FREEDOM AND INDEPENDENCE

(1891-1899)

The circumstances surrounding the declaration of Philippine independence, its constitution and
form of government, were certainly not ideal.

People who are involved in this time (like General Emilio Aguinaldo and Apolinario Mabini) faced
lots of difficulties and we will be discussing this in this chapter.

On August 13, 1898, the U.S. take-over of Intramuros to the exclusion of the Filipino forces who
had earlier laid siege to the city.

The issue here is that:

Who were the real victors of the battle: was it the Americans or the Filipinos that were
responsible for the Spaniards surrender?

So this question will be answered as we tackle this chapter…

THE DICTATORIAL GOVERNMENT

Dictatorial government - a government ruled by a dictator, who has unrestricted and supreme
authority over citizens and all aspects of their lives.

 When Aguinaldo was in Hongkong, he asked Mariano Ponce to prepare a constitution that
provided for a republican form of government.
 Republican government - a republican government is one in which the political authority
comes from the people.
 Mariano Ponce – He is the one that Emilio Aguinaldo chose to represent the First
Philippine Republic.
 Consul Wildman advised Aguinaldo to form a dictatorial government instead of a
republican government.

 Consul Wildman – is the one who wanted him to return to the Philippines to resume the
Filipino resistance. He is from Hong Kong.
 Aguinaldo was convinced that a dictatorial form of government was more efficient than
a republican government
 Especially in time of crisis because such a government was very effective in a critical
period as what the country was experiencing.
 He asked Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista to prepare the machinery for the establishment
of a dictatorial government.
 Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista – He is a lawyer of good standing
 On (May 24, 1898) Aguinaldo made it that this form of government was temporary in
nature and that in the future the people may modify.

MABINI ENTERS THE SCENE

 Hongkong Junta – Composed of patriotic men of experience.

 It is where Aguinaldo consulted for major decisions.
 Felipe Agoncillo – gave Aguinaldo some good advice that he would need the services of
dedicated and patriotic men.
 It was Apolinario Mabini that he was referring, he’s from Tanawan, Batangas but he
was resting in Los Banos, Laguna.
 He ordered his men to fetch Mabini and bring him to Kawit, Cavite where Aguinaldo was
staying.
 When Aguinaldo saw the sickly appearance of Apolinario Mabini, he was able to say that
Mabini was useless for all practical purposes. But…
 When Aguinaldo heard his voice for the first time: It was firm. It had deep conviction. It
had courage. And all the doubts vanished.

THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE

 Since the Filipino government is now in operation, Aguinaldo thought that it would be
best to declare the independence of the country.
 On June 5, 1898, Aguinaldo ordered that June 12 be set aside for the proclamation of
independence.
 To make the event memorable, he asked Julian Felipe to a march which would be played
during the ceremony.
 Marcha Filipina Magdalo - composed by Julian Felipe, a musician from Cavite. It would
be played during the Independence Day ceremonies.
 On June 12, between 4 and 5 in the afternoon, Aguinaldo proclaimed the independence of
the Philippines and the Philippine flag was officially raised for the first time.
 The Philippine Flag – designed by Aguinaldo and sewn in Hongkong by Mrs. Marcela
Agoncillo with the help of Delfina Herbosa and Lorenza Agoncillo.
 The Act of the Declaration of Independence – prepared and read in Spanish by Ambrosio
Rianzares Bautista. It was signed by 98 persons.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT REORGANIZED

 After the declaration of Philippine Independence, Mabini work immediately by preparing

a decree (announcement) for Aguinaldo’s signature. Stating…
 “The first duty of the government is to interpret faithfully the will of the people.”
 Decree of June 18 – It provided for the reorganization of the government in the provinces
that were already taken from the Spaniards.
 The right to vote was now given to men of high moral character and good standing in his
community kay diba sa Spaniards time dili man ka vote ang mga tawo.

THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE

 Decree of June 20 – Provided for the administration of justice in areas under the Filipino
government.
 So the Spanish Penal Code was adopted except for those contrary to the decrees of the
Filipino Government.

THE REVOLUTIONARY GOVERNMENT

 Upon the advice of Mabini, Aguinaldo changed the form of government from dictatorial
to revolutionary.
 Revolutionary government - that the governments existing at present ought to be
abolished, so that liberty, equality, and fraternity should no longer be empty words but
become living realities
 The title of the Chief of the State from Dictator was changed to President.
 To help the president with his duties, four departments was created:
o Department of Foreign Affairs, Navy and Commerce
o Department of War and Public Works
o Department of Police and Internal Order, Justice, Education and Hygiene
o Department of Finance, Agriculture and Manufacturing Industry

THE MALOLOS CONGRESS

 Barasoain Church in Malolos, Bulacan.
 September 4 – Aguinaldo appointed 50 delegates to Congress to represent provinces that
were experiencing unstable conditions because of peace and orders issues.
 But on the final count 92 delegates came.
o 35 were elected and 37 were appointed
 An elected leader is chosen by a vote of the public, while an appointed leader is selected
by another leader or a body of officials without the public directly participating.

President – Pedro A. Paterno

Vice President – Benito Legarda
First Secretary – Gregorio Araneta
Second Secretary – Pablo Ocampo
“Now we witness the truth of what the famous President Monroe said to the effectthat the
United States was for the Americans; and I say the Philippines is for theFilipinos”