ISSUES

• Even during his younger years, Emilio Aguinaldo already expressed his unselfish interest to serve his country. When his father died he succeeded as the breadwinner and at a young age of just 17 he started serving as head of the barangay before he became a municipal captain (equivalent to mayor today) in Kawit, his hometown.

• After Andres Bonifacio appointed him, Aguinaldo was very instrumental in enticing the Katipuneros to join the revolutionary forces against the Spaniards. He led that revolution in 1896.

• The Tejeros convention was headed by Andres Bonifacio and it was agreed that the Katipunan be abolished and a new Revolutionary Government be established. An election for president followed. Aguinaldo was elected and Bonifacio became the External Affairs secretary.

• One of the members of the Revolutionary forces, Daniel Tirona, expressed his dissenting opinion against the election of Bonifacio as the External Affairs secretary because of questions regarding his qualifications as Bonifacio was not a lawyer. Bonifacio was hurt with the actuation of Tirona. Along with 25 members, they left the convention hall. This action of Bonifacio resulted to the weakening of the revolutionary forces and Emilio Aguinaldo ordered the killing of Bonifacio.

• The Spaniards made a peace pact with Aguinaldo at Biaknabato. On that agreement, war was to be ended. The Spaniards promised to recompense the revolutionary forces and Aguinaldo will be exiled to Hongkong. But when the Spaniards did not honor their commitment, Aguinaldo again led his forces to a new war.