Manuel A. Roxas
Senator Roxas was born on January 1, 1892 in Capiz, Capiz to Gerardo Roxas and Rosario Acuña.
After graduating his early education in the public school of Capiz. He went to Hongkong to study for sometimes, later transferred to Manila High School to finish his secondary course. He took up law at University of the Philippines and graduated in 1913.
In 1913 to 1916, after his bar examination whom he got 1st place, he then became professor at the Phil. Law School and National University.
Senator Roxas began his political career in 1917 as a member of the municipal council of his hometown Capiz in Panay Island. He was governor of the province of Capiz from 1919 to 1921 and was then elected to the Philippine House of Representative, subsequently serving as Speaker of the House and a member of the Council of State. In 1934, Senator Roxas was a member of the convention that drew up a constitution under the revised Philippine Independence and Commonwealth Act. He also served as Secretary of Finance in the Commonwealth government from 1938 to 1940.
Senator Roxas was elected president of the Commonwealth in 1946 as the nominee of the Liberal wing of the Nationalista Party and when independence was declared on July 4, he become the first president of new republic
Senator Roxas did not stay long in office because of heart attack in April 15, 1948 leaving his wife Doña Trinidad De Leon with whom he had two children.