Manuel Roxas: A Life in Politics (Outline)

Revised Outline and Chapter Summaries (7/13/01)

(Please note that the chapters are highly compressed as they are only 20 pages each. Further 2 pages each for foreword, preface; 4-6 pages for introduction/prologue)

i. Foreword: to be decided by the Roxas Foundation

ii. Preface: To be decided by the Roxas Foundation

iii. Author’s introduction/prologue

This is meant to be a political, not personal biography; it will show the reasons why Manuel Roxas rose to be the First President of the Republic; how he fought politically, and on the field, with courage and conviction; how he should be appreciated as a man who assumed the herculean task of being the first president of an independent republic.

Mabini’s blueprint for independence; the foundations for what Roxas et al. Followed.
Chapter 1:  The End of the Beginning (1948)

MR’s body arrives at Tutuban station. the first wake open to the public, avoiding the criticisms over the limited wake at Malacanan for MLQ; People’s reactions at the wake and to MAR’s death (Tutay account in PFP);  flashback to account of Roxas’s last day (PFP and Lichauco); description of MAR, the man (Gwekoh)

Chapter 2: Master of the House (1919-1932)

1919-1934:  Roxas’ rise to political fame and the fight for Philippine independence.
Brief account of youth, education; Romero’s account of MR at Ayuntamiento with MLQ prior to Collectevista-Unipersonalista fight; MR’s mastery of the House and reasons for it; explanation of Cabinet Crisis of 1922; summaries of MAR’s participation in independence missions; MR meets with Coolidge; observations of contemporaries on how he was the rising man, replacing Palma as the 3rd man in the triumvirate of leadership; Ang Bagong Katipunan (first signs of MLQ’s mistrust); decision to go on OsRox mission.

(photos)

Chapter 3: The Great Divide (1932-1935)

OsRox leaves; account of OsRox mission; its achievements; OsRox vs. QuAqAl; explanation of Pro and Anti fight, to argue it was mere politicking is to debase both sides, OsRox and MLQ; MAR deposed from Speakership; Sen. Hawes’ visit; nation divides; MLQ manages Tydings-McDuffie; MAR decides to be delegate to Constitutional Convention.

(photos)

Chapter 4: Building the Foundation (1935-1937)

MR in ConCon; Romero’s account of his being one of the 7 wise men, how he layed low and looked forward to posterity at this time; Romero’s account of MR’s preference for bicameralism (will be important to explain his later decisions to support 1940 amendments); continuing friction between Pro and Anti even with establishment of Commonwealth; MR decides to stay in National Assembly rather than enter Cabinet (Harrison account); MLQ’s continued suspicion; MAR finally accepts invitation to join cabinet.

Chapter 5: The Triumvirate (1937-1942)

MR begins rapprochement with MLQ; work on tax code; work on economic provisions of Tydings McDuffie; work as Secreteary of Finance; life as Secretary of Finance and renewed closeness with MLQ; observations of contemporaries (Gen. Vicente Lim); 1940 amendments, MR’s principled reasons for advocating them; preparations for war, MR elected to senate; outbreak of war; MR’s decision to stay in the country; his evacuation to Corregidor; his being designated successor to MLQ and SO; escape from Corregidor; refusal, twice, to leave for exile; Jose Abad Santos (MLQ’s personal representative) killed; meeting at Yulo’s house, decision to cooperate; meanwhile, MR is captured – Lichauco diary accounts of alarm over his possible death.

(photos)

Chapter 6:  An Understanding (1943-1945)

1943-1946:  The Second World War and the exhibition of Roxas’ leadership. Lichauco account of MR’s transfer to Manila; flashback to Col. Jimbo’s saving Roxas’ life; MR’s secret guerrilla activities; explanation of MLQ-SO-MR understanding on proper role for guerrillas; forced service in puppet government (Molina account of film of MR signing puppet republic constitution but obviously altering his signature); other accounts of how people knew where Roxas stood; MR meets with Emigdio Cruz; MacArthur returns; imprisonment of others; some guerrillas (ex. Peralta, berated by MLQ earlier, see Harrison diary) want revenge; so-called collaborators want revenge too (de las Alas diary); Osmena and evident dissatisfaction from either side; MAR elected Senate President.

Chapter 7:  Helmsman at Last  (1945-1946)

1945-1948. MAR and his break with Osmena; people’s longing for strong leadership; AAQ supports MAR; his election a vindication of his name; problems with peace and order;close: independence day ceremonies; MAR raises the Philippine flag which waves free and alone at last.

Chapter 8: Second Don Manuel (1946-1948)

Takes first oath of office at ruined Legislative building; his cabinet; his lieutenants in both houses; reason he was nicknamed such by the Press; Locsin account of MR dealing with press; his hectic schedule (Official Gazette); accomplishments, projects and plans (Blue Book of First Year of the Republic); the problems of governance – parity, bell trade: MAR’s grand gamble to get the best deal for a prostrate country, despite threats and lack of follow through of Americans on FDR’s promises; accounts of his dealings with McNutt, Congress, with opponents on parity, etc.; how his vision was based on pragmatism, reality, and in conformity with the vision of his predecessors; his flexebility in negotiation paving the way for future changes; his deteriorating health. An ailing Quirino boards the Anemone; receives news.

Chapter 9: The end of the Beginning  (April, 1948)

Qurino arrives at Malacanan; weeps over the bier; the funeral begins – CM’s oration. the funeral obsequies; – Recto, then PFP editorial; the funeral; the original epitaph. Summations of his life, Quirino himself (his memoirs)

(photos)

Postscript:

iv. End Notes for chapters

v. Bibliography

vi. Acknowledgements