Content and Contextual

Analysis of Selected Primary

Sources in Philippine History
Kartilya ng Katipunan and Proclamation of the Philippine Independence
The KKK and the Kartilya ng Katipunan
• Kataastaasan, Kagalanggalangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan (KKK) or Katipunan
• While anti-colonial movements, efforts, and organizations have already been done
centuries prior to the foundation of the Katipunan, it was only this organization that
envisioned a united Filipino nation that will revolt against the Spaniards for the total
independence of the country from Spain
• Previous armed revolts had already occurred before the foundation of the Katipunan, but
none of them envisioned a unified Filipino nation revolting against the colonizers
• Diego Silang – an Ilocano who took up his arms and led one of the longest running revolts in the
country. However, he was mainly concerned about his locality and referred to himself as El Rey de
Ilocos
• Ilustrados – propaganda movement led by Marcelo H. del Pilar, Graciano Lopez Jaena, and Jose Rizal
but only demanded equal rights, representation, and protection from the abuse of the friars.
• The imagination of the nation was largely absent in the aspirations of the local revolts
before Katipunan.
The KKK and the Kartilya ng Katipunan
• The Katipunan created a complex structure and a defined value
system that will guide the organization as a collective aspiring for a
single goal.
• Kartilya ng Katipunan or the original title, “Manga Aral Nang
Katipunan ng mga A.N.B” or “Lessons of the Organization of the Sons
of Country
• The document was written by Emilio Jacinto in 1896
Background of the author
• Emilio Jacinto
• Jacinto was only 18 years old when he joined the movement
• He was a law student in the University of Santo Tomas
• Despite his youth, Bonifacio recognized the value and intellect of Jacinto that
upon seeing Jacinto’s Kartilya was much better than the Decalogue he wrote, he
willingly favored that the Kartilya be distributed to fellow Katipuneros
• Jacinto became the secretary of the organization and took charge of the short-
lived printing press of the Katipunan
• April 15, 1897 – At 22 years old, Jacinto was appointed as a commander of the
Katipunan in Northern Luzon
• Jacinto died of malaria at a young age of 24 in the town of Magdalena, Laguna
The Kartilya
• The Kartilya can be treated as the Katipunan’s code of conduct
• It contained fourteen rules that instruct the way a Katipunero should
behave, and which specific values should be uphold
• The rules that are contained in the Kartilya can be classified into two.
• The first group contains the rules that will make the member an upright
individual and the second group contains the rules that will guide the
way he treats his fellow men.
• Properly understanding the Kartilya will help in understanding the
values, ideals, and aspirations, and even the ideology of the
organization
The Kartilya
1. The life that is not consecrated to a lofty and reasonable purpose is a tree without a shade, if not a poisonous weed.
Ang kabuhayang hindi ginugugol sa isang malaki at banal na kadahilanan ay kahoy na walang lilim, kundi damong
makamandag.

2. To do good for personal gain and not for its own sake is not virtue. 
Ang gawang magaling na nagbubuhat sa pagpipita sa sarili, at hindi sa talagang nasang gumawa ng kagalingan, ay di
kabaitan.  

3. It is rational to be charitable and love one's fellow creature, and to adjust one's conduct, acts and words to what is in
itself reasonable. 
Ang tunay na kabanalan ay ang pagkakawang gawa, ang pagibig sa kapua at ang isukat ang bawat kilos, gawa’t
pangungusap sa talagang Katuiran. 

4. Whether our skin be black or white, we are all born equal: superiority in knowledge, wealth and beauty are to be
understood, but not superiority by nature. 
Maitim man at maputi ang kulay ng balat, lahat ng tao’y magkakapantay; mangyayaring ang isa’y higtan sa dunong,
sa yaman, sa ganda…; ngunit di mahihigtan sa pagkatao. 
The Kartilya

5. The honorable man prefers honor to personal gain; the scoundrel, gain to honor. 
Ang may mataas na kalooban inuuna ang puri sa pagpipita sa sarili; ang may hamak na kalooban
inuuna ang pagpipita sa sarili sa puri. 

6. To the honorable man, his word is sacred. 

Sa taong may hiya, salita’y panunumpa.

7. Do not waste thy time: wealth can be recovered but not time lost. 
Huag mong sasayangin ang panahun; ang yamang nawala’y magyayaring magbalik; nguni’t panahong
nagdaan na’y di na muli pang magdadaan.

8. Defend the oppressed and fight the oppressor before the law or in the field. 
Ipagtanggol mo ang inaapi, at kabakahin ang umaapi.
The Kartilya
9. The prudent man is sparing in words and faithful in keeping secrets. 
Ang taong matalino’y ang may pagiingat sa bawat sasabihin, at matutong ipaglihim ang dapat ipaglihim.  

10. On the thorny path of life, man is the guide of woman and the children, and if the guide leads to the precipice, those whom he
guides will also go there. 
Sa daang matinik ng kabuhayan, lalaki ay siyang patnugot ng asawa’t mga anak; kung ang umaakay ay tungo sa sama, ang
patutunguhan ng iaakay ay kasamaan din.  

11. Thou must not look upon woman as a mere plaything, but as a faithful companion who will share with thee the penalties of life;
her (physical) weakness will increase thy interest in her and she will remind thee of the mother who bore thee and reared thee. 
Ang babai ay huag mong tignang isang bagay na libangan lamang, kundi isang katuang at karamay sa mga kahirapan nitong
kabuhayan; gamitan mo ng buong pagpipitagan ang kaniyang kahinaan, at alalahanin ang inang pinagbuhata’t nagiwi sa iyong
kasangulan.  

12. What thou dost not desire done unto thy wife, children, brothers and sisters, that do not unto the wife, children, brothers and
sisters of thy neighbor. 
Ang di mo ibig na gawin sa asawa mo, anak at kapatid, ay huag mong gagawin sa asawa, anak, at kapatid ng iba. 
The Kartilya
13. Man is not worth more because he is a king, because his nose is aquiline, and his
color white, not because he is a priest, a servant of God, nor because of the high
prerogative that he enjoys upon earth, but he is worth most who is a man of proven
and real value, who does good, keeps his words, is worthy and honest; he who does
not oppress nor consent to being oppressed, he who loves and cherishes his
fatherland, though he be born in the wilderness and know no tongue but his own. 
Ang kamahalan ng tao’y wala sa pagkahari, wala sa tangus ng ilong at puti ng
mukha, wala sa pagkaparing kahalili ng Dios wala sa mataas na kalagayan sa balat
ng lupa; wagas at tunay na mahal na tao, kahit laking gubat at walang nababatid
kundi ang sariling wika, yaong may magandang asal, may isang pangungusap, may
dangal at puri; yaong di napaaapi’t di nakikiapi; yaong marunong magdamdam at
marunong lumingap sa bayang tinubuan. 
The Kartilya
14. When these rules of conduct shall be known to all, the longed-for sun of Liberty
shall rise brilliant over this most unhappy portion of the globe and its rays shall diffuse
everlasting joy among the confederated brethren of the same rays, the lives of those
who have gone before, the fatigues and the well-paid sufferings will remain. If he who
desires to enter (the Katipunan) has informed himself of all this and believes he will be
able to perform what will be his duties, he may fill out the application for admission.  
Paglaganap ng mga aral na ito at maningning na sumikat ang araw ng mahal na
Kalayaan dito sa kaabaabang Sangkalupuan, at sabugan ng matamis  niyang liwanag
ang nangagkaisang magkalahi’t magkakapatid ng ligaya ng walang katapusan, ang
mga ginugol na buhay, pagud, at mga tiniis na kahirapa’y labis nang natumbasan.
Kung lahat ng ito’y mataruk na ng nagiibig pumasuk at inaakala niyang matutupad ang
mga tutungkulin, maitatala ang kaniyang ninanasa sa kasunod nito. 
What are your initial impressions of the Katipunan given the
rules written in the Kartilya?
Analysis of the Kartilya ng Katipunan
• As a document written for a fraternity whose main purpose is to
overthrow a colonial regime, we can explain the content and
provisions of the Kartilya as a reaction and response to certain value
systems that they found despicable in the present state of things that
they struggle against with.
• The 4th and 13th rule in the Kartilya is an invocation of the inherent equality
between and among men regardless of race, occupation, or status.
• In the context of the Spanish colonial era where the indios were treated as
the inferior of the white Europeans, the Katipunan saw to it that the
alternative order that they wish to promulgate through their revolution
necessarily destroys this kind of unjust hierarchy.
Analysis of the Kartilya ng Katipunan
• The values upheld in the document was consistent with the
burgeoning rational and liberal ideas in the 18th and 19th century.
• Equality, tolerance, freedom, and liberty were values that first
emerged in the 18th century French revolution, which spread
throughout Europe and reached the educated class of the colonies.
• Victorian and chivalrous values in the text can also be observed
• Various provisions in the Kartilya emphasized the importance of honor in
words and in action
• The teaching of the Katipunan on how women should be treated with honor
and respect
Analysis of the Kartilya ng Katipunan
• It is also telling of the Katipunan’s secondary regard for women in
relation to men
• In the 10th rule, the document specifically stated that men should be the
guide of women and children, and that he should set a good example,
otherwise the woman and the children would be guided in the path of evil.
• Nevertheless, the same document stated that women should be
treated as companions by men and not as playthings that can be
exploited for his pleasure
Analysis of the Kartilya ng Katipunan
• In the present, the Katipunan can be criticized because of these
provisions. However, one must not forget the context where the
organization was born.
• The problem of gender inequality was not yet realized not even in Europe or
the West
• It can be argued that the Katipunan’s recognition of women as
important partners in the struggle, as reflected not just in the Kartilya
but also in the organizational structure of the fraternity where a
woman’s unit was established, is an endeavor advanced for its time.
Analysis of the Kartilya ng Katipunan
• The Kartilya was instructive not just of the Katipunan’s conduct
toward other people but also for the member’s development as
individuals in their own rights
• Teachings on honoring one’s word and on not wasting time are teachings
directed towards self-development
• The rules on treating the neighbor’s wife, children, and brothers the way that
you want yours to be treated is an instruction on how Katipuneros should
treat and regard their neighbors.
Proclamation of the Philippine Independence
• Written by Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista
• Born on December 7, 1830 in Biñan, Laguna
• Studied law at the University of Santo Tamos
• authored the "Act of Declaration of Philippine Independence”
• the one who read the declaration during the June 12, 1898 Independence proclamation by
General Aguinaldo in Kawit, Cavite
• Bautista patterned the act on the American declaration of Independence, which was signed
by 98 persons among them an American army officer who witnessed the proclamation
• With a government in operation, Aguinaldo thought that it was necessary to declare the
independence of the Philippines. He believed that such a move would inspire the people to
fight more eagerly against the Spaniards and at the same time, lead the foreign countries to
recognize the independence of the country
Proclamation of the Philippine Independence
• Anniversary of Philippine Independence proclaimed on June 12, 1898 in
the province of Cavite
• Signaled the end of the 333 years of Spanish colonization
• Reading the details of the said document in hindsight is telling the kind of
government that was created under Aguinaldo, and the forthcoming hand
of the United States of America in the next few years of the newly created
republic.
• The declaration was a short 2,000 word document, which summarized the
reason behind the revolution against Spain, the war for independence,
and the future of the new republic under Emilio Aguinaldo
Proclamation of the Philippine Independence
• The proclamation commenced with a characterization of the conditions in the
Philippines during the Spanish colonial period.
• The document specifically mentioned abuses and inequalities in the colony.
“… taking into consideration, that their inhabitants being already weary of bearing the ominous yoke
of Spanish domination, on account of the arbitrary arrests and harsh treatment practiced by the Civil
Guard to the extent of causing death with the connivance and even with the express orders of their
commanders, who sometimes went to the extreme of ordering the shooting of prisoners under the
pretext that they were attempting to escape, in violation of the provisions of the Regulations of their
Corps, which abuses were unpunished and on account of the unjust deportations, especially those
decreed by General Blanco, of eminent personages and of high social position, at the instigation of the
Archbishop and friars interested in keeping them out of the way for their own selfish and avaricious
purpose, deportations which are quickly brought about by a method of procedure more execrable than
that of the Inquisition and which every civilized nation rejects on account of a decision being rendered
without a hearing of the persons accused”
Proclamation of the Philippine Independence
• The passage demonstrates the justifications behind the revolution against Spain.
• Specifically cited are the abuse by the Civil guards and the unlawful shooting of prisoners
whom they alleged as attempting to escape
• The passage also condemned the unequal protection of the law between the Filipino
people and the “eminent personages”
• It was also mentioned the avarice and greed of the clergy like the friars and the
Archbishop himself
• The passage also condemned what they see as the unjust deportation and rendering of
other decision without proper hearing
Proclamation of the Philippine Independence
• The proclamation proceeded with a brief historical overview of the Spanish occupation
since Magellan’s arrival in Visayas until the Philippine revolution
• The document narrated the spread of the movement “like an electric spark” through
different towns and provinces like Bataan, Pampanga, Batangas, Bulacan, Laguna, and
Morong
• The document also mentioned of Rizal’s execution calling it unjust. The execution, as
written in the document, was done to “please the greedy body of friars in their insatiable
desire to seek revenge upon and exterminate all those who are opposed to their
Machiavellian purposes, which tramples upon the penal code prescribed for these islands.”
• The document also narrated the Cavite Mutiny of January 1872 that caused the infamous
execution of the martyred native priests Jose Burgos, Mariano Gomez, and Jacinto Zamora
“whose innocent blood was shed through the intrigues of those so-called religious orders”
that incited the three secular priests in the said mutiny
Proclamation of the Philippine Independence
• The proclamation of independence also invoked that the established republic would be
led under the dictatorship of Emilio Aguinaldo. The first mention was at the very
beginning of the proclamation. It stated:

“In the town of Cavite Viejo, in this province of Cavite, on the twelfth day of June eighteen hundred
and ninety-eight, before me, Don Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista, Auditor of War and Special
Commissioner appointed to proclaim and solemnize this act by the Dictatorial Government of these
Philippine Islands, for the purposes and by virtue of the circular addressed by the Eminent Dictator
of the same Don Emilio Aguinaldo y Famy”
Proclamation of the Philippine Independence
• The same was repeated toward the last part of the proclamation which states:

“We acknowledge, approve and confirm together with the orders that have been issued
therefrom, the Dictatorship established by Don Emilio Aguinaldo, whom we honor as the
Supreme Chief of this Nation, which this day commences to have a life of its own, in the
belief that he is the instrument selected by God, in spite of his humble origin, to effect the
redemption of this unfortunate people, as foretold by Doctor Jose Rizal in the magnificent
verses which he composed when he was preparing to be shot, liberating them from the
yoke of Spanish domination in punishment of the impunity with which their Government
allowed the commission of abuses by its subordinates”
Proclamation of the Philippine Independence
• Another detail in the proclamation that is worth looking at is its explanation on the
Philippine flag that was first waved on the same day. The document explained:
“And finally, it was unanimously resolved that this Nation, independent from this day, must use the same
flag used heretofore, whose design and colors and described in the accompanying drawing, with design
representing in natural colors the three arms referred to. The white triangle represents the distinctive
emblem of the famous Katipunan Society, which by means of its compact of blood urged on the masses of
the people to insurrection; the three stars represent the three principal Islands of this Archipelago, Luzon,
Mindanao and Panay, in which this insurrectionary movement broke out; the sun represents the gigantic
strides that have been made by the sons of this land on the road of progress and civilization, its eight rays
symbolizing the eight provinces of Manila, Cavite, Bulacan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Bataan, Laguna and
Batangas, which were declared in a state of war almost as soon as the first insurrectionary movement was
initiated; and the colors blue, red and white, commemorate those of the flag of the United States of North
America, in manifestation of our profound gratitude towards that Great Nation for the disinterested
protection she is extending to us and will continue to extend to us.”
Proclamation of the Philippine Independence
• This often overlooked detail reveals much about the historically accurate meaning behind
the most widely known national symbol in the Philippines.
• It is not known by many that the white triangle was derived from the symbol of the
Katipunan.
• The red and blue colors are often associated with courage and peace respectively. Our
basic education omits the fact that those colors were taken from the flag of the United
States.
• While it can always be argued that symbolic meaning can always change and be
reinterpreted, the original symbolic meaning of something presents us several historical
truths that can explain the subsequent events, which unfolded after the declaration of
independence on the 12th day of June 1898
Analysis of the Proclamation of the
Philippine Independence
• The document reflects the general revolutionary sentiment of that period
• The abuses specifically mentioned in the proclamation like friar abuse, racial discrimination,
and inequality before the law reflect the most compelling sentiments represented by the
revolutionary leadership.
• However, no mention was made about the more serious problem that affects the masses
more profoundly
• The land and agrarian crisis felt by the numerous Filipino peasants in the 19 th century
• This is ironic especially when renowned Philippine revolution historian, Teodoro Agoncillo, stated that
the Philippine Revolution was an agrarian revolution
• The common revolutionary soldiers fought in the revolution for the hope of owning the lands that they
were tilling
• Such aspects and realities of the revolutionary struggle were either unfamiliar to the middle class
revolutionary leaders like Emilio Aguinaldo, Ambrosio Rianzares-Bautista, and Felipe Buencamino, or
were intentionally left out because they were landholders themselves
Analysis of the Proclamation of the
Philippine Independence
• The proclamation also gives us the impression on how the victorious revolutionary government of
Aguinaldo historicized the struggle for independence.
• There were mentions of past events that were seen as important turning points of the movement against Spain
• The execution of the GOMBURZA
• The failed Cavite mutiny of 1872
• Jose Rizal’s legacy and martyrdom
• This shows that they saw the events as the significant awakening of the Filipinos in the real conditions of the nation under
Spain
• However, the Katipunan as the pioneer of the Revolutionary movement was only mentioned once
toward the end of the document.
• There was no mention of the Katipunan’s foundation
• Bonifacio and his co-founders were left out
• It can be argued that the way of historical narration found in the document also reflects the politics of the victors
• The enmity between Aguinaldo’s Magdalo and Bonifacio’s Magdiwang in the Katipunan is no secret in the pages of our
history
• On the contrary, the war led by Aguinaldo’s men with the forces of the US were discussed in detail.
Takeaways
• Even official records and documents like the Proclamation of Independence, while
truthful most of the time, still exude the politics and biases of whoever is in power.
• This manifests in the selectiveness of information that can be found in this records.
• It is the task of the historian to analyze the content of these documents in relation to
the dominant politics and the context of people and institutions surrounding it
• This tells us a lesson on taking primary sources like official government records
within the circumstance of this production
• Studying one historical subject entails looking at multiple primary sources and pieces
of historical evidences in order to have a more nuanced and contextual analysis of
our past.