Presidential and vice presidential elections were held in the Philippines on November 10, 1953. Former Defense Secretary Ramon Magsaysay was elected President of the Philippines, defeating Incumbent Elpidio Quirino in his run for a second full term. His running mate Senator Carlos P. Garcia defeated Quirino's running mate Senator José Yulo. Incumbent Vice President Fernando Lopez did not run for re-election. With Magsaysay's election as president, he became the first elected president that did not come from the Senate.
The elections were free and fair.
Summary
After seven years of Liberal rule, the Nacionalista Party lacked a strong presidential candidate to end the regime.
Nacionalista Party
Former President and then-Senator Jose P. Laurel initially had intentions to seek the Nacionalista's nomination for president in 1953 but did not go through with it. He then proposed to endorse Secretary of National Defense Ramon Magsaysay, whose successful anti-insurgency and anti-communist initiatives had strained his relations with President Quirino and the Liberal.
Senate President Camilo Osías sought the presidential nomination but ultimately lost to Magsaysay. Senator Carlos P. Garcia of Bohol was picked to be his running-mate.
Liberal Party
The Liberal Party renominated President Elpidio Quirino and former House Speaker and Liberal Party President José Yulo for president and vice-president respectively.
Following the nomination, Philippine Ambassador to Washington Carlos P. Romulo and his men walked out of the Liberal convention and formed the Democratic Party. The Democratic Party then nominated Romulo for the presidency and supported the re-election of Vice President Fernando Lopez.
What was supposed to be a three-way race was reduced to a battle between the ruling Liberals against the Nacionalistas after the Democratic candidates withdrew in support of Magsaysay, resulting in the Nacionalista-Democratic coalition.
Results
President
Magsaysay carried most of the provinces except Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Tawi-Tawi, Sulu and Abra in which Ilocos Sur is a bailiwick and home province of President Quirino.
Vice-President
Garcia also carried the provinces who voted for Magsaysay except for Isabela, Capiz and Sulu who voted for Yulo. The provinces who voted for
President Quirino also voted for Yulo.