Independence Day is one of the most important dates in Philippine history, as this signifies the nation’s independence from Spanish rule on June 12, 1898.
Tuesday 12th of June 2012, Google gave tribute to the Philippines on its 114th Independence Day by showcasing a doodle using the colors of the Philippine flag, incorporating the iconic sun of the flag in the second “O” of “Google”.
Spain surrendered the Philippines to the United States after the 1898 Treaty of Paris. The Philippines then started a revolt against the US in 1899 and gained sovereignty as a nation on July 4, 1946, through the Treaty of Manila. Independence Day used to be observed on July 4 until the Republic Act No. 4166, which moved the holiday to June 12.
It’s an annual celebration marked by police and military parades, followed by the President’s speech and a 21-gun salute. June 12 is always declared a regular holiday, so that Filipinos can join in on the celebration and remember the valor of their forefathers who fought for independence from foreign rule.
