09/06/2026
On August 6, 1898, Leandro Ibarra, who served as Emilio Aguinaldo’s Interior Secretary, formally certified a revised Act of Independence prepared by Aguinaldo’s chief adviser, Apolinario Mabini. This new document effectively replaced the original declaration proclaimed in Kawit on June 12.
Mabini had not attended the June 12 ceremony and later rejected the original Acta drafted by Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista for three main reasons:
1. Lack of international legitimacy – Mabini believed it was premature to declare independence while the Philippines was still under American protection, as this did not constitute true recognition by the international community.
2. Limited representation – He argued that the Kawit declaration had been made primarily by military leaders and did not reflect the broader will of the Filipino people from different provinces.
3. Excessive dependence on the United States – Mabini cautioned against relying too heavily on American support, warning that it could compromise genuine independence.
Acting on Mabini’s advice, Aguinaldo convened more than 200 municipal presidents from 16 provinces in Bacoor, Cavite on August 1, 1898. During this assembly, they ratified Mabini’s revised Act of Independence.
Photo: Filipiniana Division, National Library of the Philippines