The Philippine Declaration of Independence: Summary

• Proclamation Date: The Philippine Declaration of Independence was proclaimed on June 12, 1898, in Cavite el Viejo, now known as Kawit, Cavite.
• Historical Context: This declaration marked the Philippines’ assertion of sovereignty after 300 years of Spanish colonial rule.
• Philippine Revolution: The revolution began in 1896, and despite the Pact of Biak-na-Bato in 1897, hostilities resumed, leading to the involvement of the United States in 1898 during the Spanish–American War.
• Emilio Aguinaldo’s Role: General Emilio Aguinaldo, exiled in Hong Kong, returned with the help of the U.S. Navy to lead the Filipino forces.
• The Proclamation Event: The independence ceremony included the unfurling of the Philippine flag, the performance of the national anthem, and the reading of the declaration by Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista.
• International Recognition: The declaration was not recognized by either Spain or the United States, leading to the cession of the Philippines to the U.S. and the subsequent Philippine–American War.
• U.S. Grant of Independence: The Philippines was granted independence by the United States on July 4, 1946, which was later changed to June 12 to mark the original proclamation date.
• Current Status: The original document of the declaration is housed in the National Library of the Philippines and is available for viewing with permission.

Happy Independence Day to all!!