The Commonwealth of the Philippines holds a plebiscite for Filipino women on whether they should be extended the right to suffrage; over 90% would vote in the affirmative.

The Commonwealth of the Philippines: A Pivotal Transition to Independence

The Commonwealth of the Philippines, known historically as Commonwealth de Filipinas or Mancomunidad de Filipinas in Spanish, and Kómonwélt ng Pilipinas or Malisariling Pámahalaán ng Pilipinas in Tagalog, represented a crucial administrative and political entity that governed the archipelago from 1935 to 1946. This period, however, was notably interrupted by the dark years of the Second World War, specifically from 1942 to 1945, when Japan occupied the country, forcing the Commonwealth government into exile.

Its establishment marked a significant step in the Philippines' journey toward full nationhood, succeeding the Insular Government which had functioned as a direct United States territorial administration. The Commonwealth was explicitly designed as a transitional phase, preparing the Filipino people and their institutions for the complete achievement of independence. While it granted the Philippines substantial autonomy in domestic affairs, its foreign relations remained firmly under the purview of the United States, underscoring its semi-sovereign status.

Governing Under the Commonwealth: Structure and Key Developments

During its more than a decade of existence, the Commonwealth government was characterized by a robust executive branch, often symbolized by the leadership of figures like President Manuel L. Quezon, who played a central role in shaping the new nation. A Supreme Court was also established, laying the groundwork for an independent judiciary. The legislative body, which saw the dominant influence of the Nacionalista Party, initially operated as a unicameral assembly but later transitioned to a bicameral structure, reflecting evolving governmental needs.

Amidst the challenges and aspirations of the era, the Commonwealth government made several landmark decisions that continue to resonate today. In 1937, a significant cultural and political move was made with the selection of Tagalog – the language prevalent in Manila and its surrounding provinces – as the basis for the national language. This was a foundational step toward linguistic unity, though it would naturally take many years for its widespread adoption across the diverse archipelago. Economically, the country demonstrated remarkable resilience, with its economy recovering to pre-Great Depression levels before the devastating Japanese occupation began in 1942. Perhaps one of the most profound social transformations of this period was the adoption of women's suffrage, a testament to the growing demand for gender equality and political participation.

The End of an Era: The Birth of a Republic

The Commonwealth's tenure formally concluded in 1946. With the conclusion of World War II and the subsequent liberation from Japanese occupation, the Philippines was finally able to claim its full sovereignty, as meticulously provided for in Article XVIII of the 1935 Constitution. This momentous event marked the official birth of the Third Philippine Republic, fulfilling decades of aspiration and struggle for an independent Filipino nation.

A Pivotal Moment: The Fight for Women's Suffrage in the Philippines

The campaign for women's right to vote in the Philippines was a long and arduous journey, with organized movements beginning as early as 1910. These persistent efforts culminated in a crucial plebiscite announced by the National Assembly in 1937, which would ultimately determine whether women would gain this fundamental right. Filipino women tirelessly mobilized and advocated for their suffrage rights throughout the early 1900s, demonstrating remarkable dedication and strategic organizing.

The 1935 Constitution itself played a pivotal role in this process. While it established the new government, it also included a specific provision: women would be granted the right to vote if, in a special plebiscite, at least 300,000 women affirmed their desire for suffrage. This constitutional mechanism set the stage for the historic vote.

The 1937 Plebiscite: A Resounding Victory for Filipino Women

On April 30, 1937, Filipino women finally had their say in a special plebiscite. The arguments against women gaining the right to vote were rooted in traditional societal norms, often claiming that it would disrupt family unity or diminish the authority of the husband or the man of the house. However, these views were overwhelmingly rejected by the electorate. The results were a resounding victory for gender equality, with an astounding 447,725 out of approximately 500,000 votes cast affirming women's right to vote. This meant that over 90 percent of voters were in favor of the measure, a clear mandate that fundamentally reshaped the political landscape of the Philippines.

Before the Vote: Women's Legal Standing

Prior to the historic suffrage plebiscite, and even before the ratification of the 1935 Constitution, the legal status of women in the Philippines was significantly limited. During that era, women generally possessed very few legal rights. Even with explicit consent from their husbands, they often found it challenging to secure legal recognition for various matters. A notable improvement in women's legal standing occurred thanks to Governor General Dwight F. Davis, who made it legal for women to possess certain legal rights regarding the disposition of property. This vital change allowed women to own personal items within their marriage, granting them a degree of financial autonomy that had been previously unavailable. This earlier development, while distinct from suffrage, set a precedent for expanding women's legal capabilities and paved the way for their eventual full political participation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When did the Commonwealth of the Philippines exist?
The Commonwealth of the Philippines existed from 1935 to 1946, though its operations were interrupted by the Japanese occupation during World War II (1942-1945), when its government operated in exile.
What was the main purpose of the Commonwealth government?
The Commonwealth was established as a transitional administration to prepare the Philippines for full independence, granting significant self-governance in domestic affairs while the United States retained control over foreign policy.
What was the Tydings–McDuffie Act?
The Tydings–McDuffie Act was a United States federal law that provided for the establishment of the Commonwealth of the Philippines and mandated a ten-year transition period leading to full Philippine independence.
When did women gain the right to vote in the Philippines?
Women gained the right to vote in the Philippines after a special plebiscite held on April 30, 1937, where over 90% of voters affirmed their support for women's suffrage.
Why was a plebiscite necessary for women's suffrage?
The 1935 Constitution of the Philippines included a provision stating that women would be granted the right to vote if, in a special plebiscite, at least 300,000 women voted in favor of suffrage. This constitutional requirement led to the 1937 vote.
What were some of the key achievements of the Commonwealth government?
Key achievements included establishing a strong executive and Supreme Court, selecting Tagalog as the basis for the national language, economic recovery to pre-Depression levels, and the adoption of women's suffrage.
What was the significance of the 1935 Constitution for women's rights?
Beyond establishing the Commonwealth government, the 1935 Constitution was notable for its brevity (only 17 articles) and for including the specific provision that enabled women to gain suffrage through a plebiscite, which was a progressive move for its time.