Philippine Revolution and Independence of 1898
Lesson I
The Philippine Revolution is one of the most important events in the country’s history, awakening a proud
sense of nationalism for generations of Filipinos to come. In a period of heavy struggle and conflict, Filipinos of
different backgrounds united with a common goal: to resist colonialism.
August 1896: Revolution in the Philippines
In the fall of 1896, Filipino nationalists revolted against the Spanish rule that had controlled the Philippines
since the sixteenth century. Led by Emilio Aguinaldo (1869-1964), the 1896 revolt carried the Filipinos to an
anticipated war with Spain and an unanticipated war with the United States.
Historians suggest that the roots of the Philippine revolution began with the building of the Suez Canal in 1869.
With access to Europe, Filipinos were exposed to new ideas about freedom and returned home questioning
Spanish rule. In 1872, there was a small revolt in the Cavite Province which launched the revolutionary cause.
Twenty years after the 1872 revolt, Filipino nationalists began to organize secretly. In 1892 Jose Rizal founded
Liga Filipina, and in 1895 Andres Bonifacio organized the Katipunan, a fraternal brotherhood of Filipino
nationalists committed to independence. Emilo Aguinaldo joined the Katipunan in 1895 and became its leader
in the Cavite Province. Once initiated, Aguinaldo became known as Magdalo, named after Mary Magdalene.
In 1896 the armed struggle began in Manila and quickly spread throughout the country. Aguinaldo defeated
Spanish forces in several battles and rose to become the leader of Katipunan. Aguinaldo had Bonifacio
arrested and executed in 1897.
When the United States and Spain went to war over Cuba, the Philippines joined the side of the U.S. On June
12, 1898, Aguinaldo declared the independence of the Philippine islands, and in January 1899 he became the
president. While the Filipinos believed that a U.S. defeat of Spain would lead to a free Philippines, the U.S.
refused to recognize the new government. Outraged by the betrayal, the Philippine republic declared war on
the United States. Emilo Aguinaldo, after fighting with the U.S. against Spain, was captured by the U.S. military
in 1901 and declared allegiance to the United States. By the end of the Philippine War in 1902, more 40,000
Filipinos and 4,000 American soldiers were dead.
Crucible of Empire - PBS Online. (n.d.). Retrieved from
https://www.pbs.org/crucible/tl5.html#:~:text=Historians%20suggest%20that%20the%20roots,returned%20hom
e%20questioning%20Spanish%20rule.
Lesson III
The Katipunan: the secret organization that initiated the revolt
Andres Bonifacio was the Supreme of the Katipunan (association), or as it was also known: Kataas-taasan,
Kagalang-galang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan (Highest and Most Venerated Association of the Sons and
Daughters of the Land). The organization drew inspiration from Dr. Jose Rizal, whose literary works,
particularly Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, exposed the cruelties of the Spanish colonists. Before
Katipunan was established, both Bonifacio and Rizal were part of ‘La Liga Filipina’ – a progressive organization
initiated by Rizal that sought peaceful reforms.
After Rizal’s arrest and deportation to Dapitan, La Liga Filipina dissolved. This was later replaced by a call for
aggressive reforms, put forward and favored by Bonifacio. Upon hearing of Rizal’s arrest, Bonifacio and his
,After the discovery of the Katipunan, Spanish authorities made several arrests to identify their members.
Bonifacio and his fellows were planning a nationwide revolt. This led to an event called the ‘Cry of Pugad
Lawin’, where revolutionaries took part in a mass tearing of cedulas (community tax certificates), symbolizing
their fight against Spain.
According to historical accounts, Bonifacio continued with his plan despite the failure in his first attempt. The
revolt flared up in the surrounding provinces, including Central Luzon, San Juan del Monte and Southern
Tagalog (which is why this is also known as the Tagalog War).
After several unsuccessful revolts, rebels in Cavite finally had a taste of victory. Under Emilio Aguinaldo (mayor
of Cavite El Viejo) and Mariano Alvarez (Bonifacio’s uncle), the Philippine Revolution was in full swing.
The revolution dragged down the name of Rizal. He was accused of being associated with the secret militant
society. Charged with sedition, conspiracy and rebellion, Rizal was sentenced to death by firing squad.
Lesson III
Internal struggles, conflicts, and a surprising turn of events
Alongside the Spanish authorities, Katipuneros were soon fighting amongst themselves. Rivalries emerged
between commanders and territories, creating big rifts in the association. The Katipunan was divided into two
councils, namely the Magdiwang and Magdalo – that is, those who favored Aguinaldo and those who favored
Bonifacio.
To settle the leadership dispute, the Tejeros Convention was established. This assembly of officials was
intended to unite the two factions and elect officers for the revolutionary government. After a makeshift
election, Bonifacio lost to Aguinaldo and leadership was turned over to him.
Bonifacio was given the role of Director of the Interior, but his qualifications were questioned. Under this further
scrutiny he left the assembly – Aguinaldo took oath as President the following day.
A rival government
Bonifacio soon set out to Naic, Cavite, where he established a rival government against Aguinaldo. Newly
recognised as the leader of the revolution, he issued a coup d’etat against Aguinaldo’s government. Upon
learning this, Aguinaldo ordered the official arrest of Bonifacio.
Bonifacio was captured and found guilty of sedition and treason by the War Council. They were soon executed
near Maragondon.
Aguinaldo and his fellows soon established the Republic of Biak-na-Bato and drafted the first constitution.
They came up with a pact that called for an end to the revolution, which was positively favored by the Spanish
Governor-General. The pact’s agenda included: the surrender of weapons to revolutionaries, amnesty, exile for
leaders, and payment to the revolutionaries worth $400,000 USD.
While the Spanish kept their word, other revolutionary generals took arms – the Philippines was still not
independent.
The arrival of the Americans and the Declaration of Independence
April 1898 marked the second phase of the Philippine Revolution. After a US Navy warship exploded and sunk
in Havana harbor, the Americans declared a war against Spain known as the Spanish-American War.
, And on June 12, 1898, Aguinaldo declared the country’s independence and the birth of the Philippine Republic.
From his balcony in his house in Kawit, Cavite, the Philippine flag was unfurled. The Philippines’ National
Anthem, “Lupang Hinirang” was first heard by the Filipino people.
Source:
● https://www.pbs.org/crucible/tl5.html
● https://theculturetrip.com/
Jacinto’s Kartilya of the Katipunan and Mabini’s Decalogue
Lesson I
Jacinto’s Kartilya of the Katipunan
Emilio Jacinto was an eloquent and brave young man that brought him in the position for the "Brain of
Katipunan". He wrote a newspaper entitled " Kalayaan" and was the author of "Kartilya ng Katipunan". This is
the guide book for new members and current members of katipunan. He was one of the highest ranking
officers in the Philippines Revolution and was one of the highest ranking officers of the revolutionary society
Kataas - taasang, Kagalang - galangang na Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan or simply and more popularly
called Katipunan, being a member of its Supreme Council. He was elected secretary of the State for the Haring
Bayang Katagalugan, a revolutionary government established during the outbreak of hostilities. He is popularly
known in Philippine History textbooks as the Basis of the Katipunan while some content he should be rightfully
recognized as the "Brain of the Revolution" (a title given to Apolinario Mabini). Jacinto was present in the Cry
of Pugad Lawin with Andres Bonifacio, the supremo of the katipunan, and others of its member which signaled
the start of the Revolution against the spanish colonial government in the island. He's real name is Emilio
Jacinto y Dizon and is from Tondo Manila. He is known for his pen name, "pingkian" "Dimasilaw" "ka llyong".
He was married to Catalina de Jesus who was pregnant at the time of his death. The first edition of the Kartilya
was written by Andres Bonifacio but is later on revised as Decalogue by Emilio Jacinto.
The Kataas-taasan, kagalanggalangang na katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan (KKK) or Katipunan is arguably
the most important organization formed in Philippine History.
The two principal aims of the KKK as gathered from the writings of Bonifacio.
Unity of the Filipino People
Separation from Spain by means of revolution
It was written to let the joining members of KKK to have a full knowledge and understanding of the principles
they have to live by. The Kartilya ng Katipunan by Emilio Jacinto on the other hand was written for the Filipino
People.
It is composed of 14 rules that instruct the way a katipunero should behave. This is also treated as the
katipunans code of conduct. Each paragraph is unique in such a way that they tackle different aspects of a
person’s life. In which case, anyone may have different interpretation.
Hence, it is only appropriate to have a better understanding or explanation to its contents.
The first highlights the significance of living life with a purpose. “A Katipunero who does not have a purpose
lives is a useless life.” This tenet actually defines what life is. Life is a gift given to everyone that must be
treasured by making it meaningful through setting up goals and achieving it no matter how hard it is.
The second rule is about doing what is right. “A deed carried out for the sake of fame is not worthy of praise.”
There are certain things in life that would make others proud because of you but sometimes it’s done just to be
Lesson I
The Philippine Revolution is one of the most important events in the country’s history, awakening a proud
sense of nationalism for generations of Filipinos to come. In a period of heavy struggle and conflict, Filipinos of
different backgrounds united with a common goal: to resist colonialism.
August 1896: Revolution in the Philippines
In the fall of 1896, Filipino nationalists revolted against the Spanish rule that had controlled the Philippines
since the sixteenth century. Led by Emilio Aguinaldo (1869-1964), the 1896 revolt carried the Filipinos to an
anticipated war with Spain and an unanticipated war with the United States.
Historians suggest that the roots of the Philippine revolution began with the building of the Suez Canal in 1869.
With access to Europe, Filipinos were exposed to new ideas about freedom and returned home questioning
Spanish rule. In 1872, there was a small revolt in the Cavite Province which launched the revolutionary cause.
Twenty years after the 1872 revolt, Filipino nationalists began to organize secretly. In 1892 Jose Rizal founded
Liga Filipina, and in 1895 Andres Bonifacio organized the Katipunan, a fraternal brotherhood of Filipino
nationalists committed to independence. Emilo Aguinaldo joined the Katipunan in 1895 and became its leader
in the Cavite Province. Once initiated, Aguinaldo became known as Magdalo, named after Mary Magdalene.
In 1896 the armed struggle began in Manila and quickly spread throughout the country. Aguinaldo defeated
Spanish forces in several battles and rose to become the leader of Katipunan. Aguinaldo had Bonifacio
arrested and executed in 1897.
When the United States and Spain went to war over Cuba, the Philippines joined the side of the U.S. On June
12, 1898, Aguinaldo declared the independence of the Philippine islands, and in January 1899 he became the
president. While the Filipinos believed that a U.S. defeat of Spain would lead to a free Philippines, the U.S.
refused to recognize the new government. Outraged by the betrayal, the Philippine republic declared war on
the United States. Emilo Aguinaldo, after fighting with the U.S. against Spain, was captured by the U.S. military
in 1901 and declared allegiance to the United States. By the end of the Philippine War in 1902, more 40,000
Filipinos and 4,000 American soldiers were dead.
Crucible of Empire - PBS Online. (n.d.). Retrieved from
https://www.pbs.org/crucible/tl5.html#:~:text=Historians%20suggest%20that%20the%20roots,returned%20hom
e%20questioning%20Spanish%20rule.
Lesson III
The Katipunan: the secret organization that initiated the revolt
Andres Bonifacio was the Supreme of the Katipunan (association), or as it was also known: Kataas-taasan,
Kagalang-galang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan (Highest and Most Venerated Association of the Sons and
Daughters of the Land). The organization drew inspiration from Dr. Jose Rizal, whose literary works,
particularly Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, exposed the cruelties of the Spanish colonists. Before
Katipunan was established, both Bonifacio and Rizal were part of ‘La Liga Filipina’ – a progressive organization
initiated by Rizal that sought peaceful reforms.
After Rizal’s arrest and deportation to Dapitan, La Liga Filipina dissolved. This was later replaced by a call for
aggressive reforms, put forward and favored by Bonifacio. Upon hearing of Rizal’s arrest, Bonifacio and his
,After the discovery of the Katipunan, Spanish authorities made several arrests to identify their members.
Bonifacio and his fellows were planning a nationwide revolt. This led to an event called the ‘Cry of Pugad
Lawin’, where revolutionaries took part in a mass tearing of cedulas (community tax certificates), symbolizing
their fight against Spain.
According to historical accounts, Bonifacio continued with his plan despite the failure in his first attempt. The
revolt flared up in the surrounding provinces, including Central Luzon, San Juan del Monte and Southern
Tagalog (which is why this is also known as the Tagalog War).
After several unsuccessful revolts, rebels in Cavite finally had a taste of victory. Under Emilio Aguinaldo (mayor
of Cavite El Viejo) and Mariano Alvarez (Bonifacio’s uncle), the Philippine Revolution was in full swing.
The revolution dragged down the name of Rizal. He was accused of being associated with the secret militant
society. Charged with sedition, conspiracy and rebellion, Rizal was sentenced to death by firing squad.
Lesson III
Internal struggles, conflicts, and a surprising turn of events
Alongside the Spanish authorities, Katipuneros were soon fighting amongst themselves. Rivalries emerged
between commanders and territories, creating big rifts in the association. The Katipunan was divided into two
councils, namely the Magdiwang and Magdalo – that is, those who favored Aguinaldo and those who favored
Bonifacio.
To settle the leadership dispute, the Tejeros Convention was established. This assembly of officials was
intended to unite the two factions and elect officers for the revolutionary government. After a makeshift
election, Bonifacio lost to Aguinaldo and leadership was turned over to him.
Bonifacio was given the role of Director of the Interior, but his qualifications were questioned. Under this further
scrutiny he left the assembly – Aguinaldo took oath as President the following day.
A rival government
Bonifacio soon set out to Naic, Cavite, where he established a rival government against Aguinaldo. Newly
recognised as the leader of the revolution, he issued a coup d’etat against Aguinaldo’s government. Upon
learning this, Aguinaldo ordered the official arrest of Bonifacio.
Bonifacio was captured and found guilty of sedition and treason by the War Council. They were soon executed
near Maragondon.
Aguinaldo and his fellows soon established the Republic of Biak-na-Bato and drafted the first constitution.
They came up with a pact that called for an end to the revolution, which was positively favored by the Spanish
Governor-General. The pact’s agenda included: the surrender of weapons to revolutionaries, amnesty, exile for
leaders, and payment to the revolutionaries worth $400,000 USD.
While the Spanish kept their word, other revolutionary generals took arms – the Philippines was still not
independent.
The arrival of the Americans and the Declaration of Independence
April 1898 marked the second phase of the Philippine Revolution. After a US Navy warship exploded and sunk
in Havana harbor, the Americans declared a war against Spain known as the Spanish-American War.
, And on June 12, 1898, Aguinaldo declared the country’s independence and the birth of the Philippine Republic.
From his balcony in his house in Kawit, Cavite, the Philippine flag was unfurled. The Philippines’ National
Anthem, “Lupang Hinirang” was first heard by the Filipino people.
Source:
● https://www.pbs.org/crucible/tl5.html
● https://theculturetrip.com/
Jacinto’s Kartilya of the Katipunan and Mabini’s Decalogue
Lesson I
Jacinto’s Kartilya of the Katipunan
Emilio Jacinto was an eloquent and brave young man that brought him in the position for the "Brain of
Katipunan". He wrote a newspaper entitled " Kalayaan" and was the author of "Kartilya ng Katipunan". This is
the guide book for new members and current members of katipunan. He was one of the highest ranking
officers in the Philippines Revolution and was one of the highest ranking officers of the revolutionary society
Kataas - taasang, Kagalang - galangang na Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan or simply and more popularly
called Katipunan, being a member of its Supreme Council. He was elected secretary of the State for the Haring
Bayang Katagalugan, a revolutionary government established during the outbreak of hostilities. He is popularly
known in Philippine History textbooks as the Basis of the Katipunan while some content he should be rightfully
recognized as the "Brain of the Revolution" (a title given to Apolinario Mabini). Jacinto was present in the Cry
of Pugad Lawin with Andres Bonifacio, the supremo of the katipunan, and others of its member which signaled
the start of the Revolution against the spanish colonial government in the island. He's real name is Emilio
Jacinto y Dizon and is from Tondo Manila. He is known for his pen name, "pingkian" "Dimasilaw" "ka llyong".
He was married to Catalina de Jesus who was pregnant at the time of his death. The first edition of the Kartilya
was written by Andres Bonifacio but is later on revised as Decalogue by Emilio Jacinto.
The Kataas-taasan, kagalanggalangang na katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan (KKK) or Katipunan is arguably
the most important organization formed in Philippine History.
The two principal aims of the KKK as gathered from the writings of Bonifacio.
Unity of the Filipino People
Separation from Spain by means of revolution
It was written to let the joining members of KKK to have a full knowledge and understanding of the principles
they have to live by. The Kartilya ng Katipunan by Emilio Jacinto on the other hand was written for the Filipino
People.
It is composed of 14 rules that instruct the way a katipunero should behave. This is also treated as the
katipunans code of conduct. Each paragraph is unique in such a way that they tackle different aspects of a
person’s life. In which case, anyone may have different interpretation.
Hence, it is only appropriate to have a better understanding or explanation to its contents.
The first highlights the significance of living life with a purpose. “A Katipunero who does not have a purpose
lives is a useless life.” This tenet actually defines what life is. Life is a gift given to everyone that must be
treasured by making it meaningful through setting up goals and achieving it no matter how hard it is.
The second rule is about doing what is right. “A deed carried out for the sake of fame is not worthy of praise.”
There are certain things in life that would make others proud because of you but sometimes it’s done just to be
