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Philippines Independence day 1946. Photo by Philippine Presidential Museum and Library.

Top 10 Things to know about The Philippines Independence day 1946

The struggle for independence of the Philippines was characterized by several events and ended up taking a long time to gain freedom. The Philippines remained under Spanish rule between the 16^th and 19^th centuries. However, in 1896 the Philippine Revolution arose as a result of their pursuit to gain independence and break free from Spanish rule. This was made possible on the 12^th of June 1898 when it was declared independent by Emilio Aguinaldo. However, the Philippines did not have territory and sovereignty which were major elements for a state. As a result, the Philippine –American war broke out in 1899.

The Philippines remained under the colonial rule of the Americans for fifty years before it gained independence on the 4^th of July 1946. By the time they gained second independence, they were complete with the territory, people, sovereignty, and a government. However, the celebration and commemoration of the Philippine independence were moved to the 12^th of June every year by then-president Diosdado Macapagal. In this article, we will explore the top ten things to know about the Philippine independence day of 1946.

1. The Independence Day was Moved from 4^th July 1946 to 12^th June 1898

Philippines Independence day 1946. Photo by Philippine Presidential Museum and Library.

The Philippines became an official state on the 4^th of July 1946, when it gained independence from the west. This was fifty years after the Philippines revolution which ended in August 1898. During independence day, the Philippines’ essential elements of a state included territory, sovereignty, people, and a government. However, then president Diosdado Macapagal officially announced and moved the independence day to 12^th June 1898. This was the day that the Philippine had broken free from Spanish rule but was not recognized as a state because it lacked territory and sovereignty.

2. Philippine Independence was proclaimed Many times

The declaration of independence of the Philippines happen many times before it was recognized as an independent state. It was first proclaimed by Andres Bonifacio on the 12^th of April 1895. It was also declared on the 31^st of October 1896. This was before it was declared on the 12^th of June 1898. However, following the monk battle between the United State and the Spanish to control the Philippines, it was not actualized. On the 14^th of October 1943, Japan symbolically granted independence and established a government headed by President, Jose P. Laurel.

3. The Philippines Observed Independence day as the 4^th of July every year from 1946 – 1961

The Philippines observed and commemorated their independence day as the fourth of July every year from 1946 – 1961. However, following the declaration and recognition of the official independence day from 4^th July 1946, to 12^th June 1898, the dates changed to 12^th June every month. Macapagal explained his reason for moving the dates as he addressed the state on the 12^th of June 1962. He explained that it was right to move the dates since June 12 was the true independence day because it was the birth of the Filipino nation.

4. The United State of America did not Recognize the 1898 Declaration

Photo by Shubert Ciencia.

After the declaration of the independence of the Philippines on the 4^th of July 1898, the Americans took the opportunity to gain rule over the Philippines. The declaration was followed by the end of the Philippine revolution in 1898. The Americans got the Philippines under their control following the winning of the battle of Manila Bay in May 1898. After the battle, Americans signed a treaty with Â鶹APP ending the Spanish-American war. On the 4^th of July 1946, the Americans gave independence to the Philippines and their rule ended.

5. Independence day is a Public Holiday

To commemorate the gaining of independence from the Americans and the Spanish, the Philippines set independence day as a public holiday. It is a day off for the general population where schools and most businesses are shut. As recorded in the Republic Act No. 4166 which set out the dates for holidays as June 12 every year.

6. Independence day is to be Celebrated for 16 Days

In 1994, President Fidel V. Ramos ordered in his executive order that independence day be celebrated from May 28^th up to 12^th June. However, business was to continue as usual and the republic flag is raised for sixteen days from all the government agencies, offices, learning institutions, and business establishments.

7. President Manuel Roxas was Sworn in as the President of the Philippines

Manuel Roxas. Photo by Philippine Presidential Museum and Library.

On independence day, then-president Manuel Roxas took the oath of office as the president of the Philippines. All the rights withheld by the United State were withdrawn by United State president Truman. Such rights that were withdrawn include the rights of possession, control of sovereignty, supervision, and jurisdiction. The United State exercised the rights over the people and territory which was recognized as independence for the Philippines. As the president of the Philippines, Manuel Roxas eliminated the pledge of allegiance to the United State and the Philippines gained its sovereignty.

8. The United State Formally Recognized the Philippines’ Independence on 4^th July 1946

The United States formally recognized the Philippines’ independence on the 4^th of July 1898. This was followed by the withdrawal of their rights and sovereignty over the Philippines. The President–elect, Manuel Roxas was sworn in as the president, and the American flag was lowered. The Philippines flag was raised high and was the only flag left to fly over in the country. 

9. The United State and Philippine Flags passed each Other

Philippines Independence day 1946. Photo by Philippine Presidential Museum and Library.

As the United State lowered its flag the Philippine flag was raised at the same time. This symbolized the rise of the Philippine state and the decrease in the dominance of the United States. Church bells rang and whistles were used to announce the independence of the Philippines. The Australian, Portuguese, United States, and Thai warships fired the twenty-one-gun salute.

10. The Philippine Flag was Designed by Aguinaldo

The Philippine flag raised first on independence day was designed by Aguinaldo who presented it to Marcela living in Hong Kong. The flag was completed in five days by Agoncillo and her two assistants.

The independence day of the Philippines in 1946 involved several activities and celebrations from the Philippines. However, the official day was recognized as 12^th June 1898 which was the end of the revolution for the Philippines.