Diosdado Macapagal

Diosdado Macapagal

Philippine President from 1961 to 1965.
Date of Birth: 23.09.1910
Country: Philippines

Content:
  1. Early Life and Education
  2. Political Career
  3. Vice Presidency and Opposition
  4. Presidency
  5. Later Years

Early Life and Education

Diosdado Macapagal was born on September 23, 1910, in Lubao, Pampanga, Philippines. He graduated from the University of Santo Tomas with a law degree in 1936 and was admitted to the Philippine Bar.

Political Career

Macapagal's political career began in 1941 when he served as legal adviser to President Manuel Quezon. During World War II, he taught at the University of Santo Tomas.

After the war, he joined the Department of Foreign Affairs in 1946 and served in the House of Representatives from 1949 to 1957. In 1957, he was elected Vice President of the Philippines, running on the Liberal Party ticket.

Vice Presidency and Opposition

As Vice President, Macapagal found himself in a difficult position, forced to cooperate with the administration of President Carlos Garcia while remaining a leader of the opposition Liberal Party. He refused to join the ruling National Party and instead performed primarily ceremonial duties.

Presidency

In 1961, Macapagal was nominated as the Liberal Party candidate for President. He was elected in November, defeating Garcia by a large margin. Macapagal promised to lower prices and increase employment, but his economic policies proved unsuccessful.

Later Years

In 1965, Macapagal lost the presidential election to Ferdinand Marcos. He remained active in politics and served as a member of the Philippine Senate from 1992 until his death in 1997.

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