born Jan. 1, 1892, Capiz, Phil.
died April 15, 1948, Clark Field, Pampanga
First president (1946–48) of the Republic of the Philippines.
A lawyer, he began his political career in 1917. An advocate for Philippine independence from the U.S., he was a member of the convention that drew up a constitution under the revised Philippine Independence and Commonwealth Act (Tydings-McDuffie Act; 1934). He collaborated with the pro-Japanese administration during World War II but was defended in postwar trials by Gen. Hukbalahap Rebellion .