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The Commonwealth was envisioned under the Philippine Independence Act, popularly known as the <a href="https://kahimyang.com/articles/2966/the-tydings-mcduffie-act-a-path-to-philippine-independence-was-enacted-on-march-24-1934" class="news_link">Tydings-McDuffie Act</a>, as a 10-year transitional government in preparation for full Philippine independence.
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<a href="https://cdn.kahimyang.com/resources/quezon_inauguration_1935.webp" rel="lightbox" >
<img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn.kahimyang.com/resources/quezon_inauguration_1935.webp"  ui-corner-all" alt="Inauguration of Manuel L. Quezon" />
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(Thousands cheer as President Manuel Quezon is inaugurated before the Legislative Building on November 15, 1935)
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The establishment of the Commonwealth Government for the Filipino people was a realization of their efforts to govern themselves and chart their own destiny as a people. For the first time in Philippine history, a Filipino occupied <a href="https://kahimyang.com/kauswagan/articles/2851/history-of-malaca-ang-palace-the-official-residence-and-principal-workplace-of-the-president-of-the-philippines" class="news_link">Malacañang</a>, the seat of power in the country.
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<a href="https://cdn.kahimyang.com/resources/quezon_taking_the_oath_of_office_1935.webp" rel="lightbox">
<img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn.kahimyang.com/resources/quezon_taking_the_oath_of_office_1935.webp"  ui-corner-all" alt="Manuel L. Quezon taking oath of office in 1935" />
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(Manuel L. Quezon taking oath of office in 1935)
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Quezon, who overwhelmingly won over his two rivals, General Emilio Aguinaldo and Bishop Gregorio Aglipay, had a sobering admonition to his people. He said:
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"... we have taken one more step forward in our onward march to the realization of our national ideal ... In this solemn moment, let there be no exultation of victory. Let it be the moment of consecration."
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The Commonwealth, which had its own Constitution, featured a very strong executive, a unicameral National Assembly and a Supreme Court, composed entirely of Filipinos for the first time since 1901, although foreign policy and military affairs would be under the responsibility of the United States, and certain legislation required the approval of the American president.
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The United States recognized Philippine independence on July 4, 1946, as scheduled.
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<b>Source</b>:  Philippine News Agency archives<br/>
Photo credit:  Philippine President Museum and Library
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Today in Filipino History, November 15, 1935, the Commonwealth of the Philippines was inaugurated