Establishment of the Commonwealth of the Philippines, November 14, 1935

Case Overview and Summary

Summary of Proclamation 2148 - Establishment of the Commonwealth of the Philippines

Establishment of the Commonwealth of the Philippines
- Pursuant to the Act of Congress "An Act to provide for the complete independence of the Philippine Islands, to provide for the adoption of a constitution and a form of government for the Philippine Islands, and for other purposes," approved on March 24, 1934.
- In accordance with the Constitution of the Commonwealth of the Philippines adopted and ratified by the people of the Philippine Islands.

Election of Officers of the Commonwealth Government
- An election was held in the Philippine Islands on September 17, 1935, to elect officers of the Government of the Commonwealth of the Philippines.
- The Governor General of the Philippine Islands certified the results of the election to the President of the United States.

Announcement and Proclamation of Elected Officers
- President Franklin D. Roosevelt, as President of the United States, announces and proclaims the officers duly elected:
• President: Manuel L. Quezon of Baler, Tayabas
• Vice-President: Sergio Osmena of Cebu, Cebu
• Members of the National Assembly: [Names of members listed]

Effective Date and Promulgation
- This Proclamation shall be effective upon its promulgation at Manila, Philippine Islands, on November 15, 1935, by the Secretary of War of the United States, designated as the President's representative for this purpose.

Termination of Existing Philippine Government and Establishment of Commonwealth Government
- Upon the promulgation of this Proclamation, the existing Philippine Government shall terminate, and the Government of the Commonwealth of the Philippines shall enter upon its rights, privileges, powers, and duties as provided under the Constitution of the Commonwealth of the Philippines.

Messages from the President
- The President sent congratulatory messages to Manuel L. Quezon, President of the Commonwealth of the Philippines, and to the Filipino people on the birth of the Commonwealth of the Philippines.
- The President expressed gratitude and appreciation to the Honorable Frank Murphy, United States High Commissioner to the Government of the Commonwealth of the Philippines, for his service as Governor General of the Philippine Islands.