As we know, the Philippines celebrates Independence Day on 12 June. However, throughout its history, the country has experienced three distinct periods during which it was considered independent.
These events unfolded over a long period, beginning with the end of Spanish rule, continuing through the Japanese occupation, and culminating in formal recognition by the United States.
1898–1901: The First Republic in Asia
This journey began on June 12, 1898, when Emilio Aguinaldo proclaimed Philippine independence from Spain in Kawit, Cavite. The event marked the end of more than 300 years of Spanish colonial rule and symbolized the birth of the modern Filipino nation.
On that day, the national flag was raised for the first time, and the national anthem was performed in public.
The declaration was the result of a long struggle, beginning with the rise of nationalist movements inspired by José Rizal and continuing with the armed revolution led by Andrés Bonifacio in 1896. By the time of the proclamation, Filipino forces had already taken control of several key areas, signaling the collapse of Spanish authority.
Following the declaration, the next step was to establish a functioning state. On June 18, 1898, a revolutionary government was formed, which later gave rise to the Malolos Congress.
The congress officially convened on September 15, 1898, at Barasoain Church and was tasked with drafting a constitution and building a system of governance.
The result was the Malolos Constitution, approved at the end of 1898 and enacted in January 1899. This document became the foundation for the establishment of the First Philippine Republic on January 23, 1899, making the Philippines the first constitutional republic in Asia.
The constitution outlined the separation of powers, civil rights, and the formation of state institutions.
However, this phase did not last long. The United States, which had taken control of the Philippines from Spain, refused to recognize its sovereignty.
The conflict escalated into the Philippine–American War in 1899. After the capture of Emilio Aguinaldo on March 23, 1901, and his oath of allegiance to the United States, the First Philippine Republic came to an end.
1943: Independence Under Japanese Occupation
More than four decades later, the Philippines experienced another moment of independence in a very different context. On October 14, 1943, Japan, which was occupying the Philippines at the time, established the Second Philippine Republic with José P. Laurel as president.
Formally, the Philippines once again became an independent state. In practice, however, the government operated under strong Japanese influence.
While state institutions were established, policies and the overall direction of governance remained controlled by Japanese military power. As a result, its sovereignty was considered limited and not fully independent.
This period came to an end with Japan’s defeat in World War II and the return of the United States to the Philippines.
1946: Formal Independence from the United States
The third moment occurred on July 4, 1946, when the United States officially recognized Philippine independence. After a colonial period that began in the early 20th century, the United States fulfilled its promise to grant independence following the war.
This date was initially observed as the Philippines’ national Independence Day. In terms of international law, it marked the point at which the Philippines was recognized as a sovereign state by the global community.
From then on, the Philippines took its place in the international order as an independent nation.
Why June 12 Was Chosen
Despite the formal recognition in 1946, the Philippines later designated June 12, 1898, as its national Independence Day. This decision was based on the view that true independence comes from the people’s struggle, rather than being granted by a foreign power.
Moreover, after 1946, the Philippines remained tied to the United States through various agreements, including in economic and military affairs. This situation led to criticism that independence was not yet entirely free from external influence.
In contrast, the events of June 12, 1898, are seen as an expression of sovereignty born out of revolution. For this reason, the date is considered to better represent the identity and struggle of the Filipino nation.
