I.

Preliminaries
Introduction to the This module aims the important works of Mabini in drifting towards war and in
Module Objective downfall of Cabinet.

Section Topics Learning Outcomes Assessment/ Modality

Evaluation

Section 1: Drifting towards War 1. Analyze works and 1. Written Using module
deeds in drifting exercises
Section 2: Downfall of Mabini’s towards war. 2. Create a flow Social media
2. Understand how chart in platform
Cabinet Mabini’s cabinet cope discussing
for their downfall. the works of Research
Mabini
3. Activity
Assignment
. and

II. Instructions

Autonomous – Independent

Perennial –Eternal

Impediment – Hindrance

Studious – Intellectual

Intransigence – Stubborn

Contemplate – Observe

Apprehensive – Anxious

TANAUAN CITY COLLEGE TCCR01-MODULE 6 MABINI’S LIFE, WORKS AND WRITINGS

Aggravate– Annoy

Content Lecture/ Discussion

DRIFTING TOWARDS WAR

 As head of the cabinet of the Revolutionary Government in the first week of

January,1899,Mabini found himself with formal political power and in a better position to
deal with the political maneuverings of his adversaries. But his energies were not dedicated
solely to the internal power struggle or towards the formation of a more cohesive
administrative system.

 On December 21,1898 the United States President issued his well known Benevolent
Assimilation Proclamation which clearly indicated that the americans would not only
disregard Filipino desires for independence but would even exercise sovereignty over the
Philippines.

 The manifesto protested vehemently against what it considered a presumption on the part
of Otis to sign as military governor of the Philippines. Aguinaldo asserted strongly that in no
place did he ever, in word or in writing, agree to recognize the sovereignty of the United
States over the Philippines. He affirmed, on the contrary, that was verbally promised by
American authorities that they would aid him to drive out the Spaniards from the
Philippines.

 The unexpected declaration of American sovereignty over the Philippines was then branded
as an “intrusion on the sovereignty of the Island,” This manifesto was interpreted by Otis as
intended to arouse the revolutionary troops to commit hostile acts against American troops.
Although the manifesto could have added to the already existing excitement, it was
probably not intended to do so. Mabini primarily wanted to demonstrate to the Americans
that the revolutionists were not insensitive to decisions made by others concerning them
and that they were firm and constant in their principle to direct their own destiny.

 But what convinced Otis that the Filipinos were willing to go to war was the Iloilo affair. On
Dec. 14, 1898, Major-General Otis cabled Washington that bankers and other businessmen
of the port of Iloilo were petitioning for American protection. At this time Iloilo was still
occupied by Spanish troops, although it was encircled by Visayan revolutionists by land.

TANAUAN CITY COLLEGE TCCR01-MODULE 6 MABINI’S LIFE, WORKS AND WRITINGS

 Within nine days, Otis received instructions from Washington to send troops there in order
to protect life and property; however, he was strictly ordered to avoid any conflict with the
revolutionists. The complication that ensued was that the leader of American expeditionary
force to Iloilo, General Miller, arrived after the Spanish General De los Rios had evacuated
with his troops to Zamboanga. This evacuation took place on Dec. 24, and not soon after,
Filipino revolutionary troops occupied the city.


In a letter to Galicano Apacible on Jan. 6, 1899, Mabini, who had already become an official
of the government, presented a resume of the situation in Iloilo with the warning that “an
imminent and inevitable conflict with the Americans appears.” Revealing that the Visayan
revolutionary troops in Iloilo would not permit any disembarkation of the troops of General
Miller without expressing orders of the Malolos government and that they would burn the
city at the first sign of aggression, Mabini wrote further that the Revolutionary Government
would request General Otis to desist from occupying the port, for the Filipinos were
determined to go to war on the issue since “we cannot remain indifferent to the usurpation
of part of our territory already occupied by us.”

Actually, the attempts of General Miller to occupy Iloilo brought another strong protest from
Aguinaldo on Jan. 8, 1899. Once again, this protest was written by Mabini. It was of such a
tenor that Otis termed it as “a virtual declaration of war. “The protest declare the rapture of”
amicable relations "between the United States forces stationed in the Philippines and the
Revolutionary Government.


The Iloilo affair brought a great deal of excitement both in Manila and Malolos. On the belief
that war was forthcoming, about forty thousand inhabitants left Manila within fifteen days for
places believed to be away from the part of war. General Otis himself for once was
convinced that the Malolos government means war should he insist in the occupation of
Iloilo. Consequently, he cabled to Washington the message that “open hostilities at Iloilo
meant war throughout the Island. General Miller was also ordered not to open hostilities in
Iloilo, to his great disappointment as he showed eagerness more than once to start some
fighting.

 Aguinaldo and his adviser, Mabini, the man who had furnished the brains for the radical
element and who, in fact, was the government, proposed to transfer the declaration of open
hostilities from Spain to the United States. This the conservative members of the cabinet
and congress would not countenance, and the result was their withdrawal. Mabini was able
to form a new cabinet with himself as dictator, and to dominate the remaining members of
congress. Independence was the cry and the extermination of the Americans the
determination.”


Making allowance for some element of misinformation on the part of Otis, it is evident that
he was aware of the existence of a group in Congress that was secretly in sympathy with
the Americans. Many of these were actually leaving Malolos for Manila. Mabini knew who
some of these were, and he was most probably glad that they had left after showing their
true colors.


The near outbreak of hostiles due to the American attempt to land troops in Iloilo and the
unfavorable reaction to his proclamation made Otis desire to try to reach some form of
understanding with the Revolutionary Government. According to him, this desire was
inspired by some Filipinos who were eager “for continued peace and a harmonious
settlement of difficulties. “Mabini’s analysis of this move of Otis was that when the letter
“saw the hostile attitude of the Filipino against his proclamation of annexation, he acceded

TANAUAN CITY COLLEGE TCCR01-MODULE 6 MABINI’S LIFE, WORKS AND WRITINGS

 to, or better said, he asked for a conference between our President as commander-in-chief
and his commissioners appointed by him(Otis) as head of American forces.” On January 9,
1899, Otis appointed three American officers as members of his commissions.

The American and the Filipino commissioners had about six conference which took place
from the 9th to the 29th of January. Not much was accomplished by the conferences in order
to gain time the arrival to further reinforcements from the United States. Otis tell in the
meanwhile, was convinced that the revolutionists were not sincere about their protestations
of peace.


The announcement that the Schurman Commission was arriving from Washington mystified
the Filipinos as to its purpose, for was there not already a commission appointed by Otis to
talk peace with Filipino representatives? Otis was right when he reported that “the
conferences became the object of insurgent suspicion, and of amusement to those results
ensue when reinforcements were already on the way to Manila?

This is revealed in a letter by Mabini to Aguinaldo written during the time of the
conferences. According to Mabini,Florentino Torres, one of the filipino commisioners , had
insisted on the use of the term “protection” because he had already used the term with the
Americans and it was not possible anymore to retract it. Mabini informed Aguinaldo that he
took the initiative in giving additional instructions to the commission.


The factor which the revolutionists would strenghten their demand for the recognition of
independence but which was further interpreted by OTIS as another evidence that they
were preparing for war was promulgation of the constitution and declaration of the republic
while the conferences were still going on.

TANAUAN CITY COLLEGE TCCR01-MODULE 6 MABINI’S LIFE, WORKS AND WRITINGS

 
January 23,1899 , Aguinaldo as President of the Philippine Republic and Mabini as its
prime minister wrote Otis informing him that a republic had been established and a
constitution promulgated,all in accordance with the aspiration of the filipino people.

Robert Grayson who on the night of February 4,1899 fired at and killed a Filipino soldier
crossing the San Juan Bridge. On that night Aguinaldo issued a general order to the

revolutionary army declaring the friendly relations between the revolutionary forces and
those of the Americans
 The next day Aguinaldo issued a message to the Filipino people. Once more penned by
Mabini, it claimed that efforts had been made to avoid conflict with the Americans.
 The independence of the people had been “watered by the generous blood of our martyrs
and future blood would further strengthen independence. But that the effort be not wasted.

All evidences point to the fact that Mabini did make strong efforts to avoid any rupture of
hostilities with the Americans. When he wrote on Feb.16, that “finally that which we wanted
 to avoid at any cost tooks place”
 The Filipino attack on Manila on Feb.22 and 23, under the immediate command of
GENERAL ANTONIO LUNA failed, in spite of initial gains. The decision to attack Manila
was such a grave importance that Aguinaldo asked for the advice of Mabini and his
Cabinet.
 To offset military reverses. Mabini tried to develop better relations with foreign commercial
firms in the hope that they could convince their government on account of economic interest
to deal with the republic.
 As if it were not enough that Mabini was busy trying to gain popular support for the struggle
against the American invasion,he had to contend with corruption among revolutionary
generals and with the frequent abuses with the revolutionary troops against their own
countrymen.
TANAUAN CITY COLLEGE TCCR01-MODULE 6 MABINI’S LIFE, WORKS AND WRITINGS
  Complaining to Aguinaldo that he had more than once before taking up the matter with him,
Mabini cautioned against the attempt of General Tomas Mascardo to take possession of a
piece of grazing land which, though owned by the government, had been rented out to a
local officia.

DOWNFALL OF THE MABINI CABINET

 Protestations of Peace and the declaration by American military authorities that they would
not initiate hostilities led the revolutionary leaders, according to Mabini, to become careless.

Recent victories over Spanish troops which gained for the revolutionists some confidence in
themselves could have also aggravated such carelessness. Mabini himself often fell an
easy victim to unfounded rumours of Filipino.


On February 13, Aguinaldo and Mabini issued a decree converting all the town popular
councils into defence councils charged with the study and organization of the defense of the
areas under their jurisdiction.


“The country is in danger” it said “and it is necessary that Filipino people fulfil their
promises, if they had learned how to possess dignity in the short time of their
emancipation”.


The Filipino attack on Manila on February 22 & 23, under the immediate command of
General Antonio Luna failed, in spite of initial gains. What Mabini emphasized was the
necessity of coordinating the activities of the regular troops and the irregular forces
scattered throughout Manila and the suburbs.


Mabini tried to develop better relations with foreign commercial firms in the hope that they
could convince their governments, on account of economic interests, to deal with the
Republic.


Mabini was trying to gain popular support for the struggle against the American invasion;
He had to contend with corruption among revolutionary generals and with the frequent
abuses of revolutionary troops against the American.


Mabini asserted that if General Mascardo had the interests of Aguinaldo At heart, he ought
not to do anything that would expose Aguinaldo to criticism. Mabini wrote on the incident: “I
believe that you understand well that the government had been authorized to see that the
law is obeyed: if you do not support us in what we believe to be legal, we will not be able to
accomplish much.”
TANAUAN CITY COLLEGE TCCR01-MODULE 6 MABINI’S LIFE, WORKS AND WRITINGS
  The Secretary of War, Baldomero Aguinaldo, received so many complaints against Luna
that he expressed his desire to resign, for he knew that following up all the cases against
Luna would inevitably lead to a serious conflict between both of them.

 Mabini was supporting the members of his Cabinet because he believed that one of the
functions of the cabinet was precisely to see that relations between the civilian and military
segments of the country were harmonized.

Mabini’s analysis of the problem of abuses, besides his immediate pragmatic view that the
alienation of the civilian segment would be disastrous for the revolutionary army, carried
with in the assumption of deeper political principles.

 Mabini desired to see that all human relations were framed along humanitarian lines and by
the middle of March, 1899, Mabini became apprehensive about a possible American attack
on Malolos.

On March 31, 1899, Malolos, the first capital of the first Philippine Republic, fell to American
 troops, the Philippine government having transferred to San Isidro Nueva Ecija he also
stressed that Malolos was abandoned since it was difficult to defend.

 On April 15, Mabini issued his answer to the proclamation in a manifesto to the Filipino
people. He enumerates extensively and quite faithfully the promises of the Schurman
Commission.

 Mabini warned the people that the American government’s refusal to recognize Philippines
independence reflected its refusal to enter into any agreement with the Filipino people.

 Mabini warned that race hatred would eventually be introduced to aggravate the conflict
resulting from the clash of interests between the American and Filipino nations. The
manifesto ended as follows:

Since war is the last resource left to us to save our country and national honor, let us fight
as long as an atom of strength remains with us. Let us acquit ourselves well since it is our
generation that is called to struggle and make sacrifices. It matters not whether we die in
the midst of or at the end of this most painful journey. Future generations, praying over our
graves, will dedicate to us their tears of love and gratitude instead of their bitter reproach.

TANAUAN CITY COLLEGE TCCR01-MODULE 6 MABINI’S LIFE, WORKS AND WRITINGS

  On April 20, Mabini answered by means of the revolutionary press a series of six questions
presented to Aguinaldo in an open letter by an American correspondent.

To the first question asking Aguinaldo’s opinion regarding the administration of a local
government run entirely by Filipinos but under American Sovereignty. Mabini concluded,
the only guarantee for peace was United States’ recognition of the indubitable right of the
Filipinos to govern themselves, conceding, however, that some American help or sympathy
was welcome.

 The second question was whether Aguinaldo thought that a war between races was less
preferable to the situation where American sovereignty in the country would bring about rise
in the value of property.

 The next question whether the rule of a free American was preferable to that of another
nation and the answer was brief: “We do not desire any form of legislation except that
dictated by our own people!”

 The fourth question was whether it did not appear evident that the pride and prestige of the
United States government would prevent it from recognizing the men armed against it
unless these first of all lay down their arms.

 The fifth question was whether it did not appear evident or certain that the immense
population, wealth, and superior land and naval forces of the United States would inevitably
affect the pacification of the country in two months and the answer was neither evident nor
certain for the simple reason that peace could not be indefinitely maintained by force.

 The last question was whether it was not an error to allow the destruction of properties the
losses of which would eventually be borne by the common people. To this Mabini bitterly
countered that the Americans were therefore guilty of an act of inhumanity in provoking the
war. Mabini issued the threat that the Filipino government was contemplating the asking for
the intervention of foreign nations in the war.

On May 1, Mabini penned the instructions to Colonel Arguelles, who was commissioned to
 present the Philippine position to the Schurman Commission that the Filipino government
would seek for foreign intervention on grounds of their economic interest in the country.

TANAUAN CITY COLLEGE TCCR01-MODULE 6 MABINI’S LIFE, WORKS AND WRITINGS

 • Aguinaldo asked the Congress, which had not met since the proclamation of the Republic
and which was supposed, to meet on April 15, be allowed to meet on May 5, 1899.

• On May 5, sixteen members of Congress met. This was what Jose Albert, one of the
members, reported less than a month about their first day of meeting:

…we thought that the government of Mabini should be displaced and that the government
should enter into negotiations with General Otis; that we should recognize the American
sovereignty according to… proclamation and enter into the discussion of an autonomous
constitution …That decision was transmitted to Aguinaldo, that a new cabinet be appointed
who should appoint a committee to enter into negotiations for peace. Naturally Paterno
went into power, and as you know, Buencamino was president.

• On May 7, Aguinaldo accepted the resignation of Mabini and his cabinet and informed them
that he had already asked Paterno to form another one. Then Mabini’s answer the next day
was that he and his colleagues cordially felicitated Aguinaldo in his wise political measure,
and requested that Aguinaldo transmit to the new cabinet and its worthy president the “most
sincere congratulations on their accession to power as well as success in public affairs.”

• Buencamino gave the following reasons: First, there was a conflict between the Mabini
Cabinet and Congress because the former failed to convoke Congress on April 15, 1899.
Second, public opinion became antagonistic to the Mabini cabinet, because, during the
evacuation of Malolos. Third, the cabinet had dismally failed to obtain a cessation of
hostilities with Americans. Lastly, in view of the fact that Mabini signified “absolute
intransigence” in adhering to war as the only means for obtaining the major ideal of the

TANAUAN CITY COLLEGE TCCR01-MODULE 6 MABINI’S LIFE, WORKS AND WRITINGS

 Filipino which was independence.

 Mabini agreed
substantially
with two of the reasons given by Buencamino. However, he
seemed to have
studiously
avoided the contention that his cabinet made no efforts to call a
session of Congress on April 15.

 It will be recalled that Mabini considered Congress an impediment to the efficient

prosecution ofr.waHe wanted to let his cabinet, provided Aguinaldo
willing to
was
allow it,
to have full control of the government.

 The fall of the Mabini cabinet was an event in the perennial struggle between Mabini and
the more conservative members of Congress under the leadership of Paterno and
Buencamino . The conflict now manifesteditself between a firm adherencesto
independence with was as the only recourse for its attainment and the desire for an
sovereignty
“autonomous constitution” under the of United States.

 Since no resolution to the conflict

possible
was and since the victory of Filipino arms did not
appear to be forthcoming, Congress won the day, and Mabini was forced to retire.

III. Viable and vibrant Activities

Essay

1. Analyze the works of Mabini during the times of war, describe how he helped for the country
and for the Filipino.
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2. Does the other Filipino companion of Mabini during war did their part? How can you say so.
Explain your answer.
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TANAUAN CITY COLLEGE TCCR01-MODULE 6 MABINI’S LIFE, WORKS AND WRITINGS

 _________________________________________________________________________
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3. In your own way how can you repay the works of Mabini. Present your answer in the form of
song. Write your song here.
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Learning task 2

Create a flow chart that will enumerate the works of Mabini in oping for their downfall and drifting
towards war. Note; You can add or make your own presentation for your flow chart.

IV. Opportunity to reflect and articulate

students’ acquired knowledge.
Criteria for evaluation

Learning task 1 Rubrics

Needs Improvement Approaching Good Excellent

1pt. Standards 2 3 pts. 4 pts.
pts.
Ideas and Content There is no clear or You put thought into What you are writing
specific explanation this, but there is no about is clear. You What you are writing
in answer to the real evidence of answered the about is clear and
question. learning. More question. Some well-expressed,
specific information support may be including specific
is needed or you lacking, or your examples to
need to follow the sentences may be a demonstrate what
directions more bit awkward. you learned. Well
closely. Overall, a decent done!
job.
Use of terms No terms from the Only one term from
Your answer Your answer
lesson are used. the lesson is used in
included several included all the
the answer. Try for a
terms from the terms from the
lesson, lesson that applied

TANAUAN CITY COLLEGE TCCR01-MODULE 6 MABINI’S LIFE, WORKS AND WRITINGS

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

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

ubrics
Learning Task 2 R

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
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 Student did

The student has an The student has a The student has a fair not appear
exceptional good understanding understanding of to learn

TANAUAN CITY COLLEGE TCCR01-MODULE 6 MABINI’S LIFE, WORKS AND WRITINGS

 Material understanding of the procedures used to project. Cannot
material included in make the flow chart. answer most
the site and where to Summary the material included questions about the
find additional in the site. Can easily content and the
information. Can answer most procedures used to
of the material
easily answer questions about the make the flow chart.
included in the site.
questions about the content and
Can easily answer
content and procedures used to
questions about the
procedures used to make the flow chart.
content and
make the flow chart. much from this
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Reflection

1. I already knew
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2. I learned
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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 6 MABINI’S LIFE, WORKS AND WRITINGS

 _________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________.

3. I still want to know

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TANAUAN CITY COLLEGE TCCR01-MODULE 6 MABINI’S LIFE, WORKS AND WRITINGS