Japanese Occupation of the Philippines

• The Japanese occupation sought to unify East Asian nations for economic and religious purposes.
• They aimed to exploit natural resources.
• They sought to construct buildings.
• They needed to acquire territories to accommodate their growing population.

Timeline

• December 8, 1941: Japan attacked the Philippines hours after the Pearl Harbor attack.
• December 10, 1941: Japan attacked Clark Field, a US Air Force base in Pampanga.
• December 22, 1941: Japan attacked Manila.
• January 2, 1942: Japan occupied Manila.
• April 9, 1942: Filipino-American troops surrendered in Bataan.
• May 6, 1942: Filipino-American troops surrendered in Corregidor.
• October 14, 1943: The Republic of the Philippines was established under Japanese supervision.
• July 4, 1944: Filipino-American troops attacked Leyte.
• December 15, 1944: Filipino-American troops attacked Mindoro.
• January 9, 1945: Filipino-American troops attacked Luzon.
• February 3, 1945: Filipino-American troops attacked Manila.
• July 4, 1945: The Philippines was officially liberated.
• August 15, 1945: Japan surrendered, marking the end of World War II.

Government System and Structure Under Japanese Occupation

• The Central Administrative Program was under Japanese control.
• The Komisyong Tagapagpaganap enforced laws, programs, and policies.
• Jorge B. Vargas was in charge of the Komisyong Tagapagpaganap.
• The government agencies were run by Japanese Advisors "Puppet Leaders" to include:
  • Jose P. Laurel: Justice
  • Claro M. Recto: Education, Health, and Public Welfare
  • Antonio Delas Alas: Finance
  • Benigno S. Aquino Sr.: Interior
  • Rafael Alunan Sr.: Agriculture & Commerce
  • Quintin Paredes: Public Works & Communications

Second Republic of the Philippines

• Jose P. Laurel was the puppet president.
• Benigno Aquino Sr. and Ramon Avancena were vice presidents.
• The promise of freedom was fake.
• KALIBAPI was established.
• The PCPI (Preparatory Commission for Philippine Independence) was created.
• On September 4, 1943, the 1943 Constitution was established.
  • It was written in English and Filipino.
  • Had 3 branches of government: Executive, Legislative, Judiciary
  • Emphasized the authority of the Japan over the rights of Filipinos.
• "Kolaboraytor" Filipinos who supported the Japanese.
• "Makapili" were considered traitors who taught Filipinos who were suspected of fighting against the Japan

The Economy

• War Economy/ Wartime Economics
• Extreme poverty and hunger.
• Main products were in short supply.
• Production was low due to damage to agricultural land.
• The Japanese controlled major businesses.
• Factories were destroyed.
• Filipinos lost jobs and livelihood
• Mickey Mouse money was used (low value).
• Economy of Survival led to "Buy & Sell" and the selling of fake products become widespread.

JP Laurel Program

• Plant on desolate land.
• Establish cooperatives.
• NADISCO (National Distribution Corporation) was created to manage the distribution of essential goods.
• The "Bigasang Bayan" was established.
• Filipinos were encouraged to be patient and hardworking.

Fight for Freedom

• The guerilla group became warriors.
• They launched quick strikes, and swift retreats.
• They attacked vulnerable groups.
• Had support from citizens and stayed in the mountains
• Infrastructures were destroyed.

Problems

• Poverty
• Many starved
• Joblessness
• Shortage of basic needs
• Many abuses

Liberation

• Gen. Douglas MacArthur returned to the Philippines
• Manuel Quezon died of tuberculosis
• Sergio Osmena became President of the Commonwealth Government
• October 30, 1944 – MacArthur returned to the country.
• September 2, 1945 – Yamashita surrendered.
• July 4, 1946 (Philippine-American Friendship Day) – The US gave, based on the Tydings-McDuffie Law, the country its complete freedom.