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The Story of June 12, 1898: The Philippine Declaration of Independence

June 12, 1898 is one of the most significant dates in philippine history..

June 12, 1898  is one of the most significant dates in Philippine history. On this day,  General Emilio Aguinaldo  formally proclaimed the independence of the Philippines from  Spain  after over 300 years of colonial rule.

The declaration took place in Aguinaldo’s ancestral home in  Kawit, Cavite , with the Philippine flag being raised and the national anthem being played for the first time.

While the Kawit declaration did not receive immediate international recognition, it was a pivotal moment that asserted Filipino nationhood and sovereignty.

It came amidst a complex geopolitical situation, with the  Philippine Revolution  against Spain, the  Spanish-American War , and the emerging  American colonial era  in the Philippines. The story behind the June 12, 1898 declaration provides insights into the Filipino struggle for self-determination.

Background: The Philippine Revolution

The roots of the June 12 declaration can be traced to the  Philippine Revolution  against Spanish colonial rule, which began in August 1896. Secret revolutionary societies like the  Katipunan , founded by  Andres Bonifacio , initiated an armed struggle for independence.

Emilio Aguinaldo , then the mayor of Kawit, Cavite, emerged as a leader of the revolution in Cavite.

After initial successes, Aguinaldo and other leaders accepted exile to Hong Kong in December 1897 with the  Pact of Biak-na-Bato , which involved the Spanish paying the revolutionaries in exchange for a truce. However, they purchased weapons in Hong Kong to continue the fight .

The Spanish-American War and Aguinaldo’s Return

The situation changed dramatically with the outbreak of the  Spanish-American War  in April 1898. The United States, which had been monitoring the Cuban and Philippine revolutions against Spain, declared war after the USS Maine incident in Havana.

On May 1, 1898, the U.S.  Asiatic Squadron  under  Commodore George Dewey  decisively defeated the Spanish fleet in the  Battle of Manila Bay . Aguinaldo, who had been communicating with U.S. officials, saw an opportunity to advance Philippine independence .

With Dewey’s help, Aguinaldo returned to the Philippines aboard the USS McCulloch on May 19. American forces provided his troops with weapons seized from the Spanish. Aguinaldo rallied his revolutionary forces and began liberating towns in Cavite .

The Declaration of Independence on June 12

On  June 12, 1898 , a month after his return, Aguinaldo gathered revolutionary leaders and local representatives in his home in Kawit. There, between 4 and 5 p.m., he formally proclaimed the independence of the Philippines from Spain .

The event, attended by a huge crowd, involved the first public display of the  Philippine flag  sewn in Hong Kong by Marcela Agoncillo and her daughters. The  Marcha Nacional Filipina , composed by Julian Felipe as the national anthem, was played by the San Francisco de Malabon band .

Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista  prepared the Spanish text of the  Act of the Declaration of Independence  and read it at the gathering. The declaration was signed by 98 Filipinos appointed by Aguinaldo, as well as one American artillery officer,  Colonel L.M. Johnson , who attended as a witness .

The declaration included a list of grievances against Spanish rule stretching back to Magellan’s arrival in 1521. It conferred on Aguinaldo the powers to lead the revolutionary government, including granting pardons and amnesty. The wording echoed parts of the U.S. Declaration of Independence .

Diplomatic Complexities and the Malolos Congress

Aguinaldo had hoped that the U.S. would recognize Philippine independence, similar to its stance towards Cuba . 

However, American officials took no action that would suggest recognition of the declaration . The true intentions of the U.S. towards the Philippines remained unclear at this stage.

The declaration took place amidst a complex diplomatic situation, with other colonial powers like Germany, Britain, France and Japan having warships in Manila Bay to monitor the situation . Germany in particular showed interest in acquiring the Philippines if the U.S. did not .

On August 1, the June 12 proclamation was ratified by 190 municipal presidents from 16 provinces in Bacoor, Cavite . In September 1898, the  Malolos Congress  modified the declaration upon the urging of Apolinario Mabini, removing language that essentially placed the Philippines under American protection .

The Treaty of Paris and the Philippine-American War

The Spanish-American War ended with the  Treaty of Paris  signed on December 10, 1898. In the treaty, Spain ceded the Philippines to the United States for $20 million, along with Guam and Puerto Rico .

The treaty was not recognized by Aguinaldo’s government, which had not been represented in the negotiations. On January 23, 1899, the  First Philippine Republic  was formally established with the promulgation of the  Malolos Constitution  and Aguinaldo as president .

Tensions rose as it became clear that the U.S. would not recognize Philippine independence. On February 4, 1899, the  Philippine-American War  broke out and lasted until 1902. The U.S. prevailed against the Filipinos, and established the  Insular Government  to administer the islands as an American colony .

The Long Road to Internationally-Recognized Independence

The dream of June 12 remained unfulfilled for decades under U.S. colonial rule. The U.S. set up political institutions and prepared the Philippines for eventual self-rule, but full independence was slow in coming.

The  Tydings-McDuffie Act  of 1934 provided for the independence of the Philippines by 1946, after a 10-year transition period. World War II and the Japanese occupation from 1942-1945 intervened during this period.Finally, on  July 4, 1946 , the United States granted independence to the Philippines.

The date was chosen by the U.S. to coincide with its own Independence Day. For many years, Filipinos celebrated July 4 as their Independence Day .

June 12 as the National Day of Independence

A strong tradition of celebrating June 12 as the true Independence Day persisted among Filipino historians and nationalists. In 1962, President  Diosdado Macapagal  issued Presidential Proclamation No. 28 which declared June 12 as Flag Day, emphasizing its importance .

On August 4, 1964, upon the advice of historians and the urging of nationalists, Macapagal signed  Republic Act No. 4166  into law, designating June 12 as the country’s  Independence Day . The law also renamed July 4 as  Philippine Republic Day .

Since 1964, June 12 has been celebrated annually as the National Day of the Philippines, with ceremonies and programs across the country.

The day is a regular holiday , and government offices and schools are closed. The main commemoration usually takes place at Aguinaldo’s house in Kawit, which is now a national shrine .

The story of the June 12, 1898 Declaration of Independence in Kawit is central to the narrative of the Filipino people’s struggle for freedom and nationhood. While it did not immediately result in internationally recognized independence, it was a bold assertion of sovereignty against colonial rule.

The path from Kawit to true independence was long and arduous, with the Philippines experiencing American colonial rule and occupation by Japan before achieving full self-determination in 1946. The choice of June 12 as Independence Day in 1964 represents a recognition of the primacy of the Filipino revolutionary struggle.

Today, the declaration in Kawit is remembered as a defining moment in Philippine history, one that continues to inspire national pride and a striving for self-determination.

The complex events surrounding the declaration also provide a window into the geopolitical realities of the time, and the challenges faced by an emerging nation in asserting its place in the world.

Written by Louie Sison

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Essay on Philippine Independence

Students are often asked to write an essay on Philippine Independence in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Philippine Independence

The birth of philippine independence.

The Philippine Independence is a significant event in the country’s history. It happened on June 12, 1898. This is the day when Filipinos proclaimed their freedom from Spanish rule. The leader, Emilio Aguinaldo, read the Declaration of Independence in Cavite.

The Struggle for Independence

Before independence, the Philippines was under Spanish control for over 300 years. Filipinos were not happy with this. They wanted their own country. So, they fought against the Spanish. This fight is known as the Philippine Revolution. It started in 1896 and ended in 1898.

The Symbol of Independence

The Philippine flag is a symbol of independence. It was first shown on the day of independence. The flag has three stars and a sun. The stars represent the three main regions of the Philippines. The sun symbolizes liberty.

Independence Day Celebrations

Every year, Filipinos celebrate Independence Day on June 12. They hold parades, speeches, and flag-raising ceremonies. People also display the Philippine flag in their homes and streets. It is a day of joy and pride for all Filipinos.

The Philippine Independence is a reminder of the Filipinos’ courage and love for their country. It shows how they fought for their rights and freedom. It is an important part of their history and identity.

250 Words Essay on Philippine Independence

In the late 19th century, the Philippines was under Spanish rule. The Filipinos were not happy with this. They wanted to be free. So, they started a revolution in 1896. This was led by people like Jose Rizal and Andres Bonifacio. They fought bravely against the Spanish for their freedom.

The Proclamation of Independence

On June 12, 1898, Emilio Aguinaldo, a Filipino leader, declared the Philippines as a free and independent country. This event happened in Kawit, Cavite. The Philippine flag was raised, and the national anthem was played for the first time. This day is now celebrated as Philippine Independence Day.

The American Period

Sadly, the freedom was short-lived. The Americans came and took control of the Philippines. They promised to give independence, but it took a long time. The Filipinos had to wait for almost 50 years.

Full Independence

Finally, on July 4, 1946, the Philippines gained full independence from America. This was after World War II. The Philippines was finally free to govern itself. The Filipinos were happy. They had waited a long time for this day.

The Importance of Independence

Independence is important for the Philippines. It means they can make their own decisions. They can choose their own leaders. They can create their own laws. It shows the bravery and courage of the Filipinos who fought for their freedom.

In conclusion, Philippine Independence is a symbol of the Filipino people’s bravery and love for their country. It is a day to remember and honor those who fought for freedom.

500 Words Essay on Philippine Independence

Introduction to philippine independence.

The Philippine Independence is an important part of the country’s history. It is the day when the Philippines became a free country. This happened on June 12, 1898. Before this day, the Philippines was ruled by Spain for more than 300 years.

The Fight for Freedom

The people of the Philippines were not happy under Spanish rule. They wanted to be free. So, they started to fight against Spain. This fight is known as the Philippine Revolution. It started in 1896 and was led by people like Andres Bonifacio and Emilio Aguinaldo.

In 1898, the United States came to help the Philippines in their fight. They fought against Spain in a war called the Spanish-American War. After winning this war, the United States took control of the Philippines.

Even though the United States was now in control, the Filipino people still wanted to be free. On June 12, 1898, Emilio Aguinaldo, a leader of the revolution, declared the Philippines an independent country. This event took place in his house in Cavite, a province in the Philippines. This is known as the Proclamation of Philippine Independence.

Acknowledgement of Independence

The United States did not recognize the independence of the Philippines at first. They wanted to keep control of the country. But the Filipino people kept fighting for their freedom. Finally, on July 4, 1946, the United States recognized the Philippines as an independent country. This day is known as Philippine Independence Day.

Significance of Philippine Independence

Philippine Independence Day is a very important day for the people of the Philippines. It is a day to remember their fight for freedom. It is also a day to celebrate their culture and history. On this day, people in the Philippines have parades, fireworks, and other fun events. They also listen to speeches by their leaders about the importance of freedom and independence.

The Philippine Independence is a story of bravery and determination. It shows how the Filipino people fought for their freedom and won. It is a reminder to us all that freedom is worth fighting for. Today, the Philippines is a free and independent country thanks to the brave people who fought for their independence.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

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• Essay on Philippine Festivals
• Essay on Philippine Economy
• Essay on Philippine Eagle

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Act of Declaration of the Philippine Independence: A Reflection Paper

Readings in philippine history (rhist1), university of st. la salle.

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Act of Declaration of the Philippine Independence By Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista Transated by: Sulpicio Guivara

Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista is considered to be “one of the unsung and unhonored great Filipinos'' albeit his notable contributions to the cause of Philippine Revolution; a fervour nationalist, who served his country in times of war and defended its people until his untimely death in 1903. He was a member of Rizal’s patriotic association, Liga Filipina; when Rizal was deported to Dapitan, he later on joined the Cuerpo de Compromisarios which sent funds to the propagandistas. He was also among the financial contributors of the patriotic newspaper, La Solidaridad; and was an article writer for the nationalistic newspaper of the revolution; La Independencia. He was the War Counsellor and Special Delegate designated to proclaim and solemnize the Declaration of Independence, which he himself also wrote, by the Dictatorial Government, of the Dictator Don Emilio Aguinaldo y Famy. The Philippine Declaration was signed by ninety-eight persons, among them an American army officer who witnessed the proclamation. The declaration took place in the town of Cavite-Viejo, Province of Caite on June 12, 1898; for the first time, the Philippine National Flag, made in Hongkong by Mrs. Marcela Agoncillo, assisted by Lorenza Agoncillo and Delfina Herbosa, was officially hoisted and the Philippine National March played in public. The proclamation of Philippine independence was, however, promulgated on August 1 when many towns had already been organized under the rules laid down by the Dictatorial Government.

The declaration began with the recall of the abuses of the Civil guards, which are left unpunished, and the unjust deportations of illustrious Filipinos ordered by General Blanco and as requested by the Archbishop and friars to keep them ignorant. The declaration also mentioned the resolve to continue the revolution that started in August of 1896 to regain the independence and sovereignty of which the people had been deprived by Spain through Governor Miguel Lopez de Lagaspi. It was also mentioned in the Declaration the return of Emilio Aguinaldo in order to initiate a new revolution which succeeded and freed the towns of Cavite and other provinces. It also acknowledges the protection of the Powerful Humanitarian Nation, the United States. In this document, the Filipino people announced to the world their right to be free and independent and their determination to defend their freedom with their lives, fortunes, and honor. It also acknowledges the leadership of Don Emilio Aguinaldo to lead the Philippines and protect the country after all the sufferings caused by the Spaniards, starting from Jose Rizal, the GOMBURZA and all related abuses of the colonizer. Moreover, it also discusses the national symbol, the Philippine flag, which represents the Katipunan, the three principal Islands of the archipelago, the gigantic step made by the people, the eight provinces who actively fought and the colors commemorating the flag of the USA. Finally, it was mentioned in the declaration the 98 Filipino signatories and one American soldier who witnessed the event.

This Act of Declaration of the Philippine Independence by Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista became a basis for the present generation to discover when and how the Philippines was liberated. It provided information leading us to deeper understanding as to how the Philippines was freed from the horror brought by the Spanish colonization. It not only contained the declaration of our independence alone but also provided background information on how things came upon and also the sufferings of the Filipinos, of our recognized heroes and most especially the illustrious, on the hands of the Spaniards. Reading this account made me even more grateful that we have our heroes who are willing to sacrifice their lives just to free their people from suffering. It also allowed me to know the root of our liberty that we are enjoying today. After knowing our history, gradually, I am starting to feel like a real filipino who appreciates her heroes and history.

• Multiple Choice

Course : Readings in Philippine History (RHIST1)

University : university of st. la salle.

• More from: Readings in Philippine History RHIST1 University of St. La Salle 189   Documents Go to course

Declaration of PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE Translation by Sulpicio Guevara

In the town of Cavite-Viejo, Province of Cavite, this 12th day of June 1898:

BEFORE ME, Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista, War Counsellor and Special Delegate designated to proclaim and solemnize this Declaration of Independence by the Dictatorial Government of the Philippines, pursuant to, and by virtue of, a Decree issued by the Engregious Dictator Don Emilio Aguinaldo y Famy ,

The undersigned assemblage of military chiefs and others of the army who could not attend, as well as the representatives of the various towns,

Taking into account the fact that the people of this country are already tired of bearing the ominous joke of Spanish domination,

Because of arbitrary arrests and abuses of the Civil Guards who cause deaths in connivance with and even under the express orders of their superior officers who at times would order the shooting of those placed under arrest under the pretext that they attempted to escape in violation of known Rules and Regulations, which abuses were left unpunished, and because of unjust deportations of illustrious Filipinos, especially those decreed by General Blanco at the instigation of the Archbishop and friars interested in keeping them in ignorance for egoistic and selfish ends, which deportations were carried out through processes more execrable than those of the Inquisition which every civilized nation repudiates as a trial without hearing.

Had resolved to start a revolution in August 1896 in order to regain the independence and sovereignty of which the people had been deprived by Spain through Governor Miguel Lopez de Legazpi who, continuing the course followed by his predecessor Ferdinand Magellan who landed on the shores of Cebu and occupied said Island by means of a Pact of Friendship with Chief Tupas , although he was killed in the battle that took place in said shores to which battle he was provoked by Chief Kalipulako ** of Mactan who suspected his evil designs, landed on the Island of Bohol by entering also into a Blood Compact with its Chief Sikatuna , with the purpose of later taking by force the Island of Cebu, and because his successor Tupas did not allow him to occupy it, he went to Manila, the capital, winning likewise the friendship of its Chiefs Soliman and Lakandula , later taking possession of the city and the whole Archipelago in the name of Spain by virtue of an order of King Philip II, and with these historical precedents and because in international law the prescription established by law to legalize the vicious acquisition of private property is not recognized, the legitimacy of such revolution can not be put in doubt which was calmed but not complete stifled by the pacification proposed by Don Pedro A. Paterno with Don Emilio Aguinaldo as President of the Republic established in Biak- na - Bato and accepted by Governor-General Don Fernando Primo De Rivera under terms, both written and oral, among them being a general amnesty for all deported and convicted persons; that by reason of the non-fulfillment of some of the terms, after the destruction of the plaza of Cavite, Don Emilio Aguinaldo returned in order to initiate a new revolution and no sooner had he given the order to rise on the 31st of last month when several towns anticipating the revolution, rose in revolt on the 28th , such that a Spanish contingent of 178 men, between Imus Cavite-Viejo, under the command of major of the Marine Infantry capitulated , the revolutionary movement spreading like wild fire to other towns of Cavite and the other provinces of Bataan, Pampanga, Batangas , Bulacan , Laguna, and Morong , some of them with seaports and such was the success of the victory of our arms, truly marvelous and without equal in the history of colonial revolutions that in the first mentioned province only the Detachments in Naic and Indang remained to surrender; in the second all Detachments had been wiped out; in the third the resistance of the Spanish forces was localized in the town of San Fernando where the greater part of them are concentrated, the remainder in Macabebe , Sexmoan , and Guagua ; in the fourth, in the town of Lipa ; in the fifth, in the capital and in Calumpit ; and in last two remaining provinces, only in there respective capitals, and the city of Manila will soon be besieged by our forces as well as the provinces of Nueva Ecija , Tarlac , Pangasinan , La Union, Zambales , and some others in the Visayas where the revolution at the time of the pacification and others even before, so that the independence of our country and the revindication of our sovereignty is assured.

And having as witness to the rectitude of our intentions the Supreme Judge of the Universe, and under the protection of our Powerful and Humanitarian Nation, The United States of America, we do hereby proclaim and declare solemnly in the name by authority of the people of these Philippine Islands,

That they are and have the right to be free and independent; that they have ceased to have allegiance to the Crown of Spain; that all political ties between them are should be completely severed and annulled; and that, like other free and independent States, they enjoy the full power to make War and Peace, conclude commercial treaties, enter into alliances, regulate commerce, and do all other acts and things which and Independent State Has right to do,

And imbued with firm confidence in Divine Providence, we hereby mutually bind ourselves to support this Declaration with our lives, our fortunes, and with our sacred possession, our Honor.

We recognize, approve, and ratify, with all the orders emanating from the same, the Dictatorship established by Don Emilio Aguinaldo whom we reverse as the Supreme Head of this Nation, which today begins to have a life of its own, in the conviction that he has been the instrument chosen by God, inspite of his humble origin, to effectuate the redemption of this unfortunate country as foretold by Dr. Don Jose Rizal in his magnificent verses which he composed in his prison cell prior to his execution, liberating it from the Yoke of Spanish domination,

And in punishment for the impunity with which the Government sanctioned the commission of abuses by its officials, and for the unjust execution of Rizal and others who were sacrified in order to please the insatiable friars in their hydropical thirst for vengeance against and extermination of all those who oppose their Machiavellian ends, trampling upon the Penal Code of these Islands, and of those suspected persons arrested by the Chiefs of Detachments at the instigation of the friars, without any form nor semblance of trial and without any spiritual aid of our sacred Religion; and likewise, and for the same ends, eminent Filipino priest, Doctor Don Jose Burgos, Don Mariano Gomez, and Don Jacinto Zamora were hanged whose innocent blood was shed due to the intrigues of these so-called Religious corporations which made the authorities to believe that the military uprising at the fort of San Felipe in Cavite on the night of January 21, 1872 was instigated by those Filipino martyrs, thereby impeding the execution of the decree- sentence issued by the Council of State in the appeal in the administrative case interposed by the secular clergy against the Royal Orders that directed that the parishes under them within the jurisdiction of this Bishopric be turned over to the Recollects in exchange for those controlled by them in Mindanao which were to be transferred to the Jesuits, thus revoking them completely and ordering the return of those parishes, all of which proceedings are on file with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to which they are sent last month of the year of the issuance of the proper Royal Degree which, in turn, caused the grow of the tree of the liberty in our dear land that grow more and more through the iniquitous measures of oppressions, until the last drop of our chalice of suffering having been drained, the first spark of revolution broke out in Caloocan, spread out to Santa Mesa and continued its course to the adjoining regions of the province were the unequalled heroism of its inhabitants fought a one sided battle against superior forces of General Blanco and General Polavieja for a period of 3 months, without proper arms nor ammunitions, except bolos, pointed bamboos, and arrows.

Moreover, we confer upon our famous Dictator Don Emilio Aguinaldo all the powers necessary to enable him to discharge the duties of Government, including the prerogatives of granting pardon and amnesty,

And lastly, it was results unanimously that this Nation, already free and independent as of this day, must used the same flag which up to now is being used, whose designed and colored are found described in the attached drawing, 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 tree stars, signifying the three principal Islands of these Archipelago - Luzon, Mindanao, and Panay where the revolutionary movement started; the sun representing the gigantic step made by the son 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 declares 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 America, as a manifestation of our profound gratitude towards this Great Nation for its disinterested protection which it lent us and continues lending us.

And holding up this flag of ours, I present it to the gentlemen here assembled:

(List of signers eliminated.   See http://www.msc.edu.ph/centennial/declaration.html for list.)

Who solemnly swear to recognize and defend it unto the last drop of their blood.

In witness thereof, I certify that this Act of Declaration of Independence was signed by me and by all those here assembled including the only stranger who attended those proceedings, a citizen of the U.S.A., Mr. L.M. Johnson, a Colonel of Artillery.

Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista War Counsellor and Special Delegate-Designate

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• June 10, 2016 , 04:25pm

The Proclamation of Philippine Independence

Gregorio del Pilar and his troops in 1898. Source: Arnold Dumindin via philippineamericanwar.webs.com

Declaration of Independence

With a government in operation, Aguinaldo thought that it was necessary to declare the independence of the Philippines. He believed that such a move would inspire the people to fight more eagerly against the Spaniards and at the same time, lead the foreign countries to recognize the independence of the country. Mabini, who had by now been made Aguinaldo’s unofficial adviser, objected. He based his objection on the fact that it was more important to reorganize the government in such a manner as to convince the foreign powers of the competence and stability of the new government than to proclaim Philippine independence at such an early period. Aguinaldo, however, stood his ground and won.

On June 12, between four and five in the afternoon, Aguinaldo, in the presence of a huge crowd, proclaimed the independence of the Philippines at Cavite el Viejo (Kawit). For the first time, the Philippine National Flag, made in Hongkong by Mrs. Marcela Agoncillo, assisted by Lorenza Agoncillo and Delfina Herboza, was officially hoisted and the Philippine National March played in public. The Act of the Declaration of Independence was prepared by Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista, who also read it. A passage in the Declaration reminds one of another passage in the American Declaration of Independence. The Philippine Declaration was signed by ninety-eight persons, among them an American army officer who witnessed the proclamation. The proclamation of Philippine independence was, however, promulgated on August 1 when many towns have already been organized under the rules laid down by the Dictatorial Government. (Source: History of the Filipino People. Teodoro A. Agoncillo)

Proclamation of Philippine Independence

The most significant achievement of Aguinaldo’s Dictatorial Government was the proclamation of Philippine Independence in Kawit, Cavite, on June 12, 1898. The day was declared a national holiday. Thousands of people from the provinces gathered in Kawit to witness the historic event. The ceremony was solemnly held at the balcony of General Emilio Aguinaldo’s residence. The military and civil officials of the government were in attendance. A dramatic feature of the ceremony was the formal unfurling of the Filipino flag amidst the cheers of the people. At the same time, the Philippine National Anthem was played by the band. Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista solemnly read the “Act of the Declaration of Independence” which he himself wrote. The declaration was signed by 98 persons. One of the signers was an American, L.M. Johnson, Colonel of Artillery. The Philippines: A Unique Nation. Dr. Sonia M. Zaide

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"The mission of the US-Philippines Society is to build on the rich and longstanding historical ties between the United States of America and the Philippines. …and to bring that unique relationship to the 21st century."

Weekly Issues | Reflections on June 12, 1898: Philippine Declaration of Independence amid a “Dangerous International Environment”

June 8, 2020

Featured Contributor

Dr. Frank Jenista

U.S. Foreign Service Officer

Question 1: From the perspective of a historian, what are some lesser known aspects of the Philippines’ Declaration of Independence on June 12, 1898?

Filipinos know a great deal about that momentous day. General Aguinaldo had recently returned from exile in Hong Kong to restart the revolution against Spain. There was great enthusiasm upon his return, and even more celebration on June 12 when, in his home town of Kawit, Cavite, the new national flag was displayed, the new national anthem was played and the Filipinos became the first Asian colony to declare their independence.

What few Filipinos and Americans today know about is the dangerous international environment of the time or the Filipinos’ diplomatic strategy – of which the Declaration of Independence was one part.

Question 2: What do you mean by “the dangerous international environment?”

This was the height of the “Age of Imperialism.”  Major world powers took pride in building colonial empires. By 1898 much of Asia was under the control of the British, the French and, most recently, the Japanese.

Shortly after Admiral Dewey defeated the Spanish fleet in May 1898, German, British, French and Japanese warships showed up in Manila Bay, looking for possible opportunities to extend their empires.

The Philippines – the Pearl of the Orient – was a most attractive target. What might happen if the Spanish were driven out? Could some or all of those rich islands become available? There were many intriguing possibilities – and many interested parties.

Germany, now united and seeking to enhance its position on the world stage, was particularly interested – and aggressive. A strong German fleet had been sent to Asia to seek opportunities. In Manila Bay Admiral Von Diederichs landed German Marines on Bataan and opened direct communication with the Spanish in Manila, in violation of then-current rules of neutrality. When ordered to cease and desist by Dewey, Von Diederichs refused, setting up a possible conflict between German and US fleets in Manila Bay. Fighting was averted when the British commander intervened, placing his ships between the Germans and the Americans.  Von Diederichs may have been willing to risk conflict between Germany and the upstart USA, but he could not be the cause of a war with the UK.

Von Diederichs also sent one of his warships to Cebu to try to negotiate a separate treaty between Germany and Filipino leaders in the central Visayan islands. Both Germany and Britain had earlier made treaties with the Sultan of Sulu, in the Muslim south of the archipelago.

Question 3: What was the Filipino revolutionary leaders’ response to these dangers?

The Filipinos were following international events closely and their strategy was – Cuba. The situation in Cuba paralleled that in the Philippines – rebels seeking freedom from oppressive Spanish overlords. By the late 1890s it was clear that Americans had great sympathy for the Cuban rebels and seemed likely to assist them in throwing out the Spanish and recognizing Cuban independence – with the all-important guarantee of protection against outside forces. Could the Filipinos manage a similar outcome?

Their first official approach to the Americans came in January, 1897, while the Katipunan revolt was still in progress, 11 months before the Pact of Biac-na-Bato and Aguinaldo’s exile in December of 1897. Filipino leaders in Hong Kong (Jose M. Basa, Doroteo Cortes and A.G. Medina) sent a letter to the US Consul General in Hong Kong imploring the US “to extend its protection over the Filipinos who are now suffering under the tyranny of Spain.”

Cuba was prominent in their petition, praying “that help be extended to the Filipinos to expel the Spanish by force, just as the Emperor Napoleon [sic Louis XVI] helped America in the war of separation from England, by whose aid the Americans attained independence, like assistance to be given to the Cubans who are now fighting for independence – which protection and support the Filipinos now hope and pray may be granted to them, because they are in precisely the same position as the Cubans with their land drenched in blood.”

In November of 1897 the US Consul in Hong Kong reported a discussion with Felipe Agoncillo, a representative “of the new republic of the Philippines,” requesting American assistance against Spain, especially the transport of arms and for a treaty with the US.

After Aguinaldo and other exiled rebel leaders arrived in Hong Kong, and as war rumors increased in the United States, communications picked up significantly among Aguinaldo, American consuls in Hong Kong and Singapore – and Dewey himself once the American fleet arrived in Hong Kong.

The Cuba strategy was at the center of all these conversations. Consul Pratt in Singapore reported that Aguinaldo “declared his ability to establish a proper and responsible government on liberal principles and would be willing to accept the same terms for the country as the United States intend giving to Cuba.”

Aguinaldo kept pressing for an American commitment to the Cuban model for the Filipinos, an assurance which neither the consuls nor Dewey were in a position to give because the McKinley administration had no Philippine policy yet, beyond “defeat the Spanish.”

Dewey personally was supportive, declaring that he knew both Cubans and Filipinos and that, in his opinion, the Filipinos were more capable of self-government. Dewey’s support was amply demonstrated. Two of Aguinaldo’s associates, Jose Alejandrino and Andres de Garchitorena, sailed with Dewey when his fleet left to fight the Spanish in Manila Bay. Aguinaldo was then brought back to the Philippines aboard the  USS McCulloch , was welcomed personally by Dewey and spent his first night as Dewey’s guest aboard the flagship  Olympia.

The Americans transported some 2,000 Remington rifles and 200,000 rounds of ammunition from Hong Kong to Manila for Aguinaldo’s rebel forces, and turned over all weapons seized from surrendering Spanish forces in Cavite and Corregidor, as well as 8 Spanish steam launches – the first vessels of a new Philippine navy.

Dewey encouraged Aguinaldo to display the Filipino flag on these launches and saluted the Filipinos according to proper naval etiquette, drawing protests from the German and British commanders. When asked why he permitted the Filipinos to use a flag unrecognized by their vessels, Dewey answered that the Filipinos used the flag with his knowledge and consent; and moreover, “that by their courage and firmness in the war against the Spaniards they were worthy of using that right.”

Aguinaldo used one of these launches to travel to Subic to attack the Spanish there, only to be confronted and threatened in Subic Bay by the German cruiser  Irene  on behalf of the Spaniards – yet another display of German aggressiveness. Aguinaldo had no choice but to return to Manila and report to Dewey, who sent two US cruisers to Subic to order the  Irene  out and to assist in forcing the surrender of the Spanish garrison.

It is in the context of this Filipino diplomatic strategy that the June 12 Declaration of Independence appears. Seeking official American recognition of the Declaration, General Aguinaldo reported that “I sent a committee to the Admiral to apprise him of it, inviting him at the same time to take part in the ceremonies, which took place with due formality.” Dewey asked that his absence be excused, and neither he nor any of his officers attended. (It should be noted that by June 12 American officials had been instructed to take no action which could be interpreted as a statement of future American policy – which by then was under intense deliberation in Washington.)

Question 4: But wasn’t there an American present at the celebrations on June 12?

There was – a mysterious Colonel L. M. Johnson. It was important to Aguinaldo that some American should be there whom the assembled people would consider a representative of the United States. Colonel Johnson, in US Army uniform, signed the Declaration of Independence and was presented as Aguinaldo’s chief of artillery, but his name does not appear thereafter in any of Aguinaldo’s extensive papers, nor in US Army records.

Question 5: Filipinos have criticized Aguinaldo for praising the United States in the Declaration of Independence. Your thoughts?

It is important to recall the context. Aguinaldo’s primary goal, once he had gained American support for the fight against Spain, was to achieve international – but especially American – recognition of Philippine independence and, equally essential given the dangerous environment, American protection against interference by outside powers. Aguinaldo repeatedly made similar statements in speeches and in his writings, in the hope that Americans could be persuaded to treat the Philippines like Cuba.

Question 6: Why the difference? Why didn’t the US offer the Philippines what it gave Cuba?

As noted earlier, at the outbreak of war McKinley had no policy toward the Philippines – and had a well-deserved reputation for indecision. Even after peace talks with Spain began in Paris, he changed his instructions to the American negotiators at least four times. His opening position was just a long-term treaty for use of Subic Bay as a naval base – in the same way he asked the Cubans for Guantanamo Bay. The Filipino representatives quickly agreed, and in addition asked for a treaty with the US similar to the one that the Cubans were getting – meaning protection from the imperial powers lurking around their embryonic Philippine republic.

In the end, McKinley decided that the United States could not be responsible for defending the Philippines against all other nations unless he controlled the Philippines. It was one thing to promise to protect Cubans on one island 90 miles from American shores, but quite another to be responsible for defending 7,000 islands 7,000 miles away.

The Filipinos – up to this point allied with the United States against Spain – refused to give up their struggle for independence against the Spanish only to end up under a different colonizer. The inevitable and regrettable result was the Filipino-American War.

As we look back, the truly unfortunate aspect of this history is that the Filipinos, despite a successful revolt against the Spanish, and despite declaring their independence on June 12, 1898, were doomed to lose their independence to the geopolitical forces at play during this high age of imperialism. A newly-independent Philippines would have been too weak, too rich – and too tempting. The Pearl of the Orient was going to be a victim – again.

Question 7: Who do you think might have taken the Philippines if the Americans had sailed away after defeating Spain?

My guess is Britain. It was the strongest imperial power in Asia and strategically could not allow anyone – but especially its main European rival Germany – to cut off lines of communication between British colonies in Malaya/Singapore/Hong Kong and Australia/New Zealand.

No historical evidence has surfaced yet, but it is plausible that Britain approached the dithering McKinley and said, in effect, “if you don’t, we will, so the Germans can’t.”

Question 8: If the Philippines was likely to be a victim of imperial powers, were features of American colonialism different?

First, let me be perfectly clear that I do not defend colonialism. As a scholar, however, it is important to distinguish among the various forms of colonialism. American colonialism was unique. I call it imperialism with a guilty conscience. 

Many prominent Americans opposed taking the Philippines as a colony, seeing it as a betrayal of America’s own history of revolution against a colonial ruler. The Treaty of Paris, for example, was hotly debated and approved by a margin of just one vote.

From the beginning the US publicly proclaimed that it intended to prepare the Philippines for independence – a policy Queen Victoria denounced as utter nonsense for a colonial power. Even before the war was over American teachers arrived to create a free public education system. Local and provincial elections were held in 1904, in 1906 elections were held for the lower house of congress (the Philippine Assembly) and by 1916 both houses of congress were Filipino.

In other words, less than 20 years after June 12, 1898 the great majority of Philippine domestic policy was being decided by elected Filipinos and carried out by Filipino administrators. 

Would that have satisfied those assembled in Kawit to celebrate the Declaration of Independence? No. Would the rapid transition to Filipino hands have happened under any other colonial power? Also No.

About the Author

Dr. Frank Jenista  grew up in the Philippines as the son of missionary parents and earned his Ph.D. in Philippine History from the University of Michigan. During his 25-year career as a US diplomat, Dr. Jenista twice served “back home” at the US Embassy in Manila.

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