Independence/freedom from what?

Strictly and historically, Independence Day means the end of the domination of a foreign or external power/country. Colonialism following the conquest of a state by another state meant the control of the government and the people of that country by becoming a colony of the conqueror. The end of the foreign rule by peaceful and/or violent transition is what is celebrated as Independence Day by the nations freed from domination. In the broader and individual sense, independence means free or not being influenced or controlled by others. Freedom is the vital component of independence, and this is what Filipinos should be celebrating every June 12 or July 4 every year.

Given the above definition, the significant Independence Day of the Philippines as a country is July 4, as we were still predominantly dominated by the US from 1898 to 1946 and our government and laws were 80% dependent on the benevolent US government. June 12, is a symbolic declaration of independence due to the declaration of independence by the revolutionary forces at that time. The July 4, 1946 event is more relevant as it was the end of the self-governing commonwealth and the Philippines became a republic, becoming more independent although still highly influenced by the American government.

In the current state of the world with years of economic and political progress, no country can truly claim to be totally independent. Globalization of trade and commerce have made it necessary for countries to depend on each other for raw materials, goods, services, and technical capabilities. The scientific advances especially on IT technologies, are increasing connectivity and inter-dependence, that isolationism and strict self-reliance have become counter-productive to national growth and progress. There is no more “Iron Curtain” of Russia or the “Bamboo Curtain” of China. While the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and the new cold war have moved for de-globalization or de-linking of some economic ties, it will most likely result in the re-aligning the supply chain and/or reduce over-dependence on some countries for materials and supplies. Economic inter-dependence is the new reality and cold war or hot war will not derail the movement and direction.

Political independence of nations is another story as existing powers are protective of their ideologies and continuing stay in power. Hegemony is out but authoritarianism is still in play. While autocratic governments have conceded that economic liberalization is the only way to economic growth/progress, and have allowed free enterprise, they are wary of losing political control. So, totalitarian repression and control of social, political, and human rights are heavily enforced. It is difficult to predict how this will play out eventually, but migration patterns and trends shows people moving from authoritarian countries to democratic countries, and increasing information flows within and towards other countries are fuel for political independence. Even within the countries, political independence of the people is also an issue, with the heavy hand of government on the lives of the people with the domineering/bullying tactics of the government on political institutions and the people, like the lack of independence or balls of the congressmen and senators in the Philippines.

A few weeks ago, a Chinese comedian made a joke that angered the Chinese government. The TV network was fined $3 million, the comedian was banned, his social media totally erased, and he was arrested. An American commented in social media that in the US, he can criticize Biden anytime and anywhere and nothing will happen to him. A Chinese retorted: “In China anyone can also criticize Biden anywhere/anytime and nothing will also happen to them.”