On June 12, 1898, Emilio Aguinaldo waved the Philippine Flag in Kawit and declared the Philippine Independence. Now what is the significance of August 1, 1898 in the Philippine history?
Recently a press conference was held at the Strike Multi-Purpose Hall at the Bacoor Government Center for the official launch of the book called "Proclamation Philippine Independence: The Truth About 1, 1898 Bacoor Assembly" and a short documentary film entitled "Agosto Uno: Ang Kasaysayang Nakalimutan".
Significance of August 1, 1898
 |
| The Book: roclamation, Philippine Independence: The Truth About August 1, 1898 Bacoor Assembly |
According to the book, General Emilio Aguinaldo during the ceremonial declaration of Independence and waving of the Philippine flag did not sign the June 12, 1898 Proclamation of Independence made by Ambrocio Rianzares Bautista because of some points written on the Act which states:
- Filipino Government was dictatorial government and United States would be the protector of the Filipinos.
- General Emilio Aguinaldo was chosen by God and was honored as supreme head of the nation.
- The red, white and blue colors in our flag commemorate the flag of the United States for the manifestation of profound gratitude of the Filipinos toward he great nation of united States.
Apolinario Mabini would then make a new draft of the proclamation of Philippine Independence and would discredit the June 12, 1898 proclamation.
On August 1, 1898 at the Bacoor Assembly at the Bahay na Tisa, 190 municipal presidents from the 16 provinces under the revolutionary army ratified the new declaration of Philippine Independence.
 |
| Bahay na Tisa |
"..it was clear that President Aguinaldo recognized the August 1, 1898 document as an act proclaiming the Philippine independence. Aside from affixing his signature on the document, he also conveyed this letter to to U.S. Consul General Spencer Pratt.."
There are more details and proof on the book that uncovers the chronological events that transpired on the two declaration of Independence.
"Wala pong signed document noong June 12 dahil nga po sa mga provision yung Acta na sinulat ni Ambrocio Rianzares Bautista na hindi katanggap tanggap para sa pangulo (Aguinaldo) kaya eventually hindi po sya pinirmahan at kinausap nya si Apolinario Mabini para isaayos at magkaroon ng bago na dokumento at ito po ay naganap noong August 1 at noong August 1 pinag-usapan nila ito at nagkaroon ng proklamasyon. Kaya ang lumilitaw po sa ngayon ay mayroon tayong event na naganap sa Kawit na ayon sa atin ay proklamasyon pero mayroon din na dokumento na nagsasabi na may proklamasyon sa Bacoor. "
 |
| Dr. Emmanuel Franco Calairo, Pangulo ng Asosyong Pangkasaysayan ng Pilipinas |
"Ano nga ba ang relasyon ng August 1 sa June 12? Pinapalakas po natin ang selebrasyon ng ating kalayaan. Hindi natin pwedeng palitan yung June 12 kasi unang una, yun ang tradisyon. Ang delarasyon po sa June 12 ay may mga bagay na hindi pwedeng maging basehan ng isang republika dahil dictatorship sya. Nakalagay po sa proklamasyon na 'yon ay under the protectorate tayo ng U.S. na hindi pwede kasi kailangang malaya talaga..
Kaya ito pong August 1, itinama ang deklarasyon ng Independence. Ang binago po dito ay upang ito ay maging tama sa intensyon na maging republika tayo." added Dr. Diaz, President of the Samahang Pangkasaysayan ng Bacoor.
 |
| Dr. Jose Diaz, Pangulo ng Samahang Pangkasaysayan ng Bacoor |
Bacoor Mayor Lani Mercado Revilla stated, "Our intention is not to disclaim the June 12 Independence Day celebration but to add the August 1 as part of the process that the country has to do in order to be declared independent."
 |
| Kgg. Lani Mercado Revilla, Punong Lungsod ng Lungsod ng Bacoor |
 |
| G. Edwin Guinto, Tagapangasiwa ng Opisina ng Turismo ng Lungsod ng Bacoor |
 |
| G. Jose Napoleon L. Cuenca, Tagapangulo ng Lupon ng Turismong Panglungsod |
 |
| Bacoor Mayor Lani Mercado Revilla with the book 'Proclamation: Philippine Independence" |
 |
| Bahay na Tisa where the Bacoor Assembly was held |
 |
| Jolo Revilla as Emilio Aguinaldo on the documentary film, Agosto Uno: Kasaysayang Nakalimutan |
 |
| A historical marker for the Bacoor Assembly last August 1, 2018 |
This is a controversial topic and is open for debate. Fortunately, I have read most of the book before writing this blog. The evidence presented in the book opens new discoveries on what really happened from the time they have drafted the first proclamation to changing and scrapping it and in forming the new draft.
New information and evidence that strengthens our Independence not just in ceremony but on paper is a welcome addition to help us deeply understand our history better.
The book is out in public and private schools in Bacoor and barangay gets also a copy. They are only releasing 1000 copies but will reprint in the near future. The documentary will be out soon, you can check out the facebook page of the City Government of Bacoor to get updates.
