Don Sergio Osmeña’s assumption as president

Here is the official communication on the assumption of Don Sergio Osmeña as president on the day of the death of President Manuel Quezon:

“It is with a deep sense of sorrow and personal loss that I must give the sad news of the passing away of President Manuel L. Quezon of the Philippines. He died in Saranac Lake, N.Y. at 10:00 this morning, with Mrs. Quezon and his three children at his bedside. (August 1, 1944)

“Manuel L. Quezon was my dear and beloved friend. Our friendship has stood the test of all political differences and has remained throughout whole and unimpaired. My attachment to him was rooted in that genuine friendship that has mellowed with the years into a real and abiding affection. He has gone to his reward, a valiant leader who will live forever in the hearts of his people. His memory will help me face the tasks that are ahead with the same patriotism with which he led us in our fight for freedom, and with the same devotion to the masses of our people which has characterized his administration as President of the Philippines.”

Department Of Information And Public Commonwealth Of The Philippines

August 1, 1944

For Immediate Release:

Sergio Osmeña took his oath of office today as President of the Philippines following the death of Manuel L. Quezon this morning. Justice Robert H. Jackson of the United States Supreme Court administered the oath at 2:40 PM today in the offices of Secretary Harold L. Ickes, Department of Interior, Washington, D.C. The solemn ceremony was witnessed by officials of the Philippine and United States Governments and members of the press.

After the oath of office had been administered, President Sergio Osmeña said:

“I am conscious of the tremendous responsibility that is mine as I assume the Presidency of the Philippines. I pledge all that is in me to serve the best interests of the Filipino people. My first objective is to cooperate with the American Government, sparing nothing, for the achievement of victory which means the complete liberation of the Philippines, Philippine relief and rehabilitation is one of our pressing problems.

“I have faith in America and in the American people, and as in the past, I know the United States will keep faith with us. The freedom of the Filipino people is my goal and the permanence of that independence once achieved I will strive to secure.”