Chapter 13: Freedom and Independence (1898-1899)

General Emilio Aguinaldo faced a difficult task of uniting the educated and rich with the majority
who were poor and uneducated under a form of government worthy of international respect and
recognition. The elite dominated the Congress in Malolos and succeeded in crafting and approving a
constitution and government in the hands of an “oligarchy of the educated.” Aguinaldo and Mabini,
despite their opposition, failed and in the end, found themselves behind the birth of a premature Republic
of the Philippines that was controlled by the elite.

 The Dictatorial Government

When Aguinaldo was in Hongkong, he asked Mariano Ponce to prepare a constitution that
provided for a republican form of government. He was to establish a dictatorial form of government
because such a government was very effective in a critical period such as what the country was
experiencing. The conditions in the Philippines were serious.

He asked Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista, a lawyer of good standing, to prepare the machinery for
the establishment of a dictatorial government. On May 24, 1898 Aguinaldo formally established the
Dictatorial Government. Hereafter, all decree issued in the name of the Biak-na-Bato Republic were
declared null and void. Aguinaldo made it clear that this form of government was temporary in nature
and that in the future the people may modify it.

 Mabini Enters the Scene

Felipe Agoncillo realized that Aguinaldo would need the services of advised from a patriotic men
and then he adviced Aguinaldo to look for Apolinario Mabini of Tanawan, Batangas. He ordered his men
to bring mabini to kawit Cavite and then Mabini became the consultant of Emilio Aguinaldo.

 The Declaration of Independence

June 5, Aguinaldo ordered that June 12 be set aside for the proclamation of independence. To make the
event memorable, he asked Julian Felipe, a musician from Cavite to compose a march which would be
played during the independence day ceremonies. Julian Felipe showed Aguinaldo the music he had
composed entitled “Marcha Filipina magdalo.” Upon hearing the music, Aguinaldo decided to make it the
official march of the Philippines.

June 12, Aguinaldo proclaimed the independence of the Philippines from the window of his home in Kawit,
Cavite. The Philippin flag, designed by Aguinaldo and sewn in Hongkong by Mrs. Marcela Agoncillo with
the help of Delfina Herbosa and Lorenza Agoncillo, was officially hoisted for the first time to the
accompaniment of the “Marcha Filipina.”

 Local Government Reorganized

June 18, Mabini prepared a decree provided for the reorganization of the government in provinces that
were already taken from the Spaniards.

The right to vote was given to men of high moral character and good standing in his community. They
were the oned who would elect the town head, the cabeza of each barrio, the delegate for police and
internal order, the delegate for justice and civil registry, and the delegate for taxes and property.
June 20, a supplementary decree, Mabini provided for the administration of justice in areas under the
Filipino government. The town chief was automatically assigned as the town judge.

 The Revolutionary Government

June 23, Upon the advice or Mabini, Aguinaldo changed the form of government from dictatorial to
revolutionary. The decree changed the title of the Chief of State from Dictator to President. They were
departments that created:

1. Department of Foreign Affairs, Navy and Commerce.

2. Department of War and Public Works.

3. Department of Police and Internal order, justice, education, and hygiene.

4. Department of Finance, Agriculture, and Manufacturing industry.

 The Malolos Congress

September 4, Aguinaldo appointed 50 delegates to Congress to represent provinces that were

experiencing unstable conditions because of peace and order issues. On the final count, 92 delegates
came. 35 delegates were elected, while 57 were appointed.

September 15, the Congress elect its officers. Pedro A. Paterno was the President, Benito Legarda was the
Vice President, Gregorio Araneta as the first Secretary and Pablo Ocampo for the second Secretary.

September 29, Congress ratified the proclamation of independence in Kawit on June 12. This was the first
significant act of Congress.

 The Malolos Constitution

Mabini prepared a draft of constitution called Constitutional Plan of the Philippine Republic and
submitted it to Congress. Congress did not like it because it was based on the statutes of Universal
Masonry. Felipe G. Calderon, a descendant of a Franciscan friar of Santa Ana, Manila, prepared his version
of the constitution with the advice of Cayetano Arellano, a brilliant lawyer. Calderon presented his version
and the days that followed were spent in discussing the Constitution, article by article. After long
discussions and tied decision, a second vote was taken. The final version of constitution was promulgated
by Aguinaldo on January 21, 1899.