MLQ 2nd State of the Nation Address

MessageOf His Excellency Manuel L. QuezonPresident of the PhilippinesTo theFirst National AssemblyOnImprovement of Philippine Conditions, PhilippineIndependence, and Relations with American HighCommissioner

[Delivered at the Opening of the Second Session of the NationalAssembly, in the Assembly Hall, Legislative Building, Manila,October 18, 1937]Mr. Speaker, Gentlemen of the National Assembly:At no time in ancient or contemporary history has AlmightyGod showered His blessings upon our beloved country asgenerously as He has done during this year that is about toclose. In a spirit of humility and thankfulness to Him, I come toreport to you that the finances of the Government are sounderthan they have ever been, that our foreign and internal tradehas increased, that more school houses and roads have beenbuilt and opened to the people, that public health is in goodcondition, and that peace and order prevail in every province,city, municipality, and barrio of the Archipelago.In this year too, as the highest representative of our people, Ihave taken a step that is of the greatest moment to the

Fatherland. In my recent trip abroad I proposed to thePresident of the United States that he recommend to theCongress the granting of complete independence to thePhilippines either on the 30

th

of December 1938, or the 4

th

of July, 1939.I feel certain that in making this petition I have expressed theviews of the immense majority of our people and that it is betterfor us to be independent now, that is to say, as soon as thenecessary steps could be taken for the orderly process of erecting an independent Republic, rather than in 1946.I can see no valid reason why, if the Philippines can be givenindependence in 1946, she may not have it in 1938 or 1939. Inthe short span of seven years the Filipino people can hardly doanything that would substantially change their presentsituation. Any obstacle which would vitally affect the chancesof a successful and lasting independent nationhood in 1939cannot be overcome by 1946.So, if we want independence at any cost and are ready to takeall the consequences –the dangers as well as the advantages of independent national existence- let us have it no later than1939. If, however, we are fearful of the possible threats thatcomplete independence may offer to our national security, andwe would rather remain under the protecting wing of theUnited States, then let us leave the final determination of ourfuture to come coming generations and not deceive ourselveswith the groundless hope that by 1946 we shall have becomepolitically and economically beyond any serious difficulty.We cannot be hesitating indefinitely. The best interest, indeedthe very life, of the nation is at stake. If it is our resolve to be anindependent nation, this is the time, for every year lost is to ourevident disadvantage.

Our duty –the duty of the Executive and Legislative branches of the government- is plain. Under the Independence Act and theConstitution, the Government of the Commonwealth has beenestablished to prepare the country for complete independence.Our people alone, by their own choice and direction, cancommand us to take a different course.Since the news of my proposal to have the transition periodshortened was published, voices in opposition to it have beenheard both in public and in private. Let me say in allearnestness to those Filipinos who believe in good faith that thesecurity, liberty, prosperity, and peace of our common countrylie in some kind of political partnership with the United Statesrather than in complete independence, that they should say sofrankly and come out courageously in the open with analternative plan, instead of merely adopting dilatory tactics inthe belief that when the fourth of July, 1946, shall havearrived, some unforeseen event will prevent the establishment of the Philippine Republic. They have nothing to fear: there is herefreedom of thought and of speech, and one may be as much apatriot advocating some other political status for the Philippinesas favoring complete independence so long as in advocating heis inspired not by selfish motives but by what he honestlybelieves is for the commonweal. As long as the essentials of freedom are not sacrificed –and they must not be sacrifiedunder any consideration- the formula for securing and enjoyingit may well be debated upon.It is true that from the point of view of a foreigner who does notintend to remain in the Philippines after independence shallhave been granted and who is contemplating to liquidate hisinterests in this country, the remaining seven years may,perhaps, give him the opportunity to withdraw his investments.But, is this a sufficient reason to postpone the grant of independence if, on the other hand, it would be to the best