July 4 and the issue of independence

This week on July 4 in 1902, US President Theodore Roosevelt issued amnesty to Filipinos who participated in the revolution against Spain and later against the United States. Forty-four years later, still on July 4, the United States of America formally recognized the independence of the Republic of the Philippines. This was the product of the process that began in 1916, when the Jones Law pledged the eventual recognition of Philippine independence, and the Philippine Independence Act of 1934, which provided for a 10-year transition to prepare for independence. Manuel A. Roxas led the ceremonies by retaking his oath as Philippines president, eliminating the pledge of allegiance to the United States which was required prior to independence. Independence Day in the Philippines thereafter was celebrated on July 4th yearly until 1962 when it was returned to June 12, and July 4 became the Filipino-American Friendship Day.

It is interesting to note even when the Americans were accepted by many when they took over from the Spaniards, not all towns were as accepting of their benevolence. In Argao, Cebu, for instance, the Americans were considered by many people as enemies and not as saviors. In fact, in that same year, several American soldiers rode to Barangay Apo when they heard that there were still some people hiding there believed to be revolutionaries. Although they found no one there who fit the description of a revolutionary, they still torched the entire barangay and then left the whole place burning.

The people of Argao never forgot the atrocities of the Americans who pretended to be their savior. As early as 1931, Argao already voiced its opposition to American rule and made clear the desires of every Argawanon to be free. In a beautifully-worded resolution by Councilor Vicente Lucero in 1931, the Argawanons expressed their desire for independence:

“WHEREAS, it has always been the desire of the Filipino people to be free and independent;

“WHEREAS, the yearning for freedom is part of the soul of the Filipino nation given expression in two revolutions for Liberty; and,

“WHEREAS, the American people through their authorized representatives have promised to grant our Independence –

“BE IT, THEREFORE, RESOLVED that the Municipal Council of Argao, interpreting the sentiments of its inhabitants, hereby expresses its most ardent desire that the United States would accord the Filipino people opportunity to be a member of that community of free nations.

“RESOLVED FURTHER, to instruct the Municipal Secretary to furnish a copy of this resolution to the United States Congress, through the Secretary of War, Hon. Patrick K. Hurley.”

Two years after this, in 1933, the entire Philippines was in uproar because of the proposed Hare-Hawes-Cutting bill, which basically pretended to put in mechanisms of the Philippines’ independence when it was a further attempt to control the country’s economy and patrimony. The municipality of Argao was busy debating this, and everyone concluded that the bill was simply too antagonistic and discriminating against the Filipinos that a special session was called by the municipal president simply to draft a resolution denouncing the bill and requesting the legislature to veto the bill. This time, the municipal council sent copies of the resolution to the speakers of the US Senate and the Lower House.

I wonder if copies of both resolutions did reach the United States Congress and the Speakers of the Philippine Senate and Lower House. If they did reach them, one can only imagine the reaction of the Americans. How a very small, almost insignificant town in the south of Cebu could even dare to write such revolutionary sentiments and even send it to the sacred halls of the United States Congress?

The Argawanons were lovers of democracy and independence. But, more than that, the Argawanons were brave enough to express their views and aspirations regardless if their opponent was the United States of America. It would be interesting to check with other municipalities if such sentiments were shared by their inhabitants as well.