We all know that on June 12, 1898, our forefathers led by Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo proclaimed Philippine independence from more than 300 years of Spanish ruling in his ancestral home in Kawit, Cavite. Such declaration of independence was celebrated by the unfurling of the Philippine flag sown by Marcella Agoncillo, Lorenza Agoncillo and Delfina Herboza and the singing of Lupang Hinirang, our national anthem, composed by Juan Felipe.
However, history tells us that such declaration of independence was not recognized by Spain and America. In fact, just 5 months thereafter, or on December 10, 1898, Spain and the United States of America signed the Treaty of Paris where Spain relinquished all claims sovereignty over several territories including the Philippines. Spain, in return, received the amount of 20 million dollars from the United States as compensation. That marks the start of the 48-years colonial ruling of the United States in the Philippines (includes the 3-year period of Japanese occupation).
Thereafter, on March 24, 1934, thru the lobbying of Manuel L. Quezon, the Tydings-McDuffie Act or the Philippines Independence Act was signed into law by U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt. In the said law, it was promised that the United States shall recognize Philippine Independence after a ten-year transitional period. True to its words, on July 4, 1946, U.S. President Harry S. Truman issued Proclamation 2695 officially recognizing and granting the Philippines its independence. Also, on the same day, the United States, as represented by High Commissioner Paul V. Mcnutt, and the Philippines, as represented by President Manuel Roxas, signed the Treaty of Manila of 1946. As enshrined therein the United States of America relinquishes its sovereignty over our territory and recognizes the independence of the Philippines.
From 1946, Philippine independence is celebrated and commemorated on July. But what happened why we now celebrate our independence on June 12?
It was then President Diosdado Macapagal, the father of another former president, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who moved the celebration of Philippine Independence from July 4 to June 12 thru Proclamation No. 28, s. 1962. It was stated therein that the establishment of Philippine Republic by the revolutionary government under General Emilio Aguinaldo on June 12, 1898, marked our people’s declaration and exercise of their right to self-determination, liberty and independence. Prior to 1962, June 12 is considered as our Flag Day, in commemoration to time it was first unfurled in Kawit, Cavite.
Following the issuance of Proclamation No. 28, Congress enacted Republic Act No. 4166 entitled, “An Act Changing the Date of Philippine Independence Day from July Four to June Twelve, and Declaring July Four as Philippine Republic Day, further amending for the purpose section twenty-nine of the Revised Administrative Code. It was passed into law on August 4, 1964.
There are different stories as to why President Macapagal initiated the change of the commemoration of our independence from July 4 to June 12.
In the Official Gazette, it was stated that “move was made in the context of the rejection of the U.S. House of Representative on the proposed $73 million addition war reparation bill for the Philippines on May 6, 1962. The rejection, according to President Macapagal, caused “indignation among Filipinos” and a “loss of American good will in the Philippines”. Historian Joseph Scalice claims that an issue pertaining pension benefits of Filipino veterans has to do with such change while historian Reynaldo Lleto averred that the Philippine Historical Association was behind such move.
Presently, as enshrined in the Administrative Code of 1987, Independence Day is considered as a regular holiday and is celebrated annually on June 12.
Personally, I am siding with June 12 as the day of commemoration of Independence Day. It is our forefather who declared our freedom on June 12, 1898, such independence was not imposed upon us by foreign bodies. Also, July 4 is clearly copied from the Independence Day of America which they attain on July 4, 1776.
However, to end this, be it June 12 or July 4, let us always remember the true reason and essence why we celebrate Independence Day. It is to give honor to our forefathers who fought and sacrificed their lives in order for us to have and enjoy this freedom. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!