay natagpuan kong ang Estados Unidos ay nahaharap sa lalong mabibigat at magugusot na siiliranin kay sa noong una. Sa larangang pangloob, ay kinakailangan ng mga amerikanong malutas ang mabibigat na mga siiliraning pangbansa. Sa kalagayang pangdaigdig, ang sanglibutang nahaharap sa pagkatapos ng digma — kalakip ang kaniyang nakapangingilabot na lakas na atomika — ay nahaharap sa isang bagong madaliang pangangailangan ng isang matatag na pagkakaunawaan at malakas na katipunan ng mga bansa. Ang mga siiliraning ito ay pangunahin sa 98 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 palagay ng mga tanyag na lider ng Pamahalaang Amerikano, at sa maraming pagkakataon ang mga bagay-bagay ng Pilipinas ay dapat harapin nang pangmahabaan. Sa kabilang dako, noong 1939, ay angkin ko ang lahat ng panahong aking kailangan upang pagpasiyahan, at halos kinailangan ko ang isang taon upang matamo ang ilang pagbabago sa umiiral na batas. Ngayon, ang lahat ng aking pagkilos ay sumasailalim ng kabatirang totoong kinakailangan ang pagbabalik ko sa Maynila sa lalong madaling panahong magagawa. Noong 1939, ay nagawa kong maiukol ang aking sarili nang lubusan sa aking mga pananagutan sa Washington. Ngayon, ay kinakailangan kong hatiin ang aking hinaharap na mga gawain sa Washington at sa Maynila. Noong 1939, ay angkin ko ang nagkakaisang pagkatig ng ating bayan. Ngayon, ay napaharap ako sa laganap na paniwalang amerikano na ang ating bayan ay hindi nagkakaisa. Sa kabila ng malalaking balakid na ito, ay maaari kong ipagbigay-alam sa inyo ngayong ang aking gawain ay nagbigay daan sa akin upang makatulong sa pagbalangkas ng isang palatuntunan sa pagbabagong tatag at pagbabagong buhay ng Pilipinas, ngayon at pagkatapos ng pagsasarili, na nababatay sa mga tiyak na patakaran. Ang palatuntunang ito, sa pangungusap ng tao, ay nauukol sa pagkain, pananamit, sa tahanan, sa pagdudulot ng hanapbuhay, sa kalinisan at sa pagtuturd. Nauukol din naman sa paunlad na pangangalakal, kapanatagan sa kabuhayan at kabutihan ng madia. Sa pagbuo ng palatuntunang ito, ay nakipanayam akong makailan sa Pangulong Truman at gayon din sa mga kagawad ng kaniyang gabinete, at silang lahat ay tahasang nagpakilala ng kanilang mataos at magiliw na pagmamalasakit sa kabutihan ng Pilipinas. Nakipanayam din ako sa mga pangunang lider ng Kongreso Amerikano, pati na sa Pangulong pro-tempore ng Senado McKellar at Espiker Rayburn, tumutugon sa layong ito. Inaasahang ipahihintulot ang paglalaan ng isang bilyong piso ukol sa bagay na ito. Ikatlo. Upang muling maipagawd ang ating mga lansangan, tuldy, at mga kaluwagdn sa daungan. Isang pagbabagong inihanda ng Senador Carl Hayden ukol sa layong ito ang inilakip sa “Batas sa Pagbabagong Tatag ng 1945” ni Tydings, na sa madaling panahon ay pagpapasiyahan ng Kongreso ng Estados Unidos. Ikaapat. Upang tulungan ang ating Pdmahaladn sa papanumbalik at pagtatayong mult ng mga kinakailangang gusaling bayan, paglilingkod, gawain at kapakinabangan. Ito’y tinutugon ng isang panukalang batas na nagpapahintulot sa Lupon ng mga kagamitang lumabis na ilipat sa Commonwealth ng Pilipinas, nang walang bayad, ang lahat nang lumabis na ariarian ng Estados Unidos na ngayon o pagkatapos ay na sa Pilipinas, matangi ang mga sandata at punglo. Ikalima. Upang tubusm ang salapi ng gerilya. Hiniling ng Pangulo ng Estados Unidos sa mga kagawarang digma at pananalapi na magharap ng mga tagubilin ukol sa mga kinakailangang hakbang sa ikagaganap ng tungkulin ng Estados Unidos sa pananalaping ito. Ikaanim. Upang matiydk sa mga beteranong pilipino ang mga biyayang katulad sa ipinagkakaloob sa mga beteranong amerikano sa Estados Unidos. Ang tagapangasiwa ng mga bagaybagay ng beterano ay gumagawa ngayon ng isang maingat na pagsusuri sa lahat ng biyayang binabayaran sa Pilipinas, sa nagdaan at sa kasalukuyan. Ikapito. Upang magtamd ng kapangyarihan sa mga ariarian ng kaaway, magtng kahi’t anong uri at ayos sa Pilipinas, na mapagpapasiyahdn ng Pdmahaladng Commonwealth, ayon sa ipinalalagay na nababagay. Ito’y nakatadhana sa “Batas sa Pagbabagong Tatag ng 1945” ni Tydings. Ikawalo. Upang magtakdd ng mga kaluwagdn sa pangungutang sa layong mapanumbaltk ang kalakal, industn'a at pagsasaka. Hinihingi ng Pangulong Truman sa Pangulo ng Export-Import Bank na tumulong sa panunumbalik sa pangkaraniwang takbo ng kabuhayan sa Pilipinas at magmungkahi 99 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 ng mga hakbang na magbibigay daan sa Banko na magawa ang pagtulong. Isang panukalang batas ang nakabitin ngayon sa Kongreso upang magmg saligan nito. Ikasiyam. Upang magpairal at magpanatili ng pagkakalakalang kapakipakinabang sa dalatvdng bansd, na makatitiydk sa muUng pagbabangon ng paglalabds ng ating industria at matamo ang pangkaraniwang pagpapadald ng mga kagamitdng kailangan ng madid. Isinasaalang-alang ngayon ng Lupon sa pamamaraan at pamamalakad ng Kapulungan ng mga Kinatawan ng Kongreso ng Estados Unidos ang isang panukalang batas sa pagkakalakalan ukol sa bagay na ito. Sa samantala, ay hiniling ng Pangulong Truman sa Pangulo ng Reconstruction Finance Corporation na ipagpatuloy at ipagpauna ang palatuntunan sa Pilipinas sa pagpapasok at pagbibili ng mga panindang kailangan. Ikasampu. Upang mapalakds ang katayuan ng pangkdt ng polisiang pangbansd at sa ganydn ay mapangalagaan ang kapayapaan at kaayusan. Ang Kagawarang Digma ay magpapatuloy sa pagtulong sa Pamahalaang Commonwealth sa pagpapanibagong tatag ng Konstabularia sa Pilipinas. Ikalabing-isa. Upang tumibay ang katatagdn ng Pamahalaang Commonwealth sa pamamagitan ng pagpawi sa mga pinagmumulan ng hindi kasiyahdn. Ang mataas na komisionado sa Pilipinas, sa tulong ng Pamahalaang Commonwealth, ay magmumungkahi ng mga pamamalakad na maaring pairalin ng pamahalaan upang mapawi ang mga sanhi ng hindi kasiyahan ng ilang manggagawa sa pagsasaka. Ikalabingdalawa. Upang madulutan ng kagydt na tulong sa pananalapi ang Pdmahaladng Commonwealth. Ang Kongreso at ang Pangulo ng Estados Unidos ay nagpasiyang alisin ang lahat ng paghihigpit sa paggamit ng halagang nalilikom sa mga pabuwis sa langis ng niyog at sa asukal. Sa pamamagitan nito ay maaaring magamit sa pangkalahatang layunin ang isang halagang aabot sa 140,000,000 piso. Nilagdaan ng Pangulong Truman ang batas na nagpapahintulot ng pagpapalabas ng bahagi ng ating saligan sa pakikipagpalitan ng salapi upang magamit sa pangkalahatang layunin ng Pamahalaang Commonwealth. Ikalabingtatlo. Upang mapanumbalik at mapabuti ang pangangalakal sa Kapuluan. Ang Lupon sa Pagdaragat ay pahihintulutang makapagpaupa sa mga tao at mga samahan ng mga sasakyang dagat na walang dalawang libong toneleda. Ang Lupon ay pahihintulutan ding makapagbigay daan sa mga pilipinong makapag-aral sa United States Merchant Marine at sa United States Merchant Marine Academy sa gugol Pamahalaan ng Estados Unidos. Ikalabing-apat. Upang mangalagd ng isang pamamaraan sa kaluwagan sa paglalakbay sa papawirin at sa paglilingkod ng mga pahatiran para sa pagkilos ng mga sasakydn sa papawirm sa Kapuluan. Ang Tagapangasiwa ng Civil Aeronautics ng Kagawaran ng Pangangalakal ay bibigyan ng pahintulot na magtakda ng mga kaluwagan at paglilingkod sa bagay na ito. Sasanayin din ng tanggapan ang mga pilipino, sa gugol ng Pamahalaan ng Estados Unidos, sa paglipad sa himpapawid at sa ibang paglilingkod na kailangan sa maayos at ligtas sa panganib na pagyayao’t dito sa papawirm. Ikalabinglima. Upang magkaroon ng kaluwagan sa pagkilala sa kalagayan ng panahon sa Pilipinas hanggdng sa muling mabuksdn ang kawanihan ng obserbatorio sa Pilipinas at malagdy sa katayuang makapaghahawak ng pananagutan. Ang pinuno ng Kawanihan ng Obserbatorio ng Kagawaran ng Pangangalakal ay magdudulot ng ganyang kaluwagan sa Pilipinas. Sasanayin din ng Kawanihan ang mga pilipino sa paglilingkod sa pagkilala ng kalagayan ng panahon sa gugol ng Pamahalaan ng Estados Unidos. Ikalabing-anim. Upang muling buhayin at paunlartn ang industria ng pangingisdd. Ang Fish and Wild Life Service ng Kagawaran ng mga suliraning pangloob ay tutulong sa Pamahalaang Commonwealth sa pagpapaunlad ng industria ng pangingisda at sa pangangalaga sa ating kayamanan sa isda. Ang nasabing tanggapan ay maaaring magbukas at mangalaga ng mga paaralan sa pangingisda 100 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 sa Pilipinas at sanayin ang mga pilipino sa pamamaraan ng pangingisda sa malalim na karagatan at iba pang bagay na nauukol dito. Ang Lupon sa Pangdaragat ay gagawa ng pag-aayos upang magbili o magpaupa ng maliliit na sasakyang dagat na magagamit sa industria ng pangingisda. Ikalabingpito. Upang makapagtamo ng isdng makatuwirang pagaayos sa saligdn ng pasahod sa mga kawal ng hukbong pilipino bilang pagkilala sa kanildng matapang na paglilingkod. Naging sanhi ito ng mahabang pakikipag-usap sa Pangulo ng Estados Unidos at sa Kalihim Digma, at ngayon ay pinag-uukulan ng masusing pagsasaalang-alang. Ang ilan sa mga layuning ito ay natamo na; ang ilan ay nagaantay ng pagpapasiya ng Kongreso; at ang ilan ay na sa ilalim pa ng pakikipag-unawaan. Ang isang palatuntunan sa pagbabagong tatag na ito ay binubuo ng maraming bagay, na nagkakaibaiba sa kahalagahan. Ang ilan ay maaaring lutasin ng tagapagpaganap, ang ilan ay sa pakikipagtalastasan sa kanikaniyang kagawaran o tanggapang kinauukulan, at ang ilan ay maaari lamang malutas sa pamamagitan ng pagpapasiya ng Kongreso. Sa labingpitong bagay na itong binanggit ko ay kinakailangang kumilos ng ayon sa kinauukulan. Ang ilan sa lalong mahalagang balak sa pagbabagong tatag ay nabibitin pa sa pangwakas na pagpapasiya ng Kongreso ng Estados Unidos. Dito’y kabilang ang nauukol sa pakikipagkalakalan sa Estados Unidos ang sa pagbabayad sa napinsala ng digma na magbibigay daan sa atin upang muling maibangon ang mga niwasak, at ang pagtatamo ng mga lumabis na ariarian. Inaasahang gagawa ng pagpapasiyang pasang-ayon ang Kongreso ng Estados Unidos sa balak na nasabi sa loob ng ilang linggo. Ang ilang bahagi ng ating palatuntunan sa pagbabagong tatag ay kabilang sa sunodsunod na atas na inilagda ng Pangulong Truman sa iba’t ibang kagawaran at tanggapan ng Estados Unidos. Marami sa mga atas ay hiningi namin, at nagbuhat sa nauna nang kasunduan ng dalawang pamahalaan. Gayon man, sa isa o dalawang pangyayari, ang pagpapasimund ay lubusang nagbuhat sa Estados Unidos. Napag-alaman kong sa mga huling linggong nagdaan, ay nagkaroon ng maraming pagtatalo sa atas na nauukol sa mga suliranin ng pagsasaka sa kalagitnaan ng Luson. Dapat kong liwanagin ang bagay na ito. Sa aking pamamalagi sa Estados Unidos ay paulit-ulit kong nililiwanag ang pangyayaring ang Estados Unidos ay may ilang pangako sa Pilipinas — mga pangakong naaayon sa batas at tumutugon sa dakilang asal. Kasabay niyan, ay hindi matatanggihan hanggang hindi pa kinikilala ang pagsasarili, ang kapangyarihan amerikano ay nananatili pa rin sa ating bayan, at sa bisa ng kapangyarihang ito ang Estados Unidos ay may ilang karapatan. Ang isa sa mga karapatang ito ay makapagtamo ng alin mang ulat na kinakailangan ukol sa kalagayan ng Pilipinas. Elinggil sa mga magsasaka sa kalagitnaan ng Luson na may mga tapat na karaingan, ay inaamin ng ating Pamahalaan na ang mga karaingang ito ay dapat lutasin sa isang paraang kasiyasiya. Naniniwala kami sa pagdudulot ng katarungan sa karaniwang tao — at ang katarungan ay nangangahulugan ng pagkapawi ng karalitaan. Nagsisikap tayo sa pagkakaroon ng mga batas na nagbibigay ng katarungan sa madia at sa pagpapasiya ng Pamahalaan sa paraang makakalinga ang lahat ng mamamayan laban sa kawalan ng kapanatagan sa kabuhayan o laban sa panghuhuthot. Kung paano natin pinasasalamatan ang pagtulong ng amerikano sa paglutas sa ibang suliranin ng pagbabagong tatag ng Pilipinas, ay gayon ding pinasasalamatan natin ang pagtulong ng amerikano sa paglutas ng ating mga suliranin sa pagsasama sa pagsasaka. Ang tulong na ito’y hindi nangangahulugan nang di marapat na pakikialam sa ating mga tunay na suliraning pangloob. Hindi iyan ang layon ng Pangulong Truman, at hindi rin naman siyang layon ng ating Pamahalaan. Ang panghihimasok na iyan, kung mangyayari, ay magiging laban sa buong simulain ng pagtutulungang pilipino-amerikano. Ang tulong ng amerikano, dito at sa ibang bagay, ay lubos na umaalinsunod sa ating napagkaugalian nang pagtutulungan. Mga kababayan, ang pagbabagong tatag ng Pilipinas ay hindi isang bagay na maaaring magawa ng isang mahiko sa isang kisap mata. Iyan ay isang pamamaraan nang walang humpay na pag- 101 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 unlad. Nangangahulugan ng maingat na mga pagbabalak, matiyagang pakikipagtalastasan, tahasang pagsasagawa. Kailangang magmg bunga ng isang pangmahabang palatuntunang nangangailangan ng maraming taon upang maisakatuparan. Wala akong taglay sa pagbabalik, na lihim na pamamaraang gagawin na sa pamamagitan niyan ay mulmg maibabangon ang ating dating magandang siudad sa isang pagpikit at pagdilat ng mata. Ang taglay ko sa pag-uwi ay ang katiyakang idudulot sa atin ang lubos na pagtulong ng lalong mayaman at lalong malakas na bansa sa daigdig samantalang tayo’y nagpapatuloy sa mahinay at mabigat na gawain ng pagbabagong tatag. Upang lubos na masamantala ang palatuntunang ito, lahat tayo ay dapat na gumawang nagkakaisa. Dapat nating ibaon sa limot ang ating pagtutuligsaan, ang ating pagtutunggali sa politika, ang ating pangingimbulo, alang-alang sa usapin natin. Tinatawagan ko ang lahat ng pilipino, sa mga siudad at sa mga bukirin, sa matataas at mabababang pook, upang magkaisa. Ginagawa ko ang pananawagang ito — hindi lamang sa marubdob na pagmamalasakit sa ating bansa — kundi sa pagmamalasakit din naman sa gawaing kailangan pang gampanan. Aug sugong Romulo ay gumanap ng mabubuting gawain para sa atin hangga ngayon. Nguni’t may mabalakid siyang gawaing kinakaharap pa, na nangangailangan ng malaking kaalaman sa diplomasia, matalinong pamamaraan at pagpapasimund. Magiging mahirap sa kaniyang magampanan ang mga gawaing ito sa Washington kung siya’y kikilos na dito sa atin ay nangyayari naman ang kawalan ng pagkakaisa. May isang pangwakas na bagay na ibig kong tukuyin. Sa Estados Unidos ay maraming tao ang nagtanong sa akin kung ninanais pa nating mga pilipino ang ating pagsasarili. Ang tugon ko sa kanila ay isang kataga: Oo. Ang mga pangyayari sa nagdaang mga taon ng digma ay maaaring bumago sa ayos ng ating lupain, nguni’t hindi bumabago sa ating diwa ng pagtitiwala sa sarili. Nangangailangan tayo ng tulong buhat sa Estados Unidos upang muling maibangon ang ating nawasak na lupain, nguni’t wala tayong nakikitang pagkakasalungatan ng pagtulong ng Amerika at pagsasarili ng Pilipinas. Ang ating palatuntunan sa pagbabagong tatag, mula sa araw na ito’y isasakatuparan ng buong tulin. At sa pangkaraniwang takbo ng mga pangyayari, ay tatanggapin natin ang pag-iral ng isang Republikang nagsasarili. Maging hindi pa man lubusang natatapos ang palatuntunan sa pagbabagong tatag ay walang matuwid kung bakit kakailanganing balamin ang pagsilang ng ating pagsasarili. Elindi ko sinasabi sa inyong ang pagsasarili ay magiging magaang. Magdudulot ng maraming kahirapan at maraming pananagutan sa atin. lyan ang halagang kailangan nating ibayad sa ginawa nating pagpili. Tunay na walang sino man sa ating hindi natatalagang magbayad ng halagang iyan. May isang Dios sa langit na namatnubay sa atin sa buong panahon ng bagabag ng digma at pamiminsala. Sa Kaniyang sariling mabuting panahon, ay kinakalinga Niya ang mga nagtatapat sa kanilang sarili at sa Kaniya. Source: University Archives, University of the Philippines Diliman Library Osmena, S. (1945). Talumpati ng Kagalang-galang Sergio Osmena Pangulo ng Pilipinas Nang dumating sa Maynila: Kawanihan ng Paglimbagan. 102 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 Speech of His Excellency Sergio Osmefia President of the Philippines At the welcome program held in his Honor upon his arrival from the United States [Delivered at Plaza Miranda, Manila, November 21, 1945] I am privileged in this return trip of mine to bring home with me the distinguished family of the late President Quezon. Mrs. Quezon and her children accompanied their illustrious husband and father in March, 1942, when he was asked by the President of the United States to temporarily transfer to Washington the seat of the Commonwealth Government. He was sick and burdened with the heavy cares and responsibilities of the affairs of our country at war. This family constantly and with solicitude took care of him and gave him the comfort and consolation which he much needed during his long illness. And when the inevitable came, they were at his bedside. Their return to the Philippines at this time carrying back with them only the memory of our departed leader is indeed a sad occasion. But I am sure that in the midst of their grief, they will find solace and consolation in the same love and high esteem in which they have always been held in the hearts of their own people. May I ask you for a minute of silence in reverent tribute to the late President Quezon. I thank you for this demonstration of greeting on my return from Washington. It is good to be back. During the entire course of my mission to the United States, my thoughts were always with you. I went to Washington as a spokesman, not for myself, but for you and all our people. This great gathering reminds me of a similar reception accorded to me when I returned from my mission to the United States in 1939. The world-shaking changes which have taken place since that time can be no better illustrated than by comparing that mission with the one which I have just concluded. In 1939, you may recall, my mission was to secure some much-needed adjustments in the trade provisions of the Philippine Independence Act. When I left Manila, many people believed that conditions in Washington would prevent the success of the mission. The war clouds were already hovering over Europe, and the domestic American problems were very great. This time, when I arrived in Washington, I found the United States facing even more complex and troublesome issues than before. In the domestic field, Americans must settle grave national problems. Internationally, the post-war world — with its awesome atomic power — is faced with a new urgency in the need for solid international understanding and strong international organization. These problems are uppermost in the minds of the highest leaders in the American government, and in many cases the affairs of the Philippines must be dealt with in terms of the larger issues. On the other hand, in 1939, 1 had all the time I needed at my disposal, and it took me almost a year to obtain a few changes in the existing law. This time, all of my activities were influenced by the knowledge that it was imperative for me to return to Manila as quickly as possible. In 1939, 1 was able to devote myself completely to my responsibilities in Washington. This time, I had to divide my attention between Washington and Manila. In 1939, I had the united backing of our people. This time, I faced a widespread American impression that our people are not united. 103 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 In spite of these tremendous difficulties, I can report to you now that my mission has enabled me to assist in the formulation of a program for the Philippine reconstruction and rehabilitation, now and after independence, along definite lines. This program, in human terms, stands for food, clothing, shelter, employment, health, and education. It stands for prospering trade, economic security, and social welfare. In arriving at this program, I held conferences with President Truman and also with members of his Cabinet, all of whom clearly showed their deep and sympathetic interest in the welfare of the Philippines. I conferred also with key leaders of the American Congress, including Senate President pro tern McKellar and Speaker Rayburn, Senator Tydings and Representative Bell, who are making a sincere effort to assist us in our present difficulties. I worked closely with the new American High Commissioner to the Philippines, the Honorable Paul V. McNutt, who is an old friend of ours and knows our problems well. Commissioner McNutt’s help throughout my stay in Washington has been invaluable. The cooperation of all these officials deserves the gratitude of the nation. Throughout all of these conversations and negotiations, I was treated with the highest courtesy and consideration, and I want to express publicly my appreciation of this treatment. I do not need to tell you that these courtesies are no mere matter of lip service. They stem from the very heart of America. Everywhere in the United States, in high places and in low, among the most important government officials and among private citizens, in the halls of Congress and in the American press, there is a warm and living friendship for the Filipino people such as Americans hold, perhaps, for no other people on earth. In the course of my negotiations I received much assistance from Commissioner Romulo, Secretary Hernandez, and the other Filipino members of the Rehabilitation Commission, and from the members of my mission. All of these men have been most helpful, and on some of them there — especially Commissioner Romulo — rests the responsibility of following through on the steps that have already been initiated. My purpose in visiting Washington at this time was to secure the fulfillment of American commitments to help us in our rehabilitation program and in the preparations for our forthcoming independence. In practical terms, this program can be separated into a series of objectives. I should like to state these objectives now, and to report to you on where they stand. In this way, the whole people will be able to judge how far we have progressed along the road to rehabilitation and national well-being. My first objective was to secure relief supplies to meet the present emergency requirements of our people. I have submitted to the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration a relief program calling for more than 200,000,000 pesos of emergency supplies — food, clothing, medicines. Final action on this program is now under consideration by the UNRRA authorities. While awaiting the decision, I conferred with the Director-General of UNRRA, Governor Herbert H. Fehman, and pictured for him the sufferings of our people. On my request, emergency aid to the Philippines has been made available to us at once, to the amount of four million pesos. I expect the decision on the larger application to be acted upon in conjunction with similar applications from other countries. Second, to rebuild our homes and industries shattered by the war. Senator Tydings has already introduced a bill in Congress to achieve this objective. It is expected that one billion pesos will be authorized for this purpose. Third, to rebuild our roads, bridges, and port and harbor facilities. An amendment prepared by Senator Carl Hayden for this purpose has been incorporated in the Tydings “Rehabilitation Act of 1945,” which will shortly be voted on by the United States Congress. Fourth, to assist our Government in restoring and rebuilding essential public buildings, services, works and utilities. This is covered by a bill authorizing the Surplus Property Board to transfer to 104 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 the Commonwealth of the Philippines, without cost, all surplus property of the United States now or hereafter located in the Philippines, with exception of weapons and munitions. Fifth, to redeem guerrilla currency. The War and Treasury Departments have been requested by the President of the United States to submit recommendations for necessary steps to fulfill the United States obligation with regard to this currency. Sixth, to insure to Filipino veterans the same benefits which accrue to American veterans in the United States. The Administrator of Veterans’ Affairs is now making a careful analysis of all phases of past and current benefits payable in the Philippines. Seventh, to gain control over enemy property of every character and description in the Philippines, to be disposed by the Commonwealth Government as it sees fit. This is provided for in the Tydings “Rehabilitation Act of 1945.” Eighth, to provide credit facilities in order to restore commerce, industry and agriculture. The President of the Export-Import Bank has been requested by President Truman to participate in the restoration of normal economic life in the Philippines and to suggest steps that will permit the Bank to do so. A bill is now pending in Congress to implement this. Ninth, to establish and maintain mutually beneficial trade relations which will insure the rebuilding of our export industries and bring about the normal flow of consumer goods. The Ways and Means Committee of the Elouse of Representatives of the United States Congress is now considering a Trade Relations bill for this purpose. Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Reconstruction Finance Corporation has been requested by President Truman to continue and advance the Philippine program of importing and selling consumer goods. Tenth, to strengthen the position of the national police force and thereby maintain peace and order. The War Department will continue to assist the Commonwealth Government in reorganizing the Philippine Constabulary. Eleventh, to strengthen the stability of the Commonwealth Government by eliminating the causes of discontent. The Eligh Commissioner to the Philippines, with the cooperation of the Commonwealth Government, will suggest measures which may be taken by the Government to eliminate the causes of discontent among agricultural laborers. Twelfth, to provide immediate financial assistance to the Commonwealth Government. The Congress and the President of the United States have now removed all restrictions to the use of the coconut oil and sugar excise tax funds. This makes available for general purposes an amount of approximately 140,000,000 pesos. President Truman has signed the law releasing part of our exchange standard fund for general purposes of the Commonwealth Government. Thirteenth, to restore and improve inter-island commerce. The Maritime Commission will be authorized to charter to individuals and corporations vessels of less than two thousand gross tons. The Commission will also be authorized to permit Filipinos to receive instruction in the United States Merchant Marine and at the United States Merchant Marine Academy at the expense of the United States Government. Fourteenth, to maintain a system of air navigation facilities and communications services for inter- island airways operations. The Administrator of Civil Aeronautics of the Department of Commerce will be authorized to provide the facilities and services for this purpose. The agency will also train Filipinos, at the expense of the United States Government, in air traffic control and other services essential to the orderly and safe operation of air traffic. Fifteenth, to establish meteorological facilities in the Philippines until the Philippine Weather Bureau is reestablished and in a position to assume responsibility. The Chief of the Weather Bureau of 105 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 the Department of Commerce will establish such facilities in the Philippines. The Bureau will also train Filipinos in weather service at the expense of the United States Government. Sixteenth, to rehabilitate and develop the fishing industry. The Fish and Wild Life Service of the Department of the Interior will cooperate with the Commonwealth Government in developing the fishing industry and conserving our fishing resources. The Service may establish and maintain fishery schools in the Philippines and train Filipinos in methods of deep-sea fishing and other techniques. The Maritime Commission will make arrangements to sell or charter small vessels for use in the fishing industry. Seventeenth, to secure a reasonable adjustment in the base pay of the enlisted men of the Philippine Army in recognition of their valiant service. This matter has been discussed at great length with the President of the United States and the Secretary of War, and is now receiving serious consideration. Some of these objectives are already accomplished; some await action by Congress; and a few are still under negotiation. A rehabilitation program like this consists of many things, which vary in importance. Some may be handled by the executive, some by negotiations with individual departments or agencies concerned, and some can only be settled by Congressional action. In the seventeen points that I have listed, it has been necessary to act in all of these ways. Several of the most important rehabilitation measures are still pending final action by the United States Congress. These include our trade relations with the United States, war damage compensation which will permit us to rebuild what has been destroyed, and the acquisition of surplus properties. It is expected the United States Congress will take favorable action on these measures within the next five weeks. Some phases of our rehabilitation program were included in the series of directives issued by President Truman to various United States departments and agencies. Many of the directives were requested by us, and arise out of previous agreement between our two governments. In one or two cases, however, the initiative came entirely from the United States. I understand that, during recent weeks, there has been considerable discussion of the directive relating to our agricultural problems in central Luzon. I should like to clarify this point. During my stay in the United States, I have repeatedly made clear the fact that the United States has certain commitments to the Philippines — commitments which are legal as well as moral. At the same time, it is obvious that, until our independence is recognized, American sovereignty remains in our country, and by virtue of this sovereignty the United States has certain rights. One of these rights is to obtain any information it needs about conditions in the Philippines. In the case of the farmers who hold honest grievances in central Luzon, our Government recognizes that these grievances must be settled satisfactorily. We believe in justice for the common man — and justice means freedom from want. We are working along the lines of social legislation and government action which will protect all our people from economic insecurity or exploitation. Just as we welcome American help in solving other problems of Philippine rehabilitation, so do we welcome American help in solving our agrarian problems. This help does not involve undue interference in our purely domestic affairs. That is not the intention of President Truman, nor is it the intention of our Government. Such interference, if it were to occur, would be contrary to the entire principle of Philippine-American cooperation. But American assistance, in this and other matters, is entirely in line with our tradition of cooperation. My countrymen, the rehabilitation of the Philippines is not something that a magician can accomplish overnight. It is a process of continuous growth. It involves careful planning, patient 106 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 negotiation, determined execution. It must grow out of a long-range program that will take years to accomplish. I bring back no secret formula that will rebuild our once-beautiful city in the twinkling of an eye. I bring back, instead, the assurance that we will have the full assistance of the richest and most powerful nation in the world as we go about the slow, back-breaking tasks of reconstruction. In order to take full advantage of this program, all of us must work together in unity. We must bury our rivalries, our political disputes, our jealousies, in the common cause. I appeal to all Filipinos, in the cities and on the farms, in high places and in low, to unite. I make this appeal — not only in the highest spiritual interest of our nation — but in the practical interest of the work that must yet be done. Commissioner Romulo has done good work for us so far. But he has difficult tasks ahead of him, calling for the highest degree of diplomacy, tact, and initiative. It will be difficult for him to accomplish his tasks in Washington if he must work against a background of disunity at home. There is one final point I should like to make. In the United States, many people asked me whether we Filipinos still want our independence. My answer to them was one word: Yes. The events of the past war years may have changed the face of our land, but they have not changed our spirit of self-reliance. We need help from the United States to rebuild our ravaged land, but we see no conflict between help from America and independence for the Philippines. Our rehabilitation program, from this day forth, goes into full speed. And, in the normal course of events, we shall assume our role as an independent Republic. Even if the rehabilitation program is not fully completed, there is no reason why the advent of our independence need be delayed. I do not say to you that independence will be easy. There will be many hardships and many responsibilities for us. That is the price we must pay for the choice we have made. Surely, none of us is unwilling to pay that price. For there is a just God in heaven Who has guided us throughout the stormy years of war and destruction. In His own good time. He protects those who are true to themselves and to Him. Source: Presidential Museum and Library Osmena, S. (1945). Message of President Sergio Osmena at the welcome program held in his Honor upon his arrival from the United States. Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines, 41(9), 1146-1152. 107 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 Address of His Excellenq^ Sergio Osmefia President of the Philippines On the occasion of the celebration of National Heroes’ Day [Delivered at Capas, Tarlac, November 30, 1945] It is fitting that this year we celebrate National Heroes’ Day here at Capas. No longer is this just another Philippine town; it is the home of immortal spirits. In its hallowed soil rest thousands of our fellow Filipinos who died for their country as much as those who were slain on the battlefield. Like Bataan, Capas also stands for Filipino courage. Bataan and Capas represent two phases in the same unfoldment of Filipino valor, sacrifice, and triumph. In Bataan our soldiers fell heroically amidst the din and smoke of battle. In Capas, they succumbed to hunger and disease, victims of enemy cruelty. But Capas was always more than a prison-camp. It was the heart not only of Filipino suffering, but of the Filipino spirit. In Bataan, though hopelessly outnumbered, our soldiers fought. In Capas they were wholly at the mercy of the enemy. They were starved, beaten, tortured; thousands of them died. But their spirit was unconquerable. Capas has been wiped out as a prison-camp, but it remains as a symbol of spiritual resistance, a symbol of faith. The enemy seemed everywhere victorious . . . Weak men might have said, “Why die in a hopeless cause? Let us submit. Submit.” But between the men of Capas and despair an unquenchable flame of faith rose into the skies. The voice of that great champion of human rights, the late President Roosevelt, thundered across the sea — Be brave, he said, the entire resources of America in men and material are pledged to your redemption and freedom. From his exile our beloved President Quezon pleaded: Hold on, whatever the sacrifice, whatever the price, hold on. In the enveloping gloom, theirs could have been mere voices that mocked and taunted. Nevertheless, our people maintained faith. Jose Abad Santos died because he was a man of faith. These men of Capas, our whole nation, held on to the belief that the destiny of the Philippines was to be free; they refused to be slaves. When I speak of Bataan and Capas I do not have in mind only the geographical confines of these particular places. Every jungle, every mountain pass where our guerillas and volunteers fought, was Bataan. Fort Santiago and every prison throughout the land where patriots were tortured and died still defying the enemy, was Capas. All the occupied area of the Philippines was Capas a huge concentration camp where the Filipino could pit only his spirit and faith against the brutal might of the invader. It is not alone the dead who are the heroes. There are countless heroes among the living, men and women who are now anonymously going about the tasks of peace. It can be said to the everlasting glory of our people that they passed through the country’s hour of trial with a common courage and devotion. We shall raise a monument here in Capas. It will be more than a memorial — it will rise as a challenge; a challenge from the dead, to us, the living, to be worthy of their sacrifice. Capas will be the voice of our national conscience. If we allow shallow dissention to stand in the way of our duty; if we 108 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 allow ourselves to be too easily frustrated in the building of a better society, — a voice will cry in Capas: “Have we then died in vain?” There is only one way in which those of us who live, can repay those who have died and given their all to the cause of liberty. Rizal and Bonifacio, whose memory we particularly commemorate today, and all our country’s martyrs have died in the trust that the Philippines would yet be happy, prosperous, and free. With courage and determination we must strive to realize that vision. Together with the Filipinos who so fearlessly resisted the invader, we also remember, today, our American comrades who came from across the seas. Many of them gave their lives and sleep beneath our soil, close beside our own sacred dead, thousands of miles away from their homeland. To them also we extend the tribute of our reverence and eternal gratitude. I enjoin all Filipinos, throughout our land and wherever else they may be, to resolve on this solemn occasion to seek to be worthy of our heroic dead. I pray Almighty God to give us, out of His infinite goodness, the wisdom, the courage, the energy to build a better Philippines, so that we may say truly to the men of Capas, and to all our countrymen who fell in the night, that they did not die in vain. In life and death they are unforgettable. Their memory remains a living presence, tragic and glorious. Source: Presidential Museum and Library Osmena, S. (1945). Address of President Sergio Osmena on the occasion of the celebration of National Heroes’ Day. Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines, 41(9), 1153-1154. 109 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 Speech of His Excellency Sergio Osmefia President of the Philippines At the reactivation and citation ceremony of the 803rd Engineer Aviation Battalion [Delivered at the University of the Philippines, Quezon City, December 15, 1945] This impressive ceremony to which I consider it a great honor to be invited is held in tribute to the famous 803rd Engineers, which participated so heroically in the defense of the Philippines, and which, as a result of its reactivation today, will live again to carry on the great tradition of your Corps of Engineers. The period from December 8, 1941, to V-J Day, will remain a dark one for the people of the Philippines. The suffering and humiliation which we endured at the hands of the Japanese will never be forgotten. I well remember that December, four years ago, when small, but gallant American and Eilipino forces diverted the Japanese invader from the City of Manila into the hills of Bataan. I remember the people’s feeling of relief when the metropolis was declared an open city in order to spare it in so far as that was possible from the ravages of war. At that time, too, the work of the United States Army Engineers was as prominent in the defense of the Philippines, as it was in the more recent liberation of our country. In those dark days the job of the engineers was an unhappy one, that of destroying installations which might be valuable to the enemy. But though it might have been advantageous to follow a scorched-earth policy, American engineers chose a course less destructive, less cruel. Eor that the people of the Philippines will always be grateful. During the years of terror and misery which followed, the people in their hearts clung to the democratic way of life. And they lived always in the certainty that the United States would return. That this finally came to pass was not a surprise. But it was as if a fair dream had come true. The work of the United States Army Engineers during and since the Philippine liberation campaign cannot be too highly praised, for it is of inestimable value. The Japanese monster, in its dying hour, turned not only to rape and murder, but to wholesale destruction. The American liberators found not the beauty which was the Philippines, but destroyed villages and towns and our capital city afire. The great job of reconstruction which the engineers began in the form of restoring our public utilities and various important structures, constitutes a good start in the rebuilding of the entire country. To you, men of the 803rd Engineer Aviation Battalion, I wish to extend, both for myself and the people of the Philippines, best wishes for the future of your great organization. The citations which you are about to receive in the name of the President of the United States, are the highest honors which can be bestowed upon an organization of the armed forces. The men of the 803rd Engineers who gave their lives on Bataan, share with you an even greater award. The principles of democracy and the sanctity of human rights have been preserved. When our historians compile the great story of men who made history in the Pacific, they will tell of the exploits of the 803rd Engineer Aviation Battalion, — the first such battalion to be placed in the no OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 field of combat. Posterity will know that it distinguished itself in the service of its country, and that it was duly honored by these presidential citations. Future soldiers and engineers will be grateful that this organization was reactivated and its name kept alive. You men now constitute the 803rd. I extend sincere wishes for your well-being and success in the future. Let us hope that the 803rd Engineer Aviation Battalion may never again find it necessary to distinguish itself on the field of battle. Let us hope rather it will continue to find greatness in the rebuilding of a more peaceful world. On behalf of the Commonwealth of the Philippines, I take pride in presenting your Battalion with these colors, which with your own glorious Stars and Stripes, the Americans and Filipinos defended together. Source: Presidential Museum and Library Osmena, S. (1945). Speech of President Sergio Osmena at the reactivation and citation ceremony of the 803rd Engineer Aviation Battalion. Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines, 41(9), 1154-1156. Ill MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 Speech of His Excellency Sergio Osmefia President of the Philippines Before the members of the Philippine Association of University Women [Delivered at the Centro Escolar University, December 16, 1945] I deem it a privilege to be able to address an audience like this. Our women, the Filipino women, cannot and should not hold themselves indifferent to the fate of our country, to the many and difficult problems which confront her in this critical period of her history. You do well to dedicate part of your time and attention to work of a social and civic character, thus contributing your effort to the common task of promoting the public welfare. This would have been an imperative obligation even if our women did not have political rights: the more so now that you share with men the full enjoyment of those rights. I want to talk to you this afternoon on a subject in which the woman can play an important and decisive role, — I refer to the task of moral and spiritual rehabilitation which must be taken up together with our material reconstruction. When one speaks of reconstruction and rehabilitation, the mind is apt to focus itself on the material phases of the problem, — the rebuilding of destroyed homes, the reconstruction of factories and industries, the replacement of other means of production, the acquisition of things necessary for physical comfort. This is only natural because what most impresses the senses are the visible ruins and wreckage, and because this form of destruction, physical and material, most directly affects the life of every individual as well as the nation. But what doubt is there that the war has disturbed and destroyed other values, — values of a moral and spiritual character which, though not so visible, are none the less vital to the happiness and welfare of the people? And why doubt that no work of reconstruction and rehabilitation will be sound and complete unless it encompasses also the reestablishment of moral and spiritual values? I fear that we shall be rebuilding over shifting sand if besides the purely material foundations, we do not build on those eternal truths and principles which constitute the basis of all true and enduring civilizations. More than ever there is need of placing singular emphasis on the development of private as well as public virtues. It is well that the strict observance of the law be preached; it is well that the agencies and means of insuring public order, social peace, and a healthy social and civil relationship be strengthened. But there are still other problems confronting society and the State which would be simplified, if not solved by a more general and strict observance of the Golden Rule. In this hour, so critical to humanity, the future of the world depends not only on the manner in which we unravel our economic problems, but also on the extent to which we may be able to solve our ethical problems. I believe that a great crusade for moral rehabilitation should be launched, — the rehabilitation of private and public virtues. In this crusade, the Filipino woman has the right and the duty of occupying the very forefront. There should be utilized for this crusade all the means and agencies at our disposal, — the home, the school, the church, the press, the forum. Fortunately, in them all, the influence of women is important and in some of them, as in the home, there can be no substitution. With reference to 112 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 religious rehabilitation, it is significant that in the proposed Rehabilitation Act of 1945, known to us as the Tydings Bill, there is set aside the sum of twenty million pesos for the reconstruction of churches. We must open a war without quarter against any form of moral retrogression. There is especially that wholly antisocial manifestation of selfishness which can never be dealt with too harshly; that is, the intent and readiness to take personal advantage of any situation or opportunity, whatever the detriment to one’s neighbor and the community. There is a gospel that must be universally preached and practised, — the gospel of honesty, of integrity, of fair play. This must be made to permeate the home, business, public office, in one word, all social and civic life. We must preach and practice a great love among our fellowmen, an all embracing sympathy between all our social elements. And who better than woman can undertake that task of love and sympathy? Capital should constantly be reminded of its responsibilities and social obligations. Labor should likewise be told of its corresponding duties. I have stated on repeated occasions that this country, if it is to surmount its present tremendous difficulties must maintain its unity unimpaired. I mean not only political unity but also social unity. The greatest calamity that could befall us would be the calamity of class hatred. That is why I emphatically appeal to the Filipino woman that she make use of her abilities and the weight of her influence in helping to insure an orderly and just solution of all our socio-economic problems, contributing thereto all her love, all her sympathy, all the sense of harmony and justice which she so abundantly possesses. Source: Presidential Museum and Library Osmena, S. (1945). Speech of President Sergio Osmena before the members of the Philippine Association of University Women. Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines, 41(9), 1156- 1158. 113 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 Speech of His Excellency Sergio Osmefia President of the Philippines Before the Manila Rotary Club at its Weekly Luncheon [Released on December 20, 1945] I am glad to have taken part in the cordial fellowship which binds you — the Manila members of the international businessman’s organization known as Rotary. This fine spirit is accentuated by the cheer of Christmas that has again come upon a world which but yesterday was torn by the most devastating war in history. This is the first Christmas we will celebrate after our liberation. The last four years have been like the Dark Ages for our people who lived in constant terror of death, torture, and hunger. But today the weight of oppression is gone. We are free again — to think and to say what we want. Once more we are at liberty to shape our affairs as we see fit. We all have reason to feel cheerful now. The war is over, leaving the enemy crushed and helpless. In all parts of the world where the aggressor states once held sway, a new order of law and justice is gradually being evolved out of the chaos of the last six years. The new motto is to secure the peace which has been won at an enormous sacrifice. In Europe as well as in the East, human energies are being concentrated upon this monumental task. With the rest of the world, our country is now committed to the task of reconstruction. This involves a long-range program of material rebuilding and moral rehabilitation in which the whole- hearted cooperation of all is needed, particularly the leaders of business in our country. We are beginning to carry out this plan with high hopes and enthusiasm. We have actually reconstituted the different branches of our national government. Our local governments are now functioning. The administration of justice is being reestablished. Our semi-governmental agencies are being restored to help the country return to its feet. Public services so essential to the people’s welfare are once more revived. Institutions that take care of our public health, public relief, and public education are again open. The system of communications is being reestablished. Public utilities are gradually being restored. Motor vehicles for land transportation in and outside the city are becoming available in increasing numbers. On January 1st the Manila Railroad Company will be turned over to the Commonwealth. A civilian airplane service is in operation and another is coming. In Manila once more we have our water system in operation and we have now electric lighting facilities. Eor the rebuilding of our capital, expert planning has been secured. Eor our interisland shipping so vital to the life of the nation, there are now seventeen ships. But many more are needed. I understand that the two-man maritime commission sent here to look into our shipping problem is leaving for the United States to report its findings on our present needs. There is reason to hope that during January more ships will be allocated to the Philippines. Efforts are also being exerted to reestablish our ocean-going lines in order to speed up the coming of food and other essential commodities from the United States and the exportation of Philippine products. 114 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 Financially, our government is in a better position now than one year ago. About P190,000,000 from coconut and sugar excise taxes, and from the readjustment of our currency reserves, has been made available for our current expenses. But more important than this is the Tydings Rehabilitation Bill the approval of which our people are anxiously awaiting. This bill sets aside approximately one billion pesos for payment of war damages and for meeting the reconstruction needs of the Philippines. There is another important measure — the Bell Trade Bill — designed to take care of our future trade relations with the United States. These are a few of the salient features of the over-all rehabilitation program agreed upon between the United States and the Philippines. When the whole program is finally carried out, the Philippines will be back on its feet. The spirit that has pervaded Filipino-American relations for nearly half a century was indeed one of goodwill, confidence, and mutual helpfulness. It is coming to fruition with the independence of our country. This is the very spirit that will be needed for the success of international cooperation among the democratic powers which won the war. It is worth any effort to maintain it in the winning of the peace, that universal peace which must be the foundation of any true human happiness. These are the thoughts I desire to leave with you as I extend to you all my best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Source: Presidential Museum and Library Osmena, S. (1945). Speech of President Sergio Osmena before the Manila Rotary Club at its Weekly Luncheon. Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines, 42(1), 109-110. 115 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 Message of His Excellency Sergio Osmefia President of the Philippines Before the National Christmas Youth Conference [Delivered in Malolos, Bulacan, December 27-30, 1945] I take this opportunity of appealing to the youth of the land to join in the crusade for the moral rehabilitation of our people. Rehabilitation is a two-fold problem; one phase material, the other moral. Material rehabilitation, which is a joint undertaking by the United States and the Philippines, has been assured by legislation to implement American pledges of aid for our people. Moral rehabilitation is a problem which we alone will have to solve. It will require the cooperation of all the agencies at our disposal — the home, the school, the press, the church, and the forum. In addressing myself to you, I invoke the support of two of these powerful agencies — the church and the forum — and I appeal to the most idealistic element in our population, the youth of the land. Our young people must take the lead in elevating our standard of morality through the practice of those public virtues so indispensable in our national affairs. You the young people who are gathered here today, and others like you throughout our country, who have retained their idealism, know that truth and virtue are not merely a matter of convention. A lie is a lie and would never be truth, even if the whole world behaved as though it were. What is wrong is wrong, and there can be no compromise about it. I say to you young men and women at this conference: Strive to be true and pure. Set the example with your own lives. And then make your influence felt by keeping in office men of sincerity and probity. Raise your voice against evil and injustice. I am sure that the masses of our people are behind you. I am sure that our people wish, just as earnestly as you or I, to see moral and spiritual values restored to their former high level. Leaders are needed to show the way to moral rehabilitation and I hope that the youth of our land will march in the vanguard of the crusade to reestablish private and public virtues and bring back the Golden Rule into our lives. Source: Presidential Museum and Library Osmefia, S. (1945). Message of President Sergio Osmefia read before the National Christmas Youth Conference. Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines, 42(1), 113. 116 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 Speech of His Excellency Sergio Osmefia President of the Philippines At Plaza Miranda, Quiapo, Manila [Released on April 20, 1946] If the campaign has been a bitter one, it was not I who made it so, I have added no fuel to the fires of factiousness. I have tried to set an example of silent, uncomplaining, unremitting work. And for that reason there have been those who said I was bed-ridden, ill, too weak even to talk! I must admit that certain things have truly sickened my heart — the appalling havoc wrought by the enemy in our cities and towns, the devastation of our countryside, the death of so many of our best men in the resistance movement, the loss of our late beloved President Quezon. There was also the sorrow of the unexpected division among our people at this time when unity was so desperately needed. And so I am here before you, to see me, to listen to me. Probably my hair is grayer than it was a year ago, but I assure you that this was not because of worry about the elections, but rather because of my grave responsibilities and preoccupations concerning our country, so rashly imperiled by the big ambitions of small men. I have not come to you to promise you the moon. ... It would be dishonest for me to vie with those who have promised you more than any man, even the chief executive of a country, could not carry out. It would be childish of you to believe me if I made any such false and empty promises. I promise this, and also that we shall remain the friends and allies of America — that great and most enlightened nation of all time, to which we owe our liberties, our very lives. I promise to stand by the Common Man of the land, to dedicate my energies to the betterment of his lot, so that he may enjoy that other freedom the late great President Roosevelt called the freedom from want. I call on every citizen to think straight and to realize what his vote will mean, both here and abroad. Source: Quezon Family Collections Liang, D. (1970). Philippine parties and politics: a historical study of national experience in democracy (New ed). San Francisco: The Gladstone Company. 117 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 Congratulatory Message of His Excellency Sergio Osmefia President of the Philippines To President-elect Manuel A. Roxas [Released on April 29, 1946] I congratulate you upon your election as President of the Philippines and wish you all the success. SERGIO OSMENA Mr. Roxas’ reply: I wish to thank you for your message of congratulation. I pray for your good health that you may continue to render our nation the valuable services which you have rendered in the past. Wishing you success in your every undertaking, I remain. Truly your friend, MANUEL A. ROXAS Source: Presidential Museum and Library Osmefia, S. (1946). Congratulatory Message of President Osmefia to President-elect Manuel A. Roxas. Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines, 42(4), 844. 118 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 MESSAGES TO CONGRESS Mensahe ng Kagalang-galang Sergio Osmefia Pangulo ng Pilipinas Alang sa Unang Kongresong Pilipinhon [Ika-9 ng Hunyo, 1945] MGA GINOO SA KONGRESO: Niining adlawa, usa ka higayon nga hinungdanon uyamut alang sa atong kaaging nasudnon, ang tingog sa Lungsod, nga wala mabati sulod sa hataas ug maitum nga gabii sa atong pagka ulipon, madungog na usab sa lawak ning atong Dalam, pinaagi sa iyang mga piniling tinugyanan. Hataas kaayo ang panahong miagi sukad niadtong adlaw sa Nobyembre, 1941, nga kamo napili, hangtud ning adlawa karon nga kamo naghimo sa inyong unang tigum. Mao rag dili na kita makaila sa atong kaugalingong yuta human sa mga kadaut nga miabut kanato. Ang gubat nagabilin sa iyang buhing ulat sa tanang dapit — sa atong mga balayng lungsod ug sa kalag sa mga tawo. Tingali maoy makasulti pag-ayo sa ato karong makalulooyng kahimtang kining pagtigum nato, sa mga tinugyanan sa Lungsod ug sa mga tag-as nga Punoan sa Kagamhanan, sulod sa usa ka balay nga hinulaman, tungod kay ang Legislative Building nahimo na man lamang karon nga usa ka dakung pundok sa mga bato ug mga abug, daw ang mahilumong saksi sa linuog nga pamungot sa kaaway nga nakakita na sa iyang kaparot. Ang mga dugoong hitabo nga midangat sa atong nasud nakasamad sa atong kasingkasing. Daghang mga nawong nga atong naila ug gihigugma wala na nato makita karon. Apan tingali walay kasubo nga nakatandog pag-ayo sa atong kasingkasing sama sa kamatayon sa atong hinigugmang Pangulo, Manuel L. Quezon. Apan ako nahibalo nga kamo nagtuo, sama kanako, nga ang iyang kalag ania gihapon haduol kanato ning higayon sa kalisud, nagadasig kanato aron kita makapadayon sa paglakaw ngadto sa unahan. Kining tawhana, nga naghatag sa tibuok niyang kinabuhi alang sa atong Yutang Natawhan, namatay sa kamatayon nga iyang gipangandoy — sa taliwala sa pag-alagad sa Lungsod. Dili madugay ang iyang mga bukog, nga karon atua mahimutang sa Arlington National Cemetery sa Virginia, (U. S.), dad-on nganhi sa Pilipinas, ug kita makabaton unyag higayon sa pagpadayag sa atong katapusang pagmahal ug pagbati kaniya. Patindugan ta siya ug usa ka Bungdo, aron kita ug ang mga anak sa atong mga anak magatipig sa iyang handumanan sulod sa atong tagsatagsa ka kasingkasing. Sa tanang mga nasud nga nagpuyo ubos sa bandilang amerikanhon, ang Pilipinas mao ang naga- antus pag-ayo sa kamut sa kaaway. Dili lamang kay ang iyang mga patay ug angol labihan ka daghan, kon itandi ta sa gidaghanon sa iyang mga pumopuyo, dili lamang kay ang iyang mga siyudad ug mga lungsod nangaguba ug gihutdan sa bahandi, ang iyang mga kaumahan wala nay naani ug ang tibook niyang mga katigayunan nawagtang, kon dili ang iya usab nga mga pumopuyo nakatilaw pa gayud sa labing mabangis nga pagdagmal ug pagpasipala kay sa mga pumopuyo sa bisan diing dapit sa Tinipong Bansa sa Amerika. Nianang ika 8 gayud sa Disyembre, 1941, pila ka takna human mahitabo 119 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 ang tinalawang pagsulong sa Pearl Harbor, ang Hapon nagpadala dayon sa iyang mga ayroplano ug mga sundalo padulong sa Pilipinas. Kay nahimo man dayon nga natad sa pag-awayan, ang atong Nasud nagsugod sa pag-antus ug dihadiha nagsugod ang kamatay sa atong mga lungsoranon ug ang pagsakiyo sa atong mga katigayunan, labi na gayud didto sa Bataan, diin ang mga sundalong pilipinhon ug amerikanhon misukol kutob sa ilang nahimo batok sa mga sundalong haponanon sulod sa upat ka bulan. Unya, nagsugod usab ang atong mapait nga pag-antus ubos sa mga tampalasang kaaway. Igo lamang nahuman ang away sa Bataan, ang mga haponanon nagsugod dayon sa pagsakiyo ug pagpangawat sa atong mga bahandi. Wala silay giliatan sa pagpamalit sa ilang walay bill nga salapi. Hangtud ang mga butang nga labing gikinahanglan nato sa atong panginabuhi giagaw kanato. Ug kon kita mosukol ug motindog aron paglaban sa atong mga katungod, kita pagadagmalan dayon. May sala kun walay sala, ang atong mga tawo panakpon ug ipadala sa mga bilanggoan ug sa mga Concentration Camps, ang uban aron dagmalan ug ang uban aron patyon. Samtang nagalakat ang panahon, kita nag- anam pagkaalaut, ug ang atong mga kaaway nag-anam usab sa pagkaisug ug pagkamapalabilabihon. Human ang tulo ka tuig nga pagdumala sa mga haponanon, ang mga pilipinhon nahimo nga mga labing alaut sa kalibutan — mga daut ang lawas, mga gutom ug bubo sa sapot. Akong buot ipasabut dinhi nga kining tanan giantus sa mga pilipinhon, ug ang pagkaguba sa atong mga lungsod nagakikan sa atong walay pagkabalhin nga pagdapig sa Tinipong Bansa sa Amerika. Walay nasud, sa akong hunahuna, nga nakahatag ug labing dakung kamatuoran sa iyang pagdapig sa Inahang Yuta sama sa Pilipinas. Sa pagtakas sa mga haponanon dinhi sa Pilipinas, ang bandilang amerikanhon nagakayab pa dinhi sa ato. Apan, bisan wala pa ang maong bandila, kita gianhi gihapon unta sa mga haponanon. Ug, samtang ang Pilipinas nagapadayon ubos sa Kagamhanang Amerikanhon, ang pagpanalipud sa atong Yuta diha sa kamut sa Tinipong Bansa. Sulod sa kap-atan ka tuig sa atong pagpangandam alang sa kinabuhing gawas, kita maoy nagbuot sa tanang butang — sa tanang kalihokang lungsodnon: Tulonghaan, Sanidad, Obras Publikas, ug uban pa — apan wala kitay labut bahin sa pagpanalipud nga nasudnon. Kini nagpabilin sa mga kamut sa Tinipong Bansa sa Amerika. Tinuod hinoon nga sukad sa pagkatukod sa Commonwealth gisugdan nato ang pagtudlo sa sinundalo sa atong mga kabataan ug nagtukod kita sa atong Kasundalohan, apan kining tanan gihimo nato, dili kay nangandam kita sa gubat, kon dili aron sa pagtuman sa mga katungdanan sa usa ka Nasud nga gawas. Bisan pa niining tanan, ang Lungsod nga Pilipinhon misukol sa kaaway aron sa paglaban sa bandilang amerikanhon, sa walay paglantaw sa mahitabo sa kaulahian. Ug ang subong talan-awon nakita sa diha nga miabut na ang atong kapildihan, sanglit wala may hinabang nga gikapadala kanato nganhi. Apan, bisan pa niini, ang sundalong pilipinhon nakig-away sa kiliran sa sundalong amerikanhon hangtud nga nakita niya ang kaparot tungod sa gidaghanon sa kaaway nga iyang giasdang. Tungod kay dili sila moduko sa kaaway, ang mga pilipinhon, sa dakung kaisug, nagapadayon sa pakig-away, dinala ang dakung kaisug. Mga pundok nga makiyutawhanon mingguho sa tanang dapit sa Kapupud-an. Sa sinugdan, ang mga girilyeros nagtagotago sa kaaway ug mitungas sa kabukiran, apan tungod kay gitabangan sila pag-ayo sa atong mga lungsoranon, sila midaghan ug midaku ang ilang kusog, ug, sa ingon niini, nahimo silang usa ka peligro alang sa kaaway. Ang kaagi sa mga girilyeros ug sa mga lungsoranon nga nagpasalipud kanila maoy usa ka kaagi sa kaisug, pagdapig ug pagpasakit sa kaugalingon. Kutob sa mahimo, kinahanglan sila ilhon. Mga inilang pundok sa girilya gitipon na karon sa Kasundalohang Pilipinhon. Sumala sa gipahayag ko sa Leyte, sa atong mga pagdalayeg sa mga girilyeros, dili nato angayan hikalimtan ang mga lungsoranon nga nagatabang kanila ug nga, sa walay pagtan-aw sa mga 120 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 kalisdanan nga ilang giatubang, maoy nangahimo nga mga tinuod nga kalag sa along pagsukol batok sa kaaway. Uban mining mga lungsoranona makita nato ang mga kawani sa Serbisyo Sibil ug mga gagmay nga punoan sa Kagamhanan nga, sukad pa gayud sa pagsugod sa gubat, nagapabilin sa ilang dapit aron sa pagpanalipud sa along Lungsod ug paghalag sa mga lungsoranon sa ilang gikinahanglan. Sila, kulob sa mahimo, kinahanglan ibalik sa ilang nahimulangan kaniadlo, sa panahon nga sila gikinahanglan na. Dili lamang sila ibalik kon adunay mga dagkung kalarungan nga mobabag. Kining polilikaha ipahamiang usab nalo sa mga napiling mga punoan sa lalawigan ug sa mga munisipyo sa piliay sa 1940, aron pag-ila sa kabubul-on sa lungsod nga gipahayag niadlong piliaya. Ang pagdapig sa mga pilipinhon sa Amerika dili nalo kaduhaduhaan. Ug kini kahibulongan kaayo labi na kon along hunahunaon nga sukad sa sinugdan sa gubal ang mga pilipinhon gipaulanan sa mga propaganda balok sa Amerika. Pinaluo nga wala siyay kapildihan ning gubala ug nga inigsoon ang iyang linguha alang sa Pilipinas, ang Hapon nagpahayag nga siya mianhi sa alo aron pagluwas sa along lungsod sa lalikala sa mga amerikanhon ug gilanyag kanalo ang usa ka dapil nga madungganon sa ginganlag Co-Prosperily Sphere. Apan along ginpaalbangan kining mga sulliha sa mga nabuhal sa Amerika alang kanalo. Balok sa walay bill nga mga panaad ni Tojo gihandum nalo ang mga saad ni Presidenle Roosevell sa mga pilipinhon, “nga ang along Kagawasan ibalik kanalo ug ihalag kanalo ang Kaugalingnan, ug kini panalipdan sa Amerika.” Kining saara gidungagan pa gayud sa pag-ingon nga kilang mga pilipinhon “pagalabangan sa pagpalindug pagbalik sa mga nangaguba sa gubal”. Aron sa pagpaningil niining mga saad ni Presidenle Roosevell, si Presidenle Quezon ug ang iyang Gabinele misugol sa pagdapil nga gihimo kanila sa pagbalhin sa Kagamhanan sa Commonweallh ngadlo sa Washinglon. Sulod ning inyong panagligum, lagaan ko kamo ug usa ka “reporl” mahilungod sa mga nangahimo sa along Kagamhanan didlo sa Amerika. Niining akong Mensahe, pipila lamang sa among kalihokan ang akong hisgulan. Sa pag-abul namo sa Tinipong Bansa, kining nasura walay king gikabanaan pag-ayo kon dili ang mga gumonhap mahilungod sa gubal, ug ang iyang lanang panlihok didlo ibulang sa pagpadayon sa gubal sa Oropa. Ang lanan niyang gahum ug ang lanang paagi gigamil aron sa pagluman sa iyang luyo sa pagpildi sa Alemanya sa mga Nazi, una sa lanan. Niadlong higayona malisud uyamol nga ang mga punoang amerikanhon makahinumdum sa Pasipiko, apan lungod sa among panlimbasug, si Presidenle Quezon nakigsulli makadaghan kang Presidenle Roosevell ug mialubang pa siya sa Senado ug Kamara sa mga Represenlanies. Bisan maluyahon ang iyang lawas, siya nagapadayon sa iyang mga bulohalon sa walay paghunong sa unang luig sa among pagpuyo sa Washinglon, ug makadaghan pa gayud siya makahimog mga pakigpulong, sa iyang panlimbasug nga ang Lungsod nga Pilipinhon magapadayon sa pagpiyal kaniya. Aron paglabang sa Presidenle, ang mga sakop sa iyang Gabinele naghimo usab ug mga pakigpulong sa nagkalainlaing dapil sa Tinipong Bansa, aron ang mga amerikanhon mahibalo sa pagbarug sa mga pilipinhon dapig kanila ug pagpangayo nga kila mabawi sa kamul sa mga kaaway sa labing madali. Ang Tinipong Bansa nagaluman sa iyang saad. Ang Pilipinas naluwas na sa kamul sa kaaway. Kining makusog nga panlimbasug sulod sa walo ka bulan, nga gisugdan didlo sa Leyle, nalapus karon sa paglulos sa kaaway didlo sa Mindanaw ug sa Amihanan sa Luson. Mao na lamay nahibilin sa mga haponanon ang diyulay nga dapil sa Cagayan Valley, usa ka dapil nga walay lulsanan. Ug sa laliwala sa kalipay sa kadaugan, dili nalo angayan hikalimlan ang dakung panlimbasug nga gihimo sa Amerika aron kila mabawi. Sa Soulhwesl Pacific ang Labawng Punoan sa mga Kasundalohang Haponanon nagpadalag mabaga nga pundok sa mga sundalo, mga ayroplano ug mga sakayan. Ginaingon nga ang gibag-on sa mga haponanon dinhi sa Pilipinas langkod gayud sa usa ka Army Area, kawhaag-duha ka Dibisyon ug Brigada ug inubanan sa daghanang mga Service Troops, nga ang lanan moabul kapin sa upal kagalus kalim-an kalibo ka mga lawo. Mga bapor sa paligayon. 121 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 mga mamumuo ug mga sibilyan nga gidalidali pagkuha, gidugang niining mabagang pundok sa mga sundalo. Mga lagyo uyamut nga dapit gilat-as, ug sumala ning maayong pagkahan-ay nga paagi, diin ang tanang butang gihunahunang daan — ang klima, ang kahimtang sa kayutaan nga alagian ug ang taras sa kaaway nga nagpalabi sa paghikog kay sa pag-ampo — gihimo ang pagdasdas sa gilay-on nga tulo ka libo ka milya, sulod sa mga tuig 1942, 1943 ug 1944, hangtud nga miabut ang kadaugan sa 1945. Dayag na lang nga ang tuyo ning dakung panlimbasug mao ang pagbawi sa Pilipinas. Hangtud karon ang kaaway namatyan kapin sa tolo kagatus kawaloan kalibo — usa ka samad nga malisud alimon nga nadawat sa Kasundalohang Haponanon. Diyutay da ang atong mga patay ug angol, ug niini nakakita kita sa usa sa mga kamatuoran sa gibantug nga kalaki sa gubat nianang takus uyamut nga Pangulo sa Kasundalohan, General MacArthur. Ang nakab-ut tungod sa pagkabawi sa Pilipinas mao ang pagpangandam alang sa katapusang kaparotan sa Hapon didto sa iyang kaugalingong yuta, ug ngani sa Habagatan karon nila duha na ka dapit ang napupo sa ilang kamut ug ania na sa ato. Kitang mga pilipinhon nakatabang uyamut niini, gumikan sa paghatag ta, sa walay pagsukod, sa atong mga tawo ug sa tanan nga ania kanato. Apan, ang gubat wala pa matapus, ug tungod niini, akong gitanyag kang General MacArthur ang usa ka dibisyon sa mga sundalong pilipinhon, pinangulohan sa mga opisyal nga pilipinhon, alang sa katapusang pagdasdas batok sa Hapon. Ang mga sulti dili igo aron sa pagbalus sa atong utang sa kabubut-on sa Amerika tungod sa iyang nahimo alang kanato, ug gipahimudsan ko kining higayona sa pagbag-o sa tanyag nga gihimo ni Presidente Quezon kaniadto sa 1941 — nga kita ug ang atong katigayunan anaa ang tanan sa pagbuot sa Amerika. Samtang ang atong Kagamhanan sa Washington naghimo kutob sa mahimo sa pagpakita sa atubangan sa mga Amerikanhon sa kahulogang lugaynon sa atong pakig-away dinhi sa Pilipinas, wala niya hikalimti ang bahin sa atong katigayonang nasudnon, dala ang pagtoo nga ang gubat nakahimog mga kadaut bahin ning butanga sa atong nasud. Si Presidente Quezon mao ang nangunay sa pagpangayo sa Federal Government nga kita tabangan human sa gubat. Ug wala siya mobuhong sa iyang panlimbasug hangtud nga, gumikan sa iyang sakit, napilit siya sa pagpahulay. Aron pagpadayon sa buhat nga nasugdan na, natukod ang Postwar Planning Board. Kini naghimog tigum kanunay ug nakahuman sa iyang unang mga bulohaton. Mao kiniy nahimong sukaranan sa tulomanon nga gitunol sa atong mga Tinugyanan ngadto sa Filipino Rehabilitation Commission nga gipangulohan ni Senador Tydings. Akong gipauban ning akong Mensahe ang mga pahayag nga gihatag kanako sa pundok nga pilipinhon sa maong Komisyon. Sumala sa inyong makita, ang tulomanon sa hinabang ug sa rihabilitasyon nga giandam sa atong mga tinugyanan maayong pagkahan-ay. Niining higayona akong daygon ang buhat nga nahimo sa atong mga tinugyanan. Sila nakahimog maayong buhat, bisan hamubo da ang ilang panahon ug wala silay daghang mga katabang. Karon nga nahiabut na kanako ang daghan nga mga matiryal, maoy akong tinguha ang pagtudlog mga bag-ong sakop alang sa maong Komisyon, ug niini mahiuban ang pipila ka sakop sa atong Kongreso. Sa paglingkod ko sa pagka Pangulo sa Pilipinas, akong giila nga usa ko ka katungdanan ang pagpaninguha nga ang Presidente sa Tinipong Bansa mahinumdum sa atong mga gumonhap. Apan, sa diha nga ako nangandam sa pagpakigkita kang Presidente Roosevelt sa iyang paghiuli gikan sa Komperensiya sa Quebec niadtong Oktubreng miagi, nakadawat akog dinaliang tawag ni General MacArthur aron ako mouban kaniya sa pagtakas sa Pilipinas. Tungod niini, nakahimo lamang ako ug usa ka mubong pakigsulti kang Presidente Roosevelt, apan ako siyang gisaaran nga mobalik ako sa Amerika aron sa pagpakigkita kaniya pag-usab. Human sa pagtindog pagbalik sa Commonwealth didto sa Leyte, mibalik ako sa Amerika. Tungod kay wala si Presidente Roosevelt niadtong higayona sa Washington, ug kay nagkinahanglan man nga 122 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 ako mopakita sa usa ka Mananambal, miadto ako sa Jacksonville, Florida. Giandam na unta aron ako isulod sa Tambalanan didto, apan nakadawat na usab akog hatudkawat ni General MacArthur aron mouban kaniya sa pagtakas sa Luson. Sa pag-abut ko sa Lingayen sa adlaw gayud nga ako gipaabut, miuban ako kang General MacArthur ug misulod sa Manila uban kaniya. Sa paghiabut na nako dinhi sa Manila, nanlimbasug unta ako sa pagtigum sa mga sakop sa Kongreso, apan, tungod sa gubat, wala kadto mahimo. Busa, mibalik ako sa Amerika aron pagpakigsulti pag-usab kang Presidente Roosevelt. Nagkasulti kami sa 5 sa Abril, ug may gikasabutan na kami mahitungod sa pipila ka butang alang sa atong Nasud. Nagkasabut kami sa pagsulti pag-usab sa Washington, apan ang Presidente namatay sa ika 12 sa maong bulan. Dala ang kakugang tungod ning masulob-ong balita, midali ako sa pagpadayag sa iyang halili sa mahinuklogong pahasubo sa Lungsod nga Pilipinhon. Milupad ako padulong sa Washington aron pagtambong sa iyang lubong. Sa kamatayon ni Presidente Roosevelt, kita ug ang tibuok kalibutan, nawad-an sa usa ka matuod nga higala. Akong isugyot ang pagtukod, pinaagi sa amot sa kadaghanan, sa usa ka National Library nga paganganlag “Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial Library”, nga mamahimong usa ka handumanan alang kaniya, nga maoy usa ka tinuod nga higala sa mga pilipinhon ug usa ka kampiyon sa kagawasan ug katungdanang lungsoranon. Si Presidente Roosevelt nagsugyot nga ang among sunod nga panagsulti himoon sa White Flouse sa 19 sa Abril. Nianang adlawa, gidawat ako ni Presidente Truman ug kami nagkasulti sa atubangan sa mga Sekretaryo sa Estado, Guerra, Marina ug Interior. Kini gisundan pa gayud sa lain nga panagsulti sa sunod nga semana, diin si Presidente Truman nanag-iya sa tanang mga saad ni Presidente Roosevelt sa Pilipinas, ug nagasugo pa gayud, uban sa akong pag-uyon, sa pagpadala nganhi kang Senador Tydings, nga gihimo nga iyang Special Envoy nganhi kanato. Ang tuyo sa Misyon ni Tydings dili mao ang pagkuhag mga datos dinhi, sanglit ang tanan niyang gikinahanglan iya na mang nakita sa wala pa siya mogikan sa Washington. Ang iyang Misyon naninguha, una sa tanan, sa pagtanaw sa kaugalingong mata kon unsa ang kahimtang sa Pilipinas human agii sa gubat, ug ikaduha, sa pagpakigsulti sa mga Punoan sa Commonwealth, sa Kasundalohang Amerikanhon ug uban pa, aron pagtigum sa ilang tanang sugyot ug pag-ipon kanila sa iyang piano sa Rehabilitation. Gumikan sa talan-awong masulob-on nga misugat sa iyang mata, si Senador Tydings mipauli dayon sa Washington aron pagpasaka sa iyang report kang Presidente Truman. Ang Misyon ni Tydings adunay gimantala nga upat ka bahin sa iyang tulomanon sa Rehabilitation, ug kini maoy gisangputan sa iyang pagduaw dinhi sa Pilipinas. Ako nagtoo nga aduna kitay mapaabut sa labing madali mahitungod ning mga sugyot ni Tydings ug sa uban pa. Una ug labing hinungdanon alang kanato mao ang mahitungod sa kaugmaong lugaynon. Niining bahina, walay labing maayo ug masaaron sama sa Mensahe ni Presidente Roosevelt alang sa atong Lungsod nga gihimo sa 13 sa Agosto, 1943, diin gibag-o niya ang iyang mga saad sa paghatag kanato sa kaugalingnan nga gihimo sa 28 sa Disyembre, 1941, ug gidungagan pa gayud niya ning mosunod: “Sa 28 sa Disyembre 1941, tulo ka semana human ang mga sundalo sa Hapon mosulong sa Pilipinas, nagpadala akog pahayag kaninyo, mga maisug nga lungsoranon sa Pilipinas. “Ako miingon kaniadto: ‘“Akong ihatag sa Lungsod sa Pilipinas ang akong balaanong saad nga ang iyang Kagawasan pagalukaton ug ang iyang Kaugalingnan ihatag ug panalipdan. Ang tanang kusog sa tawo ug katigayunan sa Tinipong Bansa nagpanalipud ning saara.’ “Among tumanon kining saara, sama nga gituman namo ang tanang saad nga gihimo sa Amerika alang sa Lungsod nga Pilipinhon.” 123 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 Pila ka adlaw human niini, inugdahan ni Presidente Quezon, gihimo ang mga buhat aron kining mga saara uyonan sa Kongreso. Kon mao lamay nahimo kini ni Presidente Quezon sa tibuok niyang kinabuhing lugaynon — ug ang iyarig record ning bahina malisud nga hitupngan — kini lamang igo na kaayo nga siya hinumduman sa mga pilipinhon hangtud sa kahangturan: Ang Senate Joint Resolution No. 93, nga pinangayo ni Presidente Quezon ug nako ug among gidawat nga duha, mao ang gisangputan sa among mga panlimbasug didto sa Kongreso. Kining Resulusyona naghatag gahum sa Presidente sa Tinipong Bansa sa dili na lang paghulat sa adlaw nga ihatag kanato ang Kaugalingnan, sumala sa nahimutang sa Balaod sa Kaugalingnan. Nagabuot usab sa paghatag sa Amerika ug mga “base”, aron sa “pagpanalipud sa Pilipinas ug sa Tinipong Bansa, ug alang sa kaayuhan sa Pilipinas ug sa kahusayang umaabut sa Pasipiko.” Aron ang kahinungdanon niining balaora hisabtan pag-ayo ug mananaw natong mga pilipinhon ang atong mga katungdanan nga naangkon, kinahanglan nga atong sublion paghisgot ang mga nangaging hitabo, walay sapayan kon kita maglakaw sa mga dalan nga kadaghan na maagii. Ang kaugalingnan mao ang tinguha sa atong mga manggugubut sa 1896 ug 1898. Sa diha nga ang kaparot maoy naangkon sa atong mga sundalo ug ang kagamhanang amerikanhon natukod sa 1898, ang mga katungod sa mga lungsoranon giila dayon, uban niini ang katungod sa pagtigum. Duha ka mga pundok nga lugaynon ang natukod ubos ning katungora: ang sa mga Federal, nga mibarug uyon sa paghimo sa Pilipinas nga bahin sa Tinipong Bansa, ug ang sa mga Nasyonalista, nga nanlimbasug sa pagkab-ut sa Kaugalingnan nga maoy nahimong mithi sa atong Kagubut apan nga wala makab-ut pinaagi sa mga hinagiban. Kining tinguha sa pagpuyo sa kinaugalingong pagpuyo, nga milangbo sulod sa panahon sa kahusay, gidawat sa maayong pagdawat sa Tinipong Bansa. Ang atong katungod sa Kaugalingnan giila ni Dr. Jacob G. Schurman, Pangulo sa unang Komisyon nga Amerikanhon nga gipadala ni Presidente McKinley nganhi sa Pilipinas, ug iya ni Dr. Schurman kining mosunod nga mga pulong: “Ang dalan paingon sa kauswagan ug ang yawi alang sa kaugmaong lugaynon sa Kapupud-an, dili mao ang paghimo sa Pilipinas nga usa ka Kolonya sa Amerika kun ang paghimo kaniya nga usa ka bahin sa Tinipong Bansa, kon dili ang paghimo kaniya nga usa ka nasud nga gawas. Ang kaugmaon sa Pilipinas dili ang paghimo kaniya nga usa ka Estado kun usa ka Territorio, kon dili ang paghimo kaniya nga Republikang anak nato — usa ka bag- ong anak sa Kagawasan sa luyong dapit sa Pasipiko, nga magatindug sama sa usa ka Bungdo alang sa Kauswagan ug usa ka silaw sa paglaum alang sa tanang mga linupigan nga nagpuyo sa Asya.” Sa iyang bahin, ang lungsod nga pilipinhon, nga nagpilig usa ka mayoriya nga nasyonalista alang sa unang Dalam Pilipinhon, nga naghimo sa ilang unang tigum sa 1907, nagpadayon sa pagpiyal kanila sa tanang mga piliay nga gihimo hangtud sa pagkahimong balaod sa Tydings-McDuffie sa 1934, nga maoy nagtukod ning atong Commonwealth. Kining balaora giuyunan sa atong Legislatura ug unya sa atong Lungsod, ug tungod niini nagkahiusa ang Amerika ug Pilipinas sa usa ka panagsabut diin gisaad sa nahauna ang paghatag sa atong Kaugalingnan sa 4 sa Hulyo, sa 1946. Kining napulo ka tuig nga paghulat wala himoa aron sa pagdugay sa atong Kaugalingnan, kon dili aron pag-andam kanato sa mga katungdanan sa usa ka kinabuhing gawas ug kinaugalingon. Taas na uyamut ang atong dalang gilaktan aron sa pagpangandam alang sa Kaugalingnan, sa panahon nga gigubat kita sa Hapon. Apan ang pagtakas sa mga haponanon dinhi sa atong Kapupud-an wala makausab sa atong mga pangandam alang sa kaugalingnan nga gikasabutan na sa duha ka lungsod, sa amerikanhon ug sa pilipinhon. Sa pagdapit ni Presidente Roosevelt sa atong Presidente ug sa iyang 124 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 Gabinete aron mobalhin ngadto sa Tinipong Bansa, wala kini niya himoa aron lamang dili mabungkag ang Kagamhanang Pilipinhon, kon dili aron usab dili malangan ang atong Kaugalingnan. Binutang sa panumduman kining hunahunaa, ang Tinipong Bansa naghatag gilayon sa Pilipinas sa tanang mga ilhanan sa usa ka nasud nga gawas. Dili ako makahatag kaninyo ug usa ka labing malig-ong kamatuoran niini gawas sa paghulad sa pahayag ni Presidente Roosevelt pinaagi sa radyo kaniadto sa 13 sa Agosto, 1943, nga nag-ingon: “Ang Kagamhanang Pilipinhon maoy usa sa mga nagtimaan sa pahayag sa United Nations, ug usa siya sa 31 ka mga nasud. Si Presidente Quezon ug si Bise-Presidente Osmena nagatambong kanunay sa mga tigum sa Pacific War Council, diin ginaplano ang gubat sa Pasipiko. Ang inyong Kagamhanan nakaapil sa United Nations Conference on Food and Agriculture, ug usa ka tinugyanan sa Pilipinas sakop sa Interim Commission nga natukod sa maong komperinsiya. Ug, dayag na lang, ang Pilipinas may katungod unya sa pagtambong sa komperinsiya nga himoon human sa kaparot sa Hapon.” Tungod ning atong kahimtang, kita mitambong karon, uban sa mga dagku ug mga gawas nga nasud sa kalibutan; sa United Nations Conference on International Organization nga gihimo ning mga adlawa sa San Francisco. Kining gubata, nga nakaguba sa kalibutan ug nga nagapadayon pa dinhi sa Pasipiko, nakahatag sa Pilipinas ug usa ka maayong butang. Maoy akong gipasabut dinhi ang pag-usab sa politika sa Amerika alang sa mga nasud sa kalibutan, ang iyang pagbiya sa politikang siyaonhon ug ang pag- ila niya sa iyang katungdanan sa pagpanalipud alang sa katawhan sa mga mithi sa kagawasan, katarungan ug kahusayan. Pinasukad ning bag-o ug maanindot nga mithi, ang Kongreso sa Amerika nag-uyon sa 1944 sa Joint Resolutions 93 ug 94 nga nagpasalig, uban sa mga king butang, sa pagpanalipud sa atong Kaugalingnan. Kaniadto sa 1907, sa pag-uyon sa Dalam Pilipinhon sa iyang unang pagpangayo sa Kaugalingnan, sa ngalan sa Lungsod nga Pilipinhon, kini gihimo niya ubos ang pag-ila sa mga katungdanan nga maangkon nato kon ang gipangayo ihatag kanato. Ang Balaod Jones sa 1916 nagtanyag kanato sa Kaugalingnan inigkatukod nato dinhi sa usa ka Kagamhanan nga malig-on, ug ato kadtong gidawat bisan walay saad nga gihimo kanato sa Amerika sa pagpanalipud ug paglaban sa atong Yuta, human kita mahigawas sa iyang kamut. Sa 1934, ang Lungsod nga Pilipinhon naghimo sa usa ka plebisito aron sa pagdawat kun pagsalikway sa Balaod sa Kaugalingnan nga wala magtanyag kanato sa pagpanalipud. Ang lungsod miuyon sa maong Balaod. Karon nga ang Amerika mitanyag kanato sa pagtabang niya human kita mahimong gawas, dili kita makatoo nga adunay pilipinhon nga magduhaduha. Ang programa sa Kaugalingnan, nga unang gisulat sa dugo sa mga bayani sa atong kaagi, nga migamut sa mga adlaw sa unang Dalam Pilipinhon sa 1907, ug nga milangbo pag-ayo human ang pag- uyon sa Balaod Jones sa 1916 ug sa pagkatukod sa Commonwealth sa 1935, maoy usa ka programa nga giuyunan na sa Lungsod nga Pilipinhon. Kami nga karon nagdumala sa atong Kagamhanan, sa usa ka pagdumala nga dili dayon, mao lamay mga tinugyanan sa mga balaanong mithi sa atong lungsod. Wala kitay katungod sa pagsibug — ug kita dili mosibug — kay kita wala mahadlok sa mga gipatuong mga kakulian ug dili kita maibug sa usa ka pagpuyong hayahay ug hupong sa bahandi. Dili nato ikabaligya ang atong Kagawasan sa bisan, unsang bahandi sa kalibutan. Si Andres Bonifacio ug ang iyang mga sumosunod, sa pagsinggit nila sa Unang Singgit sa Balintawak, wala sila managana tungod sa kahadlok sa kaaway ug sa paghigugma sa mga bahanding 125 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 kalibutanon. Sa pag-agaw usab nato sa bandila sa Kagawasan sa kamut niadtong mga nangamatay sa gabii sa along kaparot, wala kitay laing gipangayo kon dili ang Kagawasan da gayud. Ug sa 1934, sa diha nga gipangutana kita kon unsay along pilion, ang Kagawasan ba kun ang kabahandianon, ang along lungsod, sama sa usa ka lawo, milubag nga maoy iyang linguha ang Kagawasan labaw sa lanan. Tungod niini, karon nga ang Tinipong Bansa, human mag-ila sa along nabuhal ning gubala, naghimo kanalo nga usa sa iyang mga alyado, ug miianyag kanalo sa along Kagawasan inubanan sa pagpanalipud sa maong kagawasan, ang along kalungdanan mao ang pagdawal sa gilanyag kanalo. Busa, ingnon ko ang lanang pilipinhon ug ang lanang mga lawo nga ania uban sa pagpuyo kanalo, nga dili na kila makasibug. Ang along dalan lanus ug walay likoliko. Magapadayon kila sa unahan sa pagkab-ul sa along mga linguhang lungsodnon. Mga Ginoo: Kamo nagkaligum karon ubos sa malisud nga panahon. Daghan uyamul ang mga gumonhap nga nagahulal sa along pagsulbad. Apan kila nga sa dugayng panahon ug sa dakung kainii na gayo sa along Kaugalingnan kinahanglan magpakiia sa kalibulan nga kila maanligong mosulbad sa mga labing malisud nga gumonhap nga lungsodnon. Si General MacArlhur, kanang along labing linamod nga higala, miingon sa usa niana ka higayon nga mao ray angayan mabuhi kadlong mga lawo nga dili mahadlok uga mamalay. Ug ang along mga lungsoranon nagpakila sa naiad sa panggubalan nga sila wala mahadlok sa kamalayon. Apan, ang mga bulohalan sa panahon sa kahusay labing malisud kay usahay sa panahon sa gubal. Ang kaayohan sa napulogwalo ka milyong pilipinhon nga bag-o lamang nakagawas sa lulo ka luig nga pag-ulipon ania sa along mga kamul. Kinahanglan ihalag la kanila ang kahusayan, kalarungan ug ang mga paagi sa panginabuhing malipayon. Dili kila makahalag sa along Lungsod sa lanan niyang gikinahanglan, apan nahibalo ako nga kila maanligong moluman sa along kalungdanan. Maghiusa kila sa usa ka kusganon nga panlimbasug. Along ipahilayo ang siyaonhong hunahuna ug hikalimlan ang mga gagmay nga away-away. Sa panaghiusa anaa ang kusog. Ako mangayo sa ilang lambag sa mga lawo nga halaas nag gilaklan sa dalan sa kinabuhi. Sa mga balan-on nalo, akong pangayoon kanila ang ilang kusog ug kadasig. Ang akong pagluo sa along Lungsod dili mabunlog. Bag-ohon nalo ang along mga siyudad ug mga balangay nga nangaguba. Niining panahon nga labing malisud sa along Kaagi, nagalanlaw ako sa unahan sa walay kukahadlok, nagaluo kanunay nga, kon molugol si Balhala, ang along Yula mamahimo gihapon nga malipayon ug mauswagon. Sa kalapusan, lugoli ako nga pahalipayan ko kamo gikan sa akong kasingkasing lungod kay kini mao ang unang Kongreso nga nakaligum sa usa ka Yulang bag-ong nabawi sa kamul sa kaaway, bisan ug ang Pilipinas mao ang usa sa mga ulahi nga nakagawas sa mga haponanon. Nagalinguha ako sa inyong kadaugan ning pagluman ninyo sa inyong mga dagkung kalungdanan. Hunyo 9, 1945. Source: University of the Philippines Diliman Library Osmena, S. (1945). Mensahe ni Sergio Osmeha Pangulo ng Pilipinas asalang sa unang Kongreso sa Pilipinas sa iyang tinuyang tigum Hunyo 9, 1 945. Manila : Bureau of Printing. 126 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 Message to the Congress of His Excellency Sergio Osmefia President of the Philippines On the State of the Nation [Delivered on June 9, 1945] GENTLEMEN OE THE CONGRESS: Today, a moment of great historic significance, the voice of our people, muted throughout the long dreary night of enemy enslavement, is to be heard again in the halls of this Congress, through their duly elected representatives. It has been a long lapse of time since that day in November, 1941, when you were elected, to this day when you gather in your first session. We can hardly recognize our country after the cataclysm that has engulfed it. The war has left its livid scars everywhere — on our buildings as well as on men’s souls. Probably nothing can more starkly summarize our present plight than the fact that the Executive and Legislative branches of our Government have to meet today in a borrowed house because our Legislative Building is a heap of rubble and ashes, mute witness to the savage desperation of the beaten enemy. The tragedy that has afflicted our nation has lacerated our hearts. We all miss today many dear and familiar faces that are no more. But perhaps no sorrow has touched us more deeply than the passing of our beloved leader, Manuel L. Quezon. I know, however, that you feel as I do that his immortal spirit abides with us in this hour of trial and crisis, encouraging us to proceed with the arduous tasks that lie ahead. This great man, who dedicated his entire life to his country, died as he would have wanted to die — in line of duty. Soon his mortal remains, kept at the Arlington National Cemetery at Virginia, will be brought back to the Philippines, and we shall all have the opportunity of rendering him our last homage of admiration and affection. We shall erect him a monument so that we and our generations yet unborn may keep his memory enshrined in our hearts. The Philippines is the one territory under the American flag which has suffered the most at the invader’s hands. Not only are its war casualties the highest in proportion to population, not only have its cities and towns been destroyed and looted, its countrysides and farms laid waste, and its whole economic structure ruined, but its people have undergone more physical pain and mental anguish than in any other part of the United States. As early as December 8, 1941, a few hours after her felon attack on Pearl Harbor, Japan sent bombers and task forces to the Philippines. Unavoidably turned into a battlefield, our country suffered heavily in men and property, especially in Bataan, where the Filipino- American Army battled the Japanese forces for four long months. Then followed a period of enemy occupation, cruel and humiliating. No sooner had the fighting in Bataan ended than the enemy began the systematic looting of our country. There was no limit to what he could requisition with his worthless money. Even our barest necessities were commandeered. And when we tried to stand by our rights, force, ruthless force, immediately intervened. With or without cause, people by the scores were arrested and sent to prison and concentration camps — some to be tortured, others to be executed. As time went on, we became more impoverished, while the enemy 127 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 became still more cruel and arrogant. After undergoing three years of enemy domination, no people was a more pitiful sight than the Filipinos — lean, ragged and famished. I wish to stress the fact that the extreme suffering of the Filipinos and the widespread destruction wrought on our country has been due, in a large measure, to their unwavering loyalty to the United States. No people, I believe, has given so much proof of fidelity to the cause of the mother country as the Filipinos. When Japan invaded the Philippines, the American flag was here. Even without that flag, Japan would probably have launched her attack. But as long as the Philippines remained under American sovereignty, the responsibility for the defense of the Islands lay with the United States. For forty odd years, in our continuous preparation for self-government, we exercised jurisdiction over matters of education, public works, sanitation and other functions of public administration, but never over our national defense. This function remained in the hands of the United States as the sovereign power. It is true that as soon as the Commonwealth was established, we started giving our citizens military training and building up a modest army, but these steps were in preparation, not for war, but for the fulfillment of our peaceful duties as an independent nation. Notwithstanding these facts, the Filipino people rallied to the defense of the American flag, paying no heed to the cost and consequences. The sad moment came when it had to be admitted that the battle was lost, since a relief force could not be sent to the Philippines. But far from wavering, the Filipino soldier, side by side with his American comrade, fought on harder than ever until he was overwhelmed by superior numbers. Unwilling to bow to the enemy, the Filipino people valiantly took up the struggle with all the strength they could muster. Patriotic groups soon sprang up throughout the length and breadth of the Archipelago. At first eluding the enemy, the guerrillas took to the mountains, but with the active support of the civilian population they quickly grew in number and strength to become a virtual challenge to the enemy. The story of the guerrilleros and of the civilian patriots who helped them, is an epic of heroism, loyalty and sacrifice. As far as possible they should be given recognition. Recognized guerrilla units have already been incorporated into the Philippine Army. As I stated in Leyte, in praising the guerrillas we should not be forgetful of the loyal civilians who were left behind and, at the risk of their lives, supported the resistance movement. Included among these civilians were those who, at the beginning of the war, were civil service employees or holders of subordinate positions in the government, and who remained at their posts to protect the people and extend to them all possible aid and comfort. They should, as a general principle, be recalled as soon as their services should be needed; only for strong reasons should they be deprived of their privilege to serve. This policy applies as well to elected provincial and municipal officials who were chosen in the election of 1940, thus giving due consideration to the will of the people as expressed at the polls. Filipino loyalty to America is an incontestable fact. It is the more remarkable when we consider that right from the start of the war the Filipinos were subjected to a terrific barrage of anti-American propaganda. Claiming invincibility and professing a brotherly spirit toward the Philippines, Japan declared that she had come to our country to free us from the American yoke, and offered us a place of honor in here much vaunted Co-Prosperity Sphere. But we contrasted these soothing words with the factual, liberal and generous record of America. Against the obviously empty promises of Tojo was the solemn pledge of President Roosevelt to the Filipinos that “their freedom would be redeemed and their independence established and protected.” This pledge was later enlarged to include the promise that the Philippines would be “assisted in the full repair of the ravages caused by the war.” It was in quest of the fulfillment of the promises of President Roosevelt that President Quezon and his Cabinet accepted his invitation to transfer the Commonwealth Government to Washington. 128 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 In the course of this session, I shall have occasion to report to you the activities of our government in the United States. In this message I propose to discuss only the salient phases of that labor. When we reached the United States, this country was entirely preoccupied with the problems of her mighty war effort and her attention was concentrated on the European front. She was straining all her means and resources towards the fulfillment of her resolution to crush Nazi Germany first. It was then extremely difficult to divert American attention to the Pacific, but determined to present our cause before the American people. President Quezon held conferences with President Roosevelt and appeared before the Senate and House of Representatives. In spite of the delicate state of his health, he worked ceaselessly during the first year of his stay in Washington, delivering important speeches and repeatedly broadcasting to the Philippines in an effort to maintain the faith of his people. In active support of the President, the members of his Cabinet also made speeches throughout the United States, inviting the attention of the people of America to the loyal stand of the Filipinos and urging prompt efforts for their early redemption. The United States has kept her pledge. The Philippines is now liberated. This arduous campaign of eight months, beginning at Leyte Gulf, has ended with the current final phase of mopping up in Mindanao and Northern Luzon. Only the mountain corridor of Cagayan Valley, a trap from which there is no escape, remains under Japanese occupation. Yet, in the flush of victory, we are apt to take for granted the monumental effort which the United States has had to exert to liberate us. Into the Southwest Pacific Area the Japanese General Staff had poured a tremendous amount of troops, planes and ships. Estimates place the Japanese military forces in the Philippines as comprising an entire army area, two army corps, at least 22 divisions and brigades, and a large number of service troops, totaling at least 450,000 men. Merchant marine, laborers and hastily drafted civilians swelled this locust plague of armed of occupation forces. Enormous distances had to be traversed, but within the framework of a master plan that took everything into consideration — climate, terrain and an enemy who preferred suicide to capture — operations stretching over 3,000 miles were relentlessly pursued throughout the bitter years of 1942, 1943 and 1944, until the brilliant goal is within inescapable reach in 1945. The main goal of these far- flung operations was the liberation of the Philippines. Enemy losses in the Philippines to date exceed 380,000, a mortal wound inflicted on the Japanese army. With relatively low losses to ourselves, we have before us another example of the brilliant strategy of that genial military leader. General of the Army Douglas MacArthur. The strategic effect of the liberation of the Philippines has been to set the stage for ultimate Japanese defeat at home and in the south, two areas now severed from each other. Filipinos have done their part in this work by giving lavishly of their men and resources to the United States. But the fight is not yet over, and so I have offered to General MacArthur one division of Filipino troops, under Filipino officers, for the final assault on Japan. Words alone cannot express our gratitude to the United States for all it has done for us, and I take this opportunity to repeat the offer made by President Quezon in 1941 to the people of America — that the men and resources of the Philippines are unconditionally at the service of the United States. While our Government in Washington did its utmost to present before the American people the political aspect of the struggle in the Philippines, it did not neglect the economic phase, fully aware that the war would produce serious dislocations in the economic life of our country. President Quezon initiated personally the negotiations with the Federal Government to obtain the necessary economic assistance after the war. He did not stop negotiating directly with that Government until, because of his health, he had to retire temporarily from active labor. To proceed with the work already commenced, he created a Post War Planning Board. This Board held sessions continuously and completed its preliminary 129 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 work. This served as the basis for a program which was finally submitted by the representatives of our Government on the Filipino Rehabilitation Commission presided over by Senator Tydings. I am presenting to you with this message the reports which have been submitted to me by the Filipino group of this Commission. Upon their examination you will find that the program of relief and rehabilitation, as prepared by our representatives in Washington, is very comprehensive. I wish on this occasion to praise the work done by our group. Our men there accomplished a difficult task within very limited means. Now that there is available to me a wealth of human material, it is my purpose to appoint to this Commission new representatives, among whom will be members of this Congress. When I assumed office as President of the Philippines, I considered it my duty to exert every possible effort to obtain the active personal interest of the President of the United States in our problems. But when I was prepared to confer with President Roosevelt on his return from Quebec last October, I received an urgent request from General MacArthur to join him and the forces of liberation that were poised to retake the Philippines. Because of this urgent request, I was able to have only a short conference with President Roosevelt, but I promised him that I would return to the United States as soon as possible to continue our conversations. After the reestablishment of the Commonwealth Government in Leyte, I returned to the United States. President Roosevelt being then out of Washington and, on the other hand, finding myself in urgent need of submitting to a physical examination, I went to Jacksonville, Florida. Everything was in readiness for my hospitalization there when I received another telegram from General MacArthur urging me to join him in Luzon immediately. Reaching Lingayen on the very day I was expected, I rejoined General MacArthur in his headquarters and with him I entered Manila. Upon resuming my functions in this Capital, I endeavored to convene the Congress, but due to the military situation, it was not possible to do so. I then decided to return to the United States to renew my conferences with President Roosevelt. We met on April 5th and reached an agreement on some of our basic problems. We further agreed to meet again in Washington. Unfortunately, the President died on the 12th. Shocked by the sad news, I hastened to express to his successor the most profound condolences of the Filipino people. I flew to Washington to attend the funeral services. In the passing of President Roosevelt we, with the entire world, have suffered an irreparable loss. I recommend the erection, by public subscription, of a national library to be named “Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial Library” as a lasting tribute to him who was a true friend of the Filipinos and a great champion of human rights and liberties. President Roosevelt had suggested that our next meeting be at the White Flouse on April 19. On that date President Truman received me and we conferred in the presence of the Secretaries of State, War, Navy and the Interior. This was followed by another conference the next week in which President Truman accepted as his own President Roosevelt’s commitments with respect to the Philippines and decided, with my concurrence, to send Senator Tydings of Maryland as his special envoy to the Philippines. The object of the Tydings Mission was not to collect data here, since all the necessary statistical and other information were already available to Senator Tydings before he left Washington. The mission desired, firstly, to obtain a personal impression of the situation in which the war had left us, and secondly, to contact personally the officials of the Philippine Government, the Military Command and other interested parties, with a view to coordinating their suggestions and fitting them into the rehabilitation plans already under consideration. Deeply moved by what he saw in Manila, Senator Tydings decided to return immediately to Washington to report to the President of the United States. Indicative of the sympathy, zeal and industry of the Tydings Mission is the four-point program for the 130 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 rehabilitation of the Philippines which it has publicly announced. I am confident that action on this and other programs will soon be forthcoming. First and foremost in our minds, as Filipinos, is the question of our political future. In this matter, no greater and nobler message has been given to the Filipino people than that of President Roosevelt when, on August 13, 1943, reiterating his previous promises on independence made on December 28, 1941, he expressed himself in the following words: “On December 28, 1941, three weeks after the armies of the Japanese launched their attack on Philippine soil, I sent a proclamation to you, the gallant people of the Philippines. “I said then: ‘“I give to the people of the Philippines my solemn pledge that their freedom will be redeemed and their independence established and protected. The entire resources in men and materials of the United States stand behind that pledge.’ “We shall keep this promise just as we have kept every promise which America has made to the Filipino people.” Soon after, on the initiative of President Quezon, steps were taken to obtain congressional sanction for these pledges. If President Quezon did nothing but this in his political career — and his political record can hardly be surpassed — it alone would entitle him to the eternal gratitude of his people. Senate Joint Resolution No. 93, which President Quezon and I asked for and accepted, is the culmination of our joint congressional efforts. This legislation authorizes the President of the United States to advance the date of independence provided in the Independence Law. It also provides, through the maintenance by the United States of bases in the Philippines, “for full security for the Philippines, for the mutual protection of the Islands and the United States, and for the future maintenance of peace in the Pacific.” So that the import of this new legislation, and the responsibility which we Filipinos have assumed thereby, may be better understood, it is necessary that we review past events even if we have to walk again on well-trodden paths. National independence was the goal which our revolutionaries of 1896 and 1898 set for themselves. When the fortunes of war were adverse to our arms and American sovereignty was established in 1898, individual liberties were recognized, among them the right of free assembly. Under the protection of this freedom, two political groups came into existence: the Federalistas, who declared themselves in favor of the annexation of the Philippines to the United States so as to constitute, in due time, a state of the Union; and the Nacionalistas, who advocated the ideal of independence which the Filipino revolutionaries had proclaimed but were not able to achieve in war. This aspiration to be free, nurtured in an atmosphere of peace, was received with sympathy in the United States. The legitimacy of this aspiration was recognized by Dr. Jacob G. Schurman, President of the first American Commission sent by President McKinley to the Philippines, in these memorable words: “The watchword of progress, the key to the future of the political development of the archipelago, is neither colonialism nor federalism, but nationalism. The destiny of the Philippine Islands is not to be a State or territory in the United States of America, but a daughter republic of ours — a new birth of liberty on the other side of the Pacific, which shall animate and energize those lovely islands of the tropical seas, and, rearing its head aloft, stand as a monument of progress and a beacon of hope to all the oppressed and benighted millions of the Asiatic continent.” 131 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 On their part the Filipino people, who had elected a majority of Nacionalistas to the first Philippine Assembly, which met in 1907, repeatedly reiterated their confidence in them in successive elections, until the Congress approved in 1934 the Tydings-McDuffie Act creating the present Commonwealth. This law was accepted, first by the Legislature and then directly by the people, thus binding America and the Philippines to a virtual covenant by which the United States formally committed itself to withdraw its sovereignty from the Philippines and proclaim our independence on July 4, 1946. The ten-year transition period was not established to delay the proclamation of independence, but only to prepare the Philippines adequately for the responsibilities of nationhood. We were well advanced in our preparations for independence when we became the object of an unjust aggression by Japan. But Japan’s military occupation of the Philippines had not affected the independence program agreed upon between the United States and the Philippines. When President Roosevelt invited the President of the Government of the Commonwealth and his Cabinet to evacuate to the United States, he did not do so merely to preserve the constitutional integrity of the Philippine Government but also to assure the realization, in due time, of the program of independence. With this fundamental idea in mind, the United States took the initiative of considering the Philippines as possessing all of the attributes of complete and respected nationhood. I cannot give you a more authoritative statement concerning the status of our Government in Washington than that which President Roosevelt himself made in his broadcast to the Philippines on August 13, 1943: “The Philippine Government is a signatory of the Declaration by the United Nations, along with thirty-one other nations. President Quezon and Vice President Osmena attend the meetings of the Pacific War Council, where the war in the Pacific is charted and planned. Your government has participated fully and equally in the United Nations Conference on Food and Agriculture, and a Philippine representative is a member of the Interim Commission created by that Conference. And, of course, the Philippine Government will have its rightful place in the conference which will follow the defeat of Japan.” In confirmation of this status we are now participating, among the free and independent nations of the world, in the United Nations Conference on International Organization now taking place in San Francisco. This war, which has ravaged the world and which is yet to be won in the Pacific, has brought to the Philippines a permanent blessing. I refer to the fundamental change in America’s policy with regard to the outside world, namely, her abandonment of the attitude of isolation and her frank acknowledgment of her duty, as one of the most powerful nations on earth, to preserve for all mankind liberty, justice, peace and security. In conformity with this new, well-asserted ideology. Congress approved in 1944 Joint Resolutions 93 and 94 which provide, among other things, for the permanent security of the Philippines. America will not only acknowledge our independence as soon as it is possible after the Japanese have been expelled from our soil but will provide, besides, protection for that independence. When the Philippine Assembly in 1907 formulated the first official petition of the Filipino people that it be granted independence, it did so fully aware of the responsibilities which the new status would impose on us with respect to our security. The Jones Law of 1916 offered us independence as soon as we had organized a stable government, and we accepted it in spite of the fact that such a law did not contain any promise giving us the protection of America after the attainment of our political freedom. In 1934 the Filipino people had occasion in a plebiscite to accept or reject an independence law without adequate American guarantee for its maintenance. The people accepted the offer by an overwhelming 132 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 majority. With America now offering us protection which assures the permanency of our independence, it would be inconceivable for any Filipino to vacillate. The program of independence, initially written with the blood of the heroes and martyrs of our history, which took root in the days of the first Philippine Assembly in 1907, which acquired consistency throughout the long period of Filipino-American collaboration resulting in the approval of the Jones Law in 1916 and the establishment of the Commonwealth in 1935, is a program definitely accepted by the Filipino people. Those of us who are temporarily in charge of the affairs of state are mere trustees of the sacred ideal of our people. We have no right to turn back — we shall not turn back — cowed by imaginary dangers or swayed by the desire to lead a life of ease and plenty. We cannot sell our liberty for a mess of pottage. When Andres Bonifacio and his men uttered their now historic First Cry of Balintawak, they were not held back by fear of the enemy, or by any love of earthly goods. When we took over the banner of liberty from those that fell in the night of our defeat, we asked only for freedom and for nothing more. When we were asked in 1934 if we preferred liberty to prosperity, our people answered overwhelmingly that they desired liberty above everything else. Now that the United States, in recognition of our role in this war, has declared itself our ally and, with liberty, offers us security, it is our duty and our choice to accept. So I say to every Filipino and to all other elements in our state, that the die is cast. Our course is straight and inflexible. We are going forward to the achievement of our national aspiration. Gentlemen of the Congress: You are gathered today under the most trying circumstances. There are many serious problems ahead of us. But we who have so long and ardently clamored for self-government must prove to the world that we are equal to the most exacting tasks of public administration. That great and distinguished friend of the Filipino people. General of the Army Douglas MacArthur, once said that they are only fit to live who are not afraid to die. Our people have shown on the battlefield that they are not afraid to die. But the tasks of peace are at times more exacting than those of war. We are administering the affairs of eighteen million people just delivered from three long years of enslavement. To them we owe justice, order and the means to live in contentment and happiness. I am aware that our means at the moment are inadequate. We are not able to provide our people with as much as they deserve. But we shall not falter in the line of duty. Let us get together in one mighty effort. Let us set aside selfish considerations and forget petty differences. Only in unity can there be strength. To the experienced, I turn for advice. From the youth of the land, I ask for its enthusiasm and energies. My faith in our people is unbounded. Over the ruins of our cities and barrios we shall build anew. In this most crucial hour of our history, I look forward to our destiny unafraid, confident that, God willing, ours will be a happy, progressive and prosperous land. In closing, permit me to congratulate you most heartily for being the first elective Congress to meet in a country liberated from the enemy, although the Philippines is among the last to be free from enemy occupation and control. I wish you all success in discharging the tremendous responsibility that is yours during the present emergency. June 9, 1 945. Source: Presidential Museum and Library Osmena, S. (1945). Message of Sergio Osmeha President of the Philippines to the first congress of the Philippines convened in the special session, June 9, 1 945. Manila : Bureau of Printing. 133 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 Message of His Excellency Sergio Osmefia President of the Philippines To the Philippine Congress on the rehabilitation of Philippine banks [Released on June 13, 1945] GENTLEMEN OE THE CONGRESS: The rehabilitation of the banks in the Philippines, affecting as they do so intimately the economic life of our nation, demands our urgent attention. In the interest of the public and the financial stability of the country, I have issued Executive Order No. 48 authorizing the reopening of banks in the Philippines subject to the approval of the Bank Commissioner, and Executive Order No. 49 promulgating rules and regulations governing certain transactions of banking institutions during the enemy occupation. But I feel that the steps towards the rehabilitation of the Philippine National Bank, a government- owned institution, should properly be taken by the Congress. A preliminary analysis of the financial condition of the Philippine National Bank indicates that it has suffered large losses as a result of the Japanese occupation of the Philippines. The immediate resumption of its operation is of paramount importance, not only in order to affirm public faith and confidence in our financial institutions but also to insure more adequate banking facilities during the period of reconstruction. I, therefore, recommend legislation by the Congress providing for the rehabilitation of the Philippine National Bank. Such a law, in my opinion, should contain the following provisions (1) Following the reopening of the Bank and within six months of the enactment of the act, a thorough examination should be made of the Bank’s assets and liabilities for the purpose of determining the true and actual condition of the Bank. (2) Effective with the resumption of business, the Bank should acquire the assets, assume the liabilities, and take over all business activities of the Banking Division as provided for in Executive Order No. 33. (3) The funds of the Commonwealth Government, provinces, cities and municipalities on deposit with the bank, together with such portion of the working funds of the Banking Division of the National Treasury as may be necessary, should be utilized to meet deficiencies to other depositors and creditors and to restore the bank’s capital to ten million pesos. (4) All recoveries of the Bank on assets now regarded as doubtful or without value and all net profits should be used for the repayment of Government deposits utilized in the rehabilitation of the Bank and for the rebuilding of the Bank’s surplus. 134 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 Such action on the part of the Congress would, in my estimation, give the Philippine National Bank the means and opportunity of reestablishing itself on a sound basis and would contribute in a large measure to the economic rehabilitation of the Philippines. The matter of assistance to other banking institutions will be covered in a subsequent message. Respectfully, SERGIO OSMENA The Congress Manila Source: National Library of the Philippines Osmena, S. (1945). [Message of President Sergio Osmena to the Congress]. Osmena Collections, Rare book Section. National Library of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines. 135 MESSAGES OE THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 MALACANAN PALACE MANILA Message of His Excellency Sergio Osmena President of the Philippines To the Philippine Congress on the enactment of an approved bill [Released on June 14, 1945] Gentlemen of the Congress: I am submitting for your consideration and early approval a bill, entitled - AN ACT APPROPRIATING SEVENTEEN MILLION PESOS TO ESTABLISH A SPECIAL EUND EOR THE REHABILITATION OE PHILIPPINE BANKS AND SETTING UP A BANK REHABILITATION BOARD TO INVEST AND ADMINISTER SUCH EUND One of the most pressing problems that confront the country is the need for urgent rehabilitation of our private banking institutions. It is of paramount necessity that our banks open their doors immediately so that they may be in a position to assist in reestablishing our economy, particularly in connection with their role of integrating credit resources and canalizing credit facilities. The measure herein submitted seeks to authorize the investment by the Government in preferred shares of stock of domestic banks. This is not intended as a permanent investment, but merely to allow banks to meet statutory requirements regarding capital structure which, because of enemy occupation, has been most severely strained. In the interest of the national welfare, the measure proposed herein should be enacted into law. Pursuant to the provisions of paragraph 2, section 21, Article VI of the Constitution of the Philippines, I hereby certify to the necessity of the immediate enactment of the attached bill. Respectfully, SERGIO OSMENA President of the Philippines The Congress Manila Source: National Library of the Philippines Osmena, S. (1945). [Message of President Serigo Osmena to the Congress]. Osmena Collections, Rare book Section. National Library of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines. 136 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 MALACANAN PALACE MANILA Message of His Excellency Sergio Osmena President of the Philippines To the Congress of the Philippines on the National Budget for the Fiscal Year ending, June 30, 1946 [Released on June 18, 1945] Gentlemen of the Congress: I have the honor to submit herewith for your consideration the National Budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1946. Section 19, Article VI, of the Constitution provides that the President shall submit the budget to Congress within fifteen days of the opening of each regular session. However, as you have been unable to convene in regular session since your election in November, 1941, 1 avail myself of this opportunity of presenting to you the 1946 Budget during this special session. In the main, this budget is a reproduction of the 1942 General Appropriation Act, with only such modifications as are necessary in view of the present requirements of the service. In so far as practicable, salary items have been maintained in order to make it possible to recall all employees whose services may be needed. Due to the paralyzation of business, the destruction of our industries, and the disruption of our foreign trade as a result of the war, it is impossible at this time to make an estimate of the income of the Government for the fiscal year 1946 with any degree of accuracy. It is certain, however, that the revenue of collections will be meager and far from sufficient to meet necessary expenses of the Government for urgent and essential services. The 1946 Budget proposes a total appropriation P102, 136,619.50 for recurring expenditures, of which P93, 117,249. 50 is for ordinary operating expenses of the Government and P9, 019, 370. 00 is for fixed expenditures authorized by existing laws, such as for amortization of and interests on the public debt, for retirement gratuities and pensions, and for contributions to the Government Service Insurance System. Non-recurring expenditures amounting to P35,000,000.00 are also provided for, P5, 000, 000. 00 for expenses for the elections which may be held sometime this year and P30,000,000.00 for advances to provinces, cities and municipalities to help them meet their operating expenses for essential ordinary services. This budget, therefore, covers a total outlay of P137,136,619.50. It is obvious that the finances of the Government are in a very precarious condition. The Government has considered the advisability of floating bonds, of securing a revision of our existing tax system and the creation of new taxes, but because of the ravages of war from which our country and our people are still suffering, it is believed that the funds that may be realized from these sources will not be sufficient. Negotiations are being made, therefore, to secure aid from the United States to rehabilitate our finances. Otherwise the Government would be without adequate funds with which to carry on its essential activities not only for the coming fiscal year but for some years to come. 137 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 As I have said, this budget is mainly a reproduction of the 1942 General Appropriation Act. However, the following important modifications, among others, have been made: 1. The appropriation of P300,000.00, which was authorized for the Senate for only six months in the 1942 General Appropriation Act, is increased to P600,000.00 in this Budget to cover the whole year. This appropriation is maintained in lump sum as the Senate has just been organized for the first time and has not had sufficient time to itemize its appropriations. 2. Commonwealth Act No. 654 provides that any deficit, not exceeding P250,000.00, in the appropriations for the Office of the President may be covered from any unexpended balance of any appropriations provided therein for the executive departments. The said provision is restated in this budget; however, the total amount of the deficit that may be so covered is increased to P500,000.00 to provide for increased outlays that may be needed due to the present emergency. 3. An additional position of one Assistant Secretary to the President at P9,000.00 authorized in Administrative Order No. 5, dated May 25, 1945, to meet the increased activities of the Office of the President is again provided in this budget. 4. An appropriation of P60,000.00 is provided for salaries and allowances, transportation and other expenses of pensionados and fellows in the United States. This is the same as the amount provided in Executive Order No. 18-W for the current fiscal year. 5. An appropriation of P213,460.00 for salaries and other expenses of officials and employees of the Commonwealth Government still in the United States and for sundry expenses and purchase of furniture and equipment of their respective offices. For the present fiscal year, P239,120.00 was authorized in Executive Order No. 18-W. To effect simplification, economy and efficiency, a provision is made in this budget to authorize the President to reorganize the Offices of the President and of the Resident Commissioner to the United States. 6. The appropriation of P50,000.00 authorized in item B-IV-7, Commonwealth Act No. 654, for expenses that the President may authorize, of delegates to international conventions and conferences, including payment of membership fees, is increased to P150,000.00. This additional outlay is made in order to provide for the anticipated attendance of Filipino delegations to international conferences, including the peace conference, which may take place during the same fiscal year. 7. An appropriation of P100,000.00 for salaries of members, sundry expenses and furniture and equipment of the Filipino Rehabilitation Commission, created by Public Faw 381, 78th Congress, approved on June 29, 1944. This outlay is the same as the amount provided for the same purpose for the current fiscal year in Executive Order No. 18-W. 8. An appropriation of P30,000.00 is provided for relief loans to Filipinos stranded in the United States on account of the war, as may be authorized by the President. This is less than the appropriation of P44,000.00 provided in Executive Order No. 18-W for the current year. 9. An appropriation of P400,000.00 is provided for the payment of transportation and other incidental expenses of the officers of the Government of the United States and other guests of the Philippine Government, including their families, who may be invited to attend the inauguration of the Republic of the Philippines in the event the independence of the Philippines is proclaimed by the President of the United States during the fiscal year 1946. 10. A new appropriation of P50,000.00 is provided for the operating expenses of the National Board of Inquiry created by Executive Order No. 53, dated June 8, 1945. 11. The appropriation of P3 14,000.00 authorized in item B-(7) of Commonwealth Act No. 654 for the operating expenses of the Office of the Resident Commissioner to the United States is increased to P433,880.00 due to the transfer of certain items authorized in Executive Order No. 18-W for the former Department of Information and Public Relations in Washington. 138 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 12. A new appropriation of P30,000,000.00 is provided for advances to provinces, cities and municipalities to help them meet their operating expenses for essential ordinary services, including expenses paid by the Philippine Civil Affairs Unit (PCAU) of the United States Army for such provinces, cities and municipalities during the 1945 and 1946 fiscal years. These advances shall be allotted by the Secretary of Finance with the approval of the President and the same shall be repaid from any funds of the provinces, cities and municipalities concerned under such terms and conditions as the President may determine. 13. A new appropriation of P76,980.00 is provided for the salaries and wages of the personnel of the new Office of Information under the Department of Instruction and. Information which has been reorganized under the provisions of Executive Order No. 27, dated February 27, 1945. 14. An additional appropriation of P74,400.00 is provided to cover the salaries of four additional Justices of the Supreme Court whose positions have been created by Executive Order No. 40, current series, and their private secretaries. On the other hand, savings amounting to a total of P435,030.00, representing the appropriations of P78,400.00 for the Office of the District Attorneys and P366,630.00 for the Court of Appeals, which have been abolished by Executive Orders Nos. 36 and 37, current series, are realized. 15. A new special provision with reference to the Supreme Court provides that with the approval of the Chief Justice any unexpended balance of the funds appropriated for the Supreme Court of the Philippines may be used to cover a deficit in any item of the appropriations for sundry expenses and for furniture and equipment of the said Court. 16. Section 9 of the 1942 Appropriation Act which provides for reductions in the rates of per diems authorized in Commonwealth Act No. 246 (the Budget Act) is eliminated because the rates as reduced are too low considering the present high cost of living. The elimination of this provision will have the effect of reviving the rates of per diems authorized in the said Budget Act. 17. A new section under the General Provisions, section 10, provides for the necessary appropriations for the operating expenses of the Republic of the Philippines in the event the independence of the Philippines is proclaimed by the President of the United States during the coming fiscal year. This section will permit the expenditure of the balances of the appropriations authorized in the 1946 General Appropriation Act until the Government of the Republic shall provide otherwise. 18. A new section under the General Provisions, section 11, authorizes the use of any savings in the appropriations authorized in the 1946 General Appropriation Act for the payment of retirement gratuities under the provisions of Act No. 2589, as amended. The sum of PI 7,830,272.50 authorized in Commonwealth Act No. 654 for the expenses of the Philippine Army is embodied in this budget for the same purpose. The expenses of the Philippine Army are presently being paid by the United States Army, except the salaries of civilian personnel and the salaries and allowances of the officers who have not been inducted into the armed forces of the United States but retained in the service of the Commonwealth. For this reason, only a small portion of this amount may be expended for the next fiscal year. For the operating expenses of the Office of the Emergency Control Administrator which was organized by virtue of Executive Order No. 382, dated December 15, 1941, and reestablished under the provisions of Executive Order No. 29, current series, an appropriation of P3, 000, 000. 00 has been authorized, of which P1,000,000.00 has been set aside under Executive Order No. 39, current series. No additional appropriation is requested for this service for the reason that the amount of P2, 000,000. 00 already authorized may be sufficient to cover the expenditure for the coming fiscal year. It is provided in this budget that the necessary operating expenses for the various special services authorized by law, such as the expenses for the Boards of Examiners, for the Arrastre Service, for the 139 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 Tobacco Board, for the Bureau of Printing Revolving Fund, for the Alabang Laboratories Revolving Fund, for the Division of Motor Vehicles, for the Postal Savings Bank, etc., involving a total outlay of P2, 972,408. 60, shall be payable from their respective funds or receipts. The General Appropriation Act for 1942 empowered the President to suspend or otherwise stop the expenditure of any amount provided therein for any purpose, or any portion thereof, whenever in his judgment the public interest so requires. In view of the precarious condition of the finances of the Government, this legal provision is reproduced in this budget. The Commonwealth Government has not as yet been completely reorganized since its reestablishment in Manila in February of this year and the immediate requirements of the Service under the present circumstances in the different departments, bureaus, and offices are being ascertained as the work of the Government goes on. I may, therefore, send to you from time to time special messages proposing further modifications of the budget. Pursuant to the provisions of paragraph 2, section 21, Article VI of the Constitution of the Philippines, I hereby certify to the necessity of the immediate enactment of the General Appropriation Act for the fiscal year 1946, based on this budget. Respectfully, SERGIO OSMENA President of the Philippines The Congress Manila Source: Presidential Museum and Library Osmena, S. (1946). Message submitting to the Congress of the Philippines the National Budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1946. Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines, 41(6), 452-4S6. 140 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 Message of His Excellency Sergio Osmefia President of the Philippines Before the Philippine Congress [Released on June 22, 1945] Gentlemen of the Congress: Filipinos who were members of the United States Army, Philippine Scouts, United States Navy, Philippine Army, or civilian employees of the War and Navy Departments, and those who were employees of other departments of the United States Government who were in the Philippines at the time of their death, are entitled to compensation for salaries and allowances granted by law. In view of the urgent necessity that the distribution of such salaries and allowances be made in a summary manner without delay, it is believed that it would facilitate matters if the Judge Advocate General of the Philippine Army, and the provincial fiscals as ex-officio delegates of the Judge Advocate General, be assigned to take charge of such summary distribution of salaries and allowanced. The War and Navy Departments indorse this plan to which I concur, and I earnestly request that the necessary legislation be passed by the Congress. . Pursuant to the provisions of paragraph 2, section 21, Article VI of the Constitution of the Philippines, I hereby certify to the necessity of the immediate enactment of a bill to be drafted along these lines. Respectfully, SERGIO OSMENA President of the Philippines The Congress Manila Source: National Library of the Philippines Osmefia, S. (1945). [Message of President Osmefia before the Philippine Congress]. Osmefia Collections, Rare book Section. National Library of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines. 141 MESSAGES OE THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 MALACANAN PALACE MANILA Message of His Excellency Sergio Osmena President of the Philippines Before the Philippine Congress [Released on June 26, 1945] Gentlemen of the Congress: In compliance with Section 4 of Commonwealth Act No. 600 and Section 3 of Commonwealth Act No. 671, I have the honor to submit herewith copies each of Executive Orders issued by the President of the Philippines by virtue of the emergency powers granted him by law. In all, seventy-six Executive Orders have been issued under this authority. Respectfully, SERGIO OSMENA The Congress Manila Source: National Library of the Philippines Osmena, S. (1945). [Message of President Osmena before the Philippine Congress]. Osmena Collections, Rare book Section. National Library of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines. 142 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 Message of His Excellency Sergio Osmefia President of the Philippines To the Congress on the enactment of House Bill No. 250 [Released to the Congress, Manila, July 3, 1945] GENTLEMEN OE THE CONGRESS: Pursuant to the provisions of Article VI, section 21, paragraph 2, of the Constitution of the Philippines, I hereby certify to the necessity of the immediate enactment of H. No. 250, entitled “AN ACT APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR THE OPERATION OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF THE PHILIPPINES BEGINNING JULY FIRST, NINETEEN HUNDRED AND FORTY-FIVE UNTIL THE GENERAL APPROPRIATION ACT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE THIRTIETH, NINETEEN HUNDRED AND FORTY-SIX IS APPROVED, a copy of which is herewith enclosed. Respectfully, SERGIO OSMENA President of the Philippines The Congress Manila Enel. Source: National Library of the Philippines Osmefia, S. (1945). [Message of President Sergio Osmefia to the Congress on the enactment of House Bill No. 250]. Osmefia Collections, Rare Books Section. National Library of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines. 143 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 Message of His Excellency Sergio Osmefia President of the Philippines To the Congress of the Philippines on the Budget Amendment [Released on July 9, 1945] GENTLEMEN OE THE CONGRESS: In connection with the National Budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1946, which I submitted for your consideration on June 18, 1945, I am submitting to you the attached statement of modifications of said budget, involving a total additional outlay of PI, 333, 520. 00, with the request that they be taken into consideration in the preparation of the General Appropriation Act for the fiscal year 1946. The following are the salient features of the modifications: 1. Centralization of supervision and control over the instructional units under the Department of Instruction and Information in the Office of the Secretary. 2. Establishment of a Urological Clinic in the Bureau of Health involving an outlay of P90,000,00. 3. Reconstruction and installation of telegraph and cable lines and radio stations involving a total appropriation of P89,520.00 for wages of enginemen and linemen for a period of six months. 4. Decrease in the appropriation for salaries and wages amounting to a total of P197,470.00. 5. A total additional outlay of P189,450.00 for replacement of furniture and equipment destroyed as a result of the war. 6. Increases in the appropriations for sundry expenses, P673,460.00 for the consumption of supplies and materials, P171,160.00 rental of buildings and grounds, and P135,250.00 for traveling expenses of personnel. 7. A new section under the General Provisions, section 11a, which authorizes the use of the savings in the appropriations for the purpose of covering deficits in the special funds or receipts of the various special services provided for in the General Appropriation Act. 8. Another new section under the General Provisions, section 11b, which authorizes the use of the appropriations for the purchase of furniture and equipment for the acquisition of motor vehicles. 144 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 The additional outlays for the purchase of furniture and equipment are needed for the replacement of those that were lost or destroyed as a result of the war. The increases in the appropriations for consumption of supplies and materials and for traveling expenses of personnel are necessary due to the present high prices of commodities and the high cost of transportation. A much larger outlay for rentals of buildings and grounds is needed in view of the destruction of many government buildings and the current high rentals for private houses. Respectfully, SERGIO OSMENA President of the Philippines The Congress of the Philippines Manila Source: Arturo Rotor Papers, Pardo de Tavera Special Collections. Rizal Library, Ateneo de Manila University Osmena, S. (1945). [1946 Budget Amendment]. Arturo Rotor Papers, Pardo de Tavera Special Collections. Rizal Library, Ateneo de Manila University. 145 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 Budget Message of His Excellency Sergio Osmefia President of the Philippines Before the Congress of the Philippines [Released on July 11, 1945] Gentlemen of the Congress: In my message submitting the National Budget for the fiscal year 1946, which proposes expenditures amounting to a total of P137,136,619.50 for the operation of the National Government for the coming fiscal year, I pointed out that due to the paralyzation of business, the destruction of our industries, and the disruption of our foreign trade as a result of the war, the estimated revenue collections for the said fiscal year will be meager and far from sufficient to meet the necessary expenses of the Government for urgent and essential services. Moreover, all the cash left in the Philippine Treasury before the Japanese occupation of the Philippines was lost also as a result of the war. In order to cover the expenditures proposed in the 1946 Budget, outlays for public improvements, and such other purposes as may be authorized by law the issuance of bonds for PlOO, 000,000. 00 is necessary to augment whatever revenue collections may be realized during the coming fiscal year. The total public debt of the Philippines including the amount of the bonds herein proposed to be issued will still be within the debt limit fixed by law. With the issuance of these bonds the Philippines will still be among the countries with small public indebtedness. Considering the vast natural resources of our country and the progressive increase in revenue collections as normal conditions return, it is believed that the Philippines will not encounter serious difficulties in the payment of its public debts as they become due. Pursuant to the provisions of paragraph 2, section 21, Article VI of the Constitution of the Philippines, I hereby certify to the necessity of the immediate enactment of the attached bill. Respectfully, SERGIO OSMENA President of the Philippines The Congress of the Philippines Manila Source: Arturo Rotor Papers, Pardo de Tavera Special Collections. RIzal Library, Ateneo de Manila University Osmefia, S. (1945). [Budget Message of President Osmefia before the Congress of the Philippines]. Arturo Rotor Papers, Pardo de Tavera Special Collections. Rizal Library, Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City, Philippines. 146 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 Message of His Excellency Sergio Osmefia President of the Philippines To the Congress on the enactment of House Bill No. 77 [Released to the Congress, Manila, July 13, 1945] GENTLEMEN OE THE CONGRESS: Pursuant to the provisions of Article VI, section 21, paragraph 2, of the Constitution of the Philippines, I hereby certify to the necessity of the immediate enactment of H. No. 77, entitled “AN ACT DECLARING AS BONUS THE THREE MONTHS’ ADVANCE PAY OF OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT AT THE OUTBREAK OF THE WAR.” Respectfully, SERGIO OSMENA President of the Philippines The Congress Manila Source: National Library of the Philippines Osmefia, S. (1945). [Message of President Sergio Osmefia to the Congress on the enactment of House Bill No. 77]. Osmefia Collections, Rare Books Section. National Library of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines. 147 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 Speech of His Excellency Sergio Osmefia President of the Philippines On the opening day of the Congress’ Second Special Session [Released on August 14, 1945] GENTLEMEN OE THE CONGRESS: Since the close of your session last month, portentous happenings have taken place in the world. At the same time that the campaign against Japan acquired imposing proportions, intensifying to its maximum potency the definite and supreme effort to annihilate the enemy, the leaders of the three great Allied nations — the United States, Great Britain and Russia — were gathered at the Potsdam Palace in Germany to hold a decisive conference. From Potsdam there was sent to Japan an ultimatum signed by the President of the United States, the Prime Minister of Great Britain and Generalissimo Chiang Kai-Shek of China calling for her unconditional surrender. Japan rejected this demand for the moment, but then came in rapid succession two decisive developments: Russia’s declaration of war against Japan and the use by the American forces of the most deadly weapon ever invented by the genius of man, the so-called atomic bomb, whose destructive force exceeds anything hitherto conceived by the imagination. Before this apocalyptic avalanche under which it seemed as if the whole cosmos was crashing down upon her, Japan, in spite of her death-challenging fanaticism, had no other choice but to resign herself finally to the dreadful tragedy of her destiny. This sudden end has come without the necessity for the Allied fighting forces actually to invade the Japanese mainland. The myth of her invincibility — that myth which served her so well at the beginning in her war of terror against China, against the Philippines, and the other countries in the Orient — has been completely destroyed. Thus God punishes the arrogant and condemns them to humiliation. The defeat of Japan brings to an end a war of aggression and conquest, conceived and initiated in the most iniquitous and treacherous manner. Once more it is proven that the forces of good rule the world and that if evil triumphs on occasion, her victories are always ephemeral and transient. Aggressor nations have always fared badly. In spite of their conquests few have even had the time greatly to enjoy the fruits of their plunder. With the defeat of Germany and Japan, it has further been proven that the supposedly innate weakness of democracies and the alleged efficiency of the despotic and totalitarian governments is only another myth. It has been demonstrated that when the occasion calls for it, free governments are capable of being organized and of working together, of fighting until victory is achieved for the great ideals they stand for, of liberty, equality and justice. This war was not of our choice. We were involved in it because we owe loyalty to the American flag and because we were unjustly attacked and would not renounce the right of self-defense. We took part in this war because on its outcome depended the cause of democracy and liberty, the right of every people to govern itself and to be secure against aggression; the great moral issues of justice, righteousness and human dignity; everything that constitutes the essence of our civilization, of that Christian civilization that took root in our country; and in the course of centuries flourished and fructified. 148 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 The total victory of the Allies — in which we can claim a share, albeit modest, by reason of our sacrifices and the immolation of thousands of lives in Bataan, on Corregidor, and throughout the Philippines — has for us the particular significance of the complete annulment in the Orient of the totalitarian ideology and the glorious reaffirmation of democratic ideals on firm and enduring bases. That victory signifies also the proscription of the policy of aggression, of plunder and of conquest. It erases the pompous Japanese slogan of “The Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere” which was, in reality, the deceitful formula for a scheme of enslaving Asia to the Japanese. No longer need the Philippines tremble for her existence and her national integrity. Having sealed with her blood a pact of honor with America providing for the mutual protection of both countries, Filipino democracy has a secure place under the sun and shall remain one of the principal bastions for the preservation of permanent universal peace. Under the tegis of America, and within the framework of that international organization so felicitously called the United Nations, we Filipinos shall be able to develop in peace all the potentialities of our faculties and genius to exploit the abundant natural resources with which God has endowed us, to foment the arts and the sciences, to expand popular instruction, to promote the welfare of the masses; in brief, to create all possible opportunities for our people, without distinction of class, to enjoy in peace the essential bounties of life and of civilization. With the disappearance of the specter of war, we shall strive to make of this privileged corner of the world a free, prosperous and happy country, a safe shelter for ourselves and our descendants and for all the men of good will who would share their lot with ours. With peace reestablished, our country must be prepared to assume the tremendous post- war responsibilities which loom ahead. For this we need unity. A feeling for renewed unity has spontaneously sprung up among our people: a substantial majority of the members of the Congress have championed it. When a memorial on the subject was submitted to me by these members and others, I accepted it without reservation, with the earnestness with which in all my public life I have embraced and upheld the cause of national solidarity. Some days later another appeal was launched, this time proceeding from no less a person than that great soldier and statesman and friend of the Filipino people. General MacArthur. May I take the liberty of briefly quoting him: “You convene at a time when not only must your people rededicate themselves and all that is within them to the task of waging total war against our yet unconquered enemy, but at a time when many of your cities and towns lie ravished in the wake of that brutal enemy’s retreat with many thousands of your countrymen prostrate and in want. Thus the burdens upon you are heavy. It is absolutely essential that you operate without undue friction. Now more than at any other time in your history you must realize the vision of the magnificent goal toward which you strive. Only by united action can you attain fruition. In every other major step in which you have succeeded you have done so through the strength of unity. Do not fail how.” National unity is absolutely essential, the more so because of the sudden end of the war. We are immediately confronted with the first and most difficult phases of rehabilitation and reconstruction, made even more complex by the problems attendant on the establishment of our independence. Union was invoked by the free nations of the world, and only by securing it were they able to muster the necessary strength to win over the sinister and powerful forces of oppression and tyranny. It is the unanimous opinion of the responsible leaders of mankind that if this unity cannot be maintained, their peoples, after winning the war, will lose the peace. 149 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 Before a world that is drawing closer together we would make a very sorry spectacle of ourselves as well as expose our people to the most serious dangers, if those of us in temporary charge of the country’s affairs present ourselves at this critical hour as querulous, disunited, and dispersed. We must realize that to deserve from the world the respect, sympathy, and generous consideration we hope for when we request the needed assistance to raise ourselves from the prostration in which the war has left us, we must be able to present a front — as we have done in analogous situations in the past — capable of taking united and solidary action. In response to your own patriotic appeal for unity, I wish to take advantage of this occasion to announce that I have reestablished the Council of State to integrate and coordinate action within the national leadership in our government. The late President Quezon and I originated this Council during the administration of Governor Harrison and, as you may remember, its creation made possible the most harmonious and orderly operation of government ever known in our history. I hope that the participation of the leaders of this Congress in the high councils of the government will make it possible for us not only to serve the best interests of our people, but also to make efficacious the new role which the Philippines is destined to play in the organization and maintenance of lasting peace throughout the world. Source: University of the Philippines, College of Law Library Osmena, S. (1945). Speech of President Osmena on the opening day of the Congress’ Second Special Session. Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines, 41(5), 389-391. 150 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 Message of His Excellency Sergio Osmefia President of the Philippines At the Senate of the Philippines [Released on August 27, 1945] KALATAS SA SENADO NG PILIPINAS NI SERGIO OSMENA Pangulo ng Pilipinas SA SENADO NG PILIPINAS: Agosto 27, 1945 Sa layong matamo ang pagsang-ayon ng Senado, ay imlilipat kong kalakip nito ang isang siping pinatibayan ng Kasulatan ng mga Bansang Nagkakaisa, kasama ang Palatuntunan ng Hukumang Pangdaigdig na kakatnig, na binalangkas sa Panayam ng mga Bansang Nagkakaisa at nilagdaan sa San Francisco noong ika-26 ng Hunio, 1945, sa mga wikang intsik, prances, ruso, ingles at kastila ng mga sugo ng Commonwealth ng Pilipinas at ng apat na pu’t siyam na ibang bansa. Itinatagubilin kong pag-ukulan ng Senado ng pasang-ayong pagsasaalang-alang ang kasulatang kalakip na inihaharap, kasama ang kakatnig na Palatuntunan, at makiisa sa pagpapatibay niyan. Inilalakip ko ang isang sulat na pagpapahatid ng Pangulo ng mga Sugo ng Pilipinas. SERGIO OSMENA Pangulo ng Pilipinas Kalakip: 1. Isang siping pinatibayan ng Kasulatan ng mga Bansang Nagkakaisa, kasama ang kakatnig na Palatuntunan ng Hukumang Pangdaigdig. 2. Sulat na pagpapahatid ng Pangulo ng mga Sugo ng Pilipinas. G. PANGULO AT MGA KAGAWAD NG SENADO NG PILIPINAS: Hang araw pa lamang ang nagdaraang aking tinanggap buhat sa Washington ang ulat ng mga Sugo ng Pilipinas sa Panayam ng mga Bansang Nagkakaisa, na idinaos sa San Francisco mula nang ika-25 ng Abril hanggang ika-26 ng Hunio, 1945. Sa ulat na ito’y kasama ang isang tunay na sipi ng Kasulatan ng mga Bansang Nagkakaisa, kalakip ang Palatuntunan ng Hukumang Pangdaigdig na kakatnig noon, na pinagtibay sa Panayam at nilagdaan ng mga kinatawan ng limang pung bansa, kabilang ang Commonwealth ng Pilipinas. 151 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 Gaya nang sinabi ko na noong una, ay may matuwid tayong makapagmalaki sa naging katayuan ng ating bayan sa nasabing makasaysayang panayam. Ang bahaging ginampanan ng ating mga kinatawan sa pagbalangkas at pagpapatibay ng Kasulatan ay isang katunayan ng tinanggap nang kakayahan ng ating bayan upang makilahok sa mga pagtatalong may kinalaman sa mga pangunang suliranin ng katauhan. Tunay na isang malaking kalugurang inaantig ko ang kapulungang ito sa pangyayaring sa pagsasaalang-alang ng mungkahing pagsasailalim ng pangangasiwa sa mga bayang nasasakop, ang mga sugo ng Pilipinas ay siyang namatnubay sa nagtatalo ukol sa pagsasariling dapat maging tunguhing paghahatiran ng mga bayang isinasailalim ng pangangasiwa. Ang ginawi ng ating mga sugo ay lubos na umaalinsunod sa pakahulugan ng daigdig sa ating bayan sa pagka isang bansang demokratiko, at nagpapatibay sa ating pagsasanggalang ng sariling pamahalaan at kalayaan ng lahat ng bayan sa daigdig. Pagkatapos na ang Kasulatan ay matanggap ng kapulungang ito, ang Pilipinas sa pagka isang kagawad ng mga Bansang Nagkakaisa, ay magkakaroon ng matuwid na gumanap ng mga karapatang tinatamasa lamang ngayon ng mga bayang may lubos na kapangyarihan. Ang Pilipinas ay magkakaroon ng isang luklukan sa Kapulungang Panglahat at magkakaroon ng karapatang tulad ng mga kagawad na naihahalal o makapaghahalal ng isang kagawad sa Sanggunian sa Kapanatagan. Ang Pilipinas ay magkakaroon ng karapatang makilahok sa pagpili ng mga kagawad ng Sanggunian sa Lipunan at Kabuhayan, ng Sanggunian sa Pangangasiwa, at gayon din ng mga hukom na luluklok sa Hukumang Pangdaigdig. Ang mga gumawa ng masusing pagsusuri sa Kasulatan ay hindi nagsasabing ito’y isang ganap na sa kabutihang kasulatan. Nguni’t ang kaniyang mga tadhana, sa harap ng mga kasalukuyang pangyayari, ay nagdudulot ng lalong nababagay na pamamaraan upang mabawasan ang mga pagkakaalit ng mga bansa at upang mapamagitanan ang mga sigalot, na maaaring kasuungang muli ng daigdig sa isang digmaang maaaring maging lalong higit na kakilakilabot kay sa katatapos pa lamang, kung wala ang mga pamamaraang iyan. Ang Kasulatan ay hindi lamang isang pamalakad na panglunas. Nagtatadhana ng malalaking kapangyarihan sa pagbuo. Nagtatatag ng mga tanggapang makatitiyak ng pagtutulungan ng lahat ng bansa sa pagpapabuti ng kalagayan sa kabuhayan, lipunan at kadalubhasaan ng lahat ng bayan. Gaya ng sabi ng Pangulong Truman: “Ang Kasulatang ito ay nagtuturo ng tanging landas na patungo sa pangmatagalang kapayapaan. Wala nang iba pa. Huwag tayong mag-atubiling iabot ang mga kamay sa mga bayang maibigin sa kapayapaan sa balat ng lupa at magsimula nang pagtalunton sa landas na iyan, na angkin ang matibay na pagtalagang maaari nating marating at sadyang mararating ang ating layunin.” Gumagamit ako ng kalayaang ipahatid sa inyo, upang inyong mabatid, ang buong nilalaman ng kalatas ng Pangulo ng Estados Unidos ukol sa bagay na ito. Pinagtibay na ng Estados Unidos ang Kasulatang ito, at sa gayon, ang Estados Unidos ay tahasang nagiging isang pangunahing kagawad ng bagong katipunang itong pangdaigdig na itinatag ng malalayang bansa sa sangtinakpan upang mangalaga sa kapayapaan at kapanatagan at mabuting pagsasama nila. Ipinalalagay kong isang biyaya ang pagkaharap sa inyo upang ako na rin ang magdala ng tunay na sipi ng Kasulatan ng mga Bansang Nagkakaisa na tinanggap ng ating pamahalaan mula sa Kagawaran ng Estado ng Estados Unidos ng Amerika. Tunay na isang maligayang pagkakataong sa paghiling sa Senadong gamitin, sa unang pangyayari sa ating kasaysayan, ang kaniyang kapangyarihang kaloob ng Saligang Batas na pagtibayin ang isang kasunduang pangdaigdig, ay ang bagong Dakilang Kasulatang 152 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 itong maghahatid sa Pilipinas sa pakikisama sa lahat ng bansang maibigin sa kapayapaan sa daigdig, ang pagpapasiyahan. Pinaaabot ko sa inyo ang aking buong pusong pagbati sa pagkakataong dumating sa dakilang kapulungang ito upang gampanan ang isang mataas na tungkulin sa ngalan, hindi lamang ng ating bansa, kundi ng katauhan man naman. Source: University of the Phiiippines Diliman Library Osmena, S. (1945). Message of His Excellency Sergio Osmena at the Senate of the Philippines. Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines, 41(6), 492-493. 153 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 Speech of His Excellency Sergio Osmefia President of the Philippines Before the Senate of the Philippines on ratification of an official copy of the Charter of the Unites Nations [Released on August 27, 1945] MR. PRESIDENT AND MEMBERS OE THE SENATE OE THE PHILIPPINES: A few days ago I received from Washington the report of the Philippine Delegation to the United Nations Conference on International Organization, held in San Francisco from April 25 to June 26, 1945. This report includes an official copy of the Charter of the United Nations, with the statute of the International Court of Justice annexed thereto, which was adopted in the Conference signed by the representatives of fifty nations, including the Commonwealth of the Philippines. As I had occasion to state before, we have reason to be proud of the position our country occupied at that historic conference. The part our delegates played in the actual formulation and adoption of the Charter is evidence of the admitted capacity of our people to share in the deliberations affecting the fundamental problems of mankind. It is with profound gratification that I invite the attention of this body to the fact that during the consideration of the proposal of trusteeship for dependent peoples, the Philippine Delegation was able to assume the leadership in the advocacy of independence as the goal toward which the aspiration of the peoples placed under trusteeship should lead. The stand of our delegation is fully in agreement with the world’s concept of our people as a democratic nation, and attests to our advocacy of self- government and freedom for all the peoples of the world. After the Charter has been accepted by this body, the Philippines as a member of the United Nations, will be entitled to the exercise of such rights as are now enjoyed only by full sovereign states. The Philippines will have a seat in the General Assembly and will exercise the right of choosing members, or of being chosen a member, of the Security Council. The Philippines will be entitled to take part in the selection of the members of the Social and Economic Council, of the Trusteeship Council, and also of the jurists who will sit in the International Court of Justice. Those who have made a thorough study of the Charter make no claims to perfection for this instrument. But its provisions offer, under the present circumstances, the most practical means of reducing international irritations and of mediating conflicts which might otherwise plunge the world into another and even more terrible holocaust than that which has just ended. The Charter is not merely a remedial measure. It embodies great constructive power. It establishes agencies to ensure the cooperation of all nations in the improvement of the economic, social, and cultural conditions of all peoples. As President Truman said: “This Charter points down the only road to enduring peace. There is no other. Let us not hesitate to join hands with the peace-loving peoples of the earth and start down that road with firm resolve that we can and will reach our goal.” 154 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 I am taking the liberty of transmitting to you for your information the whole text of the message of the President of the United States on this subject. The United States Senate has already ratified this Charter, thus making the United States definitely a leading member of this new international organization established by the free nations of the world to maintain peace and security and friendly relations among them. I consider it a privilege to appear before you to bring personally the official copy of the Charter of the United Nations received by our Government from the State Department of the United States of America. It is indeed a happy coincidence that when the Senate is called upon to exercise, for the first time in our history, its constitutional authority to ratify an international agreement, it should be this new Magna Carta which brings the Philippines into fellowship with all the peace-loving nations of the earth. I extend to you my heartiest congratulations on the opportunity which has come to this august body to exercise a high duty in behalf not only of our nation but also of mankind. Source: Presidential Museum and Library Osmena, S. (1945). Speech of His Excellency Sergio Osmena, President of the Philippines, before the Senate of the Philippines on ratification of an official copy of the Charter of the Unites Nations. Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines, 41(6), 492-493. 155 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 Message of His Excellency Sergio Osmefia President of the Philippines To the Filipino People on V-J Day [Released on September 2, 1945] With the formal surrender of the Japanese Empire today, September 2, 1945, the long and terrible war is at an end. President Truman, speaking on behalf of all the United Nations, has proclaimed this day as V-J Day. The surrender of Japan marks the turning point for us and for the peoples of all the United Nations. Our effort has been devoted toward the paramount task of winning the war. Today the task is done. We must now devote ourselves to the task of winning the peace. On the indestructible democratic foundations laid under the tutelage of America we must reconstruct and build. The rehabilitation of our country demands all our energies. We must prepare for the independence which will soon be ours and, as members of the family of nations, we must work with other peoples in the effort to assure the peace and welfare of humanity. For our people we may hope to achieve a greater and lasting happiness. Today is a day of thanksgiving in the flush of victory. It should also be a day of dedication to the heavy tasks that lie before us. Source: Presidential Museum and Library Osmefia, S. (1945). Message of His Excellency, Sergio Osmefia, President of the Philippines, to the Filipino People on V-J Day. Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines, 41(6), 499-500. 156 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 Message of His Excellency Sergio Osmefia President of the Philippines On the Additional Modifications of the Budget for the Fiscal Year 1946 [Released on September 4, 1945] Gentlemen of the Congress: In connection with the National Budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1946, which I submitted for your consideration on June 18, 1945, I am submitting to you the attached statement of further modifications of the said budget with the request that they be taken into consideration in the preparation of the General Appropriation Act for the fiscal year 1946. The following are the main features of the said modifications: 1. A special allotment of P25,000.00 for incidental expenses in connection with the transfer of the officers under the Department of Agriculture and Commerce. This is merely a restoration of a similar item in Commonwealth Act No. 654. 2. A new appropriation of P200,000.00 for the purchase of animal stocks, hand tools, farm machinery, agricultural books and supplies in connection with the reopening of the various agricultural schools under the Department of Instruction and Information. 3. Additional appropriations for sundry expenses and for purchase of furniture and equipment amounting to P76,550.00 needed to cover additional requirements of the Department of Labor, including those of the Bureau of Immigration. 4. An appropriation of P50,000.00 for the purchase of furniture and equipment which are needed for the reopening of the Philippine Nautical School under the Department of National Defense. 5. An increase of P20,000.00 in the appropriation for the purchase of furniture and equipment for the Department of National Defense. 6. A slight increase in the rates of salaries of nurses and nurse-midwives in the Bureau of Health. 7. New special provisions under the Department of Justice, the department of Health and Public Welfare, and the General Auditing Office authorizing the use salary savings of the Courts of First Instances, the Bureau of Health, and the General Auditing Office for the adjustment of the salaries of provincial sheriffs, district health officers, and provincial auditors, respectively, who may be affected by the reclassification of the provinces in 1941. 8. Additional appropriations for sundry expenses and for purchase of furniture and equipment amounting to PI 8,600.00 for the Commission on Elections to cover additional outlays needed in view of the high cost at present of transportation, equipment and supplies. 9. The creation of two positions of chauffeurs for the Supreme Court. 10. An increase of P3, 000, 000. 00 in the Contingent Fund to meet unforeseen contingencies. 157 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 11. A lump-sum appropriation of P10,000,000.00 for the payment of back salaries, bonuses, gratuities or other emoluments of loyal and deserving officials and employees of the National Government which the President may authorize while the Congress is not in session to carry into effect whatever recommendations the Committee created under Joint Resolution No. 5 of the Congress, approved on July 28, 1945, may submit. The modifications herein submitted involve a total additional outlay of P13,392,070.00 for the operation of the National Government for the fiscal year 1946. Respectfully, (SGD.) SERGIO OSMENA President of the Philippines Enel. The Congress of the Philippines Manila Reference: Additional Modifications of the Budget for the Eiscal Year 1946 Source: Arturo Rotor Papers, Pardo de Tavera Special Collections, RIzal Library, Ateneo de Manila University Osmena, S. (1945). [Message of President Osmena on the Additional Modifications of the Budget for the Eiscal Year 1946]. Arturo Rotor Papers, Pardo de Tavera Special Collections, Rizal Library, Ateneo de Manila University. 158 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 Message of His Excellency Sergio Osmefia President of the Philippines To the Congress on the consideration and early approval of proposed bills administered by the Bureau of Internal Revenue [Released to the Congress, Manila, September 6, 1945] Gentlemen of the Congress: I have the honor to submit herewith, for your consideration and early approval, a draft of a proposed bill extending the period for the filing of tax returns required by the National Internal Revenue Code and other laws administered by the Bureau of Internal Revenue, which correspond to prior years and are now long overdue. The bill also proposed to extend the period for the payment of taxes due on such returns as well as to suspend the running of interests on taxes which had accrued and become payable before December 8, 1941. As pointed out in the explanatory note, the people were in a state of chaos and confusion as a result of the enemy occupation of the country. Thus, the proposed measures are designed to favor taxpayers who have been prevented from complying with the requirements of the tax laws for reasons not attributable to their own fault or neglect, by allowing them to file their tax returns and to pay the taxes due thereon without penalties, within the period granted in the bill. It is reasonably expected that the measures will encourage the rendering and filing of belated notices, returns, statements and reports which otherwise internal revenue officials might or would have much difficulty in making taxpayers file. At the same time, it is proposed in the bill, by way of just reciprocity for the extensions given to taxpayers for the filing of their returns and the payment of taxes thereon, to suspend the running of the period of limitation provided in the National Internal Revenue Code and other laws for the enforcement of the collection of unpaid taxes and other remedies. Pursuant to the provisions of paragraph 2, section 21, Article VI, of the Constitution of the Philippines, I hereby certify to the necessity of the immediate enactment of the attached bill. Respectfully, (SGD.) SERGIO OSMENA President of the Philippines Enel. The Congress of the Philippines Manila Source: National Library of the Philippines Osmefia, S. (1945). [Message of President Sergio Osmefia to the Congress on the consideration and early approval of proposed bills administered by the Bureau of Internal Revenue]. Osmefia Collections, Rare Books Section. National Library of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines. 159 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 Message of His Excellency Sergio Osmefia President of the Philippines Before the Congress of the Philippines [Released on September 10, 1945] Gentlemen of the Congress: Shortly after the reestablishment of the Commonwealth Government, in the exercise of my emergency powers, I promulgated Executive Order No. 36, dated March 10, 1945, reviving the grouping of provinces for judicial purposes as provided in Act No. 4007 of the Philippine Legislature. The reasons for the promulgation of said Executive Order, as stated therein, were that the grouping of provinces for judicial purposes under Act No. 4007, creating twenty-six (26) judicial districts, rather than the regrouping of provinces into nine (9) judicial districts under Commonwealth Act No. 145, as amended by Commonwealth Acts Nos. 345, 545, and 661 would better serve the prime concern of the Government to reestablish the courts as fast as provinces are liberated from the Japanese occupation, and that it was expected that the number of cases to be filed with the courts would not require the number of judges as provided in Commonwealth Act No. 145, as amended, the number of judges provided in Act No. 4007 of the Philippine Legislature being sufficient. By the operation of said Executive Order, the number of Judges of Eirst Instance was seduced by twenty (14 district judges and 6 judges-at-large). However, because of proposed creation of the People’s Court, fifteen (15) of the Judges of Eirst Instance, as provided in Act No. 4007, will be appointed to sit in said court, thus reducing by that number the judges that would be available for the Courts of Eirst Instance. This measure will recreate the positions of twelve (12) district judges and six (6) judges-at-large out of the twenty positions that were abolished by the promulgation of the Executive Order, and thus will make available eighteen (18) additional judges for the Courts of Eirst Instance. The positions of twelve district judges are recreated by this measure in the same Courts of Eirst Instance to which they appertained when they were abolished, with the exception of the additional judge for the Eourth Judicial District comprising the Mountain Province and the Province of La Union, which formerly corresponded to the Eirst Judicial District. 160 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 I am recommending the immediate passage of this measure, as it is my earnest desire, which I presume is also yours, to prevent the consequent delay in the administration of justice that will inevitably result from the withdrawal from actual service in the Courts of First Instance of the fifteen judges that will be appointed to the People’s Court. Respectfully, SERGIO OSMENA President of the Philippines The Senate Congress of the Philippines Manila Source: National Library of the Philippines Osmena, S. (1945). [Message of President Osmena before the Congress of the Philippines]. Osmena Collections, Rare book Section. National Library of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines. 161 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 Message of His Excellency Sergio Osmefia President of the Philippines Before the Congress of the Philippines [Released on September 14, 1945] GENTLEMEN OE THE CONGRESS: The Manila Railroad Company is one of the oldest government-owned corporations and has contributed greatly to the development of Philippine agriculture and commerce. Because of the nature of its activities, it constitutes an essential factor in the economy of our country. Under the present circumstances the continuance of its services is imperative and the Government must undertake its immediate rehabilitation. The Manila Railroad must be enabled to carry on with its mission of providing essential means of transportation to facilitate the distribution of relief to the people and to help in the task of reconstruction. The war losses of the Manila Railroad Company are estimated at P50, 000,000. 00, of which about P12,500,000.00 represent losses in revenue up to the end of 1947. The Company has not met the payment of interest charges on its indebtedness since the outbreak of the war in the Pacific. The remainder of P37,500,000.00 is the estimated amount of its losses in rolling stock, tools and other equipment, bridges, rails, ties, station buildings, and other roadway structures and facilities. Those that were saved and are still repairable are in a run down condition. All of its highway transportation equipment, consisting of about 400 automobiles, buses and trucks and two vessels, are a total loss. The Manila Railroad Company has filed a claim for its war losses with the War Damage Corporation and is preparing to submit a list of its rehabilitation needs with UNRRA. But until these claims are acted upon, it is urgent that immediate financial help be extended to permit the organization to assume the operation of the lines now being used by the Military, when the latter should turn over the management, and to rehabilitate and eventually operate the remainder of the lines. The U. S. Army has repaired the bridges and maintained the tracks in those sections of the railroad used for military purposes, viz., Manila to San Fernando, La Union (266 km.), Paniqui to Calanutan (28 km.), Paniqui to San Jose 954 km.), San Fernando, Pampanga to Carmen (29 km.), Manila to College (67 km.), Mamatid to Canlubang (6 km.), and Sipokot to Legaspi (134 km.), a total of 584 km. or 51% of the whole line. It also brought in some rolling stock, tools and other equipment, fuel, lubricants and other supplies and materials. What portion of these equipment and supplies are to be left with the Company is not known, although representations are being made for their retention. However, the Military Units moving away for other places are taking with them their small tools and equipment. The Manila Railroad Company is without funds, except for about P10,000.00 representing rental collection from some of its properties, and with this very meager sum at its disposal it finds itself unable to organize even an skeleton office force to handle its most essential corporate needs, like the rehabilitation of its lost records, and much less to provide the needed care end safeguard of the Company’s properties outside the Army’s jurisdiction, which according to information are being 162 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 looted. It has a considerable amount of unpaid debts, consisting of accrued interest on its obligations and an overdraft with the Philippine National Bank. It also owes its personnel the two months advance salary authorized in December, 1941, retirement pensions and accident compensation, amounting in all to about PI, 000, 000. 00. In view of these considerations it is recommended that an appropriation in the sum of P20,000,000.00 be made available to the Manila Railroad Company as an advance or loan to be utilized for its rehabilitation and operation, including the payment of its 1941 commitments to its employees, the said sum to be released from time to time by the President upon the recommendation of the Secretary of Finance. There is now pending consideration by the Congress House Bill No. 476, whose provisions would take care of the present situation of the Manila Railroad Company. Its approval is recommended. Respectfully, (Sgd.) SERGIO OSMENA President of the Philippines The Congress Manila Source: National Library of the Philippines Osmena, S. (1945). [Message of President Osmena before the Congress of the Philippines]. Osmena Collections, Rare book Section. National Library of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines. 163 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 Message of His Excellency Sergio Osmefia President of the Philippines Before the Congress of the Philippines [Released on September 14, 1945] GENTLEMEN OE THE CONGRESS: I am submitting for your consideration and early approval the bill entitled “AN ACT CREATING A NATIONAL URBAN PLANNING COMMISSION TO PREPARE AND ADOPT GENERAL PLANS, ZONING REGULATIONS, AND SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS FOR A COORDINATED, ADJUSTED AND HARMONIOUS DEVELOPMENT OF CITIES AND TOWNS OF THE PHILIPPINES; PRESCRIBING THE RULES AND PROCEDURES TO BE FOLLOWED; DEFINING THE LEGAL EFFECTS OF SUCH GENERAL PLANS, AND PROVIDING THE NECESSARY AGENCIES, POWERS, TECHNICAL PERSONNEL AND APPROPRIATION TO PUT INTO EFFECT THE PURPOSES OF THE ACT.” This bill provides for a five-man Commission — composed of the Secretaries of the Interior and Public Works and Communications, two citizens and a Director of Urban Planning — with powers to prepare general city and town plans, zoning and sub-division control regulations. The orderly rebuilding of our devastated cities and towns is one of the most important tasks facing the Government today. Without a modern Urban Planning Commission many costly mistakes of the past will be re-built into our communities of the future. Urban planning has now become an accepted procedure in most progressive communities of the world. The destruction of our cities and towns presents us with an opportunity to re-build them in accordance with sound and practical planning principles as more efficient and healthful places in which to live. Pursuant to the provisions of paragraph 2, section 21, Article VI, of the Constitution of the Philippines, I hereby certify to the necessity of the immediate enactment of the attached bill. Respectfully, (Sgd.) SERGIO OSMENA President of the Philippines The Congress Manila Source: National Library of the Philippines Osmefia, S. (1945). [Message of President Osmefia before the Congress of the Philippines]. Osmefia Collections, Rare book Section. National Library of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines. 164 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 Message of His Excellency Sergio Osmefia President of the Philippines To the Congress on the disapproval of House Bill No. 302 [Released to the Congress, Manila, October 6, 1945] Gentlemen of the Congress: I am returning to you herewith House Bill No. 302, “AN ACT CREATING THE INSTITUTE OE NUTRITION, DEELNING ITS POWERS, DUTIES AND EUNCTIONS”, without my approval. The objectives of this bill are very laudable. It cannot be questioned that the promotion of the people’s health by proper nutrition is one of the important functions of the State. The establishment of an institute concerned primarily with the improvement of the diet and the proper nutrition of the people will fill a long-felt need for building up a robust nation peopled with healthy, strong and vigorous citizens. The bill, however, has one objectionable feature and that is the provision under Section 3 transferring to the proposed Institute of Nutrition the Plant Utilization Division, including the Pood Preparation and Preservation Section, Home Development Section and Agricultural Chemistry Section, of the Bureau of Plant Industry. The functions of the Plant Utilization Division, as now organized, are very essential to the Bureau of Plant Industry in its crop improvement work, especially in the selection and testing of cereals, fruits, root crops, vegetables etc., for commercial purposes. Agricultural Chemistry is not only inseparable but by nature it is also indispensable to the proper prosecution of most of the other important research functions of the Bureau of Plant Industry related to the utilization of agricultural products as well as their by-products. It is necessary for the preparation of insecticides from local raw materials to determine the right formula for fighting effectively plant pests and diseases as well as in the utilization of agricultural wastes like abaca pulp and sugar cane bagasse for the manufacture of cellulose, coconut husk for the manufacture of coir, and similar activities on industrialization which are properly within the scope of the Bureau of Plant Industry. In view of the foregoing, I regret that I am unable to approve House Bill No. 302. Respectfully, SERGIO OSMENA President of the Philippines The Congress Manila Enclosure: H. B. No. 302 Source: National Library of the Philippines Osmefia, S. (1945). [Message of President Sergio Osmefia to the Congress on the disapproval of House Bill No. 302]. Osmefia Collections, Rare Books Section. National Library of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines. 165 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 Message of His Excellency Sergio Osmefia President of the Philippines To the Congress on the Approval of House Bill No. 39 [Released on October 16, 1945] Gentlemen of the Congress: I have the honor to return to you herewith without my approval House Bill No. 39 making the office of the Mayor of Manila elective. While I am entirely in accord with the principle of having officials chosen by election, I feel that the desire of our people to have the offices of mayor of chartered cities appointive is so marked that I am not prepared to deviate from the policy set. I have in mind the other Chartered Cities of Baguio, Cebu, Iloilo, Bacolod, Zamboanga, San Pablo and other Cities which have appointive mayors. Whatever may be said against the plan of placing the administration of cities in the hands of appointive officials, the fact still remains that under that plan the chances are greater of bringing into office able administrators and executives fully qualified to run the affairs of government in an efficient way and to the best interests of the inhabitants of the city. Indeed, in a cosmopolitan city of the size and importance as of Manila, it may rightly be said that efficiency should be the first desideratum in its administration. As the capital and leading metropolis of the country and as a distribution center in the Far East, the City of Manila should be given every opportunity to have an efficient and businesslike administration. Moreover, owing to the conditions at present obtaining in the City as a result of the recent military operations and the varied problems thereby created demanding immediate attention and consideration, there is pressing need of securing now, more than ever before, a Mayor of Manila who must be a builder and an executive of the highest ability and experience in the technique of city administration. You will agree with me that these desirable qualifications are not frequently found in a person who has to cater to the electorate. Respectfully, SERGIO OSMENA President of the Philippines The Congress Manila Enclosure: House Bill No. 39 Source: National Library of the Philippines Osmefia, S. (1945). [Message of President Osmefia to the Congress on the Approval of House Bill No. 39, October 16, 1945]. Osmefia Collections, Rare Books Section. National Library of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines. 166 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 LETTERS AND TELEGRAMS Letter of His Excellency Sergio Osmefia President of the Philippines To Honorable Joaquin M. Elizalde on his resignation [Sent to Washington, D.C., August 9, 1944] My dear Mr. Commissioner: I have before me your letter of August 1, 1944 presenting your resignation as Resident Commissioner of the Philippines to the United States. In view of the fact that we held several conferences on this matter, it is but fitting for me to make a recapitulation of what transpired in these conferences before acting on your resignation. Your resignation was first presented to the late President Quezon on December 21, 1943, and accepted by him on the 28th of the same month, to be effective sometime after the final disposition by Congress of Senate Joint Resolutions 93 and 94 which were then pending in the House. These resolutions were finally approved June 20, 1944. Before your resignation could be effective. President Quezon passed away and, considering it proper, you renewed your resignation, submitting it to me in the letter referred to above. In view of your long service in the House of Representatives as Philippine Resident Commissioner, and because of the compelling necessity in which I found myself when I took charge of the Commonwealth Government of using every available Filipino Government Official now in the United States, I decided to exchange views with you before acting on your resignation, instead of simply carrying out your own wishes as submitted to President Quezon and as approved by him. We held two conferences. During the first conference, we discussed in the spirit of harmony and friendship the contents of a letter sent by you sometime ago to the late President Quezon relative to the need of having a department in our government charged with the duties of making studies and submitting recommendations regarding foreign relations and long-range economic planning for the Philippines after the war. You had the courtesy of showing me not only this letter to President Quezon, which I had already seen before, but also the files relative to the matter which include your correspondence with the State Department, the proposed executive order which you prepared creating the Department of National Economy and the draft of your own appointment as secretary thereof. These papers, according to you, were duly submitted to President Quezon but no action was taken thereon. In our second conference I communicated to you my approval of your suggested plan for the creation of a Department of National Economy and of my intention to make you the head of this department. I remarked to you that the position as head of this department and as a member of my cabinet would be an important one in our government and that I considered you fully qualified to fill it, in view of your training and experience as a prominent businessman in the Philippines. All along you expressed agreement with my views until you found out that I did not contemplate reappointing you Resident Commissioner of the Philippines to the United States. Reversing your attitude, you then stated 167 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 that under the circumstances you could not accept the offer unless I agreed to retain you as Resident Commissioner. When we reached this point I had to remind you that the responsibility of organizing the Philippine Government is mine, that I had to follow ay own views on the matter, and that I had already decided to effect some changes in the government, one of them being the appointment of a new Resident Commissioner. My purpose is to have on the floor of the House a member of my government who can properly represent the views and sentiments of the Filipino people, especially those who fought the enemy. In my opinion, the best qualified man available to do this is Colonel Romulo who served under General MacArthur and was among the last men to leave Bataan. Colonel Romulo, in visiting hundreds of cities in the United States after the fall of Bataan and Corregidor to present to the American people a picture of the war in the Philippines, the bravery and loyalty of our people and their sufferings and hopes, has rendered an invaluable service to the government and people of the Philippines which merits recognition. Furthermore, I expect General MacArthur to use Colonel Romulo again in connection with his broadcast to the Philippines through the Voice of Freedom, and it is my belief that the usefulness of Colonel Romulo can be enhanced by giving him the opportunity not only of personally meeting the members of Congress but also of renewing his appeals to the American people on the floor of the House of Representatives. Taking occasion to defend your conduct of governmental affairs, you then dwelt on the necessity of keeping you as Resident Commissioner to the United States. My answer to you was that this was no longer material in the case because the new appointee had already been named, and when you persisted in emphasizing the need of retaining you as Resident Commissioner, I had to tell you that if I continued you as Resident Commissioner, it would be in complete disregard of the feelings of the great majority of the Filipinos residing in the United States and in Hawaii who have repeatedly and continuously made representations to our government against your continuance in that office. I also told you that I was not pleased with the way you handled Senate Joint Resolutions 93 and 94 which were pending in the House for a long time and were finally approved not because of your efforts but in spite of them. Notwithstanding these failures, I repeated to you that you are a competent man in the economic field, that this was precisely the field in which we do not have many available men and that your services along this line, if given, would be very valuable. You then advised me that your stand was firm; that you were willing to head the new department and even fulfill other duties only if I retained you as Resident Commissioner, and that if you were not retained you would prefer to sever all connections with the Philippine Government and to cease as our representative in the Filipino Rehabilitation Commission, in the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration, in the United Nations Interim Commission on Food and Agriculture, .and in the Institute of Pacific Relations. Not having reasons to reverse the decision taken by my predecessor accepting your resignation, convinced that a new Commissioner is needed, assured that the new selection made is not only based on merit but is in accordance with the necessities of the war effort, I am constrained, much to my regret, to accept your resignation as Resident Commissioner to take effect immediately, relieving you also of your duties as member of the Filipino Rehabilitation Commission and as our representative in the 168 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration, in the United Nations Interim Commission on Food and Agriculture, and in the Institute of Pacific Relations. Very sincerely. Honorable Joaquin M. Elizalde 2621 Foxhall Road, N.W. Washington, D.C. Source: Arturo Rotor Papers, Pardo de Tavera Special Collections. Rizal Library, Ateneo de Manila University Osmena, S. (1944). [Letter of President Osmena to Resident Commissioner of the Philippines to the United States J. M. Elizalde on his resignation]. Arturo Rotor Papers, Pardo de Tavera Special Collections. Rizal Library, Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City, Philippines. 169 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 Exchange of Messages of His Excellency Sergio Osmefia President of the Philippines With the Secretary of Interior, Tomas Confesor [Released on August 11, 1944] SECRET PARAPHRASE PRESIDENT OSMENA Please inform children and Mrs. Quezon that my family, the people and myself grieve deeply the passing of President Quezon. An irreparable loss has been suffered by the world and our country by his death at this critical hour. That the leadership of our Islands is in your hands makes us very happy, however, and we all pray for your success and good health. CONFESOR PRESIDENT OSMENA We have received the news of the passing of our great leader and your close friend. President Quezon. We are certain that you will carry the same torch of emancipation and our hopes are centered on your return with the American Forces as they were on his doing so. Your office has the backing of all the free people of the Islands which includes the million civilians of Cebu. There will be no change in our determination and you have our assurance that we will follow our leaders as we have done since before the invasion. CUSHING AND THE FREE PEOPLE OF CEBU. Source: National Library of the Philippines [Exchange of messages with President Sergio Osmefia]. (1944). Osmefia Collections, Rare book Section. National Library of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines. 170 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 Cablegram of His Excellency Sergio Osmefia President of the Philippines To the people of Cebu [Released on August 12, 1944] TOP SECRET CABLEGRAM CUSHING AND THE EREE PEOPLE OE CEBU Very happy to receive your message and expressions of sympathy for passing of our great leader STOP I am highly pleased with your work and proud of the patriotic stand of our people STOP I will return with American forces assured that we will have the complete and loyal support of all of you STOP I am counting on your effective assistance in the fulfillment of my task STOP regards to everybody. OSMENA Source: National Library of the Philippines Osmefia, S. (1944). [Cablegram of President Osmefia to the people of Cebu]. Osmefia Collections, Rare book Section. National Library of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines. 171 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 Letter of His Excellency Sergio Osmefia President of the Philippines To Secretary of War Henry L. Stimson on the reestablishment of the Philippine Government [Released on October 4, 1944] Hamilton Field, California My dear Mr. Secretary: It was very kind of you to favor me with your call and I exceedingly regret not to have been at the hotel when you came. I am deeply thankful for your thoughtfulness. In my visit to the War Department when, on your behalf, I was received by Assistant Secretary McCloy, I was able to obtain the views of your Department as to the advisability of my landing in the Philippines simultaneously with General MacArthur. I share with Assistant Secretary McCloy in the Department’s view that such a joint landing would be in the interest of our war effort. We also exchanged views on the vital need of resuming the operation of the civil government as soon as military necessities permit. This civil government was in operation before the war and continued performing its duties as far as possible when the late President Quezon and myself established our headquarters in Washington. The authority of this government, when reestablished in the Philippines, after partial or total expulsion of the enemy, will emanate from the Constitution and the laws of the Philippines and not from any other source. The conception of a civil government exercising functions supposedly delegated to it by the military commander and acting as a sort of a puppet government for the military is untenable, both from the point of view of law and of military expediency. Such an unfortunate situation, if allowed to exist, will create deep resentment on the part of the people and will give the enemy a very valuable and strong propaganda weapon. While military operations are going on, the authority of the military commander must be incontestable. But when, with the advance of the forces in some retaken areas, the military commander feels that the resumption of civil administration is possible, than that administration should stand on its own feet. Another matter which concerns the two governments and in which full understanding is essential, is that of providing for relief of the civilian population. The late President Quezon’s view was that the provision of relief for our people is an obligation of the Philippine Commonwealth. I fully concur with this view. If after the prolonged conferences that delayed considerably the procurement of food, clothing and medicines that the Philippine Government decided a long time ago to buy, I accepted the U.S. Army’s proposition to let them buy the supplies and transport these to the Philippines, it was only for the purpose of expediting action. First our conferees, and then I myself, all of us made it clear that the Philippine Government could not renounce its responsibility to its people. All the relief supplies actually utilized will be accounted for and paid for by the Philippine Treasury. Only when our resources are exhausted will we appeal to the United States for assistance. It was my purpose while in Washington to confer with you personally on these matters and have full understanding with you, but the pressure of work on both sides and the acceleration of 172 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 military operations in the Pacific requiring the advancement of dates previously set, demanded my early departure. I regret that this has to be so, but I am consoling myself with the hope that happy developments in the Philippines and the Pacific will permit you to favor us with a visit. Reiterating my thanks and with warmest regards to you and Mrs. Stimson, I remain, Mr. Secretary, Cordially yours, (Sgd.) SERGIO OSMENA The Elonorable Elenry L. Stimson Secretary of War Washington, D.C. Source: National Library of the Philippines Osmena, S. (1944). [Letter of President Osmena to Secretary of War Elenry L. Stimson on the reestablishment of the Philippine Government]. Osmena Collections, Rare book Section. National Library of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines. 173 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 Letter of His Excellency Sergio Osmefia President of the Philippines To Secretary Jaime Hernandez [Released on October 4, 1944] Hamilton Field, California My dear Mr. Hernandez: We had a pleasant crossing, employing thirteen and a half hours only. We have enjoyed a restful evening here. Early tonight we shall continue the trip. This morning I had a conference with some members of our staff and afterwards I sent a telegram to the President and wrote letters to the Secretaries of State, War and Interior. I am enclosing copies for your files. Taking advantage of my letter to Secretary Ickes, may I suggest that you communicate with the Department of Interior (Secretary Ickes, Undersecretary Fortas or Mr. Hester, at your discretion) and insure the Department’s support of our views relating to the authority of the Philippine Commonwealth, and the nature and the control of the distribution of relief supplies for our civilian population. I am in great hopes that a satisfactory agreement will come out of the conference that General MacArthur and I will hold in these matters; but if no satisfactory agreement is obtained, we will appeal to Washington. This makes it essential that we keep in close touch with Departments and persons there who may be helpful to us. In this connection, it would be advisable that you communicate with Justice Murphy and Weldon Jones informing them of the matters contained in my letter to Secretary Stimson. You may show them this correspondence and also my telegram to General MacArthur of September 29 and my proposed address to the Filipino people submitted to the White House in my conference with the President. Following instructions from Washington, they kept here full secrecy of our movements. We remained in our headquarters during our whole stay and will not communicate with anybody in San Francisco or elsewhere. All of us are well. This letter will be given to you by Mr. Kelley who, as you know, came with us. I understand that Dr. Rotor has already given you the complete list of the Secret Service men who attended to our security in Washington and that you have discussed with him and Colonel Melchor ways of acknowledging their service. Please attend to this matter using your full discretion. 174 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 I cannot close this letter without reiterating my thanks to you for the splendid work already done and for what I expect you to do. You will also have, I am sure, due recognition from our people. With my very best regards, I am Cordially yours, SERGIO OSMENA Elon. Jaime Elernandez Washington, D.C. P.S. After signing this letter I was favored by the President with a secret telegram approving in toto the final draft of my proposed address to the Eilipino people submitted to him with my letter dated September 2. S. O. Source: National Library of the Philippines Osmena, S. (1944). [Letter of President Sergio Osmena to Secretary Jaime Elernandez]. Osmena Collections, Rare book Section. National Library of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines. 175 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 Letter of His Excellency Sergio Osmefia President of the Philippines To Secretary Jaime Hernandez [Sent to Washington, D.C., October 7, 1944] OCTOBER 7, 1944. SECRETARY HERNANDEZ 1617 MASS. AVE., N.W. WASHINGTON, D.C. Arrived safely. Greetings from all of us PARAGRAPH Add to my proposed statement as closing paragraph following QUOTE in conclusion COMMA I wish to say that just as I left Washington the President of the United States asked me to be the bearer of a message of congratulations to the people of the Philippines on the regaining of freedom and he asked me to give to you his warm and affectionate personal regards ENDQUOTE Please furnish copy of this addition to the Presidents Secretary for their files. Regards. S. OSMENA Source: National Library of the Philippines Osmefia, S. (1944). [Letter of President Sergio Osmefia to Secretary Jaime Hernandez]. Osmefia Collections, Rare book Section. National Library of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines. 176 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 Cablegram of His Excellency Sergio Osmefia President of the Philippines For Secretary Jaime Hernandez [Sent to Washington, D.C., October 10, 1944] HON. JAIME HERNANDEZ SECRETARY OE EINANCE 1617 MASS. AVENUE, N.W. WASHINGTON 6, D.C. Our records show that three hundred million pesos consisting of Philippine treasury certificates, victory series, and Philippine coins are sufficient only to meet the requirements of the AUS and Commonwealth. I understand another branch of the Armed Eorces of the United States has requisitioned a portion of said amount. In the affirmative please take proper steps to have additional certificates printed and coins manufactured if necessary to restore amount mentioned above available for AUS and Commonwealth. OSMENA Source: National Library of the Philippines Osmefia, S. (1944). [Cablegram of President Osmefia to Secretary Jaime Hernandez]. Osmefia Collections, Rare book Section. National Library of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines. 177 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 Radiogram of His Excellenq^ Sergio Osmefia President of the Philippines For Finance Secretary Jaime Fiernandez [Released on October 21, 1944] SEVENTH AMPHIBIOUS EORCE EROM: OSMENA DATE 21 0845 OCT 44 ACTION: HON JAIME HERNANDEZ 1617 MASSACHUSETTS AVE, N W WASHINGTON, D.C. Radio RDO Urgent Visual Op. Priority Mailgram Priority PP Landline Routine Messenger Deferred INEO: Radio Urgent Visual Op. Priority Mailgram Priority Landline Routine Messenger Deferred TEXT Thank God we have landed safely X Please advise my daughter X Reagards to you ALL X OSMENA DIST: 2 COPIES WU:WR OUTGOING DESPATCH 178 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 EXACT TRANSLATION Ref No. 210845 TOR Rec/Sec via. . . RDP. ... CC. . . .I? .S Enc/Dec. . . .PpB c.W.O . . . .PA.S. Unclassified Restricted Confidential Originated by. . .P.^.MPNA. Secret. . . . .^.PP.PST. HiCom Utmost Secret Released by. ... . PAP.M Source: National Library of the Philippines Osmena, S. (1944). [Radiogram of President Sergio Osmena for Finance Secretary Jaime Hernandez]. Osmena Collections, Rare book Section. National Library of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines. 179 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 Cablegram of His Excellenq^ Sergio Osmefia President of the Philippines To Secretary Jaime Hernandez [Sent to Washington, D.C., October 29, 1944] CABLE Tacloban, Leyte October 29, 1944 Hon. Jaime Hernandez 1617 Massachusetts Ave., N.W Washington, D.C. In the reconstitution of the provincial and municipal finances, services of provincial auditors and their employees are imperative. In your absence, I would like to have Mr. Mathay sign in your name all necessary appointments of personnel of the General Auditing Office which will all be temporary in character, subject to my approval. In order that this could be done legally please issue the necessary authority in favor of Mathay pursuant to the provisions of the Constitution and laws. The scale of salaries of newly appointed personnel will be the same as that prevailing when the war broke out. We are all well. Best regards. S. OSMENA Source: National Library of the Philippines Osmefia, S. (1944). [Cablegram of President Osmefia to Secretary Jaime Hernandez]. Osmefia Collections, Rare book Section. National Library of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines. 180 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 Cablegram of His Excellency Sergio Osmefia President of the Philippines To Finance Secretary Jaime Hernandez [Sent to Washington, D.C., October 30, 1944] CABLE Tacloban, Leyte October 30, 1944 Hon. Jaime Hernandez 1617 Massachusetts Ave., N.W Washington, D.C. Services of Provincial Auditors and employees become imperative in the reconstitution of provincial and municipal finances. It seems therefore that someone here should be authorized by you to sign their appointments in your behalf such appointments to be only temporary and to be approved by me in accordance with law. The scale of salaries shall be the same as that of December 31, 1941. In view of the urgency of the case, I have asked Mathay to appoint the Acting Provincial Auditor of Leyte and to provide him the necessary personnel and their appointments have been approved by me. We are deeply thankful for your message and we are all well. Best regards. S. OSMENA Source: National Library of the Philippines Osmefia, S. (1944). [Cablegram of President Sergio Osmefia to Finance Secretary Jaime Hernandez]. Osmefia Collections, Rare book Section. National Library of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines. 181 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 Letter of His Excellency Sergio Osmefia President of the Philippines To Finance Secretary Jaime Hernandez [Sent to Washington, D.C., November 18, 1944] Tacloban, Leyte November 18, 1944 Dear Mr. Hernandez: General Romulo may be leaving soon for the United States to resume his duties in Congress, and through him I am sending you these few lines. It is almost a month since our historic landing on a beach of Palo, few miles south of Tacloban, and during the whole period we have lived a very intensive life. We have so much to do and with such limited means. From time to time we have been communicating with you by wire and I am thankful to you for your attention in dispatching matters promptly. General Romulo will present to you few more matters for study and consideration. Among them is the question of the redemption of the emergency currencies issued following instructions from the late President Quezon. In the first place, we do not know the total amount of all these currencies and how much of that amount was legally printed or counterfeited. Then how much of these currencies should be borne by us and how much by the United States Army. The U.S. Army headquarters here strongly advise us not to press now on that contention presented once in Washington that the United States assume the total amount of the whole obligation. They say, with some reason, that the Commonwealth Government may be misunderstood. For me, it is not so much the question of whether we assume a portion of the currencies issued or not, but where are we going to obtain the money that may be needed to redeem the currencies. Perhaps the practical solution would be to have a definite understanding with the United States Government now; that the United States Army takes full charge both of determining the amount of valid currencies and of redeeming them, now better than later, with the understanding that the question whether the Commonwealth Government will assume or not part of the obligation will be determined later, and that we will pay our share if that is what is finally decided in the conference between representatives of the two governments. I am sending the draft of the Executive Order suggested to me by the headquarters of the U.S. Army here which so far I have been unable to sign. I am also sending you our counter proposal which has not yet been presented to them. I understand General MacArthur has declined to issue any statement on the matter. When the Cabinet asked me to send to you a cable requesting the transfer to this area of some of our technical employees, I hesitated for fear that this request may cripple your work. Of course, any of 182 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 these persons that you may send us here and whom you badly need will be sent back to you when you so desire. I was not pleased seeing in the papers some vicious articles regarding Mrs. Quezon and our government. But I am afraid there are things that cannot be avoided even if one of the parties or both of them proceed with the best of intentions. I am still waiting for your answer to my cable regarding the reelection of Senator Tydings and other members of Congress to whom I desire to send messages of congratulations. With my best regards to you, Mrs. Hernandez, your children and to all of you there, I remain Cordially yours, SERGIO OSMENA The Honorable Jaime Hernandez Secretary of Einance 1617 Massachusetts Ave., N. W. Washington, D.C. Source: National Library of the Philippines Osmena, S. (1944). [Letter of President Sergio Osmena to Einance Secretary Jaime Hernandez]. Osmena Collections, Rare book Section. National Library of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines. 183 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 Letter of His Excellency Sergio Osmefia President of the Philippines To Bohol Governor Conrado D. Marapao [Sent to Bohol, December 16, 1944] Tacloban, Leyte December 16, 1 944 My dear Governor Marapao: I wish to acknowledge receipt of your letters dated November 14, 15, 22 and 30, 1944. 1 consider the information you gave me in your letters about the conditions in your province very valuable as they help me get a true picture of the situation. As you know, our government is not supposed to resume its functions in any given area until it is free from the enemy and this fact is so certified to me by the United States Army. I have therefore transmitted your reports to the Army with a request that all possible assistance be rendered. I wish to take advantage of this opportunity to ask you to convey to the patriotic people of Bohol, as their governor, my message of gratitude and hope; gratitude, as your elected leader, for the way the people of Bohol have faced the emergency. Loyalty and courage were their armor, and with bravery and determination they faced the enemy. As a Cebuano, I am also profoundly grateful for the generous hospitality of the province in giving shelter to the many evacuees from Cebu. That is a debt of gratitude that will never be forgotten. I also say hope because I am confident that the long dark night of captivity is almost over. The United States, speaking through its great President, has promised the Filipino people that they will be liberated from the invader; and the present successful operations in Leyte under the command of General MacArthur are the sure beginning of our liberation. I am praying to God that the 184 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 task be completed soon. It will then be my privilege to be once more in your hospitable shores and to greet all of you personally. Sincerely yours, (Sgd.) SERGIO OSMENA President of the Philippines Honorable Conrado D. Marapao Governor of Bohol In the Eield CERTIEIED true copy: (Sgd.) SERAPIO D. CANCERAN Private Secretary to the President Source: National Library of the Philippines Osmena, S. (1944). [Letter of President Osmena to Bohol Governor Conrado D. Marapao]. Osmena Collections, Rare book Section. National Library of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines. 185 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 Letter of His Excellency Sergio Osmefia President of the Philippines To Admiral Emory S. Land Chairman, U. S. Maritime Commission [Sent to Washington, D.C., December 21, 1944] Tacloban, Leyte, Philippines My dear Admiral Land: I am taking advantage of Ensign Hilborn’s call on me here to write you this short note of appreciation for the vital part that the Merchant Marine is playing in this campaign. Your ships bring supplies not only for the Army but also for civilian needs. In the performance of this important task, your officers and men have demonstrated efficiency, courage and resourcefulness which have won the admiration and gratitude of everybody. Personally, and on behalf of my people, I wish to thank you and, through you, the officers and men of the Merchant Marine who are contributing in such a substantial measure to the liberation of our country. Yours truly, (Sgd.) SERGIO OSMENA President of the Philippines Source: Arturo Rotor Papers, Pardo de Tavera Special Collections. RIzal Library, Ateneo de Manila University Osmefia, S. [Letter of President Osmefia to Admiral Emory S. Land]. (1944). Arturo Rotor Papers, Pardo de Tavera Special Collections. Rizal Library, Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City, Philippines. 186 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 Memorandum of His Excellency Sergio Osmefia President of the Philippines To Budget and Finance Commissioner Ismael Mathay [Released on January 7, 1944] Tacloban, Leyte January 7, 1945 MEMORANDUM for The Honorable Ismael Mathay Budget and Finance commissioner As Budget and Finance Commissioner, you are authorized to draw funds belonging to the Government of the Commonwealth of the Philippines from the Theater Fiscal Director of the Army of the United States to meet the official expenditures incident to the operation and re-constitution of the National, Provincial and Municipal Governments. During my absence, and for the proper conduct of public affairs of the Government of the Commonwealth in the liberated areas, you are hereby vested with authority to act on all routinary matters which pertain to, or affect, the Departments of said Government which have no department head or whose head is not in the Philippines. On important matters where a change of established policy is deemed necessary or, where in your opinion it is advisable to do so, you should consult me thru appropriate communication facilities before taking any action. You are also authorized to sign all municipal appointments with the following notation: “By authority of the President.” In the case of important appointments, you should first secure ay approval before making them. SERGIO OSMENA President of the Philippines Source: National Library of the Philippines Osmefia, S. (1945). [Memorandum of President Osmefia to Budget and Finance Commissioner Ismael Mathay]. Osmefia Collections, Rare book Section. National Library of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines. 187 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 Letter of His Excellency Sergio Osmefia President of the Philippines To Secretary of the Interior Harold L. Ickes [Released on January 16, 1945] Hon. Harold L. Ickes Secretary of the Interior Washington, D.C. My dear Mr. Secretary: Receipt is acknowledged of your letter dated December 28, 1944, relating to the protocol of August 31, 1944, extending the International Sugar Agreement for a period of one year after August 31, 1944, which the Government of the Commonwealth of the Philippines has already signed. By virtue of the War Emergency Powers Act of the National Assembly in 1941, the President of the Philippines will enforce the terms and provisions of the protocol referred to. As soon as the constitutional processes of the Commonwealth Government have been re-established in the Philippines, the necessary formal confirmation of the commitment of the Government of the Commonwealth of the Philippines will be secured. Sincerely yours, SERGIO OSMENA President of the Philippines Source: National Library of the Philippines Osmefia, S. (1945). [Letter of President Osmefia to Secretary Ickes]. Osmefia Collections, Rare book Section. National Library of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines. 188 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 Letter of His Excellency Sergio Osmefia President of the Philippines To Secretary Basilio J. Valdes [Released on January 25, 1945] SECRET RECEIVED VIA COURIER TO: DET GHQ, SWPA (VALDEZ) FROM: WASHINGTON (OSMENA) NR: W26041 24TH Check was issued 9 January ’42 to Dart Williams of Bohol and not presented to treasurer of providence Bohol for payment prior to enemy occupation in May that year, for which nor reason is given. In denying payment of old checks Mathay is correct because of conditions stated by him. Your message Ua-62428. Only if presented within reasonable time are checks of any kind payable by issuing office. Authorization is given however without setting precedent for advance to Dart Williams of 1,000 pesos for later adjustment. Still do not feel Manamas trip necessary. Personnel here will attend to procurement and shipping of relief supplies. By wire submit the latest revision of estimates on relief and welfare, following for Mathay REUR UA-62471 subject regular requirements for clearance Ataviado may be appointed Acting Cashier National Treasury and also may be used to help on emergency currency investigations. (WDGBI) TOO: 250618 I TOR: SC MSG CEN 250940 I TOR: AG R/C DET GHQ, 251130 I note: This message received from Det GHQ via courier. TOR: AG R/C SWPA 261300 I DISTRIBUTION: ADV USAFFE DISTRIBUTION: INFORMATION COPIES TO: COMMANDER ACTION (CIVIL AFFAIRS (1) I N FO: DC/S (2) IN CHIEF (VIA COURIERO) CHIEF OF STAFF ACTION COPY TO : ADV ECH USAFFE RETURN COPY NO. TO R/C SECTION: SECRET Source: National Library of the Philippines Osmefia, S. (1945). [Letter of President Osmefia to Secretary Basilio J. Valdes]. Osmefia Collections, Rare book Section. National Library of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines. 189 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 Cablegram of His Excellenq^ Sergio Osmefia President of the Philippines To Secretary Jaime Hernandez [Released on January 25, 1945] WESTERN UNION To Hon. Jaime Hernandez Street and No. 1617 Massachusetts Ave., N.W. Place Washington, D.C. Please send following cable to General Valdes quote Am at Jacksonville again for medical examination interrupted by necessity attending Presidents inauguration stop Will, confer with the President when I return to Washington after which I shall proceed immediately to Leyte stop Please advise my family para Please have all my correspondence from the United States forwarded to me immediately by courier and also a letter addressed to Mrs. Joseph R. Hayden which I might have left on my desk there para Kindly wire probable arrival at Hamilton Field of Confesor and Lopez signed Osmena end quote OSMENA Source: National Library of the Philippines Osmena, S. (1945). [Cablegram of President Osmena to Secretary Jaime Hernandez]. Osmena Collections, Rare book Section. National Library of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines. 190 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 Letter of His Excellency Sergio Osmefia President of the Philippines To Secretary Jaime Hernandez on various matters [Released on January 31, 1945] San Francisco My dear Secretary Hernandez: Since we are still here delayed by the weather, I opened the correspondence from our theater area and among them I found Dr. Rotor’s letter of January 21, 1945 and the documents attached thereto. You will note that further discussion is made of the relief situation for civilians in the Philippines. After examining these papers, please keep in mind the suggestions therein contained in following up the negotiations started by me while I was in Washington, with the War and Interior Departments. The following point suggests itself as basically important: that the Commonwealth should definitely secure a specific allotment of supplies to be segregated from the source or at least sent to the area on such conditions that their prompt delivery to the corresponding officials of the Commonwealth will not be delayed. I think I told you that the officials of the War Department informed me during my conference with Assistant Secretary McCloy, that they had sent to our area for civilian purposes no less than 17,000 tons of supplies. Where are those supplies now? And why the scarcity of supplies in the area is so acute, is something that should be ascertained. I wish to confirm some of the matters taken up with you by telephone. 1. CONFESOR I found Confesor waiting for me here in high spirits and ready to perform any duty that may be assigned to him, whether in the United States or in the Philippines. After discussing with him first, and later with Commissioner Romulo and Congressman Lopez, I decided that Confesor should be given the portfolio of the Interior. With this assignment will go another: to take charge, during the reconstitution of the government of the City of Manila and pending the emergency, of the duties pertaining to the Mayor of Manila. I contemplate giving Confesor full power to reestablish the City Government under certain conditions: (a) The civil service and other small employees holding positions in the City Government at the beginning of the war and who did not serve under the Japanese, will be automatically restored to their positions. (b) Employees who held positions during the Japanese occupation and who desire to continue serving would submit their case to a Board of Inquiry similar to the Board created in Leyte. The Board 191 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 will have the additional duty of passing upon the merits of the claims presented to it by employees who, inspite of their service under the Japanese, would desire to serve under the Commonwealth. (c) A gratuity will be granted to the faithful employees equivalent to 50% of their back salaries (this if your report from the financial point of view is favorable). 2. COLLABORATIONISTS It is very urgent that the United States Government defines its policy regarding this matter. A clarification of President Roosevelt’s pronouncement when he signed S.J. Res. Nos. 93 and 94 is essential. Irrespective of the interpretation given as to the scope of the President’s pronouncement, it seems highly advisable that Congress, directly or through the President, assume the responsibility of carrying out the purpose of the United States Government in this matter. It is assumed that the idea being that the reconstituted Commonwealth Government is friendly and not disloyal to the United States, persons declared by competent authorities to have been collaborationists and excluded from any position of political or economic influence should be declared by an American statute unqualified during a specific period to vote or be voted for an elective position. Officials and employees of the Executive Department will be dealt with, of course, by the Executive, but in the case of the Legislative and Judicial Departments, some legal provisions should be made to allow the Commonwealth Government to legally and orderly meet the situation. An important point in this connection will be the case of the Philippine Congress if the war is over in the Philippines before the regular session of the Congress shall have expired, and the present available information to the effect that at least the majority of the members of the Upper House had accepted positions under the Japanese is confirmed. Please expedite the legal work that is being done in this matter. Send to Tacloban by courier the legal opinions rendered, with your comments. Please accept my thanks for everything you have done for me personally and officially, and my felicitations for your splendid work. With warm regards to you and your family, I am Cordially yours. The Honorable Jaime Hernandez Secretary of Einance Washington, D.C. Source: National Library of the Philippines Osmena, S. (1945). [Letter of President Osmena to Secretary Jaime Hernandez on various matters]. Osmena Collections, Rare book Section. National Library of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines. 192 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 Radiogram of His Excellency Sergio Osmefia President of the Philippines To Secretary Jaime Hernandez [Released on February 17, 1945] In the Field RADIOGRAM Hon. Jaime Hernandez 1617 Massachusetts Avenue, Northwest Washington 6, D.C. Please wire status of our negotiations with War Department regarding pay to be given Philippine Army officers and enlisted men in lieu of pay authorized by Executive Order No. 22 of October 28, 1944. OSMENA Source: National Library of the Philippines Osmefia, S. (1945). [Radiogram of President Osmefia to Secretary Hernandez]. Osmefia Collections, Rare book Section. National Library of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines. 193 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 Texts of Cables of His Excellency Sergio Osmefia President of the Philippines Sent to Secretary of War Henry L. Stimson and the Hon. Herbert Lehman, Director of the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration On the occasion of the reestablishment of the Commonwealth Government [Released on February 28, 1945] Manila February 28, 1945 Hon. Henry L. Stimson Secretary of War Washington, D.C. On the occasion of the restoration of the Commonwealth Government in the City of Manila, allow me to express our deepest gratitude to you whose contribution to this happy result is highly appreciated. Emerging from three long years of enslavement, the Filipino people find their number decimated, a large proportion of their homes and their property destroyed. Nevertheless, with unshaken spirit fortified by the sympathetic understanding of the American people they face with grim determination their immediate objectives colon the vigorous prosecution of the struggle in which the United Nations are engaged until final victory is achieved and the rehabilitation of the country and the relief of millions of destitute and suffering people. OSMENA HON. HERBERT LEHMAN Director General United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration Washington, D.C. On the reestablishment of the Government of the Philippines within this ruined capital city we find ourselves face to face with problems of relief and rehabilitation of staggering proportions. Thousands and thousands of families are without shelter and in rags, millions are facing hunger 194 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 and starvation. When the extent of our needs is definitely ascertained I shall communicate with you knowing as I do your eagerness to give us a helping hand. SERGIO OSMENA Source: Presidential Museum and Library Osmena, S. (1945). Texts of Cables of Elis Excellency Sergio Osmena President of the Philippines sent to Secretary of War Elenry L. Stimson and the Elon. Elerbert Lehman on the occasion of the reestablishment of the Commonwealth Government. Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines, 41(1), 91. 195 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 Letter of His Excellency Sergio Osmefia President of the Philippines To Secretary of Finance and Reconstruction Jaime Hernandez [Sent to Washington, D.C., February 28, 1945] Manila February 28, 1945 Hon. Jaime Hernandez 1617 Massachusetts Ave., N.W Washington, D.C. General MacArthur and I officially entered Manila yesterday, February twentyseven, and reestablished the Commonwealth Government. Speech delivered was sent to you in advance by Romulo. Please release it. Para Please advise Mrs. Manuel Tuason Salem Oregon that her family is safe and well, para Following for Washington Apostolic Delegate quote Happy to inform Your Excellency I met Monsignor Piani Archbishop Doherty and Bishops McClosky and Hayes and found them well end quote OSMENA Source: National Library of the Philippines Osmefia, S. (1945). [Letter of President Sergio Osmefia to Honorable Jaime Hernandez]. Osmefia Collections, Rare book Section. National Library of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines. 196 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 Letter of His Excellency Sergio Osmefia President of the Philippines To the President of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce [Released on March 3, 1945] Manila The President Chinese Chamber of Commerce Manila Sir: Our Government is now faced with numerous problems involving not only immediate civilian relief and rehabilitation but also the reconstruction and restoration of the national economy as a whole. These are complex problems and the advice of persons of high standing in the business world would be most helpful in their solution. May I request you then to appoint three members of your organization to meet with representatives of the Commonwealth Government at 3 P.M. on Thursday, March 8, 1945, at Malacanan in order to discuss these problems that we face in common? A similar invitation is being extended to other business organizations. Very sincerely, SERGIO OSMENA President of the Philippines Source: National Library of the Philippines Osmefia, S. (1945). [Letter of President Sergio Osmefia to the President of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce]. Osmefia Collections, Rare book Section. National Library of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines. 197 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 Letter of His Excellency Sergio Osmefia President of the Philippines To U.S. Secretary of State Edward J. Stettinius, Jr. on the acceptance of the invitation and appointment of Philippine Delegation to a United Nations conference [Sent to Washington, D.C., March 20, 1945] Jacksonville, Fla. March 20, 1945 My dear Mr. Secretary: I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of the invitation by the Government of the United States and of the Governments of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, and the Republic of China for the Commonwealth of the Philippines to send representatives to a conference of the United Nations to be held on April 25, 1945 at San Francisco. The Government of the Commonwealth of the Philippines hereby accepts the invitation and I have appointed the following to constitute the Philippine Delegation: Hon. Carlos P. Romulo - Hon. Maximo M. Kalaw - Hon. Carlos Garcia - Hon. Pedro Lopez - Hon. Francisco Delgado - Dr. Urbano A. Zafra - Col. Alejandro Melchor - Prof. Vicente Sinco - Resident Commissioner of the Philippines to the United States, Chairman Secretary of Instruction and Information, Member Member of the Philippine Senate, Member Member of the Philippine Congress, Member Member of the Philippine Congress and former Resident Commissioner of the Philippines to the United States, Member Economic Adviser to the President of the Philippines, Member Military and Technical Advisor to the President of the Philippines, Member Professor of Constitutional Law, University of the Philippines, Member 198 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 With assurances of high esteem, I am, Mr. Secretary Respectfully, SERGIO OSMENA The Elonorable Edward J. Stettinius, Jr. Secretary of State Washington, D.C. Source: National Library of the Philippines Osmena, S. (1945). [Philippine Delegation]. Osmena Collections, Rare book Section. National Library of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines. 199 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 Letter of His Excellency Sergio Osmefia President of the Philippines To the United States President [Sent to Washington, D.C., March 22, 1945] Jacksonville, Fla. March 22, 1945 CONFIDENTIAL AND SECRET The President The White House Washington, D.C. I am grateful for your message of March 21. The operation on the prostate gland was successfully performed by Dr. Mclver and they are taking good care of me at Saint Vincent’s Hospital. They believe the wounds will be healed in two weeks. I am therefore accepting with pleasure your kind invitation to visit you at Warm Springs, Georgia and kindly advise if April fifth will be satisfactory to you. I expect to proceed from Jacksonville to Columbus by train. With warm personal regards. SERGIO OSMENA Source: National Library of the Philippines Osmefia, S. (1945). [Letter of President Sergio Osmefia to the U. S. President]. Osmefia Collections, Rare book Section. National Library of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines. 200 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 Letter of His Excellency Sergio Osmefia President of the Philippines To Fleet Admiral Ernest J. King [Sent to Washington, D.C., April 2, 1945] My dear Fleet Admiral King: I have received the copy of your Second Report to the Secretary of the Navy and I wish to thank you for your kind attention. I have just left the Saint Vincent’s Hospital and I am convalescing here. No better reading material could have been placed in my hands than your most interesting report. It contains the great story of the United States Navy in 1944. It also gives a vivid picture of the outstanding events culminating in the liberation of my country. For this, I am sending you not only my cordial felicitations for the wonderful achievements of the Navy, but also our profound gratitude for the important part it has taken in the campaign to free the Philippines. After the period of my convalescence, I will proceed to Washington and I look forward to the pleasure of calling on you. Sincerely yours, SERGIO OSMENA Eleet Admiral Ernest J. King Navy Department Washington, D.C. Source: National Library of the Philippines Osmefia, S. (1945). [Letter of President Sergio Osmefia to Eleet Admiral Ernest J. King]. Osmefia Collections, Rare book Section. National Library of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines. 201 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 Letter of His Excellency Sergio Osmefia President of the Philippines To Secretary to the President Jose S. Reyes on the construction of temporary office buildings [Sent on April 28, 1945] Hon. Jose S. Reyes Secretary to the President Malacanan Palace Manila, Philippines Referring to your cable regarding construction of temporary office buildings on Malacanan grounds, please ascertain whether or not the Army is using the San Beda College and if not and the Army has no plans to use the San Beda premises, start negotiations with the Benedictine fathers for the use of the college for government office purposes. If the college will later prove inadequate, plans should be made for construction of temporary buildings on vacant grounds around or near said college. The proposition of constructing temporary buildings on Malacanan ground across the river or on the Bureau of Animal Husbandry in Pandacan is not satisfactory. OSMENA Source: National Library of the Philippines Osmefia, S. (1945). [Letter of President Osmefia to Secretary to the President Jose S. Reyes]. Osmefia Collections, Rare book Section. National Library of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines. 202 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 Letter of His Excellency Sergio Osmefia President of the Philippines To General Donovan on technicolor motion pictures [Released on April 30, 1945] 1617 Massachusetts Ave., N.W. Washington, D.C. April 30, 1945 My dear General Donovan: Captain David C. Griffin, my photographic officer, has made some color motion pictures of the destruction of Manila by the Japanese and the atrocities they committed against the civilians. As you know, my people have suffered untold horrors in the hands of the Japanese invader. May I request, therefore, that the Photographic Branch of the Office of Strategic Services prepare for public release a two reel technicolor motion picture from these original color films. We feel that through this film we will have an opportunity to tell the people of America in part, at least, of the extent of the sufferings of the Filipino people. It is certainly a story that the American people should know. The name of the film will be “Orders from Tokyo”. Sincerely yours, SERGIO OSMENA Source: National Library of the Philippines Osmefia, S. (1945). [Letter of President Sergio Osmefia to General Donovan]. Osmefia Collections, Rare book Section. National Library of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines. 203 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 Letter of His Excellency Sergio Osmefia President of the Philippines To Secretary to the President Jose S. Reyes [Sent on May 11, 1945] Hon. Jose S. Reyes Secretary to the President Malacanan Palace Manila, Philippines May 11, 1945 Following for Confesor: Replying your cablegram of 9 May, 1945, foreigners holding licenses Manila markets on 8 December, 1941 may continue doing business in said markets until 8 December, 1946. Following for Jaranilla: Until the Supreme Court is duly organized. Notaries Public in the City of Manila shall be appointed by one of the judges of the Court of First Instance of Manila to be chosen by the judges of the branches of said Court. Please prepare appropriate EO for my signature upon my return. OSMENA Source: National Library of the Philippines Osmefia, S. (1945). [Letter of President Sergio Osmefia to Secretary to the President Jose S. Reyes]. Osmefia Collections, Rare book Section. National Library of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines. 204 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 Letter of His Excellency Sergio Osmefia President of the Philippines To Secretary to the President Jose S. Reyes on the arrival of the Tydings party [Sent to Manila, May 16, 1945] Jose S. Reyes Manila Have guest room in Malacanan fixed for Senator Tydings. We will arrive together next Sunday. We should provide accommodations outside of Malacanan for the ten members of Tydings party unless the Army has already prepared such accommodations for them. It is essential that the office for Tydings staff be located near Malacanan. For this reason I suggest that the Army be requested to vacate if possible the the Malacanan Social Hall across the river so that the offices of Tydings’ party be accommodated there. OSMENA Source: National Library of the Philippines Osmefia, S. (1945). [Letter of President Sergio Osmefia to Secretary Jose S. Reyes]. Osmefia Collections, Rare book Section. National Library of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines. 205 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 Letter of His Excellency Sergio Osmefia President of the Philippines To General J. G. Harbord [Sent to New York City, June 18, 1945] Manila June 18, 1945 General J. G. Harbord President, R. C. A. New York City Deeply appreciate your cordial greetings to my people. It is with profound satisfaction that we welcome resumption of service in the Philippines by Radio Corporation of America. I consider this a long step in the rehabilitation of our communications system so essential not only for our domestic needs but also for our international relations. I congratulate the RCA for the efforts it has exerted to make this possible. Sergio Osmefia Source: National Library of the Philippines Osmefia, S. (1945). [Letter of President Sergio Osmefia to General J. G. Harbord]. Osmefia Collections, Rare book Section. National Library of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines. 206 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 Letter of His Excellency Sergio Osmefia President of the Philippines For the Secretary of War on the payment of salaries and allowances to Philippine Army officers [Released on June 21, 1945] FOR THE SECRETARY OE WAR Philippine Army officers detailed in the United States are confronted with financial difficulties resulting from inadequate pay and allowances provided for in War Department Circular Number 158 dated 30 May 1945 STOP The amounts that these officers receive are not sufficient to keep up with standard of living in the United States and at the same time maintain their dependents here STOP It is requested that Philippine Army officers detailed in the United States be paid the same salaries and allowances as those of United States Army officers of corresponding ranks STOP For this purpose Philippine Army Third Lieutenants may be considered to correspond to Chief Warrant Officers STOP This request is in accordance with the spirit of Paragraph J Section 22 of the National Defense Act and has the concurrence of General MacArthur. OSMENA Source: National Library of the Philippines Osmefia, S. (1945). [Letter of President Sergio Osmefia for the Secretary of War]. Osmefia Collections, Rare book Section. National Library of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines. 207 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 Letter of His Excellency Sergio Osmefia President of the Philippines To the United States President Harry S. Truman On the occasion of Japan’s unconditional surrender [Released on August 15, 1945] The PRESIDENT The White House Washington, D.C. I send you our people’s most joyful congratulations on the victory of the spirit and arms of the United States of America and Allied Nations. This victory in which we can claim a modest share by reason of our sacrifices in Bataan and throughout the Philippines, has for us the significance of the glorious reaffirmation of democratic ideals. Our nation would not have been saved had it not been for the might of the great Union to which we owe loyalty and to which we are eternally grateful. Now we face the future with confidence and under the pact sealed by our blood we pray God that the Philippines will forever serve as one of the great bastions for the preservation of permanent universal peace. OSMENA Source: University of the Philippines College of Law Library Osmefia, S. (1945). On the occasion of Japan’s unconditional surrender on August 15, 1945, President Osmefia sent the following message to United States President Harry S. Truman. Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines, 41(6), 500. 208 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 Exchange of Christmas and New Year Messages of His Excellency Sergio Osmefia President of the Philippines With the United States President Harry S. Truman, Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers Douglas McArthur, General of the Army George C. Marshall, United States Secretary of the Navy James Forrestal, Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz, and Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek, President of the Chinese Republic [Released on December 24, 1945] The PRESIDENT The White House Washington, D.C. In the cheerful spirit of the first Christmas celebration in the Philippines since the liberation, my people and I are sending you our heartiest wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Paced with a tremendous task of reconstruction which no one understands better and more sympathetically than you, all my people feel deeply grateful for your abundant assistance and are looking forward to the future with hope and optimism. It is needless for me to reiterate the conviction that upon your continued interest will depend the success of our present efforts to get back on our feet in a world now organizing itself for peace and freedom under the leadership of your great nation. President OSMENA His Excellency SERGIO OSMENA President of the Philippine Commonwealth Manila Please accept my sincere thanks for Your Excellency’s Christmas and New Year’s message. I greatly appreciate your thoughts and sentiments. HARRY S. TRUMAN 209 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 December 24, 1945 General of the Army DOUGLAS MACARTHUR Tokyo The Filipinos who owe so much to you for your brilliant leadership in their liberation join me in wishing you and all the men under your command a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. President OSMENA December 24, 1945 General of the Army GEORGE C. MARSEIALL United States Ambassador to China Chungking, China Best wishes to you for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Your leadership throughout the difficult period of the global war is an epic in the history of world peace. The Filipino people and I will remain forever grateful for your important role in the liberation of the Philippines. President OSMENA To PRESIDENT OSMENA Philippine Government Manila Greatly appreciate your Christmas greetings especially your extreme thoughtfulness in remembering me and in such generous terms. It was a great pleasure to see you. This message carries my heartfelt hopes and good wishes for you and the Filipino people in the New Year. May they be given the prosperity to enjoy the peace for which they suffered and strove so valiantly. GEORGE C. MARSHAL December 24, 1945 Hon. JAMES FORRESTAL Secretary of the Navy Washington, D.C. To you and the glorious Navy of the United States I am sending in the name of the Filipino people the most cordial wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May the influence of the United States in the effort toward assuring world peace and security continue to increase in this new era of international cooperation. President OSMENA 210 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 From THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY To PRESIDENT OSMENA, MANILA The officers and men of the United States Navy join me in thanking you for your cordial seasons greetings and in wishing to the Filipino people the glorious future to which their heroism in the War entitles them. JAMES FORRESTAL December 24, 1945 Admiral of the Fleet CHESTER NIMITZ Washington, D.C. Greetings to you and all your courageous men who fought so hard and so gloriously for the liberation of the Philippines. A grateful people will forever remember your exploits. Please accept my best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. President OSMENA From: THE CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS To: President SERGIO OSMENA Thank you for your Christmas message. On behalf of the personnel of the United States Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard I extend best wishes for the holiday season and for all success to you and the people of the Philippine Commonwealth in the problems that lie ahead in the New Year. C. W. NIMITZ Fleet Admiral, U. S. Navy Chief of Naval Operations December 24, 1945 Generalissimo CHIANG KAI-SHEK President of the Chinese Republic Chungking, China In the name of the Filipino people who for the first time in four years are celebrating Christmas in peace and freedom, I am sending you my most cordial wishes of the season. May the New Year find the people of China prosperous and happy. President OSMENA 211 MESSAGES OE THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 January 1, 1946 His Excellency PRESIDENT OSMENA Manila In the name of the Chinese Government and people I thank you most sincerely for your cordial message and I extend to you my very best wishes for your personal well-being and the prosperity of the Philippine people. CHIANG KAI-SHEK Source: Presidential Museum and Library Office of the President of the Philippines (ed.). (1945). Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines. Manila: Government Printing Office, 42(1), 101-103. 212 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 Letter of His Excellency Sergio Osmefia President of the Philippines To Resident Commissioner Carlos P. Romulo instructing him to work for the extension of the full benefits of the G. I. Bill of Rights to Filipino war veterans [Released on February 12, 1946] Hon. CARLOS P. ROMULO Resident Commissioner of the Philippines to the United States 1617 Massachusetts Ave., N. W. Washington 6, D.C. My dear Commissioner ROMULO: I learned that the First Supplemental Surplus Appropriation Rescission Act of 1946 which carried an item appropriating $200,000,000 for the Army of the Philippines was vetoed by the President because it contained provisions depriving the United States Employment Service of its federal status and returning the Office of the Employment Service to separate state jurisdiction. The explanatory text of this particular appropriation clearly indicates that the amount of $200,000,000 is intended to cover payment of contract insurance taken under the National Service Insurance Act of 1940, as amended, and for pensions on account of service-connected disability or death of personnel of the Philippine Army called into the service of the armed forces of the United States. The bill seeks to exclude members of the Philippine Army from the provisions of other federal laws conferring rights, privileges or benefits to persons who served in the military and naval forces of the United States. The veto of the whole appropriation bill by the President, in the opinion of many circles here, is a blessing in disguise as far as the Philippines is concerned. The bill as passed by Congress is objected to on the following grounds: First: The bill intends to deprive personnel of the Philippine Army inducted into the service of the United States Army the benefits of federal laws administered by the Veterans’ Administration and other federal agencies of the United States Government “except benefits under (1) the National Service Life Insurance Act of 1940, as amended, under contracts heretofore entered into, and (2) laws administered by the Veterans’ Administration providing payment of pensions on account of service-connected disability or death.” If this bill is enacted into law, members of the Philippine Army will unjustly be deprived of the benefits of the following federal laws at present being enjoyed and made available to them by virtue of their service with the military and naval forces of the United States: (a) Servicemen’s readjustment Act of 1944, popularly known as the G. I. Bill of Rights (Public Law 346, 78th Congress, as amended) which includes (1) educational aid or a refresher or retraining course not to exceed four years; (2) the guarantee of loans for the purchase of homes, farms and business property; and (3) readjustment allowances for veterans if unemployed within 2 years from his discharge. 213 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 (b) Automatic gratuitous insurance against death in line of duty in active service occurring on or after October 9, 1940 and on or before April 12, 1942 (Public Act 360, 77th Congress). (c) Pension for non-service connected disability (Public Law 2, 73rd Congress, March 20, 1933; Public Law 346, 78th Congress, June 22, 1944; Public Law 313, 78th Congress, May 27, 1944). (d) Medical and hospital treatment and domiciliary care of veterans suffering from injuries or diseases incurred or aggravated in line of duty including funeral and burial expenses (Public Law 2, 73rd Congress). (e) Vocational rehabilitation for disabled veterans (Public Law 16, 78th Congress, March 24, 1943). (/) Civil service preference (Executive Order under the Act of July 11, 1919). (g) Mustering-Out Payment Law. (h) Six months’ death gratuity to dependents of deceased personnel who died in line of duty. (i) The Person Missing Act (Act of 7 March 1942 as amended by Act of December 24, 1942 re collection of back pay.) Second: The amount of $200,000,000 appropriated is evidently inadequate for the payment of the benefits it intends to confer. It is at present estimated that approximately 70,000 members of the Philippine Army who were in the active service of the United States died during this war. Assuming that 20,000 of these deceased veterans applied for insurance at $10,000 each, the total amount due their dependents would be $200,000,000. The dependents of the remaining 50,000 with an average insurance of $5,000 each would be entitled to $250,000,000. Aside from these insurance benefits, the bill likewise provides for the payment of pensions for service-connected disability or death. Under the present federal laws, dependents of deceased veterans are entitled to pension or compensation ranging from $50 to $100 a month. Taking an average pension of $65 a month for each dependent of 70,000 deceased veterans, the government would be paying $4,500,000 a month or $49,000,000 a year. Assuming that the average number of years that a dependent is entitled to receive this pension is 15 years, the total amount due for death pension alone would be $735,000,000. As regards pensions for physical disability, it is estimated that out of the members of the Philippine Army inducted into the service of the United States Army including recognized guerrillas, there are at least 5 per cent who are disabled or approximately 10,000 servicemen whose percentage of disability ranges from 10 to 100 per cent and would therefore be entitled to a monthly compensation of from $11.50 to $115 according to present rates, excluding additional pension for those who lose the use of hands, legs or eyes. With an average disability pension of $50 a month 10,000 soldiers should get $500,000 a month or $6,000,000 a year. Physical disabilities in most cases are permanent and the disabled veteran continues to receive the disability pension during his lifetime. Taking 15 years as the average life of a pensioner, the total sum of $90,000,000 would be due the disabled veterans. Summing up, the amount payable for insurance and pension benefits alone total $1,275,000,000 which is approximately seven times more than the amount appropriated. Third: The reduction of amount due from dollar to a peso basis is utterly discriminatory and is not in keeping with previous avowed pronouncements of responsible American officials. To illustrate this point, let us take the case of two Filipino soldiers: one belonging to the Philippine Scouts and the other to the Philippine Army. Under this bill, if these two soldiers who fought side by side receive wounds or injuries of the same degree, the Philippine Scout soldier will get twice as much as the Philippine Army soldier. The same situation holds true if these soldiers both die. The dependents of one will receive only half as much as the other. Both fought for the same cause, are natives of the same land and are of the same blood, yet the other or his dependents would seem to deserve a richer award. This anomalous situation will undoubtedly create natural resentment among Philippine soldiers winch should be avoided at all cost. 214 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 In view of the foregoing considerations, it would be advisable to make every effort to prevent discrimination against Philippine Army soldiers who were ordered into the service of the armed forces of the United States. I further suggest that you confer with General Omar Bradley, Administrator, Veterans’ Administration, and point to him the imperative necessity of sending immediately to the Philippine regional office the necessary personnel to apply the benefits of the G. I. Bill of Rights in view of the current demobilization of the Philippine Army. Sincerely yours, SERGIO OSMENA President of the Philippines Source: Presidential Museum and Library Osmena, S. (1946). Letter of President Sergio Osmena to Resident Commissioner Carlos P. Romulo instructing him to work for the extension of the full benefits of the G. I. Bill of Rights to Eilipino war veterans. Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines, 42(2), 346-349. 215 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 PRESS STATEMENTS Statement of President Sergio Osmena: On signing Joint Resolution No. 1 of the Philippine Congress [Released on July 2, 1945] I have signed today Joint Resolution No. 1 of the Philippine Congress expressing our gratitude to the Government and people of the United States for our liberation, and placing all our manpower and resources at their disposal for the prosecution of the war against Japan. This resolution represents the spontaneous and unanimous feeling of our people toward the great nation that has given them the largest measure of self-government known in colonial history. Yet, it has never been the American policy to exercise any permanent suzerainty over that self-government, and, as the events of the last four decades will attest, the course set for us has been inflexibly that of national independence. When the enemy struck treacherously at Pearl Harbor, we were on the road to our manifest goal. However, the speed of the Japanese attack, together with the overwhelming pressure of numbers that followed it, compelled our forces to bow to the inevitable. The enemy then occupied our country, but the course of our destiny did not change; without the least vacillation the Government of the United States, led by that peerless champion of human rights — the late Franklin D. Roosevelt — pledged all the resources at its command to the task of rescuing us from the tyrant, reiterated its solemn commitment to grant us our independence. This reiteration did not consist in mere lip-service, but took the form of positive acts of recognition of our national stature, culminating in our formal admission into the councils of the United Nations. While all these things on our behalf were going on in the United States, the enemy, with his well known spider cunning, was busy organizing the material as well as spiritual enslavement of our people. It was a well studied part of Japan’s policy of subjugation to win as many adherents to her side as possible, but our people refused to be tricked. Taken at the bayonet point, tortured and starved, they stood steadfast and unyielding, their faith unshaken, their loyalty firm as a rock. Not for a single moment, throughout the black and humiliating interregnum, did they falter in their conviction that America would return to extricate them finally from the chains of Japanese slavery. Under the ever-lengthening shadow of a ruthless military police the underground went on without flinching. It took mettle to resist, but our people resisted to the end. The corrupt Japanese machine of exploitation has toppled and once again we are free men. Now we know the full meaning of the freedom we all enjoy. Free to move about and do as we please within the bounds of democratic moderation, free to think and speak as our consciences dictate, in a word, free to live as decent human beings without fear of repression — this is the essence of our present existence as the brutalities of Japanese occupation have underscored it for us of the present and our generations that are to come. And since gratitude is the fairest flower of our national character, it is but natural that, in this hour of our manumission, with the drums of samurai militarism silenced and the last agonies of the imperial oppressor in sight, we should in one spontaneous outpouring of our souls 216 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 make flesh the word of friendship that shall forever bind us with the great people of a great nation — the United States of America. Source: Presidential Museum and Library Osmena, S. (1945). Statement of President Sergio Osmena on signing Joint Resolution No. 1 of the Philippine Congress. Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines, 41(4), 290-292. 217 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 Statement of President Sergio Osmena: On the occasion of the Complete Liberation of the Philippines [Released on July 5, 1945] The complete liberation of the Philippines, as announced by General MacArthur, fills every Filipino heart with supreme satisfaction. No event since the memorable day the American forces landed in Leyte can match the significance of this liberation, not only for us but also for the other peoples who are still in the grip of the treacherous enemy. The Philippines as a powerful base of American operations places the same forces that have freed us practically at the doorsteps of Japan. From our direction the decisive blow will be dealt — the blow that will make it impossible for the Japanese to repeat the atrocities inflicted on peace-loving peoples. At the same time the complete liberation of the Philippines presages the return of normal civil conditions and the full enjoyment by us of our constitutional rights and prerogatives. To America and, in particular, to General MacArthur goes our heartfelt gratitude for the permanent liquidation of the Japanese menace and the assurance of peace, security, and freedom for the people of this country. Source: Presidential Museum and Library Osmena, S. (1945). Statement of President Sergio Osmena on the occasion of the Complete Liberation of the Philippines. Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines, 41(4), 290. 218 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 Statement of President Sergio Osmena: On the occasion of the twenty-ninth Anniversary of the passage of the Jones Act [Released on August 29, 1945] Today, August 29, is the twenty-ninth anniversary of that momentous day in Philippine history when the Jones Law, sometimes referred to as the Philippine Autonomy Act, was enacted by the Congress of the United States. This legislation has no counterpart in the political annals of the world. For it not only bestowed upon the Filipino people a new organic law granting a larger measure of self- government, such as we had never enjoyed before, but it embodied the solemn pledge of the American people that we would in due time enjoy the blessings of freedom. Although it was evident from the days of President McKinley that the American policy was to give the Filipinos an increasing measure of self-government, up to 1916 no commitment on independence had been made by the Congress of the United States. Independence, however, had always been the undying ideal of our people. Expressive of this feeling, resolution after resolution was passed by the Philippine Assembly reiterating our urgent desire for the liberty and independence of our country. In response to these petitions. Congress passed the Jones Law. This was the first definite recognition of the supreme aspiration of our people. By committing the United States to the recognition of our independence as soon as a stable government could be established, our capacity for self-government was placed on trial before the world. It was indeed a decisive step toward the complete emancipation of the people of the Philippines. We have come through with flying colors. Today we stand on the threshold of the realization of our most cherished dream. An unequalled experiment in political altruism has culminated in the establishment in the Far East of a genuine democracy. In truth we may say that the Jones Law is the first monument to America’s noble mission of making possible the creation of a new independent nation in the Orient. Source: Presidential Museum and Library Osmena, S. (1945). Statement of President Sergio Osmena on the occasion of the twenty-ninth anniversary of the passage of the Jones Act. Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines, 41(6), 493-494. 219 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 Statement of President Sergio Osmena: On Philippine Rehabilitation [Released on September 18, 1945] I should like to call your attention again to the announcement I made over the week-end concerning President Truman’s instructions to the War and Navy Departments and to the Federal Works Agency with regard to the plans for the restoration of our port and harbor facilities, highways, secondary roads, streets, and bridges. It seems to me that this action by President Truman warrants a good deal more public attention than it has so far received. It is directly involved in the whole pattern of rehabilitation of our country. Thus, the promises of help that were made to us by President Roosevelt and reaffirmed by President Truman are now beginning to materialize. What I should like to point out today, however, is that this help will obviously come from several sources in the United States rather than from a single source. Rehabilitation is not solely a matter of an outright gift to us by the Congress of the United States. It is a matter of a comprehensive planned program covering our financial needs, restoration of public and private property, encouragement of the revival and growth of Philippine commerce, industry, and agriculture, and a clear understanding on our future relations with the United States. Our Government has been working unceasingly on these plans for a long time. This work was started by President Quezon in Washington. It was continued by me. It is still continuing, both in terms of our governmental activities here in Manila and in terms of the Filipino group representing our interests in Washington. Our original proposals for Philippine rehabilitation are still active. They cover such matters as war claims; restitution of property losses, both public and private; financial assistance to the Commonwealth Government and to our banking institutions; control of enemy alien property, and restoration water transportation. We are also still continuing our efforts to work out an agreement with the United States for a twenty-year period of free trade. Commissioner Romulo and his colleagues have been working very hard on this matter and we are hopeful that the United States will in the end respond sympathetically. What we would like is the assurance, before independence, of twenty years of free trade between the United States and the Philippines on the basis of the relationship that existed between us in 1940, without diminishing quotas or export taxes. During the twenty years of hard work that lies ahead of us, we need the support that would be given to us by a free flow of trade both ways. It is along these lines that the Philippine Government has been thinking and planning, and working. Source: Presidential Museum and Library Osmena, S. (1945). Statement of President Osmena on Philippine Rehabilitation. Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines, 41(7), 688-689. 220 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 Statement of President Sergio Osmena: On Signing Commonwealth Act No. 682 creating a People’s Court and an Office of Special Prosecutors for the Prosecution and Trial of Crimes against National Security committed during the Second World War [Released on September 25, 1945] In response to my message of August 20, 1945, the Congress has passed a bill, which I have just signed, creating a special court to be known as the People’s Court and an Office of Special Prosecutors for the prosecution and trial of persons accused of crimes against our national security committed during the war. This law provides the necessary machinery to deal with political offenders with utmost dispatch and with the guarantees essential to a fair and impartial hearing. One of its salient features is that those who served the puppet governments during the Japanese occupation are disqualified from appointment to the People’s Court and the Office of Special Prosecutors. The jurisdiction of this Court is not limited to the political prisoners who are now being turned over by the United States Army to the Commonwealth, but to all persons charged with similar crimes against our national security. With the signing of this bill, we can assure the Filipino people and the whole world that all who are accused of collaboration with the enemy will be tried by the processes of law and justice, which are as firmly established here as they are elsewhere in the civilized world. Like all of our people, I am confident that the People’s Court will carry out its judicial tasks without fear and without favor, and that it will punish the guilty and exonerate the innocent. Source: Presidential Museum and Library Osmena, S. (1959). Statement of President Sergio Osmena on signing Commonwealth Act No. 682. Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines, 41(7), 690-691. 221 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 Statement of President Sergio Osmena: On Rizal Day [Released on December 30, 1945] We pay homage today to Jose Rizal, the greatest man ever produced by our race and one of the very few whose claim to immortal fame transcends all barriers of race and epochs of history. It was about half a century ago that, before a firing squad, his end came as the culmination of an uncompromising and fearless insistence on principle in word and deed. And because his supreme sacrifice was done for the sake of a righteous cause, he has become an ideal and a symbol for his people. The Japanese, realizing Rizal’s powerful influence in the minds and hearts of his countrymen, tried to use his name and his nationalistic ideas to alienate us from America. But unable to fathom the depths of his true greatness, they did not stop to think that to believe in Rizal was precisely to believe in freedom and democracy — the greatest boon America has brought to our people. Thus, instead of winning the Filipinos over to their side as they had hoped to do, the Japanese were resisted on all sides by our people, and heroes and martyrs like Jose Abad Santos died rather than compromise on principles, in the same way Rizal died. At a time like this, when problems of rehabilitation and reconstruction confront us in their grimness, we, the Filipino people, must needs turn our eyes towards an ideal, a symbol, around which to build our plans for self-respecting nationhood. Rizal stands now, more clearly and significantly than he ever stood before, as that ideal and that symbol. On the eve of the establishment of the Philippine Republic, we should turn our thoughts to the life of Rizal and seek from it the inspiration that we need to make of ourselves a nation worthy of its name. It is well that we dedicate ourselves not only to the ideals and principles for which he died, but to those personal virtues of which his life was so full. Outstanding among Rizal’s virtues was his sincerity. His mental honesty could never be impugned. He refused to pretend, to pose, to prevaricate. He was notable for the purity of his intentions and the integrity of his acts. Like those of the great Master, Rizal’s teachings were not of violent conflict but of tolerance and understanding. He advocated education as the potent individual and social force that alone can give our people real and lasting freedom. In our moments of hesitation and doubt, Rizal’s memory should serve as a beacon light and an example for us all. He stood firmly in his belief in the ability of the Filipino people to develop themselves into a united and self-governing nation. Throughout his years of exile and to his last dying breath, he never wavered in his conviction. There was never any compromise, never any going down from the height of his lofty dreams for his country. Let Rizal then stand for us as the great unifier, the fountainhead of our national aspirations. And instead of merely paying him lip-service, let us perpetuate in us, his people, those qualities of character which made him truly great. May the memory of this greatest of Filipinos serve as our guide in the stony path of freedom which we shall soon tread alone. With Rizal to guide us, we cannot fail. Source: Presidential Museum and Library Osmena, S. (1945). Statement of President Sergio Osmena on Rizal Day. Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines, 42(1), 111-112. 222 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 Statement of President Sergio Osmena: On the First Anniversary of the Restoration of the Commonwealth of the Philippines [Released on February 27, 1946] One year ago today, the Commonwealth Government was reestablished in this our capital city. This historic event took place while machine guns rattled across the Pasig and cannon boomed throughout the length and breadth of the Philippines. In fact, it was not until after several months of hazardous fighting that the gallant American forces, under the peerless leadership of General MacArthur and with the support of our guerrillas and civilian population, were able to break the enemy’s organized resistance. In spite of the numerous and unprecedented difficulties imposed by military exigency, we have gone a long way on the road to national recovery within the span of hardly a year. Our Government is now organized, and constitutional processes have been reestablished. Food, clothing, medicines, and materials for the reconstruction of our homes, offices and public buildings are daily becoming available in larger quantities as our productive capacities increase and supplies keep corning from the United States in an unending stream. Nothing perhaps indicates our return to normal life better than the fact that within two months from now we shall go to the polls once again to exercise the right of suffrage denied to us during the Japanese occupation. And then, on July 4, 1946, an independent Philippines shall take its place in the council of free nations. In no part of the world reached and exploited by the totalitarian Powers has progress been so steady towards the normal ways of democracy as in the Philippines. In evaluating the ameliorative work so far accomplished it is only fair that we pay tribute to the Armed Forces of the United States for their splendid contribution to our recovery. Not only did these Forces fulfill the American promise at the beginning of the invasion that the Japanese would be driven from our soil, but after the brilliant victory had been won, they assisted our impoverished Government in extricating our people from the ruins of the war. For the second time in Filipino-American relations the American Soldier had come to our shores, first as a teacher and helper in democracy, then as our liberator from the detested enemy! And thus this first anniversary of the restoration of our Commonwealth is properly a day of thanksgiving to the Government and people of America. We thank the great Republic to which we remained steadfastly loyal and true in the darkest days of our enslavement by the enemy, and we thank it for making possible our speedy return to freedom and security. But to be thankful alone is not enough. This must be a day also of rededication to work for the fulfillment of our national duties that we might deserve the respect of the nation on whose generosity we depend so much. We face difficult years ahead. We have to rebuild on rubble and ashes. We have to revive our main industries. We have to rehabilitate ourselves not only materially, but culturally. The task on our hands is truly enormous. It will require every iota of our strength — all the strength we can give to it. We enter, besides, a new era in world affairs rendered precarious by the dire portents of atomic war. We have to fit ourselves into a pattern of global existence in which our feeble voice as a small country may be drowned and our personality eclipsed. Harsh and stubborn realities stare us in the face and we have to go ahead with courage in our hearts, resolved more than even before to prove ourselves capable of working out our own destiny as a people. 223 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 These four months preceding the attainment of our independence are truly critical in our history and we must all agree that nothing should be said or done to frustrate our common expectations, or to imperil our efforts at rehabilitation. In the days that will follow this one we can at least so conduct ourselves that no discredit should come to our name to weaken the ties of friendship that bind us to the American people. With the grace of God and the good-will and confidence of our great co-partner in democracy, we can go to work towards the fulfillment of our mission. Source: Presidential Museum and Library Osmena, S. (1946). Statement of President Sergio Osmena on the First Anniversary of the Restoration of the Commonwealth of the Philippines. Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines, 42(2), 345-346. 224 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 Statement of President Sergio Osmena: On the occasion of the election of Hon. Manuel A. Roxas to the Presidency of the Philippines [Released on April 29, 1946] The people have spoken and we must abide by the decision. That is democracy. I wish to express my deep appreciation of the loyal support of the many hundreds of thousands of our people, and also my gratitude to the men and women in the government service who worked so hard and so faithfully with me during the past trying year. A two-party system is a tried and tested division of the electorate in a democracy, but once the Chief Executive is chosen, he should have the whole country behind him in the rightful exercise of his duties. To prolong the passions of election time could lead only to tragic civil strife. I wish my successor well and pray that he will be given the wisdom and strength for the great task which he will shortly assume as the first Chief Executive of the Philippine Republic. He will carry very heavy responsibilities for us all, and we must support him in everything that is right. Source: Presidential Museum and Library Osmena, S. (1946). Statement: President Osmena on the occasion of the election of Honorable Manuel Roxas to the Presidency of the Philippines. Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines, 42(4), 844. 225 MESSAGES OF THE PRESIDENT OSMENA I Volume 3 Joint Statement of President Sergio Osmena and President-elect Manuel Roxas: On urging the acceptance of the Bell Trade Act and the Tydings War Damage Act [Released on May 22, 1946] In order to expedite the reconstruction and economic rehabilitation of the Philippines, it is absolutely necessary to define as early as possible the attitude of the Filipino people relative to the trade bill. This is necessary not only in order that businessmen and industrialists may immediately start reconstructing their pre-war factories and other economic activities, but also in order that the United States government may know whether they should proceed to implement the war damage act by making the corresponding appropriations contemplated by the war damage act. Unless the attitude of the Filipino people is clarified on this matter, such appropriations may be delayed. President Osmena and President-elect Roxas believe that the trade bill and the war damage bill were the best measures that could have been passed by the Congress of the United States at the time and under the circumstances prevailing in the United States when Congress took action on such measures. While they have definite objections to some of the provisions of these measures, they feel, however, that the wisest and most expedient course which the Philippine government and the Filipino people can adopt at the present time is to accept these measures as soon as practicable, while reserving the right to request Congress for a modification and an improvement of the provisions of such bills. President Osmena and President-elect Roxas said: “We trust and we ask that the people of the Philippines and the Philippine Congress will support us in this stand.” Source: Presidential Museum and Library Office of the President of the Philippines (ed.). (1946). Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines. Manila: Government Printing Office, 42(5), 996. 226 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OSMENA I Volume 3 Statement of President Osmena: Upon retiring into private life [Released on May 28, 1946] As I retire into private life today I cannot but express my gratitude to our people for having given me the opportunity to serve them for more than forty years. I am grateful to the electorate of our country for having given me their confidence in the past, and it is my satisfaction to know that they have supported the principles for which I have always worked. Through the various stages of my public career I have had the privilege of receiving the cooperation of men loyal and true. To these co-workers of mine in the service of the country go my heartfelt thanks and best wishes. It is gratifying to see that the independence for which I have always striven is about to become a reality. The establishment of the Philippine Republic on July 4 is the culmination of our nationalistic movement of more than four decades. I humbly thank God for this realization of our fondest dream. Today, I relinquish the helm to my worthy successor. President Manuel Roxas. I do this with genuine cheer in my heart as only a friend can feel for a friend. I congratulate him and sincerely wish him all success. Source: Presidential Museum and Library Osmena, S. (1946). Statement: President Osmena upon retiring into private life. Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines, 42(5), 997. 227 President Sergio Osmena meeting with his Cabinet inside his office at the Leyte Provincial Capitol, 1945.