The Malolos Republic was the first independent government established by Filipinos, created after years of struggle against the Spaniards.
It was also the first time in Asia that a democratic constitution was created; many Asian countries were under colonial rule at the time.
European countries became the biggest colonizers back then because they had the ships, the money, the ambition, and the belief that they had the right to rule others.
However, it didn’t last long. Shortly after, the United States took control of the Philippines following the Philippine-American War.
Even so, it became a guiding model when the country finally regained independence and established a new republic in 1946.
Malolos Republic Legitimized Philippine Independence From Spain
The Malolos Republic gave a legal and official structure to the independence that Emilio Aguinaldo had declared on June 12, 1898.
The Declaration of Independence in Kawit, Cavite, was a public announcement that the Philippines considered itself free from Spain.
Aguinaldo and the Congress created a constitution, which guaranteed rights, set limits on government power, and introduced separation of powers.
Americans Bought the Philippines From Spain
Filipinos had declared independence and formed the Malolos Republic, but another story was unfolding on the international stage.
The United States and Spain signed the Treaty of Paris on December 10, 1898, which officially ended the Spanish-American War.
The Spanish-American War started when Cuba was fighting to break free from Spain, and then the American battleship USS Maine exploded in Havana Harbor out of nowhere.
In the treaty, Spain gave up several colonies, including Puerto Rico, Guam, and Cuba. And the Philippines was sold to the United States for $20 million.
Filipinos were against it because it happened without their consent. It led to the Philippine-American War, which began in 1899.
Emilio Aguinaldo Was the President During the Malolos Republic
Aguinaldo was the leader of the revolution after the Pact of Biak-na-Bato.
He had gained further prominence when he declared independence in 1898 and became the president of the Malolos Republic.
As president, he worked with his Cabinet and the Congress to implement the provisions of the new constitution.
His presidency ended with his capture in 1901, when American soldiers found and arrested him in Palanan, Isabela.
The Malolos Republic collapsed after that.
The Capital of the Malolos Republic Was in Malolos, Bulacan
The Malolos Republic was headquartered in Malolos, Bulacan. Its central operations happened in Barasoain Church, which still stands today.
Leaders had gathered there to draft laws and manage political affairs.
“The First Philippine Republic Day” Is a Holiday in Bulacan
The Malolos Republic was inaugurated on January 23, 1899.
To honor its legacy, January 23 is celebrated as “First Philippine Republic Day” in Bulacan and nationally, as declared by Republic Act No. 11014.
Moreover, September 15 is the anniversary of the Malolos Congress and is a special working holiday in Bulacan but non-working in Malolos.
Features of the Malolos Republic
The Malolos Republic was founded on democratic principles, designed to be accountable to the Filipino people.
Its constitution contained several important features that gave it legitimacy and made it progressive for its time.
Civil Rights
Civil rights included freedoms that Western countries enjoyed, such as freedom of speech, the press, association, and religion.
Civil rights protect people’s freedom and ensure equal treatment under the law no matter their background.
Filipinos had lived under centuries of Spanish rule, where such freedoms were restricted, so this meant a lot to them.
Separation of Powers
The Malolos Republic followed the principle of separation of powers, and so divided the government into three: executive, legislative, and judiciary.
Aguinaldo, as president, led the executive branch and made sure the laws passed by the Malolos Congress, or the legislators, were put into action.
The judiciary interpreted the laws and ensured justice.
Checks and Balances
The Malolos Constitution didn’t just split the government into three branches but also made sure no one could overpower the others.
Each branch could keep the others in check, so no one could just do whatever they wanted. It was to prevent abuse and keep things fair.
Separation of Church and State
Under Spanish rule, the Catholic Church held enormous influence in politics, education, and even daily life. The friars were the most powerful.
The Malolos Constitution sought to change this by clearly stating that the church and the state should be independent of each other.
Religion would be respected, but it would no longer control the government.
What Caused the Downfall of the Malolos Republic
Several factors contributed to the fall of the Malolos Republic, including the lack of international recognition, tensions with the Americans, and internal corruption and atrocities committed by some Filipino leaders.
Not Recognized Globally
The Malolos Republic was never recognized by other countries. They saw the Philippines as a colony of the United States.
It couldn’t trade, make alliances, and gain legitimacy internationally, so it was isolated. It had to rely solely on its limited resources and manpower.
Tension Between Filipinos and Americans
Initially, Filipinos believed that the United States would help them achieve full independence, especially since it had fought against Spain.
Americans convinced many Filipinos they were allies by using promises of education, modernization, and self-governance.
But it soon became clear that it planned to take control of the Philippines, which they didn’t like because they had just gained independence from Spain!
On February 4, 1899, the Philippine-American War broke out, which drained the Malolos Republic’s resources and weakened it.
Internal Corruption and Atrocities
Reports of corruption and atrocities committed by certain military units against civilians damaged the credibility of the Malolos Republic.
It weakened public trust and made it difficult to coordinate strategies and maintain discipline among Filipino soldiers.
Malolos Republic Was Dissolved When Americans Captured Emilio Aguinaldo
When Aguinaldo was captured by the Americans on March 23, 1901, in Palanan, Isabela, the Malolos Republic lost much of its authority.
It officially ended when he swore allegiance to the United States.
After that, the United States established control over the Philippines, beginning a new period of colonial rule that lasted until 1946.
