SAQUITON, KYLA JYNELL S.

GHIST 2663

Context Analysis

Title of the document: Declaration of Philippine Independence

Original language of the document: Spanish
Language used in Translation: English
Translator : Sulpicio Guevara
Author’s name: Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista also known as’’ Don Bosyong’’
Birth (Date and Place): December 7, 1830
Death : December 4, 1903
Relevant information that links the author to the primary source:

The Declaration of Philippine Independence was proclaimed and solemnized by

the War Counsellor and the Special Delegate, Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista by
the Dictatorial Government of the Philippines, pursuant to, and by virtue of,
a Decree issued by the Engregious Dictator Don Emilio Aguinaldo y Famy. The
declaration was signed by 98 persons. Thousands of peoplefrom the provinces
gathered in Kawit, Cavite to witness the historic event. Themilitary,
representatives of various towns and other civil officials were in attendanceto
witness the said historic event.

Date of writing and/or Publication of the original document: 12th of June year
1998
Author’s Purpose for writing the document:
This declaration has a purpose to proclaim the sovereignty and independence of
the Philippines from the colonial rule of the Spanish Empire. The Declaration of
Philippine Independence is a government- issued document. The purpose of
this document is to remind us, remind the colonists, and the whole world that the
Philippines declared independence from the colonists. The declaration included
the list of grievances against the Spanish Government stretching back to explorer
Ferdinand Magellan arrival on 1521. The Declaration of Philippine Independence
document is important in our whole country because it serves as the proof of
being independent of our country from the colonists. This document
summarizes and expresses all about the events happened during the conquest by
the colonists in 300 years. This government-issued document can prove us that our
country and ourselves were freed from the colonists and implies that we have the
right to live without any hindrances and we also have equality. It teaches us to be
more independent and to fight for ourselves and our country in order to exercise
our right to live with freedom, peace of mind and unity with others.

Social milieu around the time that the event occurred and was written (What was
happening in history around the time that the document was written?)

The Philippine Islands became a Spanish colony during the 16th century; they
were ceded to the US in 1898 following the Spanish-American War. In 1935 the
Philippines became a self-governing commonwealth. Manuel QUEZON was
elected president and was tasked with preparing the country for independence
after a 10-year transition. In 1942 the islands fell under Japanese occupation
during World War II, and US forces and Filipinos fought together during 1944-45
to regain control. On 4 July 1946 the Republic of the Philippines attained its
independence.”

Who was the intended audience? Filipinoes, the King, the colonists, and the world.
 Content Analysis

This document became the country’s first Civil Code, used by the alcaldes-
mayores in their administration of justice. Enumerate at least three (3) topics
covered and beside each, write at least one (1) specific rule.
1. One topic tackled in the text is their government. At that time, they always had
a chief called "Datos." People should not do anything that may offend the Dato. If
they do so, the people who offend him and his family could be punished by him.

2.At that time, they also had these three castes: nobles, commoners, and slaves.
The nobles were free-born, whom they call "Maharlica." They don't pay taxes or
tribute to the Dato but must accompany him in battle. The commoners are called
aliping namamahay. They serve their masters, whether he is Dato or not. Some of
them cultivate the land of their master. Some of them always accompany their
master wherever he goes, even rowed the boat for him. The slaves are called
aliping sa guiguilir. They have the same jobs as the commoners, but slaves can be
sold commoners cannot.
3. He also tackled the inheritance. The legitimate children will equally inherit
their parents' belongings, except the parents showed a slight partial.

If there are any, what are the personal biases, suspected errors, or misleading
statements of the author that showed up in the document?

In my opinion, I don’t see any personal biases in the document.