04 July - Philippines Republic Day from 1946 to 1962

 

Philippines Republic Day on July 4 commemorates the day in 1946 when the Philippines officially gained independence from the United States. Here are the key details about this significant day:

Historical Context

• American Colonization: After the Spanish-American War in 1898, the Philippines was ceded to the United States by Spain as part of the Treaty of Paris. The Philippines then came under American colonial rule.
• Commonwealth Period: The Commonwealth of the Philippines was established in 1935, leading to a transitional government intended to prepare the country for full independence.
• World War II: The Philippines was occupied by Japanese forces during World War II from 1942 to 1945. Following the liberation of the Philippines by Allied forces, the push for full independence resumed.

Independence

• Philippine Independence Act: Also known as the Tydings-McDuffie Act, this 1934 law set a ten-year transition period for Philippine independence.
• Independence Day: On July 4, 1946, the Philippines officially became an independent republic. The Treaty of Manila was signed, recognizing Philippine sovereignty. This date was chosen to coincide with the United States' Independence Day, symbolizing the end of American sovereignty and the start of full Philippine independence.

Celebration and Significance

• Original Republic Day: From 1946 to 1962, July 4 was celebrated as Independence Day in the Philippines, also known as Republic Day.
• Change of Date: In 1962, President Diosdado Macapagal moved the celebration of Philippine Independence Day to June 12 to honor the 1898 declaration of independence from Spain. July 4 was then designated as Philippine Republic Day.
• Modern Observance: Although not as widely celebrated as June 12, July 4 is still recognized as Republic Day, marking the Philippines' historical ties with the United States and its journey to full sovereignty.

Philippines Republic Day serves as a reminder of the country's complex history of colonization, struggle for independence, and eventual recognition as a sovereign nation.