How USA Exploited Philippines’ Wish for Independence

July 4, 1946: During the inauguration of the Third Republic, President Manuel Roxas shakes the hand of General Field Marshal Douglas MacArthur of the United States, then the Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers (SCAP)

The PH archipelago became an autonomous commonwealth in 1935, and USA granted independence on its terms in 1946 after shared struggle and sacrifice during World War II. As much as we jacked the good people of Philippines around, they have remained true and reliable allies in a part of the world most Americans do not understand.