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The many dates of Philippine independence

The Philippines declared independence numerous times for many reasons


Jodesz Gavilan
Published 8:00 AM, Jun 12, 2014
Updated 12:31 AM, Jun 12, 2014
Source: Rappler
MANILA, Philippines - Filipinos
commemorate the Declaration of Philippine Independence on June 12 every year.
Flags are raised and wreaths are laid in monuments around the country in celebration
of the freedom we enjoy now. As a nation frequently colonized in the past,
independence is significant for us.
But did you know that independence was declared several times in the Philippines?
Here are the dates when the Pearl of the Orient was "declared" independent.

April 12, 1895
Andres Bonifacio first declared Philippine Independence inside the Pamitinan cave in
Montalban (now Rodriguez), Rizal by writing on its wall "Long Live Philippine
Independence!" together with other Katipunan members. This act is now referred to as
the "Cry of Pamitinan."
August 1896
Members of the Katipunan, led by Andres Bonifacio, tore their community tax
certificates (cedulas personales) in protest of Spanish conquest. This is well known as
the "Cry of Pugadlawin." The exact date of the event is still being debated but the
National Historical Institute has pegged it at August 23.
June 12, 1898
President Emilio Aguinaldo proclaimed the independence of the Philippines in Cavite
el Viejo (now Kawit) along with the waiving of the National Flag and the National
March.
The Acta de la Proclamacion de Independencia del Pueblo Filipino or Act of
the Declaration of Independence in English was written and read by War
Consellor Ambrosio Bautista and was signed by 98 people. A certain Mr. L.M
Johnson, an American soldier, also signed the declaration.
The Declaration of Independence was formally ratified by 190 municipal
leaders from different towns in 16 provinces (Manila, Cavite, Laguna,
Batangas, Bulacan, Bataan, Infanta, Morong, Tayabas, Pampanga, Pangasinan,
Mindoro, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, La Union, and Zambales) during an assembly in
Bacoor, Cavite on August 1, 1898.
The Malolos Constitution, the first ever Philippine constitution, paved the way
for the creation of a new government supposedly free from Spanish rule.
National Assembly President Pedro Paterno opened the first session of the
Malolos Congress on September 17, 1898.
October 14, 1943
Japan granted the Philippines independence by setting up a new government headed
by Jose P. Laurel. A lot of historians refer to the country's 2nd Republic as "Puppet
State" of the Japanese government because of the alleged prevailing control then.
July 4, 1946
The United States of America officially recognized the independence of the Philippine
Republic on July 4, 1946 after a long period of negotiations.
In 1916, the Jones Law was enacted. It affirmed the eventual recognition of the
independence of the Philippines.
In 1933, the Tydings-McDuffie Act was declared which paved way for the 10-
year transitional period as preparation for the independence of the country.

NEW DATE. Emilio Aguinaldo and Diosdado Macapagal at the famous Cavite
balcony. Photo from Official Gazette of the Philippines Tumblr
Why June 12?
The Philippine Independence Day we all know now was duly recognized
through Proclamation No. 28, s. 1962 by then President Diosdado Macapagal on May
12, 1962. From the 4th of July, it was moved to the 12th of June, citing Aguinaldo's
establishment of the Philippine Republic from Spain "marked our peoples declaration
and exercise of their right to self-determination, liberty and independence.
Congress then formally designated June 12 as the date of Philippine Independence by
passing Republic Act No. 4166 in 1964. -Rappler.com
Sources:
History of the Filipino People by Teodoro A. Agoncillo
The Philippines: A Past Revisited by Renato Constantino
National Historial Commission of the Philippines
Malolos: The Crisis of the Republic by Teodoro A. Agoncillo
June 12, 1898 and Other Related Documents
The Philippines: Colonialism, Collaboration, and Resistance by William J. Pomeroy
The Laws of the First Republic (the laws of Malolos) 1898-1899 compiled by Sulpicio
Guevara
Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines

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