THE ACT OF PROCLAMATION OF INDEPENDENCE OF THE FILIPINO PEOPLE

(ACTA DE LA PROCLAMACION DE LA INDEPENDENCIA DEL PUEBLO FILIPINO)

HISTORICAL CONTEXT
The first phase of the Philippine Revolution ended in a stalemate between the Spaniards and the Filipino rebels.
DECEMBER 1897 - a truce was declared between the two forces with the Filipino leaders, led by Gen. Emilio
Aguinaldo.
1898 – the Spanish-American War and arrival of a new colonizer to the Philippines-the Americans.
COMMODORE GEORGE DEWEY – a commander of the Asiatic Fleet.
₱117,000 – total amount that Aguinaldo paid for the purchase of rifles and ammunition.
₱50,000 – worth of the shipment
MAY 19, 1898 – Aguinaldo returned to the Philippines on board the U.S. cruiser McCulloch
CAVITE – Aguinaldo announced the resumption of the revolution against the Spaniards
MAY 28 – the Filipino forces won their first victory in Alapan, Imus.
TEATRO CAVITEÑO – the newly-made Filipino flag was hoisted.
MAY 24 – Aguinaldo announced the creation of the dictatorial government.
JUNE 12, 1898 – Aguinaldo declared Philippine Independence from Spanish rule at a ceremony in his house in
Kawit Cavite.
AMBROSIO RIANZARES BAUTISTA – the author of the proclamation and the one who read the declaration
PHILIPPINE NATIONAL ANTHEM – also known as “Marcha Nacional Filipina”, composed by Julian Felipe,
played by the Banda de San Francisco de Malabon.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

EMILIO AGUINALDO – was born on May 22, 1869 in Kawit, Cavite.
- Second of the youngest of eight children of Carlos Aguinaldo and Trinidad Fam
- They belong to a wealthy and influential family with Carlos being gobernadorcillo for
several terms
- He joined the Katipunan choosing the name Magdalo
1883 – Emilio assisted his mother in the family business and worked to help earn the family income
1894 – Aguinaldo followed his father’s footsteps and was chosen capitan municipal of Kawit.
1896 – the revolution began and Katipunan succeeded in driving away the Spaniards from the province
MARCH 22, 1897 – the pamahalaang panghihimagsik election was made held in Bario Tejeros, San Francisco de
Malabon and Aguinaldo was elected as President
DECEMBER 1897 – Aguinaldo and his officers went into exile in Hong Kong
1899 – Aguinaldo convened a Congress in Malolos Bulacan
JANUARY 1899 – established the Philippine Republic with Aguinaldo as President
FEBRUARY 1899 – the continuing friction with the Americans erupted into conflict
1901 – the Philippine American War eventually ended.
MANUEL L. QUEZON - president of the Philippine Commonwealth
FEBRUARY 6, 1964 – Aguinaldo died at the age of 94

ABOUT THE TEXT

JUNE 10, 1896 – Aguinaldo issued a one sentence decree appointing Bautista to write the Act of the Declaration of
the Independence
AMBROSIO RIANZARES BAUTISTA – Aguinaldo’s Auditor General of War and a special commissioner
16 PAGES – is the result of the document that contained the aspirations of freedom from Spanish rule.

THE ACT OF PROCLAMATION OF INDEPENDENCE OF THE FILIPINO PEOPLE

In the town of Cavite-Viejo, Province of Cavite, this 12th day of June 1898.
Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista designated to proclaim and solemnize the declaration of Independence by the Dicatorial
Government of the Philippines. That, Philippines have the right to be free and independent against the colonizers.
Inside the proclamation, they recognize the conviction of Aguinaldo that has been the instrument chosen by God to
effectuate the redemption of this unfortunate country. The unjust execution of Rizal and others are highlighted who were
sacrificed in order to please the insatiable friars.
As Philippines were resolved unanimously that is already free and independent as of that day, the flag has been
unfurled. They described the significance of each part of the Philippine Flag. The white triangle signifying the
distinctive emblem of the famous Society of the “Katipunan” which by means of its blood compact inspired the masses
to rise in revolution; the three stars, signifying the three principal islands of this Archipelago-Luzon, Mindanao and
Panay where this revolutionary movement started; the sun representing the gigantic steps made by the sons of the
country along the path of Progress and Civilization; the eight rays, signifying the eight provinces-Manila, Cavite,
Bulacan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Bataan, Laguna and Batangas- which declared themselves in a state of war as soon
as the first revolt was initiated; and the colors of Blue, Red and White, commemorating the flag of the United States of
North America, as a manifestation of the profound gratitude towards the great nation for its disinterested protection
which it lent and continues lending Philippines.