The Japanese military authorities knew that they had failed to win the Filipino's symphaty. but until the end, they had really tried to "tame" the Filipinos and gain their trust. They knew that the filipinos were freedom loving and finally they conceded that Japan will grant the Philippines' independence as long as it will recognize Japan's program of establishing a Greater East Asia co-prosperity sphrere. The Filipino leaders, knew that the independence promise was empty but they could not laugh for it would mean execution. They created the Preparatory Commision for Philippine Independence. The delegates were chosen and 5 days later, Jose P. Laurel was elected president.

With Laurel as president, the Republic tried to solve the grave economic and social prolems. Peace and order was in shambles due to the guerilla units. The lack of food was also a problem. Robbery was also a common problem during his administration. Laurel appealed to the guerillas not to aggravate the already bad situation.

People may think that Pesident Laurel was just a "puppet" of the Japanese. But at least, in his own little way, he became a "symbol" of Philippine independence.

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