On July 4, 1946, the United States recognized the independence of the Philippines. This was the culmination of a process that began in 1916, when the Jones Law pledged the eventual recognition of Philippine independence, and that continued with the Tydings-McDuffie Act of 1934, which provided for a ten-year transitional period to prepare for independence. The independence of the Philippines was marked by Manuel Roxas retaking his oath as President of the Philippines, eliminating the pledge of allegiance to the United States required prior to independence. On this day, the Republic of the Philippines—independent, and recognized by the family of nations—was founded.

What is Republic Day?

Every year, on July 4, we commemorate the foundation of the Republic of the Philippines

Photo Gallery

Original scans of historical photographs taken during Republic Day

Quirino Grandstand

The Quirino Grandstand, formerly known as the Independence Grandstand, is where the ceremonies that founded the Republic were held

Third Republic

The Third Republic of the Philippines was inaugurated when the United States recognized Philippine Independence. It was preceded by the Second Republic, under Japanese Occupation, the Commonwealth, and Aguinaldo’s First Republic.

The Last American Flag on Philippine Soil

Pura Villanueva Kalaw, who was among those invited to sew the stars on the flag of United States of America, recounts her experience in this essay

Republic Day Speeches

In 1962, President Diosdado Macapagal issued Proclamation No. 28, s. 1962, effectively moving the date of Philippine independence from July 4 to June 12. What follows are the Independence Day speeches of the Presidents of the Philippines before that year

Manuel Roxas taking his oath of office

The independence of the Philippines—and the inauguration of our Third Republic—was marked by Manuel Roxas retaking his oath, this time as the first President of the independent Republic of the Philippines

May 28 and July 4: Mystery Solved

The photos of these two distinct events are often confused together. In order to distinguish the two events, PCDSPO has identified distinct elements in each of the two events

A Nation is Born

This documentary traces the formation of the strong bonds between the Philippines and the United States

Acknowledgments

The Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office and the Presidential Museum and Library would like to thank the following for their invaluable help and assistance in this project: Dr. Benito J. Legarda Jr., Mr. Paulo Alcazaren, Mr. John Tewell, Mr. Jun Dagmang, Mr. Lou Gopal, Mr. Daniel Enrique Ladioray, Mr. Ted Estacio, ITS Seattle Pacific Flickr, StudioBob Flickr, British Pathé, Manuel Roxas Foundation, Gerry Roxas Foundation, Philippine Republic Stamps Blog, National Parks Development Committee, National Museum of the Philippines, National Library of the Philippines, National Historical Commission of the Philippines, and TIME Inc.

RELATED READINGS