Readings in Philippine History: The Contextual Analysis of the Malolos Constitution

Summary

In this educational video, Jun explores the Malolos Republic and the 1899 Malolos Constitution in Philippine history. The script discusses the constitution's drafting after Spanish defeat, its declaration of independence, and the establishment of a revolutionary government. It highlights the constitution's principles like separation of church and state and the three branches of government. Despite its progressive ideas, the constitution was not fully implemented due to the ongoing Philippine-American War and the Philippines' transition from Spanish to American control, raising questions about the country's true independence at the time.

Takeaways

• 📜 The video discusses the social, economic, political, and cultural context of the Malolos Republic and its 1899 constitution in Philippine history.
• 🇵🇭 Emilio Aguinaldo returned to the Philippines after the defeat of the Spanish at the Battle of Manila Bay on May 1, 1898.
• 🗓️ The Philippine independence was declared on June 12, 1898, leading to the establishment of the first Philippine Republic.
• 🖋️ The Malolos Congress, composed of wealthy and educated men, was elected on September 17, 1898, and drafted the 1899 Malolos Constitution.
• 📜 The preamble of the 1899 constitution emphasized justice, common defense, general welfare, and liberty, guided by the 'Sovereign Legislator of the Universe.'
• ⛪ The constitution introduced the separation of church and state, a significant shift from Spanish rule where religious leaders influenced government decisions.
• ⚖️ The Malolos Constitution established three branches of government: legislative, executive, and judicial, a structure followed in later Philippine constitutions.
• 🚫 The constitution was never fully implemented due to the ongoing war and the Treaty of Paris, which transferred control of the Philippines to the United States.
• 🇺🇸 The Philippines became a territory of the United States after being sold by Spain for $20 million, and American occupation hindered the country's sovereignty.
• 🎨 The colors of the Philippine flag were inspired by the American flag, symbolizing the gratitude of Aguinaldo's government towards the U.S., though this relationship later soured.

Q & A

What is the significance of the 1899 Malolos Constitution in Philippine history?

The 1899 Malolos Constitution is significant because it established the framework for the first Philippine Republic and represented the Filipino people's attempt at self-governance following the defeat of the Spanish colonizers.

When was the Philippine independence declared and what were the immediate actions taken afterward?

Philippine independence was declared on June 12, 1898, after the defeat of the Spanish forces. Soon after, several decrees were issued, leading to the formation of the first Philippine Republic.

What was the role of the Malolos Congress in the creation of the Malolos Constitution?

The Malolos Congress, elected on September 17, 1898, was composed of wealthy and educated men who were tasked with drafting the Malolos Constitution. They approved the constitution on November 29, 1898, which was later promulgated by Emilio Aguinaldo on January 21, 1899.

How did the Malolos Constitution address the issue of the separation of church and state?

The Malolos Constitution explicitly provided for the separation of church and state, a significant departure from the Spanish colonial era, where the church heavily influenced state decisions.

What form of government was established under the Malolos Constitution?

The Malolos Constitution established a republican form of government with three distinct branches: the legislative, the executive, and the judicial, which laid the foundation for future Philippine constitutions.

Why was the Malolos Constitution never fully implemented?

The Malolos Constitution was never fully implemented due to the ongoing Philippine-American War and the Treaty of Paris, where the Philippines was sold to the United States for 20 million US dollars. This transferred control of the Philippines from Spain to the US.

What was the Filipino reaction to American intervention after the defeat of Spain?

Initially, Filipinos, including Aguinaldo’s government, were grateful to the Americans for their help in defeating the Spanish. However, they soon realized that the Americans had no intention of granting true independence and instead occupied the Philippines.

How did the design of the Philippine flag reflect the relationship with the United States at the time of independence?

The design of the Philippine flag, particularly its colors, imitated the flag of the United States as a gesture of gratitude for the Americans' assistance in driving out the Spanish from the Philippines.

What was the outcome of the Philippines’ struggle for independence after the Malolos Constitution was established?

Despite the establishment of the Malolos Constitution and the Philippine Republic, the Filipinos did not achieve real independence due to the continued American occupation and the subsequent Philippine-American War.

What were the broader consequences of the American occupation for the Philippines after the defeat of Spain?

The American occupation led to the establishment of a US military government in the Philippines, which had full control over the land, people, and natural resources, ultimately delaying the realization of Filipino independence.