Philippine Independence: July 4, June 12, -- or not yet?

It was not until 1962 that independence day was effectively moved from July 4 to June 12 as stated by RA 4166. Many think that July 4 is the more fitting date since it was then that the United States have recognized Philippine independence, others still stand with Pres. Macapagal’s move saying that recognizing the independence declared by General Aguinaldo in Kawit, Cavite is more reasonable. And then there is the slow and growing voice saying that we are, in reality, not even free.

June 12 vs. July 4. Action-packed is what sounds to be the major description of historians and politicians of the June 12 declaration and this seems to be the reason why they find it more appropriate to be remembered. As Pres. Macapagal put it, “I felt, too, that July 4 was not inspiring enough for the Filipino youth since it recalled mostly the peaceful independence missions to the United States. The celebration of Independence Day on June 12, on the other hand, would be a greater inspiration to the youth who would consequently recall the heroes of the revolution against Spain and their acts of sublime heroism and martyrdom. These acts compare favorably with those of the heroes of other nations.” But what they seem to forget is that the said declaration did not even have the slightest effect or even value when Spain ceded the Philippines to the United States for $20 million in the Treaty of Paris. You cannot give what you do not own. Given that Spain was able to cede the Philippines then it is safe to say that no sovereign country recognized the Philippines as an independent state. Those who paid attention to their history lessons will remember that the Philippines did not remain free of a colonizing power long after that declaration.

On the other hand, July 4, 1946 marked the completion of the 10-year commonwealth transition stated in the Tydings-Mcduffie Act successfully passing a supposedly independent republic to its first president Manuel Quezon. But, this was not until the United States have made treaties cementing their hold in the Philippines for centuries to come. These made sure that the Philippines would remain self-serving to the interest of the US colonialists. After all, why would the US invest $20,000,000.00 in the Treaty of Paris to secure the Islands if there were no business returns? For years Free Trade Agreements worked only to their end and yet they never failed to make us feel we are a charity case. By further opening our economy for foreign investors and privatizing key industries in lieu of loan opportunities we continue to be chained under other countries’ interests.

When it comes to Independence Day talks Filipinos seem to have their own dates and reasons. The question now, Philippine Independence: July 4, June 12, -- or not yet?

Liga ng Makabagong Kabataan

June 12, 2015