Recognizing the significance of our freedom
Every June 12, Filipinos in the Philippines and all over the world commemorate the Philippine Independence Day, commemorating our country’s declaration of independence from Spain.
By history, before the formal conclusion of the Spanish-American War, Filipino revolutionary forces under the command of General Emilio Aguinaldo, proclaimed the sovereignty and independence of Philippines from Spain on June 12, 1898. However, this declaration was neither recognized by the United States or Spain, as well as by other nations. The Spanish government ceded the Philippines to the United States in the 1898 Treaty of Paris, in consideration for an indemnity for Spanish expenses and assets loss.
It was on July 4, 1946 when the United States granted independence to the Philippines in the Treaty of Manila. Historians have pointed out that the independence in 1946 came with strings attached with the United States in the form of military bases, economic and trade conditions that placed the Philippines in a difficult position. The Philippine government had little choice but to accept the terms as the US Congress was threatening to withhold post-World War II rebuilding funds.
From 1946 to 1961, July 4 was observed by Filipinos as Independence Day. Then on May 17, 1962, to the surprise of many, President Diosdado Macapagal issued Proclamation No. 28 directing Congress to enact a measure statutorily declaring June 12 as Independence Day. Two years later, on August 4, 1964, he signed into law Republic Act No. 4166 designating June 12 as the country’s Independence Day. Previously, June 12 had been observed as Flag Day. July 4 is now recognized as Philippine American Friendship Day.
Many Filipinos had difficulty accepting the change. From 1946 to 1962, they were used to celebrating Independence Day in July 4. Finally, the stars and stripes were lowered at the Luneta Park in Manila.
Historians contend that the Philippine Revolution would have won over the Spain if not for the short-lived Spanish-American War. After the Americans won, they purchased our archipelago for $20 million and colonized it. Somewhere along these events, the Philippine-American War followed after American troops impeded an indigenous independence movement, leading to the loss of almost half a million Filipinos.
Filipinos have always embraced June 12, 1898 as the date of our independence. Some may have argued that in spite of the end of wars, our country and people continues to fight. Still, we believe that for a nation that reveres the significance of being independent, being truly free is not an impossible feat.
( Published June 11, 2010 in Something Filipino p. 2 )
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