The 1935 Philippine general election was the first general election of the Commonwealth of the Philippines. This was also the first direct election of the President of the Philippines and Vice President of the Philippines, positions created by the 1935 constitution. Furthermore, members of the National Assembly of the Philippines, that replaced the Philippine Legislature were elected.
The Nacionalista Party, which was split into two camps supporting Manuel L. Quezon and Sergio Osmeña, and reconciled prior to the election, maintained its electoral superiority, with Quezon winning the presidency, Osmeña the vice presidency, and majority of the National Assembly seats.
Background
Drafting the Constitution
With the passage of Tydings–McDuffie Act in US Congress and its ratification in the Philippine Legislature, a constitutional convention is called by 1934 with its members elected by July. With the successful creation of the 1935 constitution, Presidency and Vice Presidency had been establish to replace the Governor-General. Also, both chambers of the Philippine Legislature has been cleared, with the creation of a unicameral National Assembly.
Quezon vs Aguinaldo With former President Emilio Aguinaldo joined the race for presidency, Quezon campaigned against Aguinaldo by portraying the latter as the "one who destroyed revolution" with repeatedly using the assassinations of Supremo Andrés Bonifacio in 1897, and on General Antonio Luna in 1899. Quezon also allegedly paraded Bonifacio's bones. Aguinaldo is notable for supporting the late Governor-General Leonard Wood in 1920s against Quezon being against Wood's too much interference to the Philippine local government.
Results President
Vice president
National Assembly
Popular culture The presidential election is featured in 2025 movie Quezon.
References