The Declaration of Philippine Independence

The Philippines’ path to freedom is one filled with moments of courage, sacrifice, and the burning desire for sovereignty. One of the most critical milestones in this journey was the Declaration of Philippine Independence on June 12, 1898. This historic event marked the official end of centuries-long Spanish colonial rule and the birth of the Philippine Republic, though it was not without its complexities and challenges. Let’s delve into the significance, key figures, and symbolic moments that shaped this defining day.

The Proclamation of Independence

On June 12, 1898, in Cavite el Viejo (now Kawit, Cavite), General Emilio Aguinaldo stood before the Filipino people and declared their independence from Spanish rule. The declaration took place at 4:20 PM, accompanied by the formal unfurling of the Filipino national flag. This was a momentous occasion, though Admiral George Dewey of the United States, who had been invited, did not attend. The event was a powerful display of Filipino resilience, with the national flag flying proudly as a symbol of their newfound freedom.

However, the flag had already made its unofficial debut on May 28, 1898, at Teatro Caviteño in Cavite Nuevo (now Cavite City), following the victory at the Battle of Alapan in Imus, Cavite. This was followed by another significant display of the flag after the Filipinos triumphed over the Spanish at Binakayan, Cavite, just days later.

Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista: The Man Who Read the Declaration

While many credit General Aguinaldo as the key figure in the declaration, it was actually Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista, War Counsellor and Special Delegate, who solemnly read the “Acta de la Proclamación de la Independencia del Pueblo Filipino” before a jubilant crowd. Bautista, born on December 7, 1830, in Biñan, Laguna, was a lawyer and patriot who played a critical role in this historic event.

Bautista’s reading was followed by the signing of the declaration by 97 Filipinos and one American, Colonel L.M. Johnson, a retired artillery officer. Bautista himself was a man of humble beginnings who was well knownfor offering free legal services to the less fortunate, earning him the affectionate nickname “Don Bosyong.”

He later became a judge of the Court of First Instance in Pangasinan before his tragic death from a carriage accident in 1903.

 

The Role of Apolinario Mabini

Apolinario Mabini, known as the “Sublime Paralytic,” was a key adviser to Aguinaldo and one of the masterminds behind the push for Philippine sovereignty. Mabini objected to the original declaration, which placed the Philippines under the protection of the United States. He insisted on modifying the proclamation, which was later reissued at Malolos, Bulacan.

Mabini, a lawyer, political philosopher, and statesman, was responsible for drafting key decrees and documents, including the “Programa Constitucional de la República Filipina,” a proposed constitution for the newly formed republic. Born on July 23, 1864, in Tanauan, Batangas, he was a symbol of intellectual prowess despite suffering paralysis. His unwavering commitment to the revolution helped guide the nascent republic through its early, tumultuous days.

The Philippine Flag and Its Creators

The Philippine flag, with its bold colors and symbolic elements, was meticulously sewn in Hong Kong by Marcela Mariño Agoncillo, her young daughter Lorenza, and Delfina Rizal Herbosa Natividad, a niece of national hero José Rizal.

Marcela Agoncillo, born on June 24, 1860, in Taal, Batangas, was not only a skilled seamstress but also a prominent figure in Filipino society. She was known for her beauty, grace, and talent as a singer, and she worked tirelessly alongside her family to create what would become one of the most enduring symbols of Filipino freedom. On May 30, 1946, Marcela Agoncillo passed away quietly at the age of 86.

The Anthem of Freedom

On that fateful day of June 12, 1898, the band of San Francisco de Malabon played a stirring composition known as the “Marcha Nacional Filipina,” which would later become the Philippine National Anthem. Composed by Professor Julian Felipe, the anthem originally had no lyrics, but Felipe infused the music with themes of patriotism and heroism. It bore subtle similarities to the Spanish national anthem, a nod to the country’s complex colonial past.

Later, José Palma, a poet and revolutionary, wrote the lyrics to “Marcha Nacional Filipina,” which were first published in the revolutionary newspaper La Independencia. His poem, entitled “Filipinas,” became the anthem’s official lyrics, sung with pride by Filipinos who had longed for freedom. Palma was born in Tondo, Manila on June 3, 1876. He was educated at the Ateneo Municipal de Manila. He joined the Katipunan in 1896 as an ordinary soldier but later General Antonio Luna who put up “La Independencia“, which became the official newspaper of the Republic, took him in to edit the Tagalog section.

He wrote “Filipinas” in the house of Doña Romana G. vda de Favis at sitio Estacion (now Barangay Poblacion West), Bautista, Pangasinan Province (Bautista was the old barrio Nibaliw of Bayambang; on June 24, 1900, Nibaliw was renamed “Bautista”, in honor of San Juan de Bautista or John the Baptist, and upgraded into a separate municipality).

A few members of the “La Independencia” staff (ABOVE) were the first to sing the words of this poem to the tune of the “Marcha.” Among them were Cecilio Apostol, another literary genius during this time; Jose Palma’s brilliant brother, Rafael, later to become the president of the University of the Philippines; Fernando Ma. Guerrero who became the editor of “La Opinion” and “El Renacimiento“, Epifanio delos Santos, and Rosa Sevilla de Alvero (RIGHT), a journalist, social worker, educator and women’s suffrage advocate. Palma died in Manila, on Feb. 12, 1903.

The first translation into English of Palma’s poem was written in the 1920s by Paz Marquez Benitez of the University of the Philippines. The most popular translation, called the “Philippine Hymn”, was written by Senator Camilo Osias and an American, Mary A. Lane. The “Philippine Hymn” was legalized by an act of the Philippine Congress on Sept. 5, 1938. Filipino translations started appearing during the 1940s, the most popular being O Sintang Lupa (“O Beloved Land”) by Julian Cruz Balmaceda, Ildefonso Santos and Francisco Caballo. O Sintang Lupa was approved as the national anthem in 1948. On May 26, 1956, during the term of President Ramon Magsaysay, the Tagalog words were revised. Minor revisions were made in 1966, and it is this final version which is in use today.

The Continuing Legacy of Independence

The road to Philippine independence was not straightforward. Even after the declaration on June 12, 1898, the Philippines faced new challenges, including the Philippine-American War and continued struggles for true sovereignty. However, the heroes of this period—Aguinaldo, Bautista, Mabini, Agoncillo, and countless others—laid the foundation for a nation that would continue to strive for self-determination.

In the decades that followed, the Philippine National Anthem evolved, with new translations and lyrics to reflect the country’s identity. From José Palma’s original Spanish lyrics to various Filipino translations, including “O Sintang Lupa” in 1948, the anthem has remained a powerful expression of Filipino pride and resilience.

Key Events Leading to and During the Declaration

1.May 28, 1898 – Unofficial Unfurling of the Flag

• • The Philippine flag was first unofficially unfurled at Teatro Caviteño in Cavite Nuevo after the Filipino victory at the Battle of Alapan in Imus, Cavite.

2. June 12, 1898 – Official Declaration of Independence

• • General Emilio Aguinaldo declared Philippine independence from Spain in Cavite el Viejo (now Kawit, Cavite).
  • The Filipino national flag was officially raised at 4:20 PM.
  • The Philippine National Anthem, known as “Marcha Nacional Filipina,” was played by the San Francisco de Malabon band.
  • Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista solemnly read the “Acta de la Proclamación de la Independencia del Pueblo Filipino.”

3. June 12, 1898 – Signing of the Act of Proclamation

• • The declaration was signed by 97 Filipino leaders and one American, Colonel L.M. Johnson, a retired artillery officer.

4. July 5, 1898 – Release of Apolinario Mabini

• • Mabini, who played a key role in the leadership of the revolution, was released from imprisonment and later contributed to the revised proclamation of independence.

5. September 3, 1899 – Lyrics for the National Anthem

1. • José Palma’s poem “Filipinas” was published in La Independencia, providing the lyrics for the national anthem.

6. Proclamation at Malolos, Bulacan

1. • A modified version of the independence proclamation, removing the clause about U.S. protection, was made under the insistence of Apolinario Mabini.

These events mark the key moments in the official and symbolic declaration of Philippine independence from Spain.

Key People Involved in the Declaration of Philippine Independence

Here is a list of key people involved in the Declaration of Philippine Independence:

General Emilio Aguinaldo

• Role: Leader of the Philippine Revolution and the first President of the Philippines.
• Contribution: Declared Philippine independence on June 12, 1898, and led the revolutionary government against Spain and later against American forces.

Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista

• Role: War Counsellor and Special Delegate of the Revolutionary Government.
• Contribution: Solemnly read the “Acta de la Proclamación de la Independencia del Pueblo Filipino” during the Declaration of Independence. He was also the one who waved the Philippine flag during the event.

Apolinario Mabini

• Role: Chief adviser of General Aguinaldo, statesman, and revolutionary leader.
• Contribution: Insisted on revising the original declaration, removing the clause placing the Philippines under U.S. protection. He was a key figure in shaping the early government of the Philippine Republic and drafted important decrees.

Marcela Mariño Agoncillo

• Role: Patriot and mother of the Philippine flag.
• Contribution: Along with her daughter, Lorenza, and Delfina Rizal Herbosa Natividad, she sewed the first Philippine flag in Hong Kong, which was later unfurled during the declaration.

Julian Felipe

• Role: Composer and musician.
• Contribution: Composed the “Marcha Nacional Filipina,” which would later become the Philippine National Anthem, played during the Declaration of Independence.

José Palma

• Role: Poet and revolutionary.
• Contribution: Wrote the poem “Filipinas,” which became the official lyrics of the Philippine National Anthem.

Colonel L.M. Johnson

• Role: Retired American artillery officer.
• Contribution: The only American who signed the Declaration of Independence alongside 97 Filipino leaders.

Delfina Rizal Herbosa Natividad

• Role: Niece of national hero José Rizal.
• Contribution: Assisted Marcela Agoncillo in sewing the Philippine flag in Hong Kong.

These individuals played pivotal roles in the events leading to and during the Declaration of Philippine Independence, each contributing in their own significant way to the birth of the nation.

Conclusion

The Declaration of Philippine Independence on June 12, 1898, marked the beginning of the country’s journey to freedom. Led by brave figures like Emilio Aguinaldo and Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista, the event ended centuries of Spanish rule and ignited hope for a free Philippines. Though challenges remained, the declaration was a crucial step in the nation’s fight for sovereignty, and its legacy still inspires pride and unity among Filipinos today.