Postcolonial period (1946–present)

Main articles: Demographics of the Philippines, History of the Philippines (1946–65), History of
the Philippines (1965–86), and History of the Philippines (1986–present)

Proclamation of Philippine independence from the United States (1946)

On July 4, 1946, the Philippines was officially recognized by the United States as an
independent nation through the Treaty of Manila, during the presidency of Manuel Roxas.[6]

Efforts to end the Hukbalahap Rebellion began during Elpidio Quirino's term,[110] however, it
was only during Ramon Magsaysay's presidency was the movement decimated.[111]
Magsaysay's successor, Carlos P. Garcia, initiated the Filipino First Policy,[112] which was
continued by Diosdado Macapagal, with celebration of Independence Day moved from July 4 to
June 12, the date of Emilio Aguinaldo's declaration,[113][114] and pursuit of a claim on the
eastern part of North Borneo.[115][116]

In 1965, Macapagal lost the presidential election to Ferdinand Marcos. Early in his presidency,
Marcos initiated numerous infrastructure projects but, together with his wife Imelda, was
accused of massive corruption and embezzling billions of dollars in public funds.[117] Nearing
the end of his term, Marcos declared martial law on September 21, 1972.[118] This period of his
rule was characterized by political repression, censorship, and human rights violations.[119]

On August 21, 1983, Marcos' chief rival, opposition leader Benigno Aquino Jr., was
assassinated on the tarmac at Manila International Airport. Marcos eventually called snap
presidential elections in 1986.[120] Marcos was proclaimed the winner, but the results were
widely regarded as fraudulent.[121] The resulting protests led to the People Power
Revolution,[122] which forced Marcos and his allies to flee to Hawaii and Aquino's widow,
Corazon Aquino, was installed as president.[120][123]