June 12 is bogus independence--an independence declared by traitors of the Philippine Revolution

June 12 is traditionally the date when we Filipinos celebrate our independence from Spanish colonial power. However, if you study closely the events of our struggle against Spain, June 12 is not the actual date when we declared independence against Spain. Fact is, August 26 is the true date of our independence.

The reason why we celebrate June 12 is the fact that it was the date when Emilio Aguinaldo and the rest of the traitors of the Revolution unfurled the flag infront of his house in Kawit Cavite. It was on that date when some officers of the American forces were present and one of them even signed the Acta dela Proclamacion de Independencia, inspite of opposition from one of those present there, Mabini. That proclamation was never recognized by both the United States and Spain.

Everyone knows that prior to June 12, many areas have already been liberated by Katipunan forces and many of these places have been under Katipunan rule. Under the able leadership of Andres Bonifacio, these places were liberated and were functioning as a governmental unit under the Katipunan.

The proclamation in Kawit Cavite does not have actual significance because it was never recognized anyway, and was just a ruse by the Spaniards to snatch from Aguinaldo the authority to transact with the incoming American forces.

Now, if we are to base our argument as to the concept of legitimacy based on popular support truly, that declaration made by Bonifacio in the foothills of Mandaluyong on August 26, 1896 was more credible than that of Aguinaldo's.

For one, that proclamation by Bonifacio kick started the entire revolutionary process. Meaning, shortly after Bonifacio declared the Filipino People's independence against Spain, one by one, towns and cities fell from the hands of the Spaniards and unto the revolutionary forces. This shows that prior to August 26, there were already towns and cities liberated from the hands of the colonialists and being governed and managed by several Katipunan leaders. These towns once more fell into colonial hands when the Americans entered the picture.

Fact is, Bonifacio's government existed from 1896 until 1897 when he was traitorously killed by Aguinaldo's men. Bonifacio's execution was some sort of a coup led by the Cavite chapter of the Katipunan who were so greedy for power.

This proclamation is being propagated by those who want nothing more than legitimize the claim of Emilio Aguinaldo as the first president of a Republic which, truly, never existed.