Republic of the Philippines

NORTHERN ILOILO POLYTECHNIC STATE

COLLEGE
ESTANCIA, ILOILO

SCHOOL OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

READINGS IN PHILIPPINE HISTORY

MODULAR APPROACH

SOCIAL SCIENCE DEPARTMENT

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CHRISTY T. BACOS MPA

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MODULE 1 3. Identify credible and authentic primary
sources and know how to evaluate their
Basic Concepts and Information provenance.

Introduction
Basic concept of Information
The concept of information has different meanings
A. Meaning and relevance of history
in different contexts especially to those different accounts
B. Distinction of primary and secondary sources
in history. Thus the concept becomes related to notions of
C. External and internal criticism
constraint, communication, control, data, form, D. Repositories of primary sources
education, knowledge, meaning, understanding, mental E. Different kinds of primary sources.
stimuli, pattern, perception, representation, and entropy.

Historical information consists of data that has LESSON 1

been organized to help answer questions and to solve
Meaning and Relevance of History
problems. An information system that helps organize
and analyze data. The purpose of an information system History can be defined in several ways. It could be
is to turn data into useful information that can be used defined as a documented record of man and his society.
for analyzing historical facts. As a field of study, it is a study of man and his
achievements from the beginning of written records to
Learning Outcomes
the present time (Gray, 1956 in De Viana, 2015). History
1. Recognize the different historical accounts; can be defined as everything that has happened or
2. Develop critical way of thinking and in occurred from the beginning of the time to the last
interpreting historical sources; instance. As a record, it is a documented history of man
and his society. As literature, history is an effective
presentation of the unfolding of events. According to
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Abbot in De Viana (2015), the historian has the ability to There are some also sources which are not written
depict the unravelling of fateful events and to portray the such as relics, fossils, remains, and memorabilia. Some
rise and deterioration of character of events, ranking it sources are alive such as living eyewitnesses. When the
with novels and epic poetry. According to De Viana researcher uses them in his research, they are always
(2015), history as a record of events shows the evolution known as respondents or informants. In the study of
of man and his society and from the age of barbarism to Philippine history, sources are called batis which also
what he is today. For students of history, it is a record of means stream or a spring. A batis therefore is the spring
the past showing his development and improvement of historical information. The usual batis are documents
throughout the ages and how he met his various especially archival documents.
challenges through time. History is not merely a
Types of Sources
chronology, i.e., a list of events as they happen, but this
should show a pattern on how man and his society has There are basically two types of sources in history: the
evolved from the primitive form to the present; showing primary sources and the secondary sources.
his ability to cope with obstacles and challenges that he
Primary sources are considered as the lifeblood of
himself or nature has placed throughout his existence.
history. De Viana (2015) states that the primary source
Sources of History directly talks about the subject matter. Accounts of
people who are direct participants or eyewitness to an
Sources are very important, in the study of
event are also primary sources. Examples of primary
history. They are the originators of information and data.
sources are minutes of meeting, diaries and journals,
About places sources with documents, written materials
autobiographies, speeches, receipts, essays written by a
that says something about historical events. Documents
person expressing his views, laws, letters of instructions,
can be letters, receipts, and copies of speech, eyewitness
decrees, letters, eyewitnesses accounts, official reports,
accounts, narrations, or books. These are some of the
sources and are NOT the only sources of history.
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newsletter articles reporting directly about the event, the researchers' purpose. All sources of historical data
editorials or books containing direct quotation of events. must be subjected to rigorous scientific analysis to
determine both their authenticity and their accuracy.
Secondary sources are documents or works made by
Furthermore, historical data are subjected to rigorous
individuals who are not directly involved to the events or
scientific analysis through external and internal criticism
made by people who obtained the information from
(Gottchalk, 1969).
somebody else or from primary sources. Examples of
secondary sources are textbooks, encyclopedia entries, External criticism is the establishment of authenticity. Its
newspapers accounts of a meeting, magazine articles purpose is to ensure that the documents are not mere
about a subject or teachers' reports on student behavior forgeries or inventions. If the researcher is dealing with a
as reported by school counselors. problem for which source are relatively old, and for
which authenticity is not necessarily a given, there are a
There is also a third classification of sources called
number of scientific techniques available such as the
general references. A general reference merely points the
physical and chemical tests. Internal criticism, on the
reader to the primary or secondary source. Examples are
other hand, is the establishment of accuracy. Its purpose
the contents of a card catalogue. Even incomplete
is to evaluate the accuracy and the worth of the data. In
information in the internet called stubs considered as
determining the accuracy of the data, four factors are to
abstracts or summaries of book is also a general
be considered, namely: (a) author's knowledge and
reference.
competence, (b) time delay, (c) motives and biases of the
External and Internal Criticism author, and (d) consistency of the data.

Historical sources exist independent of the The verified facts were then presented as
research study since they were not written or developed objectively as possible, into a narrative form following
for use of research. Thus, while they serve their purpose the stated framework for interpretation and analysis. The
well for which they are created, they may not solely serve
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analysis involved in historical research data was logical 7. Maps 17. Blogs
analysis rather than statistical analysis. 8. Memoirs 18. Documentary Films
9. Personal Account 19. Recorded Interviews
Some Repositories of Primary Sources 10. News paper
1. National Archives of the Philippines
2. National Library of the Philippines
3. National Historical Commission of the Philippines
4. National Museum of the Philippines
5. U.P. Main Library
6. ADMU Rizal Library
7. DLSU Library
8. UST Library
9. Library of Congress
10. National Archives and Records Administration
11. Archivo General de Indias
12. Archivo General de la Nacion
13. American Historical Collection
14. Lopez Memorial Museum
15. Ayala Museum

Kinds of Primary Sources

1. Human fossils 11. Magazines

2. Artifacts 12. Legislative Journals
3. Royal Decrees & Laws 13. Court Records
4 Official Reports 14. Speeches
5. Chronicles 15. Personal Letters
6. Friar accounts 16. Online databases
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7
LESSON 2 a General. Loyola Heights, Quezon City: Ateneo de
Manila University Press as the primary source, as follows
Readings on Tejeros Convention (1897)
Tejeros Convention
Narratives:
The assembly at Tejeros was finally convened on March
The discovery of the Katipunan led to the
25, 1897. The invitations to the meeting were signed by
oppressing stand of the warring factions of the society;
Secretary Jacinto Lumbreras of the Magdiwang Council, and
namely: the Magdalo and the Magdiwang. The Magdalo
he presided over the assembly. Seated with Lumbreras at the
faction stand firm in the changing of the Katipunan since
long presidential table were the Supremo Andres Bonifacio
it was already discovered by the Spaniards. On the other
Messrs. Mariano M. Alvarez, Pascual Alvarez, Ariston
hand, the Magdiwang group stand firm that the
Villanueva, Mariano C. Trias, Diego Mojica, Emiliano R. de
Katipunan should remain desp.te the Spaniard had
Dios, Santiago V Alvarez, Artemio Recarte, Santos Nocon,
discovered it. To unite the conflicting factions of the
Luciano San Miguel, Pablo Mojica, Serevino de las Alas, and
Katipunan and to solve them, their leaders, Andres
Santiago Rillo, all of them of the Magdiwang. Among the
Bonifacio and Emilio Aguinaldo agreed to hold the
Magdalo seated at the head table were Messrs. Baldomero
Tejeros Convention. Tejeros Convention is the event in
Aguinaldo, Daniel Tirona, and Cayetano 1Topacio. I must be
the history whose purpose is to unite the two conflicting
mentioned that, before the assembly must convened, Secretary
façtions of the Katipunan, namely; the Magdiwang and
of War Ariston Villanueva of the Magdiwang Council received
the Magdalo.
the confidential information that M Daniel Tirona of the
To compare the primary sources and the Magdalo faction was set to 2ndermine the proceedings of the
secondary sources, the following readings on the above- assembly and that he had already succeeded in enjoining many
mentioned event are given. One is the Alvarez, Santiago among Magdiwang leaders to ally with him.
V. (1992). The Katipunan and the Revolution Memoirs of

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 Secretary Villanueva kept silent, but nevertheless authority over the Magdiwang and the Magdalo government of
alerted Captain General Apoy, who had troops in readiness for Cavite. We are true revolutionaries fighting for the freedom of
any sudden eventuality the leaders were seated at the the native land. We are not bandits who rob others of their
presidential table, as previously, and all the others were property and wealth. Nor should we be likened to beasts for we
standing in groups on both sides of those seated. Afier know how to protect and defend others, especially the political
refugees who seek asylum with us. We are rational and we do
not expose those who talk big but do not accomplish anything.
If you want to establish a different kind of government that is
to your liking, you must do as we have done: Go back to your
localities and snatch them from Spanish control! Then you can
do what pleases you; but don't you dare seek refuge among
cowards who might call you bandits and beasts. And for every
body’s satisfaction, I am now ordering your arrest! Captain
General Apoy stopped speaking and looked intently at the
persons he was alluding to and ordered a detachment under
Maj. Damaso Fojas to keep him under guard. After a short
while, Dr Jose Rizal's sister, Trining and his widow, Josephine,
pleaded with General Apoy not to arrest Mr. Montenegro, but
Chairman Jacinto Lumbreras had declared the assembly opens,
to let him stay at the estate house where themselves were
he announced the main topic of discussion, which was how to
staying. They volunteer to be held personally responsible for
bolster the defenses in the areas still under the Magdiwang
Mr Montenegro while their custody. Captain General Apoy
control. Presently Mr. Severine de las Alas rose to speak, and
easily acceded to the request, the strong and excited
when he was recognized he said, before we discuss minor
denunciation by Captain General Apoy of Mr Montenegro
details, let us first tackle of our respected Highest Council of
alerted the Magdiwang troops. The leaders eyed everyone
the Sons of the People. This Council is the defender of and has
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suspiciously and were only waiting a signal from General sympathize with your aspirations. ButI wish to remindyou that
Apoy for them to begin shooting. we should respect all decisions properly discussed and
approved in our meetings. We should respect and abide by the
Disorder ensued and disrupted the assembly. When
wishes of the majority. "
order was restored, some wanted the convention adjourned, but
the Supremo Bonifacio prevail upon the others to continue. Because of the repeated clamor for the approval of the
However, the presiding oficer Mr Lumbreras, refused to establishment of a government of the Philippine Republic, the
resume his role of chairman, He wanted to yield the chair 1o chair proceeded to repair for an election to the following
Supremo whom he thought to be the rightful chairman. positions; President, Vice President, Minister of Finance,
Minister of Welfare and Minister of Justice and Captain
"The Katipunan as you know" Mr Lumbreras explained "was
General.
responsiblefrom the beginningfor the spreu of revolutionary
movement throughout the Philippines. But because of the The Supremo spoke again before the election began. He
disaffection of some, this assembly was called to establish a new said that the candidate who would get the most number of
overall revolutionary council. If we are to pursue this votes for each position should be the winner, no matter what
ambitious and imyportant undertaking, only the Supremo has his station in life or his educational attainment. We should
the right to preside at this assembly, for he is the Father of the matter was that the candidate had never been a traitor to the
Katipunan and the Revolution. Mr. Lumbreras's speech was cause of the Motherland. Everyone agreed and there were
well received ana his proposal was unanimously accepted. The shouts of approval such as. That is how it should be-equality
Supremo Bonijacio assumed the chairmanship accordingly and for everyone! Nobody should be higher nor lower that the other.
said, "Your aim is to establish a new overall government of the May love of country prevail"
Katipunan of the Sons of the People. This would repudiate the
The Supremo Bonifacio appointed Gen. Artemio Ricarte
decisions made at the meeting held at the friar estate house in
as secretary Then, with the help of Mr Daniel Tiona, he
Imus. In my capacity as "President Supremo" of the Most
distributed pieces oJ paper to serve as ballots. When the hllots
Venerable Katipunan of the Sons of the People, I agree and
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had been collected and the votes were ready to be Sed. Mr. newly elected captain general!" Mr. Baldomero Aguinaldo
Diego Mojica, the Magdiwang secretary of the treasury, wanted the elections to be finished before it got too dark. To
warned the Supremo that many ballots distributed were facilitate the counting of votes, he suggested that for all other
already filled out and that the voters had not done this positions to be voted upon, voters should stand on one side of
themselves. The Supremo ignored this remark. He proceeded the hall if in favor and on the other side if against. The
with business at hand as if nothing unusual had happened. suggestion was adopted for the rest of the election. For the
When the votes for president were counted, Mr Emilio position of secretary of war, Mr. Emiliano R. de Dios was
Aguinaldo won over Mr. Andres Bonifacio, the Supremo. The elected overwhelming over Messrs. Santiago V. Alvarez,
winner was acclaimed by applause and shouts of "Mabuhay!" Ariston Villanueva, and Daniel Tirono. After the voters had
(Long livel) Mr. Severino de las Alas spoke again to say that given the proper honors to the new secretary of war they
since the Supremo Bonifacio had received the second highest proceeded to elect the secretary of the interior Mr Andres
number of votes for the presidency, he should be proclaimed Bonifacio, the Supremo, won over Mr Mariano Alvarez. The
vice-president of the government of the Philippine Republic. crowd broke into shouts o Mabuhay!" Mr Daniel Tirona
When nobody signified approval or disapproval of the proposal, requested for the restoration of the order and then spoke aloud:
the presiding officer the Supremo Bonifacio, ruled that the "My brethren, the office of the secretary of the interior is of so
election be continued. For Vice President, Mr Mariano Trias great a scope and of such sensitivity that we should not entrust
won over Mr Mariano Alvarez and the Supremo Bonifacio. it to one who is not a lawyer one among us here is a lawyer. He
General Vibora was elected captain over General Apoy. is Mr. Jose del Rosario. Let us reconsider the choice for the last
General Vibora demurred, saying that he had neither the ability position, for he has no credentials to show attesting to any
nor the right to assume the new position. But General Apoy educational attainment. Then in as loud a voice as he could
cut short his objections by saying that he was personally muster, Tirona shouted, "Let us elect Mr Jose del Rosario, the
vouched for General Vibora's competence and right to occupy lawyer!' Greatly embarrassed, the Supremo Bonifacio quickly
the position to which he was elected. General Apoy’s stood up and said, "We agreed to abide by the majority vote
endorsement was greeted with shouts and off Long live the and accept its choice no matter what the station in like the
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person elected. And because of this, I demand from you, Mr. about. On the request of Magdalo Pres. Baldomero Aguinaldo,
Daniel Tirona, an apology. You must restore to the voters and a meeting was called at the same friar estate house in Tejeros.
the one they elected the honor you have only now besmirched." Called on the day after the tumultuous convention, its purpose
Then he pulled out his revolver and took aim. Instead of was to continue and revalidate the proceeding of the election
replying, Mr. Tirona ignored the Supremo's remarks and, meeting, to revive their former alliances, and to restore
perhaps because of fear, he slid away and got lost in the crowd. cordiality and fraternal love in their relations. Aside from the
Disorder ensued as the convention secretary tried to disarm the Supremo Andres Bonifacio, among the Magdiwang leaders
Supremo, who was intent on shooting Mr. Tirona. The people who attended were Messrs. Mariano Avarez, Diego Mojica,
began to disperse and the Supremo adjourned the meeting with Ariston Villanueva, Pascual Alvarez, Jacinto Lumbreras,
these words: In my capacity as chairman of this convention and Santiago Alvarez, Artemio Ricarte, Nicolas Portilla, Santos
as President-Supremo of the Most Venerable Katipunan of the Nocon, and Fr Manuel Trias, the parish priest of San Francisco
Sons of the People which association is known and de Malabon. They waited until five of that afternoon, but none
acknowledged by all, I hereby declare null and void all matters of the Magdalo members came, not even their president who
approved in this meeting. Then he left quickly and was had initiated what would have been a reconciliation meeting.
followed by his aides and some other present. Mr. Baldomero That same night, it was rumored that the Magdalo leaders were
Aguinaldo, the Magdalo president, did not leave San Francisco currently holding their own meeting in the parish house in
de Malabon that night, in order to convince that Magdiwang Tanza. Though it had reason to be apprehensive because the
leaders to reconvene the disrupted meeting the following day. Magdalo were in territory under its jurisdiction, the
They agreed to his proposal. That Same night, rumor had it Magdiwang leadership looked the other way because the
that Messrs. Mariano Trias, Daniel Tirona, Emiliano R. de Magdalo were hard-pressed for meeting places since its
Dios, Santiago Rillo and others were in the parish house o the territories had all been taken by the Spanish enemy. The next
Catholic Church at Tanza (Santa Cruz de Malabon), and that morning, 27 March 1897, Eye witnesses who had spied on the
they were conferring with the priest, Fr Cenon Villafranca. proceeding revealed that, indeed, a meeting had taken place at
Many attested to seeing but no one knew what they talked the Tanza parish house and that the Supremo's decisions
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regarding the election at the friar estate house were not The other one is the reading on the said event by
respected. These revelations surfaced despite denials from many Agoncillo, Teodoro A. (2002). The Revolt of the Masses: The
sectors. At the gathering in the Tanza parish house, those Story of Bonifacio and the Katipunan. Quezon City University
elected at the Tejeros convention knelt before a crucifix and in of the Philippines Press as the secondary source.
the name of the Holy Father the highest pontiff of the Roman
Catholic Church, invoked the martyred saints and solemnly
took their office. Fr. Cenon Villafranca officiated With Messrs.
Severino de las Alas and Daniel Tirona as the witnesses, the
Seeds of Discontent
following took their oaths of office: Mssrs. Emilio Aguinaldo,
Mariano C. Trias and Artemio Ricarte. Conspicuously absent In the first push of rebel victory climaxing the
was the Supremo Andres Bonifacio, who was not invited simultaneous attacks upon the Spanish garrisons and convents,
although he was one of the elected in the office. It will be followed by the dismal failure of Governor General Blanco to
recalled that as the chairman of Tejeros Convention, he smash the insurgent power, the Katipunan of Cavite, divided
declared null and void all matters approved by the assembly into two factions, the Magdiwang and the Magdalo,
because ofd grave violation of a principle agreed upon before immediately proceeded to reorganize the province along
the election. lt should be noted here that, unknown to the partisan lines. Each faction exercised sovereign power over a
Magdiwang Council, the Magdalo posted troops to guard the number of towns, including those in Batangas, was under the
Tanza parish house for their oath-taking ceremonies. The Magdalo government, while Nasugbu, Tuwi and Look, in the
troops were under strict orders not to admit any of the same province belonged to the Magdiwang. As independent
unwanted Magdiwang partisans. If the news about the secret entities, the leaders of the two provincial councils never got
ceremony had leaked out earlier, and the underdogs in the together to elect one supreme council that would hold sway
power struggle had attempted to break into it, they would have over the entire province. The Magdiwang proceeding with its
been annihilated then and there. election independently of the Magdalo, chose the following men
to administer its government: Mariano Alvarez, President:
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Pascual Alvarez, Executive Secretary: Emiliano Reigo de Dios, sleeves. The Minister had the same insignia as the President's
Minister of the Interior (Pagpapaunlad); Mariano Trias, èxcept that the letters A.N.B. where not included. The bands on
Minister of Grace and Justice, Ariston Villanueva, Minister of the sleeves of the Minister including the K, were of different
War; Santiago Alvarez, Commander-in-Chief Diego Moxica, colors according to the ministry to which is belonged. The
Minister of Finance, Artemio Ricarte and Mariano Reigo de Minister of War had the red K on a white background, a sun on
Dios, Military Commanders with the rank of Brigadier- the cap, a sun on the left breast but none on the sleeves. The
General. On the other hand, the Magdalo elected the following plan however did not go beyond the paper stage, as the rebels
to take the reins of its government: Baldomero Aguinaldo, did not have the means to buy the uniform.
President; Candido Tirona, Minister of War: Cayetano
When Cavite led by its rival factions, successfully rose
Topacio, Minister of Finance, Emilio Aguinaldo, Commander
in revolt, the leaders fell into disputes arising from the desire
in Chief, Edilberto Evangelista, Lieutenant General, Vito
One group to lord it over the other Since both groups were
Belarmino and Crispulo Aguinaldo, Military commanders
responsible for the rebel victories, neither would bow to the
with the rank of Brigadier-General. Since the organization of
Other nor allow itself to be placed under its rival s command
the Magdiwang, its capital had been Noveleta, but in the early
here was no serious open breach but the silent conflict, more
part of November, when General Blanco began his offensive,
ominous than it appeared on the surface, threatened to wreck
the capital was moved to San Francisco de Malabon and later
the unity that in the beginning had done much to prevent the
to Naik. The Magdalo, for its part, had its capital in Kawit and
Joe from overrunning the whole province and annihilating the
when it fell, Imus, San Francisco de Malabon, Naik and
revolution at its very inception. It was this conflict, more than
Maragondon successively became its seat. An attempt was
anything else that led to the rebel's defeat at the hands of
made by both factions to make their respective armies wear the
Polavieja. The Magdiwang faction, believing as the initiator of
same uniform. It was agreed to adopt the following insignia: jor
the revolution in the Cavite it had the priority right to rule
the President's cap, a sun with golden rays on a white
over the insurgents of the province looked with disdain at the
background, a K (katipunan) and the letters A.N.NB (Anak ng
way the Magdalo men refused to cooperate with it. The
Bayan) in the middle. The same insignia was used for the
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Magdalo followers believing that most of the victories in the preliminary meeting that a misunderstanding arose between
whole territory were won by.their leaders, wanted to appear the the Magdalo leaders and Bonifacio, for the former, rightly or
stronger and therefore, the better fitted ruler. The situation, wrong saw from Bonifacio s gestures and behavior that he
though not so serious on the surface, led the Magdiwang men regarded himself superior and "acted as if he were a king "Even
to invite Andres Bonifacio to visit Cavite and see for himself all so, the hard feelings that Bonifacios unconscious unintentional
that had been accomplished by the revolutionists in that area actions engendered remained submerged and flared up only n
and to intervene in the conflict. the Imus assembly. Bonifacio was brought by the rebel leaders
to the house of Juan Castañeda in (Imus, where he was visited
A delegate was sent to lookfor the Supremo in the mountains of
by Baldomero Aguinaldo, Daniel Tirona, Vicente Fernandez
Montalban and Mariquina to apprise him of the urgent
and others. The Suprenmo, upon seeing Fernandez, ordered his
necessity of mediating of the widening rift between the two
arrest. For Bonifacio, remembering that Fernandez was the
popular councils. Bonifacio, informed of the situation, refused
same man who had promised, before that battle of San Juan, to
to heed the request of the Magdiwang leaders on the ground
attack the Spaniards in Laguna and Morong simultaneously
that in order to succeed in the revolution against Spain the
with Bonifacio's offensive in San Juan del Monte but whose
leaders must not be concentrated in a single place. This
promise was never carried out, now saw his chance to punish
preliminary contact with the Supremo resulted in the periodic
the offender: Bonifacio blamed him for the defeat in San Juan
exchanges of communications between him and the
and was determined that he should not go unpunished. As
Magdiwang chieftains. On the third invitation, written by
Supreme Head of the Katipunan, Bonifacio took it for granted
Artemio Ricarte upon the instruction of Mariano Avarez,
that he would be obeyed by all. To his surprise and dismay, the
Bonifacio acceded to the request. With his wife and two
Magdalo chieftains, to whom that Fernandez had run for
brothers, Ciriaco and Procopio, Bonifacio left for Cavite ahout
shelter refused to give up their man The Supremo by then had
the Middle of December 1896. Emilio Aguinaldo, Candido
realized that he had very little, if any, influence in the Magdalo
Tirona and Edilberto Evangelista were on hand to meet the
area. With doubt crisscrossing his mind and misgiving
Supremo and his entourage at Zapote. It was at this
assailing his heart, Bonifacio, on January 2 1897, wrote from
15
San Francisco de Malabon to his uncle-in-law, Mariano Polavieja 's counter-offensives led to the fall of several towns
Alvarez President Mainam: Don’t fail to come this very hitherto held by the rebels, and the attitude of non-cooperation
moment for I want to talk to you privately about what exhibited by one faction when the other was harassed by the
happened to me in Magdalo and so that you might explain enemy led, as it must, to disaster in the field.
their organization to me.
The situation, both camps believed, could only be
Meanwhile, Esteban San Juan invited Bonifacio to remedied by coming together and threshing out differences of
attend the demonstration of the Magdiwang rebels in Noveleta. opinion and solving, ultimately, the question of leadership in
Accompanied by San Juan himself, Baldomero Aguinaldo and the province. For this purpose, the leaders of the Magdiwang
Candido Tirona, Bonifacio arrived at Noveleta amidst the and the Magdalo decided to call a convention or assembly at
enthusiastic acclamation of the people. At three in the Imus. In the assembly hall, the factions met and exchanged the
aflernoon, the parade took place in which Bonifacio, riding in usual greetings. Bonifacio entered proceeded to the head of the
carriage and flanked on both sides by the Magdiwang soldiers table and unceremoniously occupied the chair he beckoned to
in red uniform was the object the demonstration. As the parade the Magdiwang Ministers to sit at his right side. The obvious
would its way toward an Francisco de Malabon, the people partiality to the Magdiwang was presented by the Magdalo, for
shouted, "Long lived the ruler of the Philippines!" to which as Supreme head of the Katipunan who was called upon to
Bonifacio answered: Long iive Philippine Liberty!" Upon mediate between the two factions, Bonifacio was expected to
arriving at Malabon, he was quartered in the house of Santos show impartiality. But his actions in case were motivated by
Nocon and, later, in the house of Mrs. Estefania Potente, where his regard for his wife s uncle, Mariano Alvarez, the President
he stayed until the Spaniards captured the town in April 1897 of the Magdiwang-a fact that aggravated the situation. Even
between the misunderstanding that existed between the so, the Magdalo men did not show their resentment but kept
followers of the Magdiwang and the Magdalo, so destructive of silent in order to prevent further misunderstanding between
the Katipunan plans, deepened into mutual suspicion and the followers of both camps.
jealousies that resulted in military reverses in several sectors.

16
 Seeing that Bonifacio had called his ministers, The assembly opened with Bonifacio as Chairman. It
Baldomero Aguinaldo, President of the Magdalo, without being was evident when Baldomero Aguinaldo made the proposal to
invited, sat to tne left of Bonifacio. Geheral Emilio Aguinaldo, establish a revolutionary government that the two factions
seeing his position as a purely military one, was content to be a would never come to an understanding. The Magdalo men
mere observer: He had, however a plan of his own. Since it was contented that the continuance of the Katipunan Government
the intention of his faction to propose the establishment of a was no longer necessary for since the start of the revolution the
revolutionary government, he had decided forehand that in the Society had ceased to remain as a secret society and must
coming election for the presidency he would nominate and therefore be supplanted by one that would better fit the
support Edilberto Evangelista, since among them all situation. The Magdalo people further contented that being
"Evangelista was the best educated". Bonifacio knew of small, Cavite must not be divided between two faction.
Aguinaldo š active electioneering in favor of Evangelista and
On the other hand, the Magdiwang followers argued
was deeply hurt, for as founder and Supreme Head of
that the Katipunan already had a constitution and by-laws
Katipunan he left that the presidency should be given to him as
duly approved and enforced in the islands and that, by the
a reward.
virtue of this, provincial and municipal government in and
around Manila had already been established. There was
therefore no necessity of establishing a new government. Even
so the Magdiwang Minister of War Ariston Villanueva stood
up and said that if a new government was to be established
Andres Bonifacio who had organized and planned the entire
revolutionary movement, must of right occupy the presidency
without any election. Further he appointed out that as
Chairman and Suprema, Bonifacio should be given blanket
authority to appoint the Ministers. The Magdalo group

17
strenuously objected and insisted on an election. The in the air. Alvarez's men tried to disarm the offending soldiers
discussion became heated and did not accomplished any but instead were themselves disarmed.
tangible result. The assembly was adjourned and each faction
Alvarez was curious and demanded that San Gabriel
left without any definite understanding.
disarm his men. The latter refused and left for Noveleta. It was
Suspicious and jealousies continued to plague the ranks only through Ricarteš intervention that the two men, Alvarez
of the rebels, and even among the members of the same faction and San Gabriel, were brought together again as comrades. The
petty quarrels continued to come up. The Magdalo followers situation had not eased up a bit when the leaders of the
suspected the Magdiwang of courting the favor of the Magdiwang planned to hold another convention, this time in
Spaniards, while the same suspicion was aroused in the the estate-house of Tejeros, a Magdiwang territory situated
Magdiwang as regards the Magdalo. In a situation where the about two kilometers from San Francisco de Malabon and
Magdalo needed the help of the Magdiwang, the latter to which about a half kilemeter from the town proper of Salinas. The
Bonifacio belonged, refused to come to the aid of the former government under the Magdalo, comprising the towns of
Moreover the Magdiwang followers were themselves occupied, Kawit, Bakood and Imus, was at the time seriously threatened
now and then; the petty jealousies and quarrels that tended to by the Spanish army which occupied the estate house of
demoralize the soldiers. Thus, when the town fiesta of San Salitran and which had dug in as the preparatory step to the
Francisco de Malabon was held in January 1897, the rebels, battle that was about to commence. General Emilio Aguinaldo,
then enjoying the afternoon games, were disturbed by a series leading the Magdalo Soldiers, faced the Spaniards in Salitran,
of rifle shots that sent them scampering away to places of a barrio hetween the towns of Imus and Dasmariñas. It was
safety. Thinking that the enemy was approaching, Ariston March 22, 1897, Aguinaldo's birthday when simultaneously
Villanueva and Santiago Alvarez gathered their men and the battle raged and the assembly convened the Tejeros.
prepared to meet an attack. They later found out that the rifle
The delegates, mostly belonging to the Magdiwang,
shots came from the men of Captain Mariano San Gabriel, also
lazily trooped the sultry afternoon to the spacious estate-house
a Magdiwang man, who, trigger-happy, had fired several shots
of Tejeros. Some of the men were barefoot; others wore buri
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hats or were dressed in barong Tagalog. They came from all was this place, the former summer resort of the friars, that
directions; from Kawit, Noveleta and Inus to the North; from witnessed the first important election held under the auspices
Tanza to the West; from san Francisco de Malabon to the of the Katipunan government. An invitation was sent by the
northeast. The estate-house surrounded by stone walls and Magdiwang chieftains to the Magdalo followers to attend the
built in the middle of the six-hectare farm owned by the friars meeting, but because of the battle then raging around the
and now in rebel hands had a 60-meter frontage. locality not all but all the Magdalo leaders were able to attend.
The Magdiwang was represented by Andres Bonifacio,
The entrance was through an arched gate connected to
Mariano Alvarez, Pascual Alvarez, Santiago Avarez, Luciano
the rear arched gate by a long and wide corridor. To the right, a
San Miguel, Mariano Trias Severino de las Alas, Santos
few meters from the front gate, were the stairs. Directly
Nocon and others, while the Magdalo was represented by
opposite the stairs was a storage room and next to it, is the rear
Baldomero Aguinaldo, Daniel Tirona, Cayetano Topacio,
was the chapel. Directly opposite this and next to the stairs was
Antonio Montegro and others. The estate-house buzzed with
another storage room. Up the stairs was a big hall, with the
life as more rebels, some of them uninvited, came to the
doors of thirty four rooms opening to it. In the rear of a room to
convention. It was past two in the afternoon when the meeting
the right were the dining room and the azotea that commanded
was formally opened.
a beautiful view of the fields around and the murky Ilog
Kawayan on whose banks thick clumps of bamboo protected the Jacinto Lumbreras, acting the president of the
house from the glare of the sun. The estate-house stood alone in Magdiwang, took the chair and opened the convention with
that wide expanse of Riceland. Directy opposite the house and introductory remarks summing up the purpose of the meeting.
across the road was more riceland (tubuhan). The long road To his right sat Teodoro Gonzales, also a Magdiwang who
that commenced from the town of Salinas led directly to San acted as a secretary. Severino de las Alas, a Magdiwang
Francisco de Malabon, and half a kilometer from the estate- immediately took the floor and explained that before discussing
house it branched off the right, where a bridge connected the ways and means of defending such a small area as Cavite, the
latter town to the town of Tanza or Santa Cruz de Malabon It convention assembled should first of all agree upon the kind of

19
government that should be set up to administer the whole was between the men of the same faction. In an unfortunate
country under the prevailing circumstances. "From this moment, a Magdalo man, Antonio Montenegro, stood up and
government," he said, "anything that is necessary in the shouting at the top of his voice, took issue with Bonifacio. "if
defense of the country can emanate. we do not act upon the suggestions of Mr. de las Alas," he said,
"we, the rebels, will be likened unto a mere pack of highway
The presiding afficer however, reminded the speaker
robbers, or worse, like animals without reason." The words,
that a government had already been established upon the
uttered in a good faith and in the belief that something, must be
founding of the Katipunan, it's Supreme Council, its
done to have a new government organized, touched off a
Provincial Councils, and it's Popular Councils, and that the
sensitive spot in the hearts of the Magdiwang listeners.
meeting was called to adopt defensive measures. At this
Santiago Alvarez, a Magdiwang, pricked to anger, took the
juncture, Bonifacio spoke and supplemented Lumbreras
floor and, throwing a malicious side-glance at Montenegro,
explanation, calling the attention of those assembled to the
reported: "We, the rebels of Cavite, especially those under the
Katipunan flag witha K in the middle, which embodied the
Magdiwang recognize the Government organized by the
ideal of revolutionists, namely liberty. De las Alas, not
Association of the Sons of the People. And if you want to set up
contented with the Supremo 's explanation, countered that the
another form of Government, you can go back to your own
K in the flag of the Katipunan did not in any way identify the
province and wrest the authority from the Spaniards, as we
kind of government that they had, whether such government
have already done. As such, you can do whatever you want to
was monarchial or republican, Bonifacio remarked that all the
and nobody would interfere with you. "We of Cavite", he
Katipuneros, from the Supreme Head to the lowest member
added with a meaningful of bitterness, "we of Cavite do not
recognized the principle of Unity, Fraternity and Equality.
need and will never need any adviser of your own standing
It can be seen," he said, "that the Government and the only." Pandemonium reigned as the voice of Santiago Alvarez
Association of the Sons of the people is republican in form. The boomed inside the spacious sala. Hid bodyguards, planted near
discussion was going nowhere and tempers ran high as the the stairs, moved ominously-all set to fire at those inside the
men insisted on their own points of view. So far the discussion hall. Lumbreras, sensing the explosive situation, tactfully
20
called a recess to give sutficient time for the angry men to cool The Republic of the Philippines was then and there
off. At the end of an hour the meeting was resumed. Jacinto proclaimed amidst enthusiastic hurrahs. With a new form of
Lumbreras, seeing that it would be useless for him to continue government determined to take the place of the Katipunan, the
to preside in such an atmosphere, refused to take the chair election of officers was then prepared. Nine officers were to be
saying: "As the question under discussion is completely elected by popular vote, namely: President, Vice President,
outside of what is mentioned in the agenda of the meeting and Captain Genmeral, Director of War Director of Interior,
is concerned instead with the establishment of an over-all Director of Finance, Director of State, Director of Fomento and
government of the revolution, I should not continue to preside Director of Justice. Before proceeding with the election,
over this session". Then he took his seat among the members, Bonifacio, probably assailed by doubts and aware of his
and Andres Bonifacio, who was acclaimed by all to succeed limitations, called the attention of all thenelectors representing
him, took the chair us the presiding officer by the virtue of his the different regions of the Philippines to the principle that
being the President of the Supreme Council of the Katipunan. whoever would be elected should be recognized and respected
He then called the meeting to order and said: As you desire to regardless of his social condition and education. The proposal,
set up a supreme government to direct the revolution, made in the form of mere statement and reminder was
abolishing what was organized by the Katipunan and approved for in that convention very few, if any, were men of
repudiating the resolution approved kin the Assembly of Imus, high intellectual attainments.
as President of the Supreme Council of the Katipunan, Taccede
The ballots were prepared and distributed. The balloting
to your just petition, but first of all I want to ask you to
was made successively, that is the officer of the President was
recognize a principle as a basis of agreement in this or in other
first voted upon, after which the other offices were filled in
meetings, which is: that we respect and obey the will of the
singly. After an hour, the ballots were cast for presidency and
majority." Those present saw the justice and wisdom of his
Emilio Aguinaldo won in absentia over Andres Bonifacio and
proposition and assented unanimously.
Mariano Trias. The president-elect was proclaimed with loud
shouts and applause.

21
 Before the ballots were cast for the Vice-Presidency, Somebody suggested that in order to expedite the election to the
Severino de las Alas stood up and suggested that in as much as remaining positions, the electors should step on the one side
Bonifacio had received the second largest number of votes he when their candidates were called, a proposal that was
should automatically be allowed to occupy the Vice-Presidency. immediately approved. In this manner the following were
The men assembled appeared lukewarm to the suggestion, there elected: Director of War Emiliano Reigo de Dios, who won over
being no one who approved or disapproved it. Consequently, Ariston Villanueva, Daniel Tirona and Santiago Alvarez,
Bonifacio decided to continue with the election of the Vice Director of Interior. Andres Bonifacio, who won over Mariano
President. Mariano Trias was elected in the position over Alvarez and Pascual Alvarez.
Andres Bonifacio, Severino de las Alas and Mariano Alvarez.
The election of Bonifacio gave rise to an incident that
The election of the Captain General came next and Ricarte, the
nearly ended in a bloody afair. Amidst the acclamations that
acting Secretary of the Convention, came out over Santiago
followed the announcement of his election, Daniel Tirona a
Avarez. With a modesty that sprangfrom the realization of the
Magdalo man, stood up and said: "The position of the Director
responsibility attached to the position, Ricarte stood up and
of the Interior is an exalted one and it is not meet that a person
declared: "None better than I know my own limitations and
without a lawyer s diploma should occupy it he have in our
fitness: the position with which this assembly honors me is
province a lawyer, Jose del Rosario; therefore we should protest
beyond my scant ability and strength, to me it is a very
against the elected and acclaimed and Shouting at the top of his
honorable position but its horizon is too wide for me: so I
voice, he added: "Let us vote for Jose del Rosario!" No one,
request the assembly not to resent my refusal to accept it."
however took the suggestion which was shouted four times.
Ricartes modesty, genuine or assumed, proved affective. Cries
Nevertheless, Bonifacio felt insulted and he turned crimson
of disapproval followed his request to be relieved, and the
with anger Controlling himsel, he demanded that Daniel
disturbance created by the enthusiastic followers of the General
Tirona retract what he had saia, "Did We not agree," he added,
forced Bonifacio to call the meeting to order then: "it is getting
"that we have to abide by the decision of the majority whatever
dark, "he said, "so we have to proceed to the election to the
may be the social standing of the elected?" He insisted that
other positions.
22
Tirona gave satisfaction to the assembly for his defamatory MY DEAR GENERAL MAINAM:
words. But Tirona ignorea Bonifacio and tried to lose himself
Our recently ended election at Mapagtiis (San
in the crowd. In the push of his anger, Bonifacio whipped out
Francisco de Malabon) has left a large poisonous thorn in my
his pistol to fire at Tirona but Ricarte grabbed his hand and
heart. I reiterate to you my nullification of all that had been
thus prevented what might have been a tragic affair the people
agreed upon there. My, General, I never expect that my
then began to leave the hall, and Bonifacio frustrated and
complacency and faithfulness would be rewarded with avarice
deeply wounded in feeling, cried aloud, "I, as chairman of this
and insult upon my person by your fellow townsmen who are
assembly and as President of the Supreme Council of the
false patriots shall make them realize when I set foot on Moring
Katipunan as all of you do not deny, declare this assembly
soil that it was not whom they insulted but the whole country.
dissolved, and I annual all that has been approved and
resolved." With his parting statement, he left the hall, followed Send me food at once and faithful soldiers of the Mother
by his men. Country here at Limbon as a fulfillment of your promised help
when I left in disquietude. Your supremo, and Bonifacio, May
The seed of discontent, resulting from his failure to get
pagasa.
the presidency, and which was watered by the unfortunate
attitude of Daniel Tirona, who, by another sad coincidence, Giving vent to his resentment over the procedure and
belonged to the opposite faction, Jound fertile ground in results of the elections, Bonifacio, in a letter to his friend,
Bonifacios heart and mind. Aside from the fact as the founder Emilio Jacinto, then in Laguna explained his side and gave the
of Katipunan and the initiator of the revolution he believed he background of the event.
should have been given the presidency, he contented the
The majority of those who were in the convention
irregularities were committed by the Magdalo men and that he
determined to organize a government but I gave them to
would have been elected had it bit been for the premeditated
understand that this could not be done on account of the
frauds of the rival faction. Writing to his uncle-in-law,
absence of the representatives of other districts, aside from an
Mariano Alvarez, he said
agreement having already been made at the convention at
23
Imus, that all this annulled the Majority. because in view of because this was what they were after and they were deceiving
the present critical situation of these pueblos there was no time the people, adding that if they wished me to point out, one by
to wait for the representatives from other places, and the Imus one, those who were conducting themselves in this matter. I
Convention lacked validity on account of the alleged absence of would do so. The majority said that this was no longer
the minutes. Nevertheless, I assured those present there that in necessary, I also said that if the manifest will of the people was
case the manifest will of the people governed in the election of not complied with, I would not recognize the chiefs elected, and
officer, I would respect it. if I did not recognize them they would not recognized by our
people there, either. Don Artemio Ricarte, the General elect,
Moreover, before the election began, I discovered the
also said at the meeting that this election was due of bad
underhand work of some of the Imus crowd who had quietly
practices,
spread the statement that it was not advisable that they be
governed by men from other pueblos, and that they should for **********
this reason strive to elect Captain Emilio as President as soon
as I heard of this, I said that this meeting was a dirty work,

After reading the accounts on Tejeros Convention one by Santiago Alvarez "Memoirs of General" the primary source and
the other one is by Teodoro Agoncillo's "Revolts of the Masses" the secondary source,

Students’ things to do

Do this activity on exercises:

Using the worksheet given below, you the students compare the accounts from both primary source and the secondary
source. By doing this activity, you the students may know the difference of the primary sources from the secondary
sources.
24
 *********

Name:_________________________________ Score: _______________

Course:________________________________ Date:________________

Direction: Compare the accounts from both primary source and the secondary source

Exercise No. 1
Worksheet: Primary vs. Secondary Sources
Tejeros Convention (1897)

Primary Source: Secondary Source:

Santiago Alvarez Teodoro Agoncillo
"Memoirs of A General" “”Revolt of the Masses"

Author's background
When was the account written?
Mention of Date (s)
Mention of Place
Key personal ties
Sequencing of events

25
Differences between 2 accounts

Expected Outputs/Assessment

Give more examples of primary sources and the corresponding secondary sources derived from you the Students.

Reference:

Grey, E. V. et.al Readings in Philippine History 2017.

Malones Printing Press, Jaro, Iloilo City, Philippines

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