The Philippine Declaration of Independence (Filipino: Pagpapahayag ng Kasarinlan ng Pilipinas; Spanish: Declaración de Independencia de Filipinas)[a] was proclaimed by Filipino revolutionary forces general Emilio Aguinaldo on June 12, 1898, in Cavite el Viejo (present-day Kawit, Cavite), Philippines.

In April 1898, shortly after the beginning of the Spanish–American War, Commodore George Dewey, aboard the USS Olympia, sailed into Manila Bay, leading the Asiatic Squadron of the U.S. Navy.

[8][9] The proclamation of Philippine independence was only promulgated on August 1, when many towns had already been organized under the rules laid down by the Dictatorial Government of General Aguinaldo.

Emilio Aguinaldo was captured by U.S. forces on March 23, 1901,[12][failed verification][dead link‍] and issued a statement acknowledging and accepting the sovereignty of the United States over the Philippines.

[13][failed verification][dead link‍] On July 2, 1902, U.S. Secretary of War Elihu Root telegraphed that the Filipino insurrection had come to an end, and provincial civil governments had been established everywhere except those areas inhabited by Moro tribes.

[15] July 4 was observed in the Philippines as Independence Day until August 4, 1964, when, upon the advice of historians and the urging of nationalists, President Diosdado Macapagal signed into law Republic Act No.

It confers upon "our famous Dictator Don Emilio Aguinaldo all the powers necessary to enable him to discharge the duties of Government, including the prerogatives of granting pardon and amnesty.