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The Bonifacio Mural by Carlos 'Botong' Francisco depicting the Cry Of Balintawak led by Andrew Bonifacio in 1896. The painting is a Photo on Canvas by photographer David Fabros based on the original Bonifacio Mural.
Reflections on Philippine
Independence Day
WE CELEBRATE our
Independence on
the 12th of June,
marking the occasion
when General
Emilio Aguinaldo
proclaimed our
Independence in
Kawit, Cavite in 1898.
By ALFREDO ‘DING’ ROCES
Editor, Filipino Heritage -
Making of a Nation (10 Volumes)
Jose P Laurel is sworn in as Philippine President
under Japanese Occupation in 1943.
www.kalatas.com.au
Previously, the nation had celebrated
Independence Day when the US had
granted independence to her colony on
July 4, 1946.
This choice of July 4 for Philippine
Independence Day had been pointedly
made to coincide with America’s own
Independence Day, and some were
unhappy with the obvious association.
Hence the change to June 12.
Earlier, during the brief Japanese
Occupation of the Philippines during
World War II, the Japanese had already
granted the Philippines “Independence
With Honor” on October 14, 1943 via
a government they had formed under
President Jose P. Laurel.
During ceremonies at the Legislative
Building, no less than General Emilio
Aguinaldo and Geneneral Artemio Ricarte
had hoisted the Philippine flag while the
national anthem played.
But, of course, that ceremony is stained
with the Japanese collaboration issue.
You also heard voices raised claiming
Bonifacio’s “Cry of Balintawak” should be
the proper day, though there is confusion
on whether this happened on August 23,
or 25, or 26 of 1896.
Although arriving at the proper day to
mark our celebration of our independence
has been cause for unending historical
debate, the ideal and significance of
Philippine Independence is a worthy cause
for celebration.
As we happily toast Philippine
Independence and remember our heroes
who fought for the life of this nation—from
Filipinos led by General Emilio Aguinaldo declare Philippine independence in Kawit, Cavite, on June 12, 1898.
the revolution against Spain, the Philippine
American War, the Japanese Occupation,
to Marcos Martial Law— let us reflect on
the quality of freedom and Independence
the nation currently enjoys.
How have we measured up to the
ideals of freedom, the Constitution,
human rights and the rule of law, that no
doubt those who fought for Independence
throughout our history staunchly stood
for?
Are our current crop of leaders real
patriots or self-serving politicians?
How free and independent is the
ordinary citizen?
Would the gallant heroes in our history
be proud of our attitude and behaviour as
citizens of an independent nation today?
Mabuhay ang Pilipinas. n
Jose P Laurel is sworn in as Philippine President
under Japanese Occupation in 1943.
AK NewsMagazine, Vol 8 No 9 | JUNE 2018
03