Don Sergio Osmeña’s statement upon retiring into private life

Don Sergio Osmeña holds the title as Cebu’s youngest governor (25 years old), two years later elected in the first election for the Philippine Congress and thereafter chosen by his peers as Speaker of the National Assembly, becoming the first Speaker of the Philippine Congress. Sworn in as president on August 1, 1944 upon the death of President Manuel Quezon. He lost in the special presidential election held on April 23, 1946. This was his statement upon his retirement:

(Released on May 28, 1946)

“As I retire into private life today I cannot but not express my gratitude to our people for having given me the opportunity to serve them for more than forty years.

“I am grateful to the electorate of our country for having given me their confidence in the past, and it is my satisfaction to know that they have supported the principles for which I have always worked.

“Through the various stages of my public career I have had the privilege of receiving the cooperation of men loyal and true. To these co-workers of mine in the service of the country go my heartfelt thanks and best wishes.

“It is gratifying to see that the independence for which I have always striven is about to become a reality. The establishment of the Philippine Republic on July 4 is the culmination of our nationalistic movement of more than four decades. I humbly thank God for this realization of our fondest dream.

“Today, I relinquish the helm to my worthy successor, President Manuel Roxas. I do this with genuine cheer in my heart as only a friend can feel for a friend. I congratulate him and sincerely wish him all success.”

Don Sergio Osmeña, the young Cebuano lawyer, the youngest provincial fiscal, the youngest Cebuano governor, first Speaker of the Congress, senator for 13 years of what was known as the 10th Senatorial District and the first vice president of the Philippine Republic, died on October 19, 1961.