Question & AnswerQ&A (PROCLAMATION NO. 11)
The treaty aimed to recognize the independence of the Republic of the Philippines as of July 4, 1946, and to relinquish American sovereignty over the Philippine Islands while maintaining close and harmonious relations between the two countries.
The United States agreed to withdraw and surrender all rights of possession, supervision, jurisdiction, control, or sovereignty over the Philippine Islands, except the use of certain bases and related rights as agreed for mutual protection.
The United States reserved the right to retain the use of such bases and necessary appurtenances that it may deem necessary for the mutual protection of the Philippines and the United States, by agreement with the Philippine government.
Diplomatic representatives of each country enjoy privileges and immunities derived from generally recognized international law and usage while in the territories of the other country.
Pending the full establishment of Philippine Foreign Service, the United States agreed to endeavor to represent Philippine interests in countries where the Philippines has no representation, subject to termination as deemed necessary by either country.
The Philippines agreed to assume all valid and subsisting debts and liabilities of the Philippine Islands as of the treaty's date, including the payment of interest and principal on bonds issued prior to May 1, 1934.
The U.S. Supreme Court would continue to review pending cases concerning the Philippine government and people for a period after independence until disposition of those cases, after which it would cease to have review rights over Philippine cases.
All claims of the U.S. government or nationals against the Philippine government and vice versa shall be promptly adjusted and settled. Property rights of citizens and corporations of both countries shall be acknowledged, respected, and safeguarded equally.
The Philippines agrees to assume all continuing obligations that the United States assumed under the Treaty of Paris of 1898 and the Treaty of Washington of 1900, whereby the Philippines were ceded to the United States and related arrangements.
The treaty entered into force upon the exchange of instruments of ratification, which were exchanged and deposited at Manila.
The protocol clarifies that the treaty recognizes Philippine independence and maintains close relations but does not regulate details of mutual defense, property rights, claims settlement, or the specific rights and duties of either government beyond the treaty's broad coverage.
The treaty was concurred by the Philippine Senate under Resolution No. 11 on August 9, 1946, then ratified by the President of the Philippines, followed by ratification by the United States government, and finally proclaimed by the Philippine President on October 22, 1946.
Manuel Roxas signed for the Philippines, and Paul V. McNutt signed for the United States.