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Japanese Occupation of The Philippines: Douglas Macarthur
Japanese Occupation of The Philippines: Douglas Macarthur
The Huks
The new constitution, which noticeably lacked a bill of rights contained 12 articles lifted from
the 1935 constitution that fitted the wishes of the Japanese. It was meant to be in effect
only temporarily, while the Philippines still in chaos. After the war, a new constitution would
again be drafted for the new Philippine Republic.
On September 20 1943, the KALIBAPI- under the leadership of its director general, Benigno
Aquino Sr. held a party convention to elect 54 members of the National Assembly. The
Assembly was actually made up of 108 members; but half of this number was composed of
incumbent governors and city mayors. Jose P. Laurel was elected as president of the second
republic (the first republic was Aguinldo's Malolos Republic) and both Benigno Aquino Sr. &
Ramon Avancena as a vice-presidents. The new republic was inaugurated on October 14
1943 on the front steps of the legislative building in Manila. The Philippine flag was hoisted
as the national anthem was played. Meanwhile, the Japanese started using propaganda to
gain the trust and confidence of Filipinos who refused to cooperate with them. They hung
giant posters and distribute their materials that contains such slogans as "the Philippines
belong to the Filipinos." they also used newspapers, movies, and others to publicize the
same idea. Promoting Japanese propaganda was one of the main objectives of
the KALIBAPI, but still Japanese failed to gain the trust of the Filipinos.
From Australia, Allied forces slowly advanced toward the Philippines, bombing several
Japanese strongholds until they regained control of areas previously occupied by the enemy.
The bombings began on September 21 1944, and barely a month later, on October 20,
1944, the Americans landed triumphantly in Leyte. Once a shore, General Douglas
MacArthur said; "I have Returned."
The Japanese in Manila would not give up easily. In fact, it took 3 weeks of intense fighting
before they finally surrendered on February 23. Gen. MacArthur continued to liberate other
parts of the country. And finally proclaim general freedom from the Japanese on July 4,
1945. Continue to Philippine Independence from the Americans.