Carlos P. Garcia
Carlos P. Garcia (4 November, 1896-14 June, 1971) was a Filipino poet and politician.
He was a native of Bohol.
He grew up with politics. His father served as a municipal mayor for four terms. He studied in Cebu Provincial High School, Silliman University, and Philippine Law School. He earned his degree in 1923.
He was famous for his poetry in Bohol, where he earned the nickname "Prince of Visayan Poets"."
In 1925 he started his political career. He was elected provincial governor for two terms, starting in 1931 and 1940, became a member of the congress in 1946, was elected three times to the senate for three consecutive terms from 1941 to 1953, and was appointed a cabinet member by President Ramon Magsaysay for four years concurrently serving as vice-president. He assumed the presidency after Magsaysay's death.
During his administration, he acted on the Bohlen Serrano Agreement which shortened the lease of the US Bases from 99 years to 25 years and made it renewable after every five years. He also exercised the Filipino First Policy, for which he was known. This policy heavily favored Filipino businessmen over foreign investors. He was also responsible for changes in retail trade which greatly affected the Chinese businessmen in the country.
After his term, he ran again for reelection but lost to Diosdado Macapagal. He died of a heart attack.
