Emilio Aguinaldo

"We cannot free ourselves unless we move forward united in a single desire."

Born: March 22, 1869
Died: February 6, 1964
Position in History: Philippines: 1st President, First Republic: Only President
Presidential Term: January 23, 1899 - April 1, 1901
Duration of Term: 798 days

The president of the First Republic of the Philippines, Emilio Aguinaldo was the seventh child of eight of Carlos Aguinaldo, who was a town mayor for several terms, and Trinidad Famy. At the age of 17 he was cabeza de barangay (head of a government unit) and at 26, municipal captain (mayor). Later that year he joined the Katipunan and was initiated by the Katipunan leader, Andres Bonifacio. After his great success in battle against the Spanish forces, he was elected the leader of the revolution. A revolutionary government was established with General Emilio Aguinaldo as president. He later had Andres Bonifacio tried and executed. It was suggested to Aguinaldo that he establish a dictatorship government, as the revolution required a strong, firm leader. However, he made it clear that the dictatorship was temporary and would end when a constitution was established.

When the Spanish authorities offered peaceful negotiations, Aguinaldo accepted. The result was the pact of Biak-na-Bato. Aguinaldo and some of his generals accepted US$800,000 (only about half of this was actually paid out by the Spanish) and were exiled to Hong Kong and Singapore. While in Hong Kong, Aguinaldo designed a new flag for the revolution. This new flag would eventually become the present day Philippine national flag. With the outbreak of the Spanish-American War, Aguinaldo was approached by Commodore George Dewey of the US navy.

Aguinaldo returned to lead his forces, resuming the hostilities against the Spanish, which had continued even after his exile to Hong Kong. Elsewhere, Dewey led his naval forces to destroy the Spanish armada in Manila Bay. With the eventual defeat and surrender of the Spanish, Aguinaldo unfurled his new flag from the balcony of his home in Cavite El Viejo town (now Kawit), and proclaimed Philippine independence on June 12, 1898. Later that year, the Malolos Congress inaugurated the Malolos Constitution, the First Republic of the Philippines, the first republic in Asia.

As it became apparent the US did not recognise Philippine independence, a new revolution began. Aguinaldo led his forces against the US until he was finally captured in Isabela. He was eventually persuaded to swear allegiance to the US and resigned from his presidency. Aguinaldo returned to his home in Kawit to become a farmer. He later ran for the presidency of the Commonwealth government but was defeated by Manuel Quezon.

During the Japanese occupation, the Japanese used Aguinaldo to make speeches and sign articles in an anti-American fashion. After liberation from the Japanese, Aguinaldo was arrested and imprisoned as a Japanese collaborator. He was released from prison in the general amnesty by President Roxas. President Quirino made him a member of the Council of State in 1950.

An historical error was corrected when President Diosdado Macapagal moved Independence Day to June 12. Aguinaldo rose from his sick bed to attend the celebrations as the guest of honour. General Emilio Aguinaldo died of coronary thrombosis at the age of 95.

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