Manuel P. Manahan
Born in Manila on January 1, 1961, Senator Manuel P. Manahan finished his High School and College at the Ateneo de Manila. He was the publisher of Liberty News Bagong Buhay, and Voz de Manila, and during the United Nations Conference in San Francisco, he represented the Philippine press. His journalistic career actually began after his release from Fort Santiago during the world war II. He worked for the underground press for which he was awarded the Legion of Honor.
When President Magsaysay began reorganizing his cabinet, he had no difficulty finding the right man to head the Presidential office.
Manahan effected reforms and improvements in the bureau of customs, bureau of internal revenue, national bureau of investigation, motors vehicles office and other key government agencies.
He also played a significant role in the negotiations for the surrender of Huk Supremo Luis Taruc.
As commissioner of customs, Manahan was able to institute important reforms in one of the most graft - prone agencies of the government. For his remarkable record of public service, the Philippines Free Press cited him as “Man of the Year” in 1955.
Together with Senator Manglapus, he worked for the decentralization bill. He became chairman of the Senate Committees on Banks, Corporations and Franchises; scientific management; and national defense and security. He also headed the Committees on cultural minorities; provincial and municipal governments and cities, and was member of the Commission on Appointments.
He was senator from 1961-1967.