"Filipinos justifiably take pride in reckoning their independence from June 12, 1898. And, given the history of Philippine-American relations, it is understandable that they would prefer to celebrate their national birthday on June 12, rather than July 4. In 1946 the US, in classic colonial fashion, chose July 4 as the official date of Philippine independence. In fact the RP* did recognize July 4 as its independence day from l946 to 1962 but changed it to June 12 in the latter year."
Excerpted from "A Centennial Snapshot of Philippine History," Sundays in Manila, p. 35. Members of Goodreads can still sign up (until midnight, June 11) to win a free hard copy of Sundays in Manila.
*RP=Republic of the Philippines
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