Wednesday, February 8, 2023

The 1934 Constitutional Convention Finishes Task

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition):

FEBRUARY 8, 1935

The 1934 Constitutional Convention headed by Claro M. Recto, completed the task in framing the Constitution of the Commonwealth of the Philippines. 

The 202 delegates of the Constitutional Convention were elected on July 10, 1934. Not long after, the constitution was sent to U.S. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who approved it on March 23, 1935. 

On May 14, 1935, it was ratified by the Filipino people through a nationwide plebiscite, and took effect on November 15, 1935 when the Commonwealth of the Philippines was inaugurated. 

Manuel L. Quezon and Sergio Osmeña Sr. were elected as president and vice-president respectively in the presidential elections held on September 17, 1935. 

Quezon won against Emilio Aguinaldo, Gregorio Aglipay and others. 

Around 300,000 people gathered at the Legislative Building to attend the inaugural ceremony. 

Claro M. Recto who was born on February 8, 1890, came to be known as the “Father of the 1935 Philippine Constitution.” 

President Manuel L. Quezon issued Proclamation No. 36, s. 1936, declaring February 8 of every year as Constitution Day to commemorate the completion of the 1934 Constitutional Convention’s task. 

The commemoration was celebrated starting from the Commonwealth of the Philippines until the Third Republic, when martial law was declared on September 23, 1972. 

(Design, concept, stamps and research: Richard Allan Uy) All rights reserved

Photo credit: Britannica.com


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