Today in Philippine History: The Republic of the Philippines

July 4, 1946
The United States granted the Philippines her most cherished independence in ceremonies held at the temporary Independence Grandstand which was built in front of the Rizal Monument. The Philippine flag was raised while the American flag was lowered. The Republic of the Philippines was born with Manuel Roxas taking his oath as president. On this day starting in 1946, Filipinos celebrated independence day until President Diosdado Macapal changed it to June 12 through Proclamation No. 28 issued in 1962 affirming Aguinaldo's proclamation in Kawit, Cavite.

Photo credit: http://www.gov.ph/

Today in Philippine History: Roberto Regala

JUNE 7, 1897

Roberto Regala (June 7, 1897 - 1979) was born in Bacolor, Pampanga. He finished Bachelor of Arts and Law at the University of the Philippines and took up Doctorate in Civil Laws at Yale  University and Special Studies in Constitutional Law and International Law at the University of Chicago, Oxford University and Sorbonne, Paris. He was the Department of Interior Technical Assistant, Public Service Commission Secretary, Department of Justice Chief Legal and Ambassador. Pres. Diosdado Macapagal appointed him Associate Justice of the Supreme Court. 

Today in Philippine History: Pres. Macapagal Moves Philippine Independence Day

MAY 12, 1962

Pres. Diosdado Macapagal moved the celebration of Philippine Independence Day from July 4 to June 12 through Republic Act 4166. Pres. Emilio Aguinaldo first declared Philippine Independence from Spanish rule on June 12, 1898 but America and Spain did not recognize the proclamation. Spain soon ceded the islands to the United States through the Treaty of Paris in 1898 which ended the Spanish-American War. On July 4, 1946, America granted the country her freedom. Filipinos then started celebrating Philippine Independence Day every 4th of July.

Photo credit: http://tumblr.malacanang.gov.ph/ and http://www.gov.ph/