Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition):
DECEMBER 24, 1941
President Manuel L. Quezon decided to transfer the seat of the Philippine Commonwealth Government to the island of Corregidor.
Before they left Malacañan Palace, Jose Abad Santos took his oath as Chief Justice with President Quezon administering the oath.
Those present included General Basilio Valdez, Army Chief of Staff and Secretary of National Defense; Jorge B. Vargas, Executive Secretary; and Jose P. Laurel.
As government officials waited on a ship in Manila Bay to take them to Corregidor, Japanese planes conducted air raids in Manila leaving people dead or wounded.
From December 12 to 14, Quezon met with his cabinet composed of Jorge Vargas, Jose Laurel, Jose Yulo, Quintin Paredes, Elpidio Quirino, Benigno Aquino Sr. and others.
They discussed on how to cushion the impact of the Japanese invasion and the total war that would affect the Filipinos.
On December 30, 1941 in Corregidor, Chief Justice Jose Abad Santos administered the oath of office to President Quezon and Vice President Sergio Osmeña for their second term.
On February 20, 1942, Quezon, his family and staff left Corregidor onboard an American submarine.
Jorge Vargas was appointed mayor of Greater Manila Area and administered the “open city” when the Imperial Japanese forces arrived.
Jose P. Laurel became President of the Japanese-sponsored Philippine Republic.
CJ Jose Abad Santos, who refused to leave with Quezon was assigned as government caretaker for areas unoccupied by the Japanese. He was captured by the Japanese in Cebu but he refused to swear allegiance to the Japanese flag. He was taken to Malabang, Lanao del Sur and was shot to death.
(Design, concept, stamps and research: Richard Allan Uy) All rights reserved
Photo credit: quezon.ph
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