READING THE PROCLAMATION OF THE PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE

A. Background of the Author

Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista also know as Don Bosyong was born in Binan Laguna on
December 7, 1830 to Gregorio Enriquez Bautista and Silvestra Altamira. They are distant
relative of Rizal Family. He attended preparatory school in Biñan and studied law at the
University of Santo Tomas (UST), obtaining a degree in 1865 then he practiced law in Manila
and offered free legal services to poor clients. As a patriot of his country, Bautista joined
various organizations, and associations. He was a member of Rizal’s patriotic association, Liga
Filipina; when Rizal was deported to Dapitan, he later on joined the Cuerpo de
Compromisarios which sent funds to the propagandistas. He also contributed money to the
nationalistic publication La Solidaridad and wrote articles for the La Independencia, a daily
that supported the revolution. In 1896, the Spaniards arrested and imprisoned him at Fort
Santiago as he was suspected of being involve in the Philippine Revolution but Bautista elected
to defend himself and was later released from the prison.
In 1898, Bautista became the first adviser to President Emilio Aguinaldo and subsequently
wrote the Declaration of Philippine Independence. He became a member of the Malolos
Congress, and was later on elected as the president of the Revolutionary Congress on July 14,
1899. On the later years of his life, Bautista became a court judge and worked for the people
in Pangasinan. He served until his unfortunate death on December 4, 1903, Bautista died at the
ageof 72 due to a fatal fall from a horse-drawn vehicle.

B. Background of the Document/ Primary Source

The Proclamation of Philippine Independence (Acta la Proclamacion de Independencia
del Pueblo Filipino) is prepared and read by Ambrosio Rianzarel Bautistain in Spanish
(Translated by Sulpicio Guevara) at Auguinaldo residence in Kawit, Cavite where the
Philippine Flag was first flown and waved in front of Filipinos and witnesses. The declaration
was done to rebel against Spain after 333 years of ruling the Philippines. The document was
signed by 98 person and one of them was an American army officer who witnessed the
proclamation. The document is written because the Americans declared war to the
Spaniards(American-Spanish war) and Emilio Aguinaldo y Famy seems to believed that this
would inspire the people especially the Filipino to move and fight against the Spaniards and at
the same time, lead the foreign countries to recognize the independence of the Philippines.
C. Content Analysis of the Important Historical information Found in the Document
To begin with, the proclamation of the Philippine Independence document contained
records of important details and events that led to our country’s declaration of independence.
It indicated the unfair and unjust treatment of the Spanish colonizers, the cry of the Filipino
people for independence and sovereignty, and the government established by Aguinaldo.
The reasons behind the revolutionary movement were reflected in the commencement
of the document. It was specifically mentioned that there were abuses by the friars, the unjust
ruling of the law, and discrimination. Hays (2015) stated that one of the great constants that
remained over the Spanish colonial rule was the power of the religious orders. It included
controlling the functions of local government namely manipulating education and health
measures and keeping census and tax records.
In the context of war of Independence, the proclamation was highly detailed with
Aguinaldo’s pursuit of it. The document includes a sizable section on the struggles and
triumphs of Aguinaldo and his leaders. It was described as “ a movement spread like an electric
spark” emphasizing the success of his revolt. If we analyze the document, there is a silent bias
that was strongly positive on Aguinaldo’s side. Despite the Katipunans – an organization--
sparking the revolutionary movement, they were only mentioned briefly in the last part, with
the least acknowledgment of Bonifacio and his co-founders. The document reflects that even
the way it has been written, there was influence from the side of the victors in the field.
Aguinaldo and his leaders deserve to have the acknowledgment they deserve after putting
themselves in the pit of death, but Bonifacio and his people deserve it, too. After all, without
the efforts and sacrifices of both sides, the Proclamation of Philippine Independence would not
have been possible.
Aside from the endeavors of Aguinaldo who brought success in the revolt, there were
still unfortunate incidents, such as the deaths of the well-known three martyr priests Jose
Burgos, Mariano Gomez, and Jacinto Zamora (GOMBURZA) for opposing abusive friars and
promoting equality among priests, shined light on the Filipino people.
The Proclamation of the Philippines document pointed out that even historical records
could have their lapses in illustrating essential information and details. Taking into account the
focus on Aguinaldo’s triumph, it cannot be denied that there is a political bias within the
context and content of the documents, despite the fact that it was intended to be just and fair
for the people and things that contributed to the success of the Revolution. The document holds
great value to our historical records, thus, selectiveness and bias of information should not be
tolerated in this academic setting. Finally, the credibility and accuracy of the content must be
prioritized firsthand.
D. Contribution and Relevance of the Document Understanding the Grand Narrative
of History
The proclamation of the Philippine Independence was the catalyst in driving our history
forward. It marked the end of the Spanish Colonial Era and birthed a new independent period
for our country. In the long history of our country, we have been denied multiple times the
freedom that was truly ours. There were failed revolts, unfinished movements, and misfired
propagandas that were bound to fail in most instances. Yet, fueled by the hunger and thirst for
independence, the proclamation of Philippine independence was declared on June 12, 1898, in
Kawit, Cavite. Throughout analyzing the document that declared our independence, we are
able to understand the role it played in understanding the grand narrative of Philippine history.
Authored by Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista, the document that read the proclamation of
the Philippine independence served as tangible evidence of the blood, sweat, and tears that our
beloved countrymen shed for the freedom of our country. It highlighted the efforts of our
heroes, and the fiery rage of every Filipino to fight for what is truly right. And most
importantly, it reported the events, the shared experiences, and the long history of our country
under the “ominous joke of Spanish domination.” Mentioned events included: the abuses of
the Civil guards, the revolution of August 1896, the govern of Emilio Aguinaldo, the unjust
execution of Rizal, and finally, the unfair trials of GomBurZa. Moreover, the said document
illustrated a significant turn towards the ideal government and nation that its people could not
only die for but also live for. As it contributed to the success of the Revolution, it emphasized
achieving the independence and sovereignty that Filipinos were struggling and fighting for
how many years.
Essentially, if we take the time to read and break the document into parts, we will
visualize a glimpse of what actually happened in the past. Through learning the known facts,
we will be able to connect and complete the puzzle, leading us to recognize how these events
shaped the very history and identity of our proud country.
E. Relevance of the Documents to the Present Time

One of the most significant events in Philippine history is the proclamation of

independence. For hundreds of years, the country was colonized by numerous nations.
Consider earning your freedom after all you've been through. It is invaluable.

Since 1962, the 12th of June has been designated as Philippine Independence Day. The
intended date was July 4, but President Diosdado Macapagal changed it to June 12 to
commemorate Emilio Aguinaldo's proclamation of independence from the Spaniards. In
response, July 4 was designated as Philippine Republic Day or American-Filipino Friendship
Day when a treaty was signed declaring the Philippines' independence from the United States.

The Philippine Independence Day is celebrated from May 28 to June 12, and all
government establishments, households, and other public areas are encouraged to display the
country's flag. The country begins its celebration by displaying the national flag over various
historical sites across the country. At 7 a.m., the President, Vice President, and other members
of the government, along with the Armed Forces and the general public, sing the national
anthem, Lupang Hinirang, while raising the national flag in Rizal Park or any other national
historical landmark. The wreath-laying ceremony is followed by the presidential speech.

Independence Day is more than simply a holiday; it is the day on which Filipinos recall
the bravery and sacrifices made by soldiers and heroes who battled for our motherland. Their
courage in the face of adversity and determination to liberate the land from colonizers should
be remembered by future generations. These heroic efforts should be valued in the same way
that we celebrate the gift of sovereignty.
References
1898 Declaration of Philippine Independence. (n.d.). NLP Digital Collection. Retrieved September
29, 2022, from https://nlpdl.nlp.gov.ph/web/exh2018061101/thumbs/date.htm
Hays, J. (2008). Philippines under Spanish Rule: Life, Colonization, Trade and Chinese. Retrieved
from http://factsanddetails.com/southeastasia/Philippines/sub5_6a/entry-3836.html
Macaraeg, S. (n.d). Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista: The Unsung Author of the Act of Proclamation
Of Independence By The Filipino People (June 12, 1898). Academia.edu. Retrieved from
https://www.academia.edu/9953486/AMBROSIO_RIANZARES_BAUTISTA_THE_UN
SUNG_AUTHOR_OF_THE_ACT_OF_PROCLAMATION_OF_INDEPENDENCE_B
Y_THE_FILIPINO_PEOPLE_June_12_1898_
Torentera, M. (2019, September 16). Analysis on the Proclamation of the Philippine Independence.
Valdeavilla, R. (2018, July 30). The History of The Philippine Revolution. Retrieved from
https://theculturetrip.com/asia/philippines/articles/the-history-of-the-philippine-
revolution/