About the Author

On December 7, 1830, Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista, lawyer and General Emilio Aguinaldo’s
confidante, was born in Biñan, Laguna.

Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista

Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista (Photo credit: http://xiaochua.net/).

Bautista, who was arrested and jailed at the outbreak of the Revolution, was the one who authored
the "Act of Declaration of Philippine Independence". He was also the one who read the declaration
during the June 12, 1898 Independence proclamation by General Aguinaldo in Kawit, Cavite.

Accordingly, General Aguinaldo thought that it was necessary to declare the independence of the
Philippines to inspire the people to fight more eagerly against the Spaniards. The declaration of
independence would also lead foreign countries to recognize the independence of the country.

Bautista patterned the act on the American declaration of Independence, which was signed by 98
persons, among them an American army officer who witnessed the proclamation.

The declaration, however, was not recognized by the United States nor by Spain, as the Spanish
government ceded the Philippines to the United States in the 1898 Treaty of Paris, in consideration
for an indemnity for Spanish expenses and assets lost. No other foriegn country recognized the
Philippine independence.

Bautista, who also served as solicitor general of the revolutionary government, died on December 4,
1903 at the age of 72.

Reference: Philippine News Agency archives