Philippine National Issues

during Magsaysay’s Regime

Government Response to
National Issues

Apura ǀ Autida ǀ Datiles ǀ Flores ǀ Loreto ǀ Lusara ǀ Mengullo ǀ Orbase ǀ Rama ǀ Vibar
 Inside the Life of the 7th President of
the Republic of the Philippines

January 25, 1954— Philippine National Issues during

the first SONA

January 24, 1955— Philippine National Issues during

the second SONA

January 23, 1956— Philippine National Issues during

the third SONA

January 28, 1957— Philippine National Issues during

the fourth SONA

Magsaysay’s Administration Responses to National

Issues

Apura ǀ Autida ǀ Datiles ǀ Flores ǀ Loreto ǀ Lusara ǀ Mengullo ǀ Orbase ǀ Rama ǀ Vibar
 1953—1957
Ramon del Fierro
Magsaysay, Sr. was born to Ex-
equiel Magsaysay y de los San-
tos, a blacksmith, and Perfecta
del Fierro y Quimson, a school-
teacher, in 1907. Magsaysay
spent his childhood in Cas-
tillejos, Zambales, before enrol-
ling in the University of the
Philippines in 1927. Later, he
worked as an automobile me-
chanic and fought against Japa-
nese soldiers during World War
II. Part of the famous guerrilla
group that operated under
Colonel Merrill, he was a sup-
ply officer prior to leading
10,000 guerrilla soldiers. They
played a major role in wiping
out the Japanese forces along
the Zambales coast.
I believe that he who has
less in life should have
more in law.
- Ramon Magsaysay
Magsaysay’s political
career began when he first
joined the Liberal Party in
1946. He played a significant
role in developing the railroad
network and guerrilla warfare plans
over the following ten years. After
being elected President in 1953, he
remained operating in the railway
industry even after his stint as gen-
eral manager of the Manila Rail-
road Company ended. He was
known as Mambo Magsaysay and
was instrumental in enacting land
reforms and gaining membership for
the Philippines in the Southeast
Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO).
Magsaysay's presidency is some-
times referred to as the "golden
years" since it was considered one
of the least corrupt and cleanest pe-
riods in Philippine history.
Ramon Magsaysay was the
seventh president of the Philippines
and the third president of the Third
Republic. He was the first elected
president to not have come from the
Senate, having been a former De-
fense Secretary. President Mag-
saysay is well-remembered as a
friend of the masses, having opened
Malacañang Palace to the general
public. His passing in 1957 brought
an early halt to his term. After giv-
ing speeches at educational institu-
tions in Cebu City, Magsaysay's jet
crashed on the way back to Manila,
killing him along with the other vic-
tims.
 1954 PHILIPPINE NATIONAL ISSUES DURING MAGSAYSAY’S REGIME
D uring the 1953
presidential elections, Ra-
mon Magsaysay ran for
presidency backed by the
Nacionalista Party against
former President Quirino,
who at that time, was aiming
for an extended term for the
said position. Prior to that,
he served as a former gueril-
la leader during World War
II and soon became a mili-
tary governor and congress-
man of his home province,
Zambales. He was also ap-
pointed by Quirino, the very
person he will soon defeat in
the presidential election, as
the secretary of defense to
deal with the “Huks”. By
seizing the members of the
central politburo and impris-
oning them, Magsaysay
broke the back of the com-
munist Huk insurrection in
that post. Thus, the early
communist threat to the
young republic was reduced
to a manageable distraction
in subsequent years even
beyond the Quirino years.
He then charged the Quirino
administration with corrup-
tion and incompetence
which flamed many enemies
against him and compelling
him to resign from his posi-
tion. But that urged him
more to strive for better gov-
ernance following his run-
ning for the presidential
seat and successfully beat-
ing the former administra-
tion of Quirino.
In his first year of
power, Magsaysay ad-
dressed issues involving
national security, specifi-
cally the recurring threat
from the Hukbalahap Re-
bellion also known as the
“Huks” which is a com-
munist-led peasant uprising
who were anti-Japanese
guerilla army and later im-
posed serious security
threat for going against the
government. For context,
Magsaysay was once ap-
pointed to deal with the
said communist group
ahead of his presidency and
was rewarded for his suc-
cessful anti-guerilla cam-
paigns a year ago. Further-
more, he observed concerns
regarding the current agri-
cultural set-up such as the
possession of land farms,
landlord absenteeism of
uncultivated lands, and ten-
ancy relations. Noteworthy
of attention also is the in-
sufficiency of rice produc-
tion and the disruptions on
farming brought by the lack
of modern equipment and
occurring pests and diseas-
es which impose harm and
destruction to plants and
Behind His Excellency’s SONA
JANUARY 25, 1954
and crops. That time, the
country was still in the pro-
cess of recovering after the
Republic had been inaugu-
rated that brought devastat-
ing effects on the Philippine
economy. Agriculture and
industry was among the
heavily affected sectors. It
was either in the state of
injury or devastation but
Quirino’s administration
surprisingly was on its
course of rapid recovery
giving a good starting point
for Magsaysay. Even be-
fore, Magsaysay has al-
ready given importance on
agrarian issues, thus his
eagerness and desire for
reformation.
“I must remind you of an
all-important fact: that
what we have set out to do
can be realized only
through concerted action
and unity. More than ever,
we must think, plan, and
work as one, with only one
supreme goal in mind –
the promotion of the wel-
fare and happiness of our
people.”
In addition, underly-
ing concerns regarding the
poor irrigation system in
the barrios seems to be
prevalent as well. Along
this, he noted the lack of
medical and health-related
services being offered in
rural communities. These
existing matters don't seem
to be foreign to everyone.
For years, these problems
have already been taking
place but it took none of the
earlier administration to
take initiative in putting an
end and giving solutions to
basic social problems.
Hence, Magsaysay took it
in his hands to propose im-
provement projects to bar-
rio areas in the country.
Money, undoubtedly,
was one of the biggest
problems the government
faced and is facing at the
moment and it is not far
from reality during the
Magsaysay’s administra-
tion. The government debt
pending as of September
1953 amounted to 1 Billion
pesos already. This gives
little to no space for him to
work on. Therefore, he em-
phasized the importance of
the sources of government
revenue and its proper man-
agement and distribution of
funds. In light of this, the
decline of morality in the
government was proven
and given the spotlight.
PANGKAT D ǀ 02
 1955 PHILIPPINE NATIONAL ISSUES DURING MAGSAYSAY’S REGIME
I n President Magsaysay’s
second SONA, he declared with
pride that this year’s Administration
has somewhat restored the masses’
sense of national patriotism, unity,
as well as faith in the democratic
government that was once lost.
However, danger remained right
around the corner. Communist im-
perialism still hasn’t abandoned its
intent of total domination. At the
time, the Tachen Islands, only a few
miles distant from our country,
were under attack.
According to Magsaysay, they
were making significant progress in
enhancing our national security. He
was able to settle the Philippine-
American Mutual Defense Treaty,
wherein America pledged to pro-
vide immediate reinforcements to
our country in the event of an at-
tack. This agreement was further
strengthened by the formation of a
Philippine-American Council. In
addition, the ‘Manila Pact’ by the
United Nations Charter, further con-
tributed to the security of our coun-
try. On that note, the surrender of
Luis Taruc and the death of
Mariano Balgos, two of the top
communists in our country, was
brought about our Armed Forces’
vigilance and dedication; most ‘Huk
leaders/followers’ were surrender-
ing, while others were being caught
or slain.
In an attempt to secure social
and economic conditions, the Ad-
ministration focused on three main
subjects: land reform, intensified
help to tenants and rural farmers,
and intensive stimulation of commu-
nities with emphasis on self-help.
Notwithstanding the administration
exerting vigorous measures in the
agricultural sector together with self
-help efforts made by communities,
the noticeable increase in agricul-
tural sector together with self-help
efforts made by communities, the
noticeable increase in agricultural
production still wasn’t able to suf-
fice Philippines’ consumer needs.
Looking through an industrial lens,
there has been a concerning im-
mense rise in the unemployment
rate of our country. One way to
counter this is to open jobs in the
face of establishing new indus-
tries.
“I am aware of our people’s de-
sire to see quick results in punish-
ing the guilty and ridding the
Government of those who would
pull it down by their greed and
dishonesty. We are pledged to
satisfy that desire by every legiti-
mate means…Respect for basic
human rights must continue to be
one of our prime concerns. We
must live up to our pledge to act
as guardians of the dignity and
worth of the individual.”
In comparison to last year’s
financial state, we can say that we
are standing at a better position
this year. Howbeit, challenges in
lending policies, trade imbalance,
recovery of the seventh grade in
elementary levels, salary alteration
of schoolteachers, and foreign trade
settlements are yet to be remedied
for our economic internal solidity.
This improvement still would not be
able to compensate for all essential
programs and services the current
Admin has planned to implement.
Owing to the scarcity of govern-
ment funds, the President recom-
mended to the Congress to give an
even heavier penalty for tax eva-
sion. In his last state-of-the-nation
message, he mentioned our dire
need for economic advancement
programs. In response to the Presi-
dent’s plea, the staff of the National
Economic Council authored a con-
tinuing five-year program that con-
tends revision founded upon con-
structive criticisms, yearly perfor-
mances, ungovernable circumstanc-
es, as well as endless possibilities
for future advancements.
The President concluded his
statement by pledging to the people
that the present Administration is
committed to give the people and
the nation what they desire and de-
serve by every legitimate means.
PANGKAT D ǀ 03
1956 PHILIPPINE NATIONAL ISSUES DURING MAGSAYSAY’S REGIME

Behind His Excellency’s SONA

JANUARY 25, 1954

I n his third State

of the Nation Address,
President Ramon Mag-
saysay emphasized the
need for his administra-
tion to continue prioritiz-
ing the happiness and
security of the common
man. He acknowledged
the urgent need for de-
velopment in the rural
areas of the country,
where a significant por-
tion of the nation's re-
sources were located. By
providing support to
these areas, the govern-
ment aimed to not only
improve the lives of rural
inhabitants, but also ben-
efit the country as a
whole.
President Mag-
saysay also recognized
the need to improve ac-
cess to credit and
healthcare in these areas,
as these resources were
crucial for the success
and well-being of the
people. Additionally, he
highlighted the inadequate
monetary and credit man-
agement in the nation,
which was hindering agri-
cultural and industrial pro-
duction and slowing eco-
nomic development and
growth.
The mistake the world
is making with the sim-
ple peoples is to try and
hurry them into politi-
cal concepts they don't
understand and aren't
prepared to cope with. I
know. I am a peasant
myself. ... I say, Spit on
the big, fancy schemes.
I want all the little
things first. Then per-
haps we can get on to
the bigger things.
The government's
focus on the common man
was rooted in the belief
that a thriving nation re-
quires the prosperity and
contentment of its majori-
ty. President Magsaysay
and his administration
were committed to sup-
porting the well-being of
the common man and pro-

Ramon Magsaysay graced the cover of

TIME magazine for November 26,
1951, featuring a quote emphasizing
his strict adherence to the rule of law:
“I will send my own father to jai if he
breaks the law.”

PANGKAT D ǀ 04
 1957 PHILIPPINE NATIONAL ISSUES DURING MAGSAYSAY’S REGIME
A s President Magsaysay
entered upon his fourth SONA, he
evaluated the progressions of the
Constitution that had been started
three years ago when the Philip-
pines became its partner under his
term. He said that the advancement
of national security had been the
government's main priority, along
with the promotion of mass’ moral
and well-being, development of the
national economy, and improve-
ment of public services.
The defense of the country
is the foremost responsibility of the
Government based on the constitu-
tional mandate. As of January 1957,
the Communist Imperialism re-
mained a threat to the country with
their sole objective to overthrow the
government. The President stated
that the communists may undertake
this objective by force - by infiltrat-
ing the Government and private or-
ganizations, by pursuing the legali-
zation of their political activities,
and by defrauding the democratic
processes — strategies that at any
time might turn into an armed rebel-
lion. The communist parties do not
limit themselves within the Philip-
pines but are a crisis to some other
countries as well.
Public health is also one of
the ongoing national problems that
Magsaysay discussed in his SONA.
March 17, 1957
1957 Cebu Douglas C-47 crash
January 28, 197
Last SONA before Magsaysay’s plane crash
It is an issue that the gov-
ernment had previously already
addressed three years ago, howev-
er, much more is needed to satisfy
the growing demands of the Filipi-
no people. There are 1,300 record-
ed official municipalities across
the country that are in great need
of the government’s expansion of
health programs.
Furthermore, the main eco-
nomic aim of the government dur-
ing Magsaysay’s administration
has been to strengthen and broaden
the foundation of the county’s eco-
nomic activities. The Philippine’s
has been to strengthen and
broaden the foundation of the coun-
ty’s economic activities. The Phil-
ippine’s economic structure was
justifiably stable the previous year
but this may collapse unless some
greater numbers of workers are
made committed in enterprises suf-
ficiently divided up to supply the
country’s necessities, increase em-
ployment, and raise the wages of
workers. Additionally, the President
stated that the solution to strengthen
and expand the national economy is
through a balanced agricultural and
industrial development.
Ultimately, Magsaysay em-
phasized that it is also the prime
purpose of his administration to
provide the best and necessary ser-
vices to their people. He said that
governments exist to protect every-
one’s rights. His administration’s
stance has always been that the
government should actively pro-
mote the exercise of the people's
rights as well as honoring them
through enhanced public services.
PANGKAT D ǀ 05
MAGSAYSAY’S ADMINISTRATION RESPONSES TO NATIONAL ISSUES
The creeping advancement of
communism led by the Hukbalahap
Rebellion imposed a serious threat
in national safety and security. As a
retired defense secretary once
tasked to handle the very same
group, Magsaysay knew very well
how to overcome the problem. He
first made sure to strengthen the
national defenses to protect the well
-being of the people around the
country. He authorized a policy of
“all-out-friendship or all-out-force”
wherein surrendered members of
the communist guerilla movement
were given a second chance in life
through opening doors of opportu-
nities for a decent job and liveli-
hood. Otherwise, they will refer to
physical violence in combating
those who wish to overthrow the
independent democratic govern-
ment of the country. At the same
time, he made use of the strength
and resources of the Armed Forces
to fight both the causes of and the
effects of dissidence. Troops and
trainees of the Armed Forces were
mobilized for the construction of
public works and economic devel-
opment projects, as far as it is com-
patible with their primary mission
and with the economy of operation.
Due to the continuous at-
tacks from the communists, the
Armed Forces were kept in a state
of adequacy and preparedness in
order to locate and dismantle all the
dissidents. They recently made an
immediate response on how to best
meet this new Communist’s strate-
gy with the aid of the House Com-
Committee on Anti-Filipino Activi-
ties. Magsaysay further stated that it
is fortunate that a Committee of this
Congress has recognized the need
of giving the Government the legal
strength with which to foresee and
overpower the proposals of the
communists, including the banning
of Communist Party and amending
the treason laws.
As for the external defenses,
the Philippines continue to strength-
en it through the mutual security
agreements with the USA. Various
state problems have been resolved
from the past few years such as the
ownership of base lands. He said
that other problems such as military
bases talks will require further ne-
gotiations from the two nations.
Magsaysay further stated that they
have newly acknowledged and
shared diplomatic representatives support in building waterworks and
with numerous Asian and African artesian wells in the country for the
states, as well as achieving an op- people to utilize. Civic-spirited lo-
portunity to engage more entirely in cals in the community have volun-
the United Nations. Years of rec- tarily risen to the challenge of sup-
orded developments indicate that plying our residents with artesian
the Manila Pact, signed in Septem- wells, most especially the Lions
ber, 1954, has been one of the sig- Club and the Liberty Wells Associ-
nificant elements in preventing ation. The Social Welfare Admin-
Communist aggression in Southeast istration also has laid out a precise
Asia. Through the gained allies of program of self-help programmes
meant to put people in need back on
their feet. It will also cooperate ac-
tively in the settlement program and
send social workers to the barrios to
carry out rural improvement pro-
jects.
He also addressed the laws
governing the production and allo-
cation of the nation’s facilities and
services. He stated that we have
Magsaysay noticed the un- drastically increased public medical
safe drinking water sources of the
people in barrios and asked for full PANGKAT D ǀ 06
MAGSAYSAY’S ADMINISTRATION RESPONSES TO NATIONAL ISSUES
and hospital facilities, from having
81 rural health units in 1954 to hav-
ing 1,280 RHU as of the date of this
SONA in 1957. He said that to en-
courage this welfare and to preserve
this development of commodities,
the government has greatly expand-
ed their health programs where it is
most needed—in the rural areas.
With the farmers’ discerni-
ble exigency for irrigation, the gov-
ernment decided to conduct an irri-
gation construction program. A total
of 4 irrigation projects, funded by
public works finance, covering a
9,000-hectare-land have been ac-
complished. The PHILCUSA-FOA
funds were able to support comple-
tion of projects located in Nueva
Ecija, Iloilo, and Isabela, covering a
42,100-hectare-land in total. Fur-
thermore, seven irrigation projects
were still in progress, covering a
40,000-hectare land, costing up to
22 million that came from bond is-
sues. Seven irrigation project in
progress are the following: Agno
River (Pangasinan), Sta. Cruz and
Macaban River (Laguna), Daet Riv-
er (Camarines Norte), Agos River
(Quezon province), Pañgiplan River
(Negros Occidental), and Suague
River (Iloilo). In hopes of providing
potable water to the people, the
government, together with the Lib-
erty Wells Association, have put up
approximately 4 artesian wells each
working day, measuring up to 1,300
artesian wells by the end of the
year.
As a response to heighten
our rice production, it is com-
mendable to protect rather than
slaughter carabaos, as they serve a
great purpose to rice production.
Livestocks are also encouraged to
be produced in large quantities in
order to aid in advancing nutri-
tion.
In Magsaysay’s presidency,
he pledged to promote free union-
ism. On the subject of unionism,
the number of workers under labor
unions have immensely increased,
implying that the labor has amelio-
rated its collective agreement for
greater wages and quality working.
In 1953, the Workmen's Compen-
sation Commission completed a
quite large number of cases. The
Wage Administration Service
(WAS) recovered 1.5 million pe-
sos in total in wage restitution for
worker claimants.
Because of the govern-
ment’s continuous efforts in en-
hancing the labor management in
the country, by the year 1957,
there are now three workers for
every worker who has a union card
by the start of Magsaysay’s admin-
istration, The government have
given importance to the Magna
Carta of labor and other labor laws
promoting regional labor-
Magsaysay noticed the un-
safe drinking water sources of the
people in barrios and asked for full
support in building waterworks
management for the welfare of all
workers. The President stated that
by his fourth SONA, the country’s
labor experiences greater security
than ever before.
To boost agricultural produc-
tion and remove absentee-
landlordism, Magsaysay suggested
the Congress investigate the feasi-
bility of charging special taxes on
areas that have been left uncultivat-
ed for an unreasonable time period
and without justification. He
acknowledged that the laws on land
registration and the disposition of
public lands need revision to make
it easier for people to possess land,
free from any technical constraints.
He further suggested that farmers
and producers be given easier ac-
cess to borrow money when re-
quired to enhance their production,
thus more rural banks and a better
working capital for the Agricultural
Credit Cooperative Financing Ad-
ministration (ACCFA). As of 31st
of December 1955, ACCFA issued
18.9 million pesos in loans of a va-
riety of types to farmers. It was
able to produce 232 Farmers Coop-
erative Marketing Associations
(FACOMAS) in Central and North-
ern Luzon and Cotabato, together
with 105,943 farmers.
Improvement of our land
tenure system was augmented by
land resettlement. The 1954 Agri-
cultural Tenancy Act paved the way
for further protection of tenants and
allowed individuals to have the lib-
eration to choose the leasehold sys-
tem on their own accord, taking
economic independence to greater
heights. Despite the progress being
made, the President still further rec-
ommended the establishment of the
Court of Agrarian Relations. With
regards to settlement areas, we have
the National Resettlement and Re-
habilitation Administration
PANGKAT D ǀ 07
MAGSAYSAY’S ADMINISTRATION RESPONSES TO NATIONAL ISSUES
(NARRA) to impart assistance to
families moving out from crowded
rural areas, supplying them with
farm implements, transportation,
and so forth. In this Administration,
NARRA was able to reach 2,882
settler families to approximately
27,000 hectares of land.
The Administration’s aim to
provide substantial aid to our small
farmers was fulfilled through estab-
lishment of necessary facilities,
such as water and roads, as well as
provision of guidance regarding
farm operations improvement.
Through the current govern-
ment’s tenancy and land reform
measures, they have enhanced the
living standards of our farmers.
Magsaysay said that the Bureau of
Lands in the last three years gave a
total of 124,200 land titles to quali-
fying settlers. This outcome not on-
ly reflects expanded efforts of the
government in public land distribu-
tion but also attests to a major ad-
vance in land reform. It indicates
that the Philippines is setting up
thousands of small independent
farmers a land of their own for them
to work on, make opportunities, and
have a good life with their families.
The President also addressed
the resolutions to the electricity cri-
sis within the country. The govern-
ment has stepped-up power devel-
opment, the cheapest source of
which in our country being water
power. The Ambuklao Hydro-
electric Project, Maria Cristina No.
2 Unit, Amburayan Chute Project,
Pearanda Chute Project, Digos Riv-
er and Talomo No. 2-B Projects,
and the Balombong River Project
were all still being built throughout
the previous three years. He said
that all of these, along with ther-
mal and diesel-electric plants set
up by private utility operators,
will give Filipinos the energy
needed enough to propel indus-
tries and the comforts the people
need to live comfortably in their
houses.
Magsaysay recalls that in his
SONA in 1954, he stressed the ne-
cessity of revitalizing the National
Economic Council’s economic de-
velopment plan. With its revision
in 1955, the National Economic
Council presented its recommen-
dations for advancing the plan
from 1954. Among these sugges-
tions was a system of industrial
considerations to control the distri-
bution of international trade, the
management of the government's
fiscal affairs, and the authorization
of national loans. Magsaysay stat-
ed that this industrial priority sys-
tem has been adopted by the coun-
try as a guide for implementing
projects that will contribute the
most to manufacturing, employ-
ment, and wages.
The self-help program joint by the
Philippines and United States was
created to aid in the economic de-
velopment of our nation, which
vigorously needed support accord-
ing to the late President Mag-
saysay. Along with the representa-
tives of the Foreign Operations
Administration, they sought new
means to speed up the assistance
program to benefit the people the
soonest they could.
In the sincere belief that
the conditions under which the
Bell Trade Act was originally con-
sidered and drafted have changed
and that a new predicament has
emerged that necessitates a new
arrangement, the government has
requested a re-examination of the
law. He is confident that the gov-
ernment and people of the United
States will not look upon our pro-
posals with indifference. He also
emphasized that the promotion of
foreign trades will be considered as
one of their primary objectives with
its mission to contribute directly to
the economic stability and expan-
sion of trades of the people. Mag-
saysay also initiated participation in
all regional activities that will
strengthen economic and cultural
relations within the neighbors of
Southeast Asia. Along with that, he
established a strong connection with
European countries through our
Spanish heritage and aimed to pro-
mote a beneficial commercial rela-
tionship with them.
Magsaysay also stated that
the Philippines must establish an
economy in which industrial growth
and agrarian advancement are sup-
plementary. Industries can obtain
their raw materials from agriculture.
As the farmers raise their income,
the products of industry will also
have an increasing domestic pro-
gress. Therefore, in a way, there
will be a developed relationship of
enduring strength and reasonable
pattern for the nation’s economic
constant growth. As a result, the
manufacturing sector of the country
would extend rapidly. Magsaysay
said that this growth in industrial
production is partially related to the
application of trading and regula-
tions which have permitted the in-
creased import of foreign machin-
ery and raw materials for growing
new industries
PANGKAT D ǀ 08
MAGSAYSAY’S ADMINISTRATION RESPONSES TO NATIONAL ISSUES
He also mentioned in his
fourth SONA the necessity for the
development of a metallurgical in-
dustry where the National Shipyard
and Steel Corporation (NASSCO)
founded rolling mills for steel plates
and sheets which will be utilized in
shipyards and other fabricating
shops. Magsaysay claimed that
when all these mills are in function-
ing within approximately two years,
we may have made substantial pro-
gress towards meeting our demands
for iron and steel from our own re-
sources. He said that the advance-
ment of the economy, specifically
in the industrial sector, results in the
growth of urban communities and
boosts practical demand for national
goods. It also gives a broad range of
work opportunities, especially in
supplementary industry sectors and
market-based trades.
Magsaysay stated that “Government
service is only as efficient as the
individual public servant is effi-
cient”. Hence, the public servant
must be supplied with the essential
incentives to perform productively.
He mentioned that one of these in-
centives is a fair compensation with
President Magsaysay also the respect that their efforts merit. It
stressed the improvement of stand- is the government's remedy that this
ards in public services. He men- demand be satisfied within the lim-
tioned the creation of the Presiden- its of the country's financial re-
tial Complaints and Action Com- sources.
mittee (PCAC) in 1954. He stated
that this policy that prompted the
founding of this Committee contin-
ues undiminished and is one of the
reasons why Filipinos are certain
that the Government is truly genu-
ine with their intentions. He added
that when the government operates
as an easily available organization
for hearing
complaints, Magsaysay further said that they are
the PCAC has preparing for partial implementa-
served to curb tion of the proposals formulated by
misconduct by the Wage and Position Classifica-
the officials. tion Office (WAPCO), which
Thus, it has would standardize government po-
managed to sitions and guarantee an equal and
help the gov- fair compensation for services ren-
ernment to dered by everyone. He indicated
carry out their that the budget included in this pro-
pledge of mo- posal shall be provided a month af-
rality and hon- ter his fourth SONA.
esty in the
public service. PANGKAT D ǀ 09