Philippine Independence Proclamation (1898) PDF

READING THE “PROCLAMATION OF THE PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE” CHAPTER 2 GROUP 2  Anniversary of the Philippine independence is proclaimed on June 12, 1898 in the province of Cavite This signals the end of 333 years of Spanish colonization There are multiple...

READING THE “PROCLAMATION OF THE PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE” CHAPTER 2 GROUP 2  Anniversary of the Philippine independence is proclaimed on June 12, 1898 in the province of Cavite This signals the end of 333 years of Spanish colonization There are multiple studies about the Philippine independence, but only a few actually read the actual declaration The declaration was only a short 2,000 word document, that summarized the reason for the Spanish revolution The war for independence and the new republic under Emilio Aguinaldo The document also specified the abuses and the inequalities of the colony "...taking into consideration, that their inhabitants being already weary of bearing the ominous yoke of Spanish domination, on account of the arbitrary arrests and harsh treatment practiced by the Civil Guard to the extent of causing death with the connivance and even with the express orders of their commanders, who sometimes went to the extreme of ordering the shooting of prisoners under the pretext that they were attempting to escape, in violation of the provisions of the Regulations of their Corps, which abuses were unpunished and on account of the unjust deportations, especially those decreed by General Blanco, of eminent personages and of high social position, at the instigation of the Archbishop and friars interested in keeping them out of the way for their own selfish and avaricious purpose, deportations which are quickly brought about by a method of procedure more execrable than that of the Inquisition and which every civilized nation rejects on account of a decision being rendered without a hearing of the persons accused."  The above passage demonstrates the justifications behind the revolution against Spain. Specifically cited are the abuse by the Civil Guards and the unlawful shooting of prisoners whom they alleged as attempting to escape. The passage also condemns the unequal protection of the law between the Filipino people and the "eminent personages." The line mentions the avarice and greed of the clergy like the friars and the Archbishop himself.  This passage also condemns what they saw as the unjust deportation and rendering of other decision without proper hearing, expected of any civilized nation. A brief historical overview of the Spanish occupation since Magellan's arrival in Visayas until the Philippine Revolution, with specific details, especially after the Pact of Biak-na-Bato had collapsed. The movement spread "like an electric spark" through different provinces like Bataan, Pampanga, Batangas, Bulacan, Laguna, and Morong, and the decline of Spanish forces in provinces. The revolt reached Visayas; thus, securing the country's independence. It also mentions Rizal's execution, calling it unjust. The execution, as written in the document, was done to “Please the greedy body of friars in their insatiable desire to seek revenge upon and exterminate all those who are opposed to their Machiavellian purposes, which tramples upon the penal code prescribed for these islands."  The Cavite Mutiny of January 1872 that caused the infamous execution of the martyred native priests Jose Burgos, Mariano Gomez, and Jacinto Zamora, "whose innocent blood was shed through the intrigues of those so-called religious orders" Also invokes that the established republic would be led under the dictatorship of Emilio Aguinaldo. The first mention was at the very beginning of the proclamation. It stated: "In the town of Cavite Viejo, in this province of Cavite, on the twelfth day of June eighteen hundred and ninety-eight, before me, Don Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista, Auditor of War and selfish and Special Commissioner appointed to proclaim and solemnize this act by the Dictatorial Government of these Philippine Islands, for the purposes and by virtue of the circular addressed by the Eminent Dictator of the same Don Emilio Aguinaldo y Famy." The same was repeated toward the last part of the proclamation. It states. "We acknowledge, approve and confirm together with the orders that have been issued therefrom, the Dictatorship established by Don Emilio Aguinaldo, whom we honor as the Supreme Chief of this Nation, which this day commences to have a life of its own, in the belief that he is the instrument selected by God, in spite of his humble origin, to effect the redemption of this unfortunate people, as foretold by Doctor Jose Rizal in the magnificent verses which he composed when he was preparing to be shot, liberating them from the yoke of Spanish domination in punishment of the impunity with which their Government allowed the commission of abuses by its subordinates.“ Another detail in the proclamation that is worth looking at is its explanation on the Philippine flag that was first waved on the same day. The document explained: "And finally, it was unanimously resolved that this Nation, independent from this day, must use the same flag used heretofore, whose design and colors and described in the accompanying drawing, with design representing in natural colors the three arms referred to. The white triangle represents the distinctive emblem of the famous Katipunan Society, which by means of its compact of blood urged on the masses of the people to insurrection; the three stars represent the three principal Islands of this Archipelago, Luzon, Mindanao and Panay, in which this insurrectionary movement broke out; the sun represents the gigantic strides that have been made by the sons of this land on the road of progress and civilization, its eight rays symbolizing the eight provinces of Manila, Cavite, Bulacan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Bataan, Laguna and Batangas, which were declared in a state of war almost as soon as the first insurrectionary movement was initiated; and the colors blue, red and white, commemorate those of the flag of the United States of North America, in manifestation of our profound gratitude towards that Great Nation for the disinterested protection she is extending to us and will continue to extend to us."  Proclamation by the Dictatorial Government of the Philippines under Emilio Aguinaldo. Aguinaldo is recognized as the Supreme Chief, believed to be chosen by God to free the Filipinos from Spanish rule. José Rizal's prophecy is mentioned, tying Aguinaldo's leadership to the nation's redemption. Declaration of Philippine independence and confirmation of its new national flag. Flag symbolism: White triangle: Represents the Katipunan revolutionary society. Three stars: Symbolize Luzon, Mindanao, and Panay. Sun's eight rays: Represent the eight provinces that revolted against Spain. Blue, red, and white: Colors reflect gratitude toward the United States.  The historical meaning of the Philippine national flag is often overlooked. The white triangle in the flag is derived from the Katipunan symbol. The red and blue colors, commonly associated with courage and peace, were actually taken from the U.S. flag. Basic education often omits this connection. Understanding the original symbolic meanings provides historical insights into events following the declaration of independence on June 12, 1898.  ANALYSIS OF THE “PROCLAMATION OF THE PHILIPPINE INDEPENDECE” Analysis of the "Proclamation of Philippine Independence": Reveals often overlooked historical truths about the event. Reflects revolutionary sentiments against friar abuse, racial discrimination, and legal inequality. Omissions in the Proclamation: Fails to address the land and agrarian crisis affecting Filipino peasants. Historian Teodoro Agoncillo described the revolution as an agrarian struggle. Possible Reasons for Omissions: Middle-class leaders like Emilio Aguinaldo, Ambrosio Rianzares-Bautista, and Felipe Buencamino might have been unaware of or intentionally ignored agrarian issues. The leaders' own landholding interests may have influenced the omission of these critical issues.  TREATY OF PARIS Treaty of Paris Signed on December 10, 1898, between Spain and the United States. Ended the Spanish-American War. Key Provisions Spain ceded the Philippines and other Spanish colonies to the U.S. for $20 million. This undermined Filipino sovereignty following their declaration of independence six months earlier. Aftermath The U.S. occupied the Philippines immediately. This led to the Philippine-American War, which continued into the early 20th century Historical Narrative in the Proclamation: Reflects how Aguinaldo's revolutionary government historicized the struggle for independence. Highlights significant past events like the execution of the GOMBURZA and the Cavite Mutiny of 1872, viewed as key moments in the anti-Spanish movement. Mentions Jose Rizal’s legacy and martyrdom. Omissions and Biases: The Katipunan, a key pioneer of the revolution, is mentioned only once towards the end. The foundation of the Katipunan and the roles of its founders, including Andres Bonifacio, are not mentioned. This selective historical narration may reflect the political dynamics and rivalries of the time, particularly the conflict between Aguinaldo’s Magdalo faction and Bonifacio’s Magdiwang faction. Detailed Coverage: Provides a detailed account of the war with the United States led by Aguinaldo’s forces.  The proclamation shows how Aguinaldo's government told the story of the fight for independence. It talks about important events like the execution of GOMBURZA and the Cavite Mutiny of 1872, which were seen as key moments that made Filipinos aware of the problems under Spanish rule. It also highlights the legacy and martyrdom of José Rizal. However, the Katipunan, which was the first revolutionary group, is only briefly mentioned near the end, with no mention of its founders, including Andrés Bonifacio. This seems to show that the story told in the document reflects the politics of Aguinaldo’s group, especially the rivalry between his Magdalo faction and Bonifacio’s Magdiwang. On the other hand, the document gives more detail about the war led by Aguinaldo's men against the United States, showing how the winners shaped the way history was told.  The point is that even official records and documents, like the proclamation of independence, while mostly truthful, reflect the politics and biases of those in power. This bias shows in the selective information included in such records. It is the historian's job to analyze these documents within the context of the dominant political influences and the people and institutions involved. This teaches us to view primary sources, like government records, in light of the circumstances in which they were created. To fully understand a historical topic, it's important to examine multiple primary sources and pieces of evidence for a more complete and balanced analysis of the past. A Glance at Selected Philippine Caricature in Alfred Mccoy’s Philippine Cartoons: Political Caricature Of The American Era (1900-1941) Political cartoons and caricature are a rather recent art form, which veered away from the classical art by exaggerating human features and poking fun at its subjects. Such art genre and technique became a part of the print media as a form of social and political commentary, which usually targets persons of power and authority. Cartoons became an effective tool of publicizing opinions through heavy use of symbolism, which is different from a verbose written editorial and opinion pieces. A public post is not a hereditary crown The cartoon shows a politician from Tondo, named Dr. Santos, passing his crown to his brother- in-law, Dr. Barcelona. A Filipino guy (as depicted wearing salakot and barong tagalog) was trying to stop Santos, telling the latter to stop giving Barcelona the crown because it is not his to begin with. War, against the Speculators Drawn by Fernando Amorsolo and was aimed as a commentary to the workings of manila Police at that period. A Filipino child who stole a skinny chicken because he had nothing to eat. The police officer was relentlessly pursuing the said child. A man wearing a salakot, labeled Juan de la Cruz, was grabbing the officer, telling him to leave the small-time pickpockets and thieves and to turn at the great thieves instead. He was pointing tohuge warehouse containing bulks of rice, milk ad grocery products. Death Cars A commentary on the unprecedented cases of colorum automobiles in the city streets. The Philippine Free Press published this commentary when fatal accidents involving colorum vehicles and taxis occurred too often already. Flaming Youth The fourth depicts a cinema. A blown-up police officer was at the screen saying that couples are not allowed to neck and make love in the theater. Two youngsters looked horrified while an older couple seemed amused. Uncle Sam rationing Porridge The last cartoon was published by Lipang Kalabaw on August 24, 1907. We can see Uncle Sam rationing porridge to the politicians and members of the progresista Party (sometimes known as the Federalista Party) while members of the Nacionalista Party look on and wait for their turn. ANALYSIS OF THE POLITICAL CARICATURES DURING THE AMERICAN PERIOD  The transition from the Spanish colonial period to the American occupation period demonstrated different strands of changes and shifts in culture, society and politics. It was also during American period that Filipinos were introduced to different manifestations of modernity like healthcare, modern transpiration and media. The post-independence and the post - Filipino - American period in the Philippines were experienced differently by Filipinos coming from different classes. The upper principalia class experienced economic prosperity with the opening up of the Philippine economy to the United States but the majority of the poor Filipino remained poor, desperate and victims of repression. This can be seen in the rising dynastic politics in Tondo as depicted in the cartoon published by the Independent.  This was depicted in the cartoon where the united states, represented by Uncle Sam, provided dole outs for members of the Federalista while the Nacionalista politicians looked on and waited for their turn. The transition from a Catholic - centered, Spanish-Filipino society to an imperial American - assimilated one and it's complication, were also depicted in the cartoons. Lastly, the cartoons also illustrated the conditions of poor Filipinos in the Philippines now governed by the United States. MARAMING SALAMAT MABUHAY!