Emilio Aguinaldo - The Presidents of the Philippines

Emilio Aguinaldo

Emilio Aguinaldo was born on March 22, 1869 in Kawit, Cavite. He was born from Chinese and Filipino heritage. His parents were Carlos Aguinaldo and Trinidad Famy.

He had a lot of experience being in the government. He was cabeza de barangay and municipal captain. He showed signs of being a born leader.

Aguinaldo met Bonifacio in a Katipunan meeting in Manila. Bonifacio was pleased with him and Aguinaldo got many men, including his on municipal police to join the Katipunan.

The Magdiwang and Madalo functions met in Imus, the Magdalo Capital on December 29, 1896. They agreed to form a new revolutionary government. They decided to elect the officers of this new government on March 22, 1897. The election would be held at the Tejeros Hacienda in General Trias, the Magdiwang Capital.

On March 22, the day of the election, Aguinaldo was leading a battle in Pasong Tamo near Dasmarinas. Though absent, the 28-year old Aguinaldo was elected President of the new revolutionary government.

The most important achievement Aguinaldo's dictatorship is the proclamation of the Philippine Independence on June 12, 1898. Aguinaldo changed the dictatorship to a revolutionary government.

After the revolution against spain came the first Philippine Republic. It was inagurated in Malolos, Bulacan with Aguinaldo as president. It was the first democratic republic in Asia but lived only for two years and two months (January 23, 1899 - March 13, 1902). The Malolos constitution was the first democratic organic law ever made by Filipinos. Aguinaldo first turned it down on Mabini's advised but lated promulgated it after modifications.

The United States at that time, bought the Philippines for 20 000 000 dollars from the Spaniard during the Treaty of Paris. The Americans were now conquering the Philippines little by little.. On March 31, 1899, Gen. MacArthur captured Malolos, the capital. Aguinaldo was forced to move it to San Isidro, Nueva Ecija. The last capital was in Palanan, Isabela . There, he was finally captured by Gen. Funston and two Filipinos who pledged their allegiance to the United States.

Aguinaldo died on February 6, 1964.