TYDINGS-MCDUFFIE ACT

(Philippine Independence Act of 1934)

Hare-Hawes-Cutting Act (1933):

● was the first U.S. legislative bill that aimed to grant the Philippines independence
after a 10-year transition period
● It was the result of the OsRox Mission led by Sergio Osmeña and Manuel Roxas
for the Philippine Independence in Washington, D.C., where they influenced the
passage of the Hare-Hawes-Cutting Act. Though it was proposed by Butler Hare
South Carolina (Representatives), Harry Hawes (Senator from Missouri) and
Bronson Cutting ( Senator from New Mexico).
● It had similar provisions to the Tydings-McDuffie Act, such as the 10-year
Commonwealth, allowing the drafting of a Philippine constitution, and setting
terms for U.S. military bases and trade relations but had slight differences.

Rejected by the president Herbert Hoover yet the congress passed the bill but before a
bill can be implemented it should be approved by the philippine senate.

Rejection by the Philippine Senate:

The Philippine Senate, led by Manuel L. Quezon, rejected the Hare-Hawes-Cutting

Act due to certain provisions that were seen as unfavorable.

● Retention of U.S. Military Bases:

○ Because it allowed the United States to maintain military bases in the
Philippines even after independence.
○ They were worried that the presence of U.S. military bases would
compromise the sovereignty of the Philippines and limit its control over its
own national defense and territory. He was also concerned that the
presence of U.S. military bases could make the Philippines a target in
international conflicts, potentially dragging the nation into wars.
● Trade and Economic Provisions:
○ These terms included certain quotas and taxes that could disadvantage the
Philippine economy after independence.
○ There was a fear that the economic clauses would tie the Philippines too closely
to U.S. trade policies and hinder its ability to develop an independent economic
strategy.
● Sovereignty and Control:
○ The act kay naa gihapoy significant U.S. influence over Philippine foreign
affairs even after independence.
○ Filipino leaders were concerned that this would make the country
dependent on the U.S. and restrict its ability to function as a fully
sovereign nation.
Outcome of the Rejection was a negotiation for Better Terms by the Filipino leaders with
the U.S. officials.

● These efforts led to the drafting and eventual acceptance of the Tydings-
McDuffie Act in 1934.

Tydings-mcduffie Act

● The act allowed the Philippines to form a Commonwealth government that

would operate for a 10-year transition period. to help the Philippines develop its
political institutions and governance structures before full independence.
● The U.S. government initially promised eventual independence through the
Jones Law of 1916, but this was delayed by global events, especially World War
I.
● The Philippines needed to follow some conditions like keeping allegiance to the
U.S., managing debt responsibly, ensuring public schools, and having U.S.
control over foreign affairs until independence.
● Independence would mean that the U.S. would eventually give up control over
the Philippines.

Key Political Figures:

● Manuel L. Quezon:
○ Quezon was instrumental in pushing for the Tydings-McDuffie Act and
was a key advocate for Philippine independence. The first President of the
Commonwealth of the Philippines (inaugurated in 1935), He focused on
reforms in areas like land distribution, the military, and education.
● Sergio Osmeña:
○ He served as Vice President under Quezon and was involved in legislative
efforts became the second President of the Commonwealth,
● Manuel Roxas:
○ He played a significant role in the legislative branch during the
Commonwealth and was part of drafting the 1935 Constitution.
○ He focused on economic policies and preparing the country for post-war
reconstruction. President of the independent Philippines in 1946
● Carlos P. Romulo:
○ Romulo was known as a statesman, journalist, and ambassador. He was
a strong advocate for Philippine independence on the world stage and
was actively involved in international organizations like the United Nations.

Section 1:
The law allowed Filipino leaders to hold an election to pick people who would create a
constitution. A constitution is a set of important rules for a government. This was the first
step for the Philippines to become its own country and new rules would help the
Philippines prepare to run its own government.

Section 2:

1. Republican Form and Bill of Rights: The constitution of the Philippine Islands
must be republican in form and include a bill of rights.
2. Allegiance to the United States: All citizens owe allegiance to the United States
until full sovereignty is withdrawn.
3. Oath of Office: Government officers must take an oath recognizing the authority
of the United States.
4. Religious Freedom: Everyone was allowed to follow any religion they wanted,
without interference.
5. No Tax on U.S. Property: Property owned by the United States and certain
religious, charitable, and educational properties are exempt from taxation.
6. Trade relations between the U.S. and the Philippines to be regulated with
specific duties on sugar and coconut oil.
7. Limits on Debt: The Philippines couldn’t borrow too much money, and it needed
U.S. permission to borrow from other countries.
8. Assumption of Existing Debts: The new government would take over any debt
owed by the old government.
9. Public Education: There had to be public schools for children, mostly taught in
English.
10. Legislative Acts Approval: Acts affecting currency, imports, exports, and
immigration must be approved by the U.S. President..
11. Foreign Affairs Control: The United States will directly supervise and control
foreign affairs of the Philippine Islands.
12. Report to U.S: The Philippines had to tell the U.S. Congress about any new
laws.
13. U.S. Military: The U.S. retains the right to expropriate property for public use and
maintain military presence in the Philippines.

Section 6:

The U.S. wanted to control the trade of some important Philippine products sugar,
coconut oil, abaca which allowed them to make sure the Philippine economy was stable
but still depended on trade with the U.S. And export taxes to be implemented gradually
over nine years.
Section 7

The provisions outlined in Section 7 establish the framework for the relationship
between the United States and the Commonwealth of the Philippine Islands, particularly
in terms of governance, oversight, and representation.

1. Any changes to the constitution must be submitted to the President of the

United States for approval.
2. The President of the United States has the authority to suspend any law, contract,
or executive order if it threatens the government's ability to meet financial
obligations or violates U.S. international obligations.
3. The Chief Executive of the Commonwealth must submit an annual report to the
U.S. President and Congress
4. A U.S. High Commissioner, appointed by the President, serves as the
representative of the U.S. in the Philippines. The Commissioner has access to all
government records and must report any financial failures to the President.

Section 8:

1. Acceptance of the Act: The provisions of this Act become effective upon
acceptance by the Philippine Legislature.
2. Citizens of the Philippine Islands who are not U.S. citizens will be treated as
aliens. The Philippines will be considered a separate country with an annual
immigration quota of fifty individuals.

Section 10:

The law set the date for Philippine independence on July 4 and This meant the
Philippines would become a completely free country on that date.

The US will withdraw including all military and other reservations of the Government of
the United States (except naval reservations and fueling stations but there will be
negotiations with the Government of the Philippines, two years after for the adjustment
and settlement of all questions relating to naval reservations and fueling stations.

Section 13

1. Once the Philippines becomes a free and independent nation, all articles
imported into the United States will be subject to the same duty rates or taxed.
2. a conference will be convened a year before the proclamation involving
representatives from both the U.S. government and the Commonwealth of the
Philippine Islands. Its goal is to formulate recommendations regarding future
trade relations.
3. The proviso does not alter any other provisions of the Act regarding the process
leading to Philippine independence.
SECTION 14

1. Upon the complete withdrawal of American sovereignty over the Philippine

Islands, U.S. immigration laws will be applied to individuals born in the
Philippines.

ANALYSIS

The Tydings-McDuffie Act reflects the complex historical context of early 20th-century
American imperialism and the rising tide of Philippine nationalism. After the U.S.
acquired the Philippines from Spain, there were calls for independence among Filipinos,
but these demands were initially suppressed, especially during World War I. By the
1930s, U.S. sentiment began to shift toward granting independence, in part due to
economic factors and changing views on colonialism.

The Act also demonstrates the U.S.'s strategic interests where they retained a degree of
control over the Philippines, especially concerning military and economic matters, while
moving toward granting independence. This step reflected both a response to Filipino
aspirations for sovereignty and U.S. intentions to maintain influence in the Pacific
region, even as they prepared to relinquish colonial rule.

This Act was a pivotal or crucial moment in Filipino-American relations, marking the
beginning of the end of U.S. sovereignty over the Philippines while setting up significant
economic and military arrangements to protect American interests.