Filipino statesman, President (1935–44). He followed Aguinaldo in the Philippine wars against Spain and the USA (1896–1901). Later he served in the Philippines Assembly and became resident commissioner for the Philippines in Washington (1909–16). His successful conduct in this post made him a national hero and he was elevated to the office of President of the Philippine Senate. In 1935 he became first President of the newly constituted Philippine Commonwealth and ruled his country dictatorially until forced into exile by the Japanese invasion in 1942. He headed a government in exile in the USA until his death, and was succeeded by his Vice-President, Sergio Osmena.