Quezon, Manuel Luis

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Quezon, Manuel Luis (1878–1944) Philippine statesman, first president of the Commonwealth of the Philippines (1935–44). Quezon was imprisoned for his part in the revolt against US rule in 1901. After his release, he became leader of the Nationalist Party and, as commissioner to the US (1909–16), secured the passage of the Tydings-McDuffie Bill (1934) that paved the way for independence. An autocratic president, Quezon instigated administrative reforms. His strengthening of Philippine defences failed to prevent Japan's invasion, and Quezon formed a govenment-in-exile in the US.

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