Philippines Independence Day – June 12, 2026

Expected Philippines Independence Day Deals

For Philippines Independence Day, expect a focus on cultural appreciation rather than commercial deals. Filipino-owned businesses, particularly restaurants and specialty grocers, may offer special menus or discounts on traditional goods. Community organizations often host cultural festivals, parades, and educational events to commemorate the day. Look for airlines like Philippine Airlines to offer special fares for travel to the Philippines, or for remittance services to waive fees. We will update this page with confirmed live cultural events and special offerings as June approaches.

History of Philippines Independence Day

For over 300 years, the Philippines was a Spanish colony, and is named after King Philip II of Spain. In 1521, Ferdinand Magellan landed on the Philippines islands and claimed it for Spain. Magellan wanted all the local chiefs to submit to the Spanish rule but one of them named Lapu Lapu refused. An attempt was made by Magellan to crush Lapu Lapu, but he failed and was killed.

When Miguel Lopez de Legazpi led an expedition in 1565, the Spaniards finally gained a foothold in the Philippines. They built the city of Intramuros in 1571, which was later renamed Manila, and became the capital of the land. Eventually, Spanish rule took over, and a feudal system was established— with large estates owned by the Spanish, and Filipinos as the workers. The Spanish years brought prosperity to the Philippines, and their rule remained uneventful. This changed when the British captured Manila in 1762. Under the terms of the Treaty of Paris signed in 1763, the city was handed back in 1764.

The 19th Century

Feelings of nationalism started to stir in the 19th Century. This rebellion grew with the help of Jose Rizal, an author who wrote two novels “El Filibusterismo” (The Filibusterer), and “Noli Me Tangere” (Touch me Not). These books caused a sensation and nationalism spread like wildfire throughout the Philippines. In 1892, Jose Rizal founded a movement called Liga Filipina, which called for reform rather than revolution. As a result Rizal was arrested and exiled to Dapitan on Mindanao.

Parallel to this, a more extreme organisation was formed by Andres Bonifacio, called the Katipunan. A revolution started in August 1896, and Jose Rizal was executed on December 30, 1896 under the pretense of supporting the revolution, even though he did not. Yet his execution merely inflamed Filipino opinion and the revolution grew.

Next started the war between Spain and the U.S. in 1898. The Spanish fleet was defeated by the Americans in Manila Bay on April 30, 1898. Seizing the opportunity, Filipino revolutionaries surrounded Manila, and their leader Emilio Aguinaldo declared the Philippines as independent on June 12. However, American rule took over when Aguinaldo was captured in 1902.

The 20th Century

Under the leadership of Americans, the Philippines was made a commonwealth, and semi-independent in 1935. Literacy rate also increased as many American teachers were sent to the Philippines. The USA promised that the Philippines would become completely independent in 1945.

On December 10, 1941, Japan invaded the Philippines, and captured Manila. All of the Philippines was now in the hands of the Japanese. In October, 1944, American troops returned to the Philippines and recaptured Manila. The Philippines became independent on 4 July 1946. Manuel Roxas was the first president of the newly independent nation.