Today in Philippine History, November 15, 1935, the Commonwealth of the Philippines was inaugurated On November 15, 1935, the Commonwealth of the Philippines was inaugurated with Manuel L. Quezon and Sergio Osmena Sr. as president and vice president, respectively. The Commonwealth was envisioned under the Philippine Independence Act, popularly known as the Tydings-McDuffie Act, as a 10-year transitional government in preparation for full Philippine independence. The establishment of the Commonwealth Government for the Filipino people was a realization of their efforts to govern themselves and chart their own destiny as a people. For the first time in Philippine history, a Filipino occupied Malacanang, the seat of power in the country. Quezon, who overwhelmingly won over his two rivals -- General Emilio Aguinaldo and Bishop Gregorio Aglipay -- had a sobering admonition to his people. He said ... we have taken one more step forward in our onward march to the realization of our national ideal ... In this solemn moment, let there be no exultation of victory. Let it be the moment of consecration. The Commonwealth, which had its own Constitution, featured a very strong executive, a unicameral National Assembly and a Supreme Court, composed entirely of Filipinos for the first time since 1901, although foreign policy and military affairs would be under the responsibility of the United States, and certain legislation required the approval of the American president. The United States recognized Philippine independence on July 4, 1946, as scheduled. Reference: Philippine News Agency archives Photo credit: Philippine President Museum and Library
Posted on: Fri, 14 Nov 2014 22:22:04 +0000
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