The Proclamation of the First Constitutional Democracy in Asia: the Filipinos’ Independency

Kiersten Dane Olivas

PUBMAT | Anthony Beronque

DID YOU KNOW?

On June 12, 1898, the leaders of the Philippine Revolution declared the country's sovereignty and declared the first Republic of the Philippines, which is Asia's first constitutional democracy.

During the Spanish Colonization, there were several changes including Filipino’s political, social, and cultural life. The Spaniards also built a colonial government consisting of a national government and local governments, which allowed for the establishing schools and other public works through taxation.

However, the truth about the Spanish Regime came to light with the works of Dr. Jose Rizal. Andres Bonifacio, a fellow La Liga Filipina member, was moved by this to establish the "Katipunan," a Filipino revolutionary society planning against their conquerors.

The revolution against Spain started in 1896 in August after the Spanish authorities discovered the “Katipunan”. Nonetheless, it wasn't simple; it took several failed revolts before the revolution was well launched, and it took another two (2) years before the country declared its sovereignty.

References:

https://chicagopcg.dfa.gov.ph/the-philippines-history#:~:text=On%20June%2012%2C%201898%2C%20leaders,over%20Cuba%20and%20was%20defeated.

https://theculturetrip.com/asia/philippines/articles/the-history-of-the-philippine-revolution/