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 has already been organized under the riles laid down by the
Dictatorial Government.

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.

PROTECTORATE PROCLAIMED
Aguinaldo continued his moves for consolidation. The next step was the proclamation
of Philippine Independence on June 12, 1898. Appropriate celebrations marked the
event in Kawit at which the Philippine flag was officially raised and the Philippine
National Anthem first publicly played. The declaration was prepared by Ambrosio
Rianzares Bautista who patterned it after the American Declaration of Independence.
Aguinaldo invited Dewey to the festivities, but the latter declined the invitation and did
not even report the event to Washington. The declaration was signed by ninety-eight
persons, including an American office, L.M. Johnson, Colonel of Artillery.