The U.S. navy destroys the Spanish fleet in Manila Bay. Spain cedes the Philippines to the U.S. under the Treaty of Paris in December, Philippines rebel leader Emilio Aguinaldo declares the Philippines independent on June 12, which will be recognized in the future as the Philippines' Independence Day.
"Insurrection ends. Taft improves economic conditions, settles disputes over church ownership of land, establishes ""Pensionado""program, allowing Filipinos to study in U.S. , which helped modernize and westernize the country."
Filipino people approve constitution creating the Philippine Commonwealth with Manuel Quezon y Molina as the first president. The Philippines is promised full independence within 10 years.