War in Intramuros
A new colonial power has risen, making Intramuros a relic of the past. Government and educational institutions moved out of the walled city as the Americans created a new master plan for Manila. The Second World War halted further development, leaving Intramuros and its environs in ruins.
1912
29 December
The remains of Jose Rizal are exhumed at Paco Cemetery for internment at the monument in Luneta.
1913
30 December
The Rizal Monument at the Luneta is unveiled.
1916
29 August
The ratification of the Jones Law leads to the establishment of an all-Filipino Senate and House of Representatives.
16 October
Manuel Quezon is elected as Senate President while Sergio Osmeña becomes Speaker of the House of Representatives.
1919
23 February
The first Philippine independence mission to the US is formed headed by Manuel Quezon.
1921
16 February
Republic Act No. 2946 declares 30 November of every year as Bonifacio Day to honor the Katipunan’s Supremo Andres Bonifacio.
1929
12 December
The first National Eucharistic Congress is held in Manila
1934
1 May
The Philippine legislature accepts the Tydings-McDuffie Law. The law grants independence to the Philippines after a ten-year transition period and formulation of a constitution
1935
14 May
The new Constitution is approved by a majority of Filipinos in a plebiscite.
17 September
Manuel Quezon wins in the presidential elections for the Commonwealth government with Sergio Osmeña as his vice president.
15 November
Quezon and Osmeña are sworn in as president and vice president of the newly inaugurated Commonwealth government.
1941
10 November
President Quezon and Vice President Osmeña are re-elected for a second term under the Commonwealth government.
8 December
Japanese launch aerial attacks on Manila after bombing the US naval base in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
24 December
President Quezon and his Cabinet abandon Manila and escape to Corregidor.
26 December
General Douglas MacArthur declares Manila an Open City to preclude its wanton destruction.
1942
2 January
Japanese imperial forces enter Manila without any resistance.
1943
5 May
Japanese Prime Minister Hideki Tojo arrives in Manila to offer independence to Filipinos.
25 September
The Japanese-sponsored National Assembly elects Jose P. Laurel as President of the Philippine Republic.
1945
February
USAFFE forces enter Manila to liberate it from Japanese occupation. The intense fighting results in thousands of civilian casualties. Intramuros, particularly, is heavily damaged and reduced to rubble due to relentless artillery fire and bombing.
