Program: Topic: Organization of the Revolution and Bacoor

Course: Mabini’s Life, Works and Writings Instructor EVA MARIE O. ROBLES
:
Code TCCR01 Module #: 4 Week #: 7-8 # of Page: 10

I. Preliminaries
Introduction to This module aims to describe the organization of the revolution and how Mabini
the Module can help in it.
Objective
Cite the different effects of Mabini’s works during the time of revolution.

Appreciate the value of Mabini’s work to achieve the independence.

Section Topics Learning Outcomes Assessment/ Modality

Evaluation

1. Describe the organization 1. Written

Section 1: Organization of the Using
of revolution and how exercises
Revolution module
Mabini help in it. 2. Create a
Section 2: Bacoor 2. Discuss the effects of flow chart Social
Mabini’s work as an in media
adviser in Revolutionary discussing platform
Government. the works
. of Mabini Research
3. Activity
. Assignme
nt and
Presentati
on

II. Instructions
aides-de-camp – a military officer acting as a confidential assistant to a senior officer.

Cabeza de barrio – leader or chief of a barangay in the Spanish Philippines during the Spanish
colonial period.

Pernicious – having a harmful effect, especially in gradual or subtle way

Disembark – leave a ship, aircraft or other vehicle

Ammunition – the material fired, scattered, dropped, or detonated from any weapon, as bombs or
rockets, and especially shot, shrapnel, bullets, or shells fired by guns.

Ostensible – stated or appearing to be true, but not necessarily so.

TANAUAN CITY COLLEGE TCCR01- MODULE 4 MABINI’S LIFE, WORKS AND WRITINGS
Content Lecture/ Discussion

Section 1: Organization of the Revolution

• Aguinaldo’s return in May, 1898, made him the rallying point for a more vigorous
resumption of revolutionary activities against Spain. Since the general impression among
the Filipino people was that he had the firm support of the American’s who were believed to
have made certain commitments to him regarding his future political status in a liberated
Philippines, many ilustrados made the difficult and dangerous trip to the port of Cavite.

• Upon his arrival, Mabini became his principal adviser, in effect, supplanting others like
Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista. He was requested to stay in the house occupied by
Aguinaldo who came to rely on him progressively for advice on political and governmental
matters. His influenced was noticed by T.H. Pardo de Tavera, who went to see Aguinaldo in
Bacoor where the latter had just transferred his headquarters from Cavite town. According
to Tavera, when he talked about the recent Filipino victories over the Spaniards, Aguinaldo
appeared to have been well pleased, but when the discussion turned to foreign affairs or
another political mater, he grew pensive and requested Tavera "to talk over everything with
Mabini. "

• Mabini was never sympathetic to the declaration of independence made at Kawit on June
12, 1898, not because he did not favor independence but because such a declaration
would have revealed to the Americans the intentions of Filipinos, while they, the Americans,
"concealed their true intentions. " Mabini’s desire was for the Filipinos to act as though they
were interested solely in aiding the Americans to drive the Spaniards out of the country.

• The first important decree penned by Mabini was that of June 18, 1898. This dealt with the
manner of treatment to be accorded Spanish friars and prisoners of war, the election of
town and provincial officials, the formation of a revolutionary congress, and the relations
between civil and military officials regarding military needs and a possible threat from the
Spanish Army. The second decree was that of June 20 which supplemented the above
decree. This provided forty-five detailed rules dealing with the nature of and procedure for
town and provincial council meetings, the formation of police forces and courts, and the
imposition and collection of taxes. The decree of June 23, transformed the Dictatorial
government into the Revolutionary government. This decree dealt with the nature and
functions of the Revolutionary President, the establishment of the Cabinet with four
secretaryship (Foreign Affairs, War, Interior and Finance) and their subdivisions, the
formation and powers of a revolutionary congress, military courts, and the establishment of
revolutionary committee abroad.

• Although later on Malolos Constitution was proclaimed in January 1899, the war with the
Americans on the next month reduced its operative character. Actually, even after the new
constitution had been declared to be in effect, many of the provisions of the decrees
penned by Mabini were still being implemented.

• The decree penned on June 27, 1898, dealt with details on physical aspects of offices, the
transmission of correspondence, the keeping of records, the subdivisions and specification
of the functions of the four departments, and even on clerical help. The decree of July 15,
1898, which, besides carrying the appointments of the heads of three of the departments,
specified the nature of oath-taking for officials, and minor details on administrative
TANAUAN CITY COLLEGE TCCR01- MODULE 4 MABINI’S LIFE, WORKS AND WRITINGS
 procedure, titles and insignias of officials. Another decree of July 18, 1898, dealt with work
of aides-de-camp and the number of these to be attached to different officials, including the
President of the Revolutionary Government as commander-in-chief of the armed forces.

I. The System for Local and Provincial Governments and the Electoral Syatem of
Mabini

• Written less than a week after Mabini took over the duties of adviser to Aguinaldo, the
decree of June 18, 1898, establishing the manner for the election of town and provincial
officials, was, as already suggested, patterned after the general principles of the
"Ordenanzas". Noteworthy about it was the simple and economical manner provided for
elections. Mabini claimed that he did has best to insert democratic elements in this decree
as far as this was possible. The decree provided that as soon s a town was freed of
Spanish military control, those "inhabitants most distinguished by their education, social
position and honorable conduct, from both the towns and the surrounding barrios, " were to
assemble, and by means of a majority rule proceed to elect a head for each barrio (cabeza
de barrio). The town itself was to be entitled to a barrio head. Now, the different elected
heads of barrios were to meet, and by the same rule of procedure, elect the chief of the
town (jefe de pueblo). The electors had to be at least twenty years old and definitely
committed to the independence of the country. At the same time that the town chief was to
be elected, three other town officials were also to be elected one for the office of police and
internal order, one for the office of justice and civil registry, and one for taxation and
property. These three officials, with the chief of the town acting as chairman, composed the
popular council (junta popular), the justice official was to act as secretary to this council.

• Each province was to have a government-appointed commissioner charged with the

initiation and smooth functioning of the elections.

• Each province was to have a military commander who was appointed by the government.
He was not supposed to interfere with the work of the civil authorities and was to confine
himself with acquainting said officials with the needs of the military.

• Additional provisions regarding procedures for holding town and provincial meetings were
given in the supplementary decree of June 20, 1898. Powers and duties of local officials
were further specified.

II. The Revolutionary Congress

• One of the most important provisions of the decree of June 18 was for the formation of a
Revolutionary Congress. Its main function was "to propose to the government measures
relating to the maintenance of internal order and the external security of these Islands, and
will be heard by the government in all matters of great importance….."The members of the
Congress were to be elected by the town chiefs who were to assemble for the purpose. The
provinces of Manila and Cavite were each entitled to three representatives, some provinces
were entitled to two while a few were to have only one. The elected ones had to have their
election confirmed by the government, that is, by Aguinaldo and his advisers. Congress
was to serve, in effect, as an advisory body to Aguinaldo, the Dictator, and his government.

• On the advice of Mabini, Aguinaldo acceded to transform the Dictatorial Government into
the Revolutionary Government. The decree of June 23, 1898, accomplished this. Aguinaldo
thus became the President of the new form of government. This decree elaborated on the
TANAUAN CITY COLLEGE TCCR01- MODULE 4 MABINI’S LIFE, WORKS AND WRITINGS
 duties and powers of the Revolutionary Congress, the existence of which was provided for
in previous decree. Congress was now empowered to watch over the implementation of the
laws of the Revolution and to "to discuss and vote upon said laws; discuss and approve
before their ratification, treaties and loans; and to examine and approve the annual budget
presented by the secretary of finance….." Congress was to be consulted by the President
on all grave and important matters and should the urgency of a case prevent the President
from doing so, he was to explain his action to Congress in a message. Acts of the
Revolutionary Congress could not take effect until the President had approved them, and
he could, under his sole responsibility, reject any act of Congress believed by him to be
impracticable or pernicious to the nation.

• Mabini’s stated reason that a revolutionary congress was needed in order that the
provinces would not be distrustful of the powers of Aguinaldo was a simple recognition that
it would be easier to gain the support and consent of the generality of the people if their
leaders were in some way consulted in events vitally affecting them. It was imperative, too,
to get the support of these men who were most prestigious in Filipino society by virtue of
their education or wealth. Furthermore, with a revolutionary congress, Aguinaldo would
appear to have not only the support of the revolutionary army but also of the people through
their representatives. Congress could appear as a visible and popular sanction of the
Revolution.

III. Renunciation of the Past Regime

• In June 1898, Mabini did not confine himself to the organization of the Revolutionary
Government, for he penned other messages for Aguinaldo’s signature. On June 23, 1898,
on the same day that the Revolutionary Government was established, he penned a
message asking for unity among the Filipino people. On the 30 th of the same month,
another message directed at the Spanish People in the Philippines was also penned.

• The first message was ostensibly directed at the Filipino people. It confirmed that the
revolution was righteous, for it was the only recourse left to Filipinos to regain the
"sovereignty which naturally belongs to them" and which had been trampled upon and
usurped by a tyrannical government. From an original relation of brotherhood, the Filipinos
eventually found themselves barred from representation in the Spanish Cortes.

• The second message was directed at the Spaniards who were hiding safely behind the
thick walls of Intramuros and other isolated forts and pockets in the country. Affirming that
the finger of Providence had already pointed out the day for Philippine redemption Mabini
contended that the Revolution, which had begun without a determined political ideology,
and in spite of a lack of arms and funds, had been successfully pushed to the extent that it
had triumphed in most of the province and placed Manila under siege by land. It had
demonstrated, too, its, ability to create order, as the recognition of the captured provinces
was now a matter of fact. Asserting that the belligerency of the Revolutionary Government
was to be recognized by foreign nations the moment Manila was captured, it concluded that
independence was soon to become a fact.

IV. The Ratification of Independence

• On August 1, 1898, in Bacoor where the revolutionary government had established itself, a
solemn document was firmed by Mabini proclaiming to the world the independence of the
Philippines. It was signed by about 200 town chiefs belonging to revolutionary territory. This
declaration, or ratification, was necessary in Mabini’s way of thinking; for the first
declaration made in Kawit on June 12, 1898, was signed almost exclusively by military

TANAUAN CITY COLLEGE TCCR01- MODULE 4 MABINI’S LIFE, WORKS AND WRITINGS
 men.

• The document declared that the Filipinos were not created to drag the chains of servitude,
but had, on the contrary, clear ideas of what constituted over and justice. Having proved
that they could frame laws, respect and obey them, they now aspired for a "free and
independent life," demonstrating that they would not hesitate to sacrifice their lives and
fortunes to attain it. Besides, liberty and independence were prerequisites for Filipinos to
attain the fullness of life and to be able to contribute to the general progress of mankind.

• An analysis of the decrees penned by Mabini at this time demonstrates that all of them
follow the pattern laid down by his messages and programs written before he had met
Aguinaldo. It was then not really important that Aguinaldo figured as the visible head of the
Revolution and that it was his signatures that were now attached to the decrees. The initial
direction of the Revolution along ideological principles was now in the hands of Mabini. This
is how he intended it.

Section 2: Bacoor

• The arrival of the first American expeditionary forces of about 2,500 men under Brigadier-
General Thomas M. Anderson at Cavite on July 1, 1898, was a factor that the
Revolutionary Government had to take into account in its thinking regarding American
intentions in the Philippines. According to General Anderson, on his first interview with
Aguinaldo the day he landed, the latter did not appear pleased, as he had hoped to take
Manila with his own troops, American aid being limited to naval operations.

• Aguinaldo was duly informed of the coming of another expeditionary force and that
therefore Cavite would be needed as base o operations. This referred to the troops under
Brigadier-General Francis Greene, which would number almost twice as the force that
landed.

• The decision to transfer the seat of the Revolutionary Government from Cavite to Bacoor
revealed that the American troop landings were determining the Filipinos moves
themselves, but also, hat there was a more decided effort on the part of the revolutionary
troops to intensify the siege of Manila - Bacoor being more convenient for such operations.
• It’s clearly evident that the control of American in Cavite Arsenals and the reinforcements of
the American troops would render Aguinaldo’s headquarters there would be extremely risk.

• The arrival of the second expedition troupe under General Greene on July 17 made it
necessary for General Anderson to request Filipino aid to provide them with shelter,
animals and carts for transportation, wood for fuel, etc.

With a threatening letter that if Aguinaldo won't comply to the requests, they will use force
secure the Filipinos.

• Information to Aguinaldo came that from 5,000 to 7,000 were encamped to Paranaque, and
that a third expedition group will arrive under Major-General Wesley Meritt with an
additional 5,000 men would arrive at July 25.

It will be followed by another Brigadier-General Arthur MacArthur the following 5 days.

It is signified to the Filipinos that the American army intended to stay indefinitely in the
country.

TANAUAN CITY COLLEGE TCCR01- MODULE 4 MABINI’S LIFE, WORKS AND WRITINGS
 • This belief, coupled with the absence of any formal agreement between the American and
the Revolutionary Government regarding the problem of independence, made Mabini more
suspicious of American intentions in the Philippines.

• He advised Aguinaldo to inform General Anderson not to disembark any troops on any area
already occupied by Filipino troops without previous notice to the Revolutionary
Government for the reason that there was no formal agreement between the United States
Government and the Revolutionary Government.

• August 12, 1898, Major-General Merritt gave the plans for the general attack on Manila
which fell the next day. The general exclusion of Filipino troops from entering the city. The
formation of a military government from the city, not soon afterwards, made American
intentions clearer to the minds of the revolutionists.

• September 8, Brigadier-General Elwell Otis replaced Meritt.

• Mabini's attitude over this matter was that as much as possible, no territory occupied by the
revolutionary group was to be abandoned to the American forces.

• Although, Mabini still advised him to avoid conflicts with the American force as against
many of the military commanders who were of the opinion that the American occupation of
Manila was enough reason to begin hostilities with the Americans.

According to Mabini, he “advised Aguinaldo to avoid conflict at any cost, for the alternative
would produce two enemies for us and the most probable result is the division of the country
between both of them”.

• General Panciano Mercado Rizal frankly asked Mabini for political guidance whether to
consider the Americans allies or enemies.

This was asked through a letter in August 24, 1898.

• The letter has also asked for a few cannons and corresponding ammunitions from Manila,
since the city has already fallen and other use could be made of them. This demonstrates
Mabini's important role and influence. It also reveals the function that Mabini could have
filled in coordinating the responses and reactions of the revolutionists to the shifts in the
political situation.

• In order to gain the sympathy of foreign nations for the struggle of the Filipinos and in an
effort to generate a public opinion in the United States which would be favorable to the
Revolutionary Government, it became urgent to implement Article 31 of the Decree of
June 23, 1898, authorizing the formation of a revolutionary committee abroad.

August 24, the law was penned by Mabini and signed by Aguinaldo.

• Hongkong Junta, October 1898

Galicano Apacible was appointed as president of the committee.

This committee was in charge of working for the recognition of the independence of the
Philippines.

They made foster trade relations between Philippines and interested foreign nations.

They also made arrangements for the purchase of arms and ammunition for the revolution

TANAUAN CITY COLLEGE TCCR01- MODULE 4 MABINI’S LIFE, WORKS AND WRITINGS
army.

• Mabini tried to get the sympathy and respect of other countries/nations such as London,
Paris, and Yokohama through correspondence with Felipe Agoncillo, and get to recognize
the Filipino belligerency and independence.

• They also tried to get the sympathy of Germany, and also managed to build a good
relationship with the British, whom Mabini knew has interests in Philippine products.

III. Viable and vibrant Activities

Learning Task 1
Answer the following questions.

1. What are the effects of the works of Mabini in the Revolutionary Congress and in the
organization of the revolution?
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2. Why is it Mabini penned more decrees during the organization of the revolution.
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3. How does the Revolutionary Congress form?
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4. If you were Mabini during the time of revolution would you do or think the same? Explain
your answer.
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___________________________________________.

Learning task 2
Create a flow chart that will describe the works of Mabini in the organization of the revolution and
as an adviser of the Revolutionary congress.

IV. Opportunity to reflect and articulate students’ acquired knowledge.

TANAUAN CITY COLLEGE TCCR01- MODULE 4 MABINI’S LIFE, WORKS AND WRITINGS
Criteria for evaluation

Learning task 1 rubrics

Needs Improvement Approaching Good Excellent

1 pt. standards 3 pts. 4 pts.
2 pts.
Ideas and Content Needs improvement Approaching Good Excellent
standards
There is no clear or What you are writing What you are writing
specific explanation You put thought into about is clear. You about is clear and
in answer to the this, but there is no answered the well-expressed,
question. real evidence of question. Some including specific
learning. More support may be examples to
specific information lacking, or your demonstrate what
is needed or you sentences may be a you learned. Well
need to follow the bit awkward. Overall, done!
directions more a decent job.
closely.

Use of terms Needs improvement Approaching Good Excellent

standards
No terms from the Your answer Your answer
lesson are used. Only one term from included several included all the
the lesson is used in terms from the terms from the
the answer. Try for a lesson, lesson that applied
few more, next time. demonstrating to the question
adequate asked. All terms are
understanding of the fully defined and
material. used in the proper
context.

Sentence Fluency Needs improvement Approaching Good Excellent

standards
Sentences are Sentences are Sentences are
incomplete or too Some sentences are complete and able to complete and they
long. It makes complete and easy be understood. connect to one
reading them to undersand. another easily when
difficult. Others require some they are read out
work. loud. Your writing
'flows.'

Conventions Needs improvement Approaching Good Excellent

standards
Few end marks or Use of punctuation No punctuation or
capital letters. Mistakes using end marks and capitals, structural mistakes.
Answers contain marks or capitals as as well as spelling, is No spelling errors.
numerous spelling or well as spelling mostly correct. Few Your writing shows
structural errors. mistakes make the errors exist in your full awareness of the
writing hard to read. answer. rules of English use.

Learning task 2 rubrics

CATEGORY 16-20 11-15 6-10 1-5

Layout The Flow chart has The flow chart has The flow chart has a The flow chart is
an exceptionally an attractive and usable layout, but cluttered looking or

TANAUAN CITY COLLEGE TCCR01- MODULE 4 MABINI’S LIFE, WORKS AND WRITINGS
 attractive and usable usable layout. It is may appear busy or confusing. It is often
layout. It is easy to easy to locate all boring. It is easy to difficult to locate
locate all important important elements. locate most of the important elements.
elements. White important elements.
space, graphic
elements and/or
alignment are used
effectively to
organize material.

Graphics Graphics are related Graphics are related Graphics are related Graphics seem
to the to the to the randomly chosen,
theme/purpose of theme/purpose of theme/purpose of are of low quality,
the chart, are the chart, are of the chart, and are of OR distract the
thoughtfully cropped, good quality and good quality. reader.
are of high quality enhance reader
and enhance reader interest or
interest or understanding.
understanding.

Color Choices Colors of Colors of Colors of Colors of

background, fonts, background, fonts, background, fonts, background, fonts,
form a pleasing links do not detract links do not detract links make the
palette, do not from the content, from the content. content hard to read
detract from the and are consistent or otherwise distract
content, and are across pages. the reader.
consistent across
pages.

Learning of The student has an The student has a The student has a Student did not
Material exceptional good understanding fair understanding of appear to learn
understanding of the of the material the material included much from this
material included in included in the site. in the site. Can project. Cannot
the site and where to Can easily answer easily answer most answer most
find additional questions about the questions about the questions about the
information. Can content and content and content and the
easily answer procedures used to procedures used to procedures used to
questions about the make the flow chart. make the flow chart. make the flow chart.
content and
procedures used to
make the flow chart.

Summary
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TANAUAN CITY COLLEGE TCCR01- MODULE 4 MABINI’S LIFE, WORKS AND WRITINGS
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Reflection

1. I already knew
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2. I learned
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3. I still want to know
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V. Textbooks and other References

Majul, Cesar A. (2004). Apolinario Mabini Revolutionary. National Historical Institue, Philippines

TANAUAN CITY COLLEGE TCCR01- MODULE 4 MABINI’S LIFE, WORKS AND WRITINGS