1899 MALOLOS CONSTITUTION

Introduction

INTRODUCTION
The 1899 Malolos Constitution stands as a pivotal document in Philippine history, representing
the nation's aspirations for independence from Spanish colonial rule. Adopted in Malolos,
Bulacan, it established the First Philippine Republic and laid down democratic principles,
including the separation of powers. Despite its short-lived implementation due to the outbreak of
the Philippine-American War, it remains a testament to the country's pursuit of self-governance
and sovereignty during a critical period in its history.

DICTATORIAL GOVERNMENT
● Aguinaldo was proclaimed the president of the Philippine Republic of Malolos.
● Aguinaldo established the Dictatorial Government in May 1898 to show the capacity of
Filipinos for self-government, and a month later, the Revolutionary Government.
● Different departments were created for the division of duties of the new government.
● December 1898 - Treaty of Paris, the United States decided to take over the Philippines.
● Aguinaldo decided to establish a Filipino government in the wake of his military victories.
● He had a draft of a plan for the establishment of a revolutionary government, prepared
by Mariano Ponce.
● May 24, 1898 - Aguinaldo issued a decree formally establishing the Dictatorial
Government which nullified the orders issued under the authority of the Biak-na-Bato
Republic.

TREATMENT OF ENEMY
● May 29, 1898 - one of Aguinaldo’s 1st acts as a dictator, urging the people to stop the
disgraceful treatment of Spanish prisoners.
● Aguinaldo issued another order on June 1, providing that all classes of crimes were to be
tried by competent military tribunals.

DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE
● Juan Felipe - composer from Cavite, who showed the draft of COmposition entitled
Marcha Filipina Magdalo which was later changed to Marcha Nacional Filipana.
● Jose Palma - the Lyrics was adapted from his Poem Filipinas
● June 12, 1898 - proclamation of the independence of the Philippines at Cavite el Viejo
(Kawit).
● Philippine National Flag - made in Hong Kong by Marcela Agoncillo, Lorenza
Agoncillo, and Delfina Herboza.
● Act of Declaration of Independence - prepared by Ambrosio Riamzares Bautista,
signed by 98 people however was promulgated on August 1.

APOLINARIO MABINI
 ● “The Sublime Paralytic”
● Adviser of Aguinaldo
● His two titles were “Dark Chamber of the President” (for those who envied him) and
“Brains of the Revolution”

REVOLUTIONARY GOVERNMENT
● Mabini became the Adviser of Aguinaldo
● Aguinaldo changed the Dictatorial to Revolutionary Government
● Aguinaldo gave up his title of “Dictator” and assumed a new one — “President of the
Revolutionary Government”
● Aguinaldo provided for the election of a representative to a republican assembly which
was to constitute the law-making body of the nation — the Malolos Congress.
Aims:
● To struggle for Philippine independence
● To prepare the country for the establishment of real republic

Indicate the key points and important details regarding the topic (4 Reporters)

MALOLOS CONGRESS [1]

Officers of the Congress
● President: Pedro A. Paterno
● Vice President: Benito Legarda
● 1st Secretary: Gregorio Araneta
● 2nd Secretary: Pablo Ocampo
Powers of the Congress
● To watch over the general interest of the Filipino people
● To carry out the revolutionary view
● To discuss and approve, prior to the ratification, treaties, and loans
● To examine and approve the accounts presented annually by the Secretary of Finance
as well as extraordinary and other taxes which may be thereafter imposed
Achievements of Malolos Congress
● September 29, 1898 - ratification of Philippine independence
● The approval of the domestic loan of Php 20,000 redeemable in 40 years after the date
of issue
● Establishment of the Universidad Literatura de Filipinas and other schools
● Drafting of Philippine Constitution
● Declaring war against the United States on June 12, 1899

CONTENT OF MALOLOS CONSTITUTION (Summary)

MALOLOS CONSTITUTION
Constitution Provisions
● Established a free and Independent Republic in the Philippines
 ● Provided for a popular representative, alternative, and responsible government based on
the principle of three separate powers: LEGISLATIVE, EXECUTIVE, and JUDICIAL
● Recognized the freedom of religion and the separation of church and state
● Contained a Bill of Rights which safeguarded the rights of the citizens as well as aliens
Three Powers
● The Legislative Power - was vested in the Assembly of Representatives whose
numbers were elected by the people.
● The Executive Power - was exercised by the President of the Republic, who was
elected by the assembly of representatives and was assisted by a cabinet composed of
7 secretaries.
● The Judicial Power - was vested in the Supreme court of Justice and in other courts to
be created by law.
Malolos Constitution is Unique for 3 Reasons
● It makes the assembly or the legislative branch superior to either the executive or judicial
branch.
● It provided for a permanent commission to sit as a Legislative body when the assembly
is not in session.
● It established a unicameral legislature.

THE PHILIPPINE REPUBLIC

● Owing to the objections of Mabini to some provisions of the constitution, Aguinaldo did
not immediately promulgate it.
● The Congress leaders compromised with Mabini by agreeing to insert amendments to
satisfy the President’s closest adviser.
● On January 21, 1899, Aguinaldo finally promulgated the Constitution.
● Earlier on January 2, he formulated his Cabinet as follows:
○ Apolinario Mabini - President of the Cabinet and Secretary of Foreign Affairs
○ Teodoro Sandico - Secretary of Interior
○ Baldomero Aguinaldo - Secretary of War
○ Mariano Trias - Secretary of Finance
○ Gracio Gonzaga - Secretary of Welfare, including Public Instruction, Public
Works, Communications, Agriculture, INdustry and Commerce

Importance of studying the given topic

Generalization, conclusion after conducting a study on the assigned topic.

Drafted during a crucial period in the Philippines' struggle for independence from Spanish
colonial rule.

The Malolos Constitution was promulgated on January 21, 1899, in the city of Malolos,
Bulacan. The constitution established the First Philippine Republic, proclaiming the
Philippines as a sovereign nation separate from Spanish rule.
It outlined the framework for a democratic government with a tripartite structure – executive,
legislative, and judicial branches – reflecting the influence of revolutionary ideas from various
sources, including the French and American revolutions.

The Constitution also enshrined fundamental rights and liberties, emphasizing the importance of
individual freedoms and equal protection under the law. Additionally, it declared the separation
of the church and the state, emphasizing the secular nature of the government.

The Philippines was still in the midst of the Philippine-American War (1899-1902), a conflict that
arose as a result of the U.S. annexation of the Philippines from Spain after the Treaty of Paris in
1898.

The constitution's practical implementation was short-lived, as the First Philippine Republic
struggled to maintain its sovereignty against the superior military power of the United States.

Despite its relatively brief existence, the Malolos Constitution remains a symbol of the Filipino
people's determination to establish a free and independent nation. It laid the groundwork for
future constitutional developments in the Philippines and left a lasting legacy in the country's
quest for self-governance.

[1]
https://www.slideshare.net/abigailcabanzadayrit/malolos-republic-55340727?fbclid=IwAR3dflRX
bJP7jyzZ5V2BvodmoSTkpu0u7-fwdTfGJrz-NXOAsmst8bGN1gM

[2]
https://prezi.com/auwafxzpjj9z/the-malolos-constitution/?fbclid=IwAR2r_QLqdf2ms96LeXnhAn2
CV21Y3ew_TnPauznG5kzh52tMooyZ66Ier8o

[3]
https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-summary-of-Malolos-constitution?fbclid=IwAR0HzyjLEGtxO
Zmtiq24SkHQngi5M7dZu1gFo0WP6Zfk2-M17lBIFcQ7r3U