José Domingo de Obaldía

Who was José Domingo de Obaldía?

José Domingo de Obaldia Gallegos was President of Panama from October 1, 1908 to March 1, 1910 and Vice President in the administration of Manuel Amador.

Jose Domingo de Obaldía Gallegos was the second President of the Republic of Panama from 1908 to 1910 and the first president elected by popular vote after the separation of Panama from Colombia.

Son of José de Obaldía and Ana Maria Gallegos. Born in David, Chiriqui on January 30, 1845 and died, before finishing his term as President of the Republic of Panama on March 1, 1910. Known as a strategist and gentleman of politics, was the last governor of the department of the Isthmus of Panama in 1903 and during the first government of the Republic, served as the first Vice-President, 1904-1908. When José Domingo de Obaldía assumed the presidency since 1908, began a policy of protecting the dignity and respect for the interests of the Panamanian nation in relations between Panama and the United States, also reinforcing the country's security from promulgation of Decree No. 18 of January 26, 1909, for the establishment of the National Secret Police. In addition makes real a project of the correctional houses of Colon and Panama, and also created the District of Santa Maria. In the educational field, executes the construction project of the National Institute of Panama among others.