The First Philippine Republic and the Malolos Constitution

On April 25, 1898, the Congress of the United States formally declared war on Spain. US
triggered to declare war because of Mishap happen in the USS Maine in Cuba, American
battleship, where 200 American sailors and officers died wherein Spain was blamed by the US.
On May 1, 1898, Commodore George Dewey ordered his fleet to sail for Manila Bay and
the Battle of Manila Bay started against Spaniards. The Americans won the said battle.
The Governor General Basilio Augustin agreed to sign the surrender document. In line with
the agreement that the Spanish officers and mercenaries admit defeat and American agreed to
protect the city.
This news came to knowledge of Emilio Aguinaldo and decided to return in the Philippines
to lead the Filipino against Spaniards.
Emilio Aguinaldo establish a Dictatorial government upon his return to the Philippines
as advised by Consul Wildman of Hongkong relating to the current situation of the Philippines.
According to Wildman it is very effective type of government for a country like the Philippines.
On May 24, 1898, Emilio Aguinaldo formally established a dictatorial government and the
all decrees issued in the name of Biak-na-Bato republic were declared null and void.
On June 12, 1898, Aguinaldo proclaimed the independence of the Philippines from the
window of his home in Kawait, Cavite.
Apolinario Mabini helped to reorganize the local government and the right to vote was
given. He thought of Revolutionary government and a Congress, on which all the provinces
should elect their delegates.
On June 23, 1898, Emilio Aguinaldo changed the form of government from dictatorial to
Revolutionary.
On September 4, 1898, Malolos Congress was established there were 92 delegates came
and 35 were elected.
On September 29, 1898, Congress ratified the proclamation of independence in Kawit on
June 12, 1898.
On January 21, 1899, Malolos Constitution was promulgated by Aguinaldo. It was
prepared by Felipe G. Calderon and Cayetano Arellano.
The features of Malolos Constitution as the 1 st State document that the Filipino ever produced;
1. The Constitution is Democratic in its aspect.
2. The government was divided into three branches Executive, Legislative and Judicial.
Legislative was more powerful than the executive or judicial branch. And it has unicameral
legislature.
3. It Safeguards against abuses were provided.
On January 23, 1899, the First Philippine Republic was inaugurated. Emilio Aguinaldo
took his oath as President of the Republic. Then the Malolos Constitution read by article.
Treaty of Paris was signed on December 10, 1898 by the Spanish and American peace
commissioners. By this treaty, Spain turned over the Philippines to the United States for the sum
of $20, 000, 000, as payment for the improvements made by Spain in the Philippines.

In order to convince foreign countries that Filipinos were capable of maintaining a stable
government, Emilio Aguinaldo sent diplomats to different countries. Felipe Agoncillo was sent
by Aguinaldo to the United States to convince the commissioners of the Treaty of Paris to
recognize the Philippine Independence.