June 12 is not Philippine independence day

June 12 is not the very first moment in Philippine History that independence was proclaimed. Fact is, even the unveiling of the first Philippine flag was not accomplished in this day. That flag, which is claimed to be the one now housed in Baguio by Emilio Aguinaldo's great grand son, was not unfurled the very first time in June 12, 1898. Prior to that dramatic unveiling at the balcony of Aguinaldo's ancestral house in Kawit, Cavite, that flag has been shown in previous occasions, austensibly at a theater in Cavite being controlled by the Katipuneros. This flag has even been used by the Katipuneros in several skirmishes with the Spaniards as a rallying point.


Historical records show that it was August 21, 1896 when the first cries of independence was heard. It was also in this date when the very first Philippine government was established. Many who will read this will definitely argue, since August 21 preceeded the series of attacks led by the Katipuneros against the Spaniards. Legally speaking, the lands occupied by the Spaniards were still under their control, and not by the Filipinos. 


If we are to use this argument, then this also applies to June 12, 1898. At that time, the Katipuneros were still in the thick of their fight against the Spaniards. Fact is, after this so-called "proclamation of independence", Aguinaldo's forces were quickly repulsed by the colonial forces and was forced to retreat. 


Why is it that several historians want June 12 as the day when independence was proclaimed. First, this emphasized the role of the United States in the war effort. When Aguinaldo reportedly proclaimed Philippine independence on June 12, 1898, it was made with the backing of the United States. Apolinario Mabini protested this, saying that that proclamation transformed the Philippines from an "independent state" to a US protectorate. The presence of an American envoy during the proclamation and he signing the June 12 declaration made it such.


Second, the recognition of June 12, 1898 was made using Ilustrado lenses. Since the entry of several Ilustrados in the Katipunan, there was already a debate whether to recognize the plebian government of the Katipunan led by Bonifacio or not. 


For purposes of historical accuracy, there was a self-sustaining government of the Filipinos prior to June 12, 1898. What happened in June 12 was a coup. Aguinaldo wanted nothing more than recognition as the leadre of the Katipunan at that time. Why? What was Aguinaldo's reason for doing so?


Shortly after the brutal execution of the Supremo, several Katipunan groups disengaged themselves from the leadership of Aguinaldo. These groups did not recognize Aguinaldo's leadership. Fact is, several of them even questioned Aguinaldo's patriotism. Bonifacio and some of the Katipuneros even accused Aguinaldo of betraying the cause of the Revolution.


By declaring a government, Aguinaldo wanted to consolidate the Katipunan forces under his control. Why? To be able to effectively negotiate with the Spaniards and the Americans. Like the politicos of old, Aguinaldo wanted to use the Katipunan ranks to be able to hammer out an agreement with the colonialists. 


This explains why Aguinaldo retreated to Isabela and the North because Aguinaldo just lost the support of Katipuneros operating in Northern, Central and even Southern Luzon. Several groups in the Visayas also did not recognize Aguinaldo's leadership. 


By recognizing this day as the day of Independence, President Aquino just legitimized an illegitimate son of the Revolution. 


Now, what happened on August 21, 1896? Read the next entry

Independence soon

I hope certain people out there will not get angry with me when I reveal this very serious and very sensitive topic. This concerns June 12, the day when we celebrate Philippine independence.

I just came from a bar last night. There was a storm. I had nothing to do last night so I went out straight to a coffee shop in Makati (I will not mention the name here).

I happen to bump with familiar faces. I went to one table and noticed that familiar people are also there. They were talking--hush-hush.

They were busy talking about what's happening to our country, how this administration deliberately mess up things just to get what it wants and how deep corruption has become in this country, etc., etc. People, they say, are in a deep moral and ideological morass and what the people need is an Iskra---a spark---that would restore Filipino confidence in themselves.

I took part in the conversation, trying to discern what these people want and it's clear---they want change.

They want nothing of the traditional, old, antiquated ideas that has impoverished our people. They want nothing of the same, destructive and corruptive concepts that has enslaved our people for generations.

They want a revolution. These people wearing expensive clothes want change--real change--to happen in this country. They can't wait anymore. They want to take action now.

They also told me about a group of "young revolutionary designers" planning a revolt against societal conventions. This group of "Iluminators" want nothing but victory in their "struggle". They envision a Filipino society proud of its heritage, its history and the people's ingenuity and strength.

They reportedly want people to be proud again as Filipinos. And they hope to shine come June 12, 2009. They have a weapon, a secret tool, that would make every one converge and will make every Filipino proud.

Will they succeed?

Talks are rife that their idea of change has already "leaked out" to some people in the mainstream. Will these people keep a secret? Some of those who discovered their secret longings threaten to release a video showing them with their tool.

Will these people tell tales via video?

These young illuminators, should they succeed, want to conquer the world. They want nothing short of revolutionary victory against these gargantuan forces enslaving the Filipino race. The Filipino Nation will shine, will once again, be proud of their race.

Will they be victorious in their illuminous designs?

Let's wait for June 12.