Philippine Independence Declaration

Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista and the Act of the Declaration of Philippine Independence

• Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista was a lawyer and adviser to General Emilio Aguinaldo, born in Biñan, Laguna in 1830.
• He was a distant relative of Dr. Jose Rizal, who often called him "Tio Bosyong."
• Before the 1896 Philippine Revolution, Bautista was a known supporter of the Propaganda Movement's campaign for reforms.

The Act of the Declaration of Philippine Independence

• The document was penned by Bautista in his capacity as advisor to Aguinaldo.
• It was read by him before a crowd attending the ceremony on June 12, 1898, in Kawit, Cavite.
• The document was signed by 98 individuals, including an American colonel named L.M. Johnson who served as a witness to the event.

Context of the Document

• The document cited the arbitrary arrests and harsh treatment by the Spanish authorities, leading to the death of many Filipinos.
• It also mentioned the deportations of prominent persons, especially those decreed by General Blanco.
• The document stated that the people determined to start an insurrectionary movement in August 1896 to recover the independence and sovereignty of which Spain deprived them.

Key Provisions of the Document

• The document proclaimed the independence of the Philippine Islands from Spain.
• It stated that the islands were released from all obedience to the crown of Spain.
• It declared that the Philippines had the right to be free and independent, with the authority to make war, conclude peace, establish treaties of commerce, enter into alliances, and regulate commerce.
• The document acknowledged the dictatorship established by Emilio Aguinaldo, whom they honored as the Supreme Chief of the nation.

Symbolism of the Philippine Flag

• The flag features a white triangle representing the Katipunan Society, which urged the masses of the people to insurrection.
• The three stars represent the principal islands of Luzon, Mindanao, and Panay, where the insurrectionary movement broke out.
• The sun represents the gigantic strides made by the sons of the land on the road of progress and civilization, with eight rays symbolizing the eight provinces that were declared in a state of war.
• The colors blue, red, and white commemorate those of the flag of the United States of North America, in manifestation of gratitude for the disinterested protection extended by the US.