1935 : Commonwealth Constitution

Summary

The speaker, Isaki Lucas, discusses the 1935 Commonwealth Constitution of the Philippines, highlighting the country's journey toward independence. The presentation covers key events, including the transition from Spanish to American colonization following the Treaty of Paris and the introduction of the Organic Act of 1902 and the Jones Law. The speaker also explains significant laws like the Tydings-McDuffie Act and introduces key figures such as Manuel Quezon and Sergio Osmeña. The focus is on the establishment of a transitional government under the Commonwealth to prepare the Philippines for full independence in 1946.

Takeaways

• 📜 The topic is the 1935 Commonwealth Constitution, focusing on how the Philippines gained independence.
• 🇵🇭 Commonwealth refers to an independent country or community with its own government and decision-making authority.
• 🇺🇸 After the Treaty of Paris, the Philippines came under the control of the United States, marking the end of Spanish colonization.
• ⚖️ The Organic Act of 1902 established a bicameral legislature in the Philippines and provided the first bill of rights for Filipinos.
• 🏛️ The Jones Law of 1916 allowed Filipinos to lead their own government and was a step toward eventual independence from U.S. control.
• 📝 The Hare-Hawes-Cutting Act of 1933 aimed to grant Philippine independence but was rejected by Filipino leaders due to provisions allowing U.S. military bases.
• 📅 The Tydings-McDuffie Act of 1934 officially set the Philippines on a path to independence, culminating in full sovereignty by 1946.
• 👥 Claro M. Recto was elected president of the 1934 Constitutional Convention, which drafted the 1935 Philippine Constitution.
• 📅 The 1935 Constitution created a transitional Commonwealth government to prepare the Philippines for full independence.
• 👤 Manuel L. Quezon became the first president of the Commonwealth, and significant reforms included national defense, women's suffrage, and the promotion of the Filipino language.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the presentation?

The main topic of the presentation is the 1935 Commonwealth Constitution of the Philippines and its significance in the country's journey towards independence.

What is the definition of 'Commonwealth' as explained in the script?

A 'Commonwealth' is an independent country or community where people are free to govern themselves and make decisions for their own government.

What was the role of the Treaty of Paris in Philippine history?

The Treaty of Paris marked the end of Spanish colonization in the Philippines in 1898, after which the Philippines became a colony of the United States.

What was the purpose of the Organic Act of 1902?

The Organic Act of 1902 was the first organic law of the Philippine Islands. It established a popularly elected Philippine Assembly and provided for legislative power under a bicameral legislature.

What did the Philippine Autonomy Act of 1916, also known as the Jones Law, accomplish?

The Jones Law gave the Philippines a chance to move toward independence by modifying the government structure, removing the Philippine Commission, and allowing Filipinos to take part in their own government.

Why was the Hare-Hawes-Cutting Act significant, and why was it rejected?

The Hare-Hawes-Cutting Act was the first law passed by the United States to grant Philippine independence, but it was rejected by the Philippine Senate, led by Manuel L. Quezon, because it allowed the U.S. to maintain military bases in the Philippines.

What was the Tydings-McDuffie Act, and what did it achieve for the Philippines?

The Tydings-McDuffie Act, also known as the Philippine Independence Act, was signed in 1934. It allowed the Philippines to create its own constitution and government, setting the stage for full independence by July 4, 1946.

Who was Claro M. Recto, and what role did he play in the 1935 Constitution?

Claro M. Recto was the president of the 1934 Constitutional Convention and is remembered as the 'Father of the 1935 Philippine Constitution.' He was a strong nationalist and a leader in the movement for Philippine independence.

What was the purpose of the 1935 Commonwealth Constitution?

The 1935 Commonwealth Constitution established a transitional government for the Philippines, preparing the country for full independence and the formation of its own government.

What changes occurred under Manuel L. Quezon’s leadership during the Commonwealth period?

Under Manuel L. Quezon's leadership, significant reforms were introduced, including the National Defense Act, Women's Suffrage Act, establishment of the National Language, minimum wage laws, and measures for social justice, such as protection of worker rights and national welfare programs.