BLAST FROM THE PAST: TODAY (OCTOBER 23) IN FILIPINO HISTORY: DOUGLAS MCARTHUR RESTORES PHILIPPINE COMMONWEALTH IN LEYTE

General Douglas MacArthur with Sergio Osmeña, Sr. and other Commonwealth officials

On October 23, 1944, the Philippine Commonwealth government was restored in Tacloban, Leyte (Tacloban City) by General Douglas MacArthur with Sergio Osmeña, Sr. as President.

This made Tacloban the capital of the Philippines.

This day also marked the start of the four-day naval battle of Leyte Gulf during which much of Japan’s remaining sea power was destroyed.

Reference: Pambansang Komisyong Pangkasaysayan

(Filed by JR AMIGO/ai/mnm)