Figure 1.--Most Filipinos remained loyal to the Americans. The Japabese could not even convince the pupper Republic they set up to declare war on the United States. Thus Filipinos were not drafted to fight with the Japanese. Small numbers, however, did join the Japanese Army. Here are some recruits in Manila. It seems a rather small group.

The Japanese immediately installed a puppet regime. Under the Americans there were elections abd the Philippines had basically achieved home rule. This was all swept away as the Japsnese ppointed compliant politicians. The Japanese promissed independence, but electiond were mot to be part of the system--only Japanese appointments. Many Filipino politicians participated and cooperated with the Japanese believing that the Americans had been decisively defeated. The Japanese banned all political parties except the Kapisanan ng Paglilingkod sa Bagong Pilipinas (Association for Service to the New Philippines, KALIBAPI). It was basiclly Fascist political party. It was the sole party of state during the Japanese occupation. The Japanese chose Supreme Court Justice Jose P. Laurel to become the president of the Japanese-sponsored Republic. He had been wounded in an assasination attempt. The Jaspanese appointed National Assembly elected Laurel the new president (September 25, 1943). Benigno Aquino Sr. the father of Ninoy and the head of the Kalibapi, was elected Speaker. Jorge Vrgas was the third major Filipino collasborator. Vargas was appointed by President Manuel L. Quezon as his Executive Secretary, the first indivudul to serve in that capacity. Department of National Defense when the Japanese invaded (December 1941) designated Vargas as their secretary. As the Americn led defense began to collapse, President Manuel Quezon as the mayor of the City of Greater Manila. He thus had the responsibity of creaating an open city the Japanese reacged Manila (January 2, 1942). The Japanese apprently saw him as aperson they could work with. They appointed Vargas chairman of their Philippine Executive Commission. The motivation of the men associated with the Japanese is unclear. Laurel seemed to believe that it was in the best interest of the Filipino people to cooperate with the occupying power. We are less sure about Aquino and Vargas. It should have been clear by 1943 that the war was no going well for the Japanese. They may have felt that had committed to the Japanese in 1942 and it was now too late to turn back. The Japanese flew the three most prominent Fhilipino leaders (Laurel, Aquino, and Jorge Vargas) to Tokyo. They were decorated by Emperor Hirohito. Premier Hideki Tojo briefed them on the plan for Philippine Independence within the Japanese Co-Propsperity Zone. Premier Tojo demanded that the Philippine Government declare war on the United States and Great Britain. Dr. Laurel with considerable courage refused to comply and explained to Tojo that few Filipinos would support this and that it would weaken his government. the Japanese-sponsored Republic was installed (October 14, 1943). It is often seen as a puppet government. There were, however, instances in which Laurel stood up to the Japanese. He insisted the Japanese remove soldiers and advisers from Malacanang.He also demanded custody of Manuel Roxas, the popular Filipino leader. The Americans landed on Leyte (October 1944). Gwneral MaacArthur proclaimed that he understood the Philipino government officials were operating under duress (October 23, 1944). The Japanese began arming pro-Japanese elements among Filipinos, led by Benigno Ramos, Pio Duran and General Artemio Ricarte (December 1944). President Laurel refused to draft Filipino soldiers to fight with the Japanese. Ramos organized the Makapili (Makabayang Pilipino) to take over the Government and sideline or dispense President Laurel. He thought he could rally young Filipinos to the Japanese. Laurel defied both General Yamashita and Ramos. American troops landed at Lingayen Gulf and began the drive south to Manila (January 1945). In town after town they were jououdly received bybthe Filipino people. The U.S. First Cavalry backed by Filipino guerrillas reached the UST (February 3). They freed 4,000 Americans and detainees. Later that night they reached Malacanang Palace. The Japanese flew Laurelvand some of his family to Tokyo. After the Japanese surender (Augusy 1945) the Americans arrested Laurel and returned him to Manila. He was charged with treason. Manuel A. Roxas, who has been saved by Laurel was eklected president of the Philippines (April 23, 1946). Laurel pleased not guilty to the treason charges (September 2, 1946). He told the court, "I am neither pro-Japanese nor pro-American, I am pro-Filipino... There is no law that can condemn me for having placed the welfare of my people over and above that of America." Laurel's trial was scheduled for July 1947.

Sources

Created: 6:57 AM 10/31/2005
Last updated: 12:58 AM 7/10/2021