🇵🇭 Today the Republic of #Philippines celebrates #IndependenceDay!

On June 12, the people of the Philippines cherish liberation of their nation from the hundreds-years-long Spanish colonial yoke.

On 23 August 1896, in Pugad Lawin (Manila area), Andrés Bonifacio, a representative of the new Filipino intelligentsia, urged an armed uprising against the Spanish colonizers. The successes of the rebels in the first weeks of the revolution caused uprisings and the rise of the liberation movement.

Despite the active use of mass terror by the Spanish, the colonizers were unable to deal with the rebellion. Desertion and subsequent defection to the rebel side among Filipino soldiers and officers became widespread.

On 12 June 1898, in Cavite, the temporary capital of the liberated territories, Philippine independence was proclaimed. However, in December, the independent state was sold by Spain to the United States, which for many years retained power over the territory of the archipelago.

Only in 1946 the Philippines were formally freed from the rule of Washington that proclaimed July 4 as the day to celebrate the independence of the Republic. Meanwhile, the US continued to keep the country de facto politically and economically dependent.

The national liberation movement intensification led to a gradual decline in American influence in the country, and on May 12, 1962, Philippine President Diosdado Macapagal issued an executive order which declared ‘natural and inalienable claim to freedom and independence’ and marked June 12 as a special national holiday. Since 1964 this date officially became the Philippines Independence Day.

In 1992, the Philippines joined the Non-Aligned Movement, reaffirming its rejection of imperialism, colonialism and neo-colonialism.

Diplomatic relations between Russia and the Philippines were established on June 2, 1976. This year marks 50th Anniversary of official ties. Half a century worth of experience of cooperation has shaped the friendly nature of bilateral ties, based on mutual respect and pragmatism.

We congratulate our Filipino colleagues and friends on the National Day!

🎉 Most sincere wishes of peace, prosperity and well-being!