Philippine Organic Act (1902)
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The Philippine Organic Act, popularly known as the Philippine Bill of 1902, was the first organic law for the Philippine Islands enacted by the United States Congress. It provided for the creation of the Philippine Assembly after the completion of the following conditions: (1) the cessation of the existing insurrection in the Philippine Islands; (2) completion and publication of a census; and (3) two years of continued peace and recognition of the authority of the United States of America after the publication of the census. After the convening of the Assembly, legislative power shall then be vested in a bicameral legislature composed of the Philippine Commission (upper house) and the Philippine Assembly (lower house).
Among its key provisions include:
- a bill of rights for the Filipinos, and
- the appointment of two Filipino resident commissioners to represent the Philippines in the United States Congress but without voting rights.
It was enacted into law on July 1, 1902 and superseded by the Philippine Autonomy Act, enacted on August 29, 1916. It is sometimes referred to as the Cooper Act after Henry A. Cooper, its author, or the Philippine Bill of 1902,
[edit] External links
- An Act Temporarily to provide for the administration of the affairs of civil government in the Philippine Islands, and for other purposes. (Philippine Bill of 1902), Corpus Juris online Philippine law library, <http://corpusjuris.santosestrella.com/laws/constitutions/others/9-others/71-philippine-bill-of-1902.html>. Retrieved on 7 January 2008
- Vicente Albano Pacis (December 27, 1952), Rizal in the American Congress, <http://philippinesfreepress.wordpress.com/2005/12/28/rizal-in-the-american-congress-december-27-1952/>. Retrieved on 2007-01-06 — A 1926 interview with Congressman Henry A. Cooper.
