Sunday, November 16, 2008

Biography of President ELPIDIO QUIRINO

For the biography of ELPIDIO QUIRINO in Tagalog, please go to this page.

ELPIDIO_QUIRINO
Elpidio Rivera Quirino was born on November 16, 1890 in Vigan Ilocos Sur. He was the sixth president of the Philippines.

His parents were Mariano Quirino and Gregoria Rivera who were both from Caoayan, Ilocos Sur. He attended Vigan High School but graduate in Manila High School in 1911 while working in the Bureau of Lands.

He studied law in the University of the Philippines and graduated in 1915. He passed the bar later that year. After practicing law, he run for congressman and was elected from 1919 to 1925. He was elected Senator from 1925 to 1931. Then he served as Secretary of Finance and Interior under the Commonwealth government.

His wife Alicia Syquia Quirino died in World War 2 with three of their five children.

After the war, he was elected Vice-President of the Republic of the Philippines with Manuel Roxas as the president.

When Manuel Roxas died of stroke, he assumed the presidency on April 17, 1948. The following year, he was elected as the President of the Philippines for a four year term. His daughter Vicki Quirino performed the First Lady's functions.

His administration was tainted by graft and corruption and faced a serious threat from the Hukblalahap, an anti-Japanese guerilla army which tried to overthrow the government.

He tried to run for reelection in 193 but lost to Ramon Magsaysay.

No comments: