Preparatory Committee for Philippine Independence

Template:Sidebar with collapsible lists The Preparatory Committee for Philippine Independence (PCPI) was the drafting body of the 1943 Philippine Constitution during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines during World War II. The constitution was signed and unanimously approved on September 4, 1943, by its members and was then ratified by a popular convention of the KALIBAPI in Manila on September 7, 1943.

Background

In mid-1942, Japanese Premier Hideki Tōjō had promised the Filipinos "the honor of independence" which meant that the committee would be supplanted by a formal republic. The PCPI was welcomed by some, especially by Filipino nationalists who had long-awaited of a "Genuine Asiatic independence".

The PCPI was composed, in large part, of members of the prewar Philippine National Assembly and of individuals with experience as delegates to the convention that had drafted the 1935 Philippine Constitution. The 1943 draft constitution was limited in duration; provided for indirect election of the legislature; and a stronger executive branch.

Leadership

Presidents

• José P. Laurel

Vice Presidents

• Benigno Aquino, Sr.
• Ramon Avanceña

Other members

• Jorge B. Vargas
• Antonio de las Alas
• Emilio Aguinaldo
• Claro M. Recto
• Quintin Paredes
• José Yulo
• Vicente Madrigal
• Manuel Roxas
• Alauya Alonto
• Emiliano Tria Tirona
• Melecio Arranz
• Camilo Osías
• Rafael Alunan
• Pedro Sabido
• Teofilo Sison
• Manuel C. Briones
• Melecio Arranz

Drafting

1943 Constitution
Drafting	July 9 to September 4, 1943
Approval and Signing	September 4, 1943
Ratification	September 7, 1943

Further reading

• Philippine House of Representatives Congressional Library