1. (born Jan. 1, 1892, Capiz, Phil.died April 15, 1948,
Clark Field, Pampanga) First president (194648) 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. Douglas
MacArthur. He became president of the Philippines
when independence was achieved (1946). Roxas
obtained rehabilitation funds from the U.S. but was
forced to allow the U.S. to maintain military bases
and make other major concessions. His
government was marred by corruption and police
brutality, setting the stage for the Hukbalahap
Rebellion.