Quirino, Elpidio (1890–1956)

Filipino politician, president 1948–53. After the liberation of the Philippines after World War II, Quirino was elected vice president of the independent Philippines in 1946. He became president when Manuel Roxas died in office in 1948, then won the 1949 presidential election. During his presidency, he faced the communist Hukbalahap insurrection. Despite ailing health, Quirino ran for re-election in 1953, but was defeated by Ramón Magsaysay.

Born in Vignan, on Luzon, Quirino was admitted to the bar in 1915, but later served for many years as political aide to the independence leader Manuel Quezon. During the inter-war period he was a member of the house of representatives 1919–25 and senate 1925–35, before serving in Quezon's government from 1935. After the Japanese invasion in 1942, during World War II, he became a leader in the underground resistance and suffered the loss of his wife and three of his five children.