At the end Of this les SOn, you should be able to: 1, Identify the conflicting Views about the Tejeros Assembly 2. Examine the role Of each Person as Source of information in the event 3. Formulate arguments to Scanned with CamScannerTue TeEnos Assemary | 23 infuriated the Magdalos. The two groups finally agreed to form a revolutionary government (pamabalaang panghihimagsik) which would lead the revolution. The assembly was set to be held in the friar’s estate house in Barrio Tejeros, a part of the town of San Francisco de Malabon (now General Trias). On March 22, 1897, the Cavite Katipuneros, as well as representatives of the Katipunan from the nearby provinces, converged at the estate house. Emilio Aguinaldo, however, was not at the assembly as he was commanding the Filipino forces at the frontlines in Pasong, Santol, Barrio Salitran, Dasmarifias, facing the imminent attack of the Spanish forces. Artemio Ricarte’s Account The following account was written by Gen. Artemio Ricarte (nom-de-guerre: Vibora) who was one of the officials of the Magdiwang faction. During the Tejeros Assembly, he served as the secretary of the convention when Bonifacio began presiding over the session. Ricarte was elected in the Tejeros Assembly as Captain-General of the revolutionary government. He initially refused the position but his objections were overruled by the electoral body. His account of the Philippine revolution was titled “Apuntes Histdricos de la Insurreccién por los Asociados al_‘Kamahalmabhala’t Kataastaasang Katipunan nang manga Anak ng Bayan’ contra el Gobierno Espaiiol en las Islas Filipinas.” It was written during his imprisonment for subversion by the American authorities in 1904. It was translated into English by a British journalist, William Brecknock Watson, but remained in manuscript form. Ricarte’s memoirs were published in Tagalog in 1927 in Yokohama, Japan with the title Himagsikan ng Mga Pilipino Laban sa Kastila. The account on the next page is his version of the Tejeros Assembly. L Scanned with CamScanner| 12 4 awatyzine Priwany Sources Early on the morning of the day set for the assembly (March 22 — JVT), men filled the Tejeros estate house, among them not only the chiefs of the Magdiwang but also men of the Magdalo. Among the chiefs of the Magdiwang, the Supremo of the Katipunan, were the apart from antiago Alvarez; Luciano following: Mariano, Pas San Miguel, Mariano Trias Closa Santos Nocon. Among those of Magdalo were » Baldomero “Aguinaldo, Daniel Tirona, Cayetano Topacio, and Antonio “Montenegro. cores Pe ‘ . The session opened under the presidency of Jacinto Lumbreras who, in a few words, explained the purpose “of the meeting. Severino de las Alas rose to address those present and said that before discussing the defense of a small piece of territory in Cavite, it would be well to consider first the kind of government then existing in the country, as upon that government would depend whatever defense might be needed. The chairman replied that from the time the Katipunan was established the country had been ruled by the Supreme Council, the provincial and popular councils. He repeated that the purpose for which the assembly had been called was one of great importance in those critical times. Andres Bonifacio, with permission of the chair, spoke in support of Lumbreras and his stand in regard to the government and went to explain the significance of the letter “K” in the center of the sun on the flag, which stands for liberty, as has already been said in the description of the insurgent flag. Severino de las Alas again addressed the meee es ea Hee neither the letter “K” on the flag, of the gai ins ce anything to do with the character was @ monarch ‘nt then existing; that is to say, whether it Katipuneros, fr hah republic. Bonifacio replied that the i ¢ president of the Supreme Council to "— a ])]})|]7>7>—«X Scanned with CamScannerTHE TE}EROS AssEMnLy 12 5 the most insignificant member, recognized the principles of Union, Fraternity and Equality, on which account it was very clear that the government of the Katipunan was rigorousl; republican in form. iy Antonio Montenegro rose and spoke in support of the De las: Alas suggestion and in a louder voice than usual said that unless some definite understanding was arrived at regarding the matter, the insurgents were mere groups of tulisanes o7, much worse, brutes. These last words of Antonio Montenegro wounded the pride of Santiago Alvarez, who rose with glaring eyes and, addressing Montenegro, said: “We insurgents of Cavite and especially of the Magdiwang government recognize and obey the government established by the Katipunan; if you wish to establish any other kind of government more suited to your fancy, retire to your province and conquer territory from the Spanish government as we have done here, and establish there whatever government you like, and no one will interfere with you...” The session broke up in disorder, but one hour later, when the passions of the adherents of Santiago Alvarez and Antonio Montenegro had been pacified, it convened against under the presidency of Andres Bonifacio because Jacinto Lumbreras said that inasmuch as they were discussing a subject which was provided for in the call for the meeting, but which concerned the establishment of a general government for the insurrection, he ought not to preside at the continuation of the meeting. Then Andres Bonifacio... was chosen by acclamation to be president at the meeting... Order’ being restored, Bonifacio opened the session Saying: As you wish to establish a supreme government to direct the insurrection, abolishing that already organized by the Katipungn and agreed upon in the Imus assembly. Scanned with CamScanner126 Anatyzine Primary Sources I, as Supremo of the Supreme Council of the K . as . Atbung, agree to your just petition; but I must first invite you all ” join us in recognizing a principle upon which we must b, i all our decisions in this or in any other session; this prin, we is that we respect and obey in everything the vote or pe of the majority.” Those present signified their eed conformity and the Philippine Republic was agreed upon and proclaimed amid repeated and enthusiastic applause. Th, then proceeded to the election of the following Officers Pre Republic: President, Vice-President, Captain General, and Directors of War, Interior, State, Finance, Commerce and Justice..... Ballots were then distributed and one hour later the votes were counted. As a result of this vote, Emilio Aguinaldo was elected President of the Republic defeating Andres Bonifacio and Mariano Trias. The result was proclaimed amidst applause. They then proceeded to the election of a Vice-President. Severino de las Alas remarked that inasmuch as Andres Bonifacio had secured the second largest number of votes in the election for President, he should be proclaimed Vice President. No one expressed a wish to speak in favor or against the suggestion of De las Alas, wherefore the chairman ordered that the election be proceeded with, and this being done it resulted in a majority of votes being cast for Mariano Trias Closas as against Andres Bonifacio, Severino de las Alas, and Mariano Alvarez. They then immediately proceeded to the election of a Captain General. The secretary of the session, Artem? Ricarte, was elected by a large majority over Santiag? Alvarez. Ricarte rose and protested against his ow" election.... Those present disapproved the protest viva voc® and the chairman called the meeting to order saying that as 5. nt night was falling, it was advisable to continue the elect! ee ane Scanned with CamScannerTHE TE}EROS Assewoty | 27. for the other positions. Ip was unan approved that, to cut short the any person for a position should who favored other person shou groups, and in that way, Emiliano Riego de Dios... imously proposed and voting, those who favored stand on one side, and those Id stand on the other side in they voted for a Director of War, The election of a Minister of the Interior was proceeded with in the same way, with the result that Andres Bonifacio was elected... In the midst of the acclamation that was accorded Andres Bonifacio, Daniel Tirona demanded the floor and said: “Fellow countrymen: The position of Minister of the Interior is a very important one and should not be occupied by a person who is not a lawyer. We have in our province a lawyer Jose del Rosario; hence we must protest against the election of the person elected and acclaimed.” Thee, shouting at the top of his voice, he cried: “Let us vote for Jose del Rosario, the lawyer!” Bonifacio’s pride being wounded, he rose and spoke thus: “Have we not agreed that we shall obey the will of the majority, whatever might be the social position of the person elected?” Having said this, he asked Daniel Tirona to repeat what he had said, or to apologize to the assembly for the insult offered to the person elected, because up to that time not one those elected was fitted by reason of his culture for the position to which he had been designated. As Tirona tried to hide himself among the crowd, without paying attention to what Bonifacio demanded of him, the latter drew his revolver and was about to fire at Tirona, but the secretary of the session (Ricarte) seized his hand and the incident passed without more ado. As those present were about to leave the room, Bonifacio said in a loud voice: “I, as president of the session, and also as president of the supreme council fo the Katipunan as you all know, declare this assembly closed, and annul everything that bas been done therein.” He then left, followed by his adherents. Scanned with CamScanner128 axaryzine Primany Sources Andres Bonifacio’s Account This account by Andres Boni to Emilio Jacinto in Montalban from I 1897, a month after the Tejeros elections. This would be the first time the other members of the Supreme Council would hear of the events that happened in Cavite. This was first published in Jose P. Santos, Si Andres Bonifacio at Ang Himagsikan (1932). facio is from a letter he wrote indang, Cavite on April 24, i The Account, The majority of the said convention ag but I explained to them that this could not f the other towns did reed to establish a government, be done because the representatives 0} not arrive, a condition that was agreed upon in the Imus Assembly but which was disregarded by the majority because of the dire conditions of the towns; and the Imus Assembly lacks proof because there were no documents. Nevertheless, the ones who were present promised that whatever decision was made, the majority will abide by the decision in the assembly and that is what I will respect. When the elections were held, elected President of the Republic was Don Emilio Aguinaldo; Vice President, Don Mariano Trias; Auditor General, Don Artemio Ricarte; Director of War, Don Emiliano R. de Dios. The elections were held through the expressions of those who were present (viva voce) because it was already nighttime. I was elected Director of the Interior through the same expressions of those present and among the midst of fan ee elected: however, after the decision was boi 18 diate > ection for the Director de Hacienda was Raa a jon Daniel Tirona stood up and said that TY being raised that Don Jose del Rosario be joase 2 Se ee a ee | Scanned with CamScannerTue Tejeros Assemay | 29 chosen Director of the Interior because there is a need that this position should be filled by someone educated. He announced this after saying that he did not state this with the intention of insulting me. I answered back that good and educated men are needed for all the positions; I asked him to point out to me who among the elected ones are already well-versed in their positions but instead, he began to shout: “Let us agree that Jose del Rosario, a lawyer, be chosen Director of the Interior!” No one responded to his call which he did four times whereas a few responded by calling out my name. Because of the tumult that occurred, the President of the Magdiwang announced that this was not an assembly of gentlemen because everything that they did had no evidence. Also, I discovered that even before the elections were made, some of those who are from Imus had secretly spread the word that it was not good for them to be under the leadership of someone from another province. It was for this reason that Captain Emilio Aguinaldo was elected President. When I heard about this, I told them that this assembly was the idea of those with evil intentions as this was the only thing that they wanted and that they deceived the people. I even added that if they wished I will point out one by one those who intended to this if they wanted to. The assembly answered that it was not necessary. I also told them that if the wishes of the assembly are not to be followed, I will not recognize those who were elected and if I will not recognize them then my men will also not recognize them. Even General Ricarte—the one elected General—also stated that their assembly was the result of bad intentions... Ld Scanned with CamScannerFrom the private collection of Emmanuel Encamacton Bae, BEE ies re eT, 7, 7 ne aad ODP TLD Se OES re Scanned with CamScanner130) avaivzine Pamary sources From the private eolection of Emmanuel Encarnacion 2681 'bZ Indy parep owulper oMwa 01 O1DeUOR SOspUY Jo 8RET “ST UNIS Scanned with CamScannerTHE Teenos Assenoty 3] Santiago Alvarez’s Account The account of the Tejeros Convention is found in Chapter 32 of Gen. Santiago Alvarez’s memoirs, Like Ricarte, Alvarez was a direct participant and witness to the events that occurred in the elections. I The Account The assembly at Tejeros was finally convened on 25 March 1897 (sic). The invitations to the meeting were signed by Secretary Jacinto Lumbreras of the Magdiwang Council, and he presided over the assembly. Seated with Lumbreras at the long presidential table were the Supremo Andres Bonifacio, Messrs. Mariano M. Alvarez, Pascual Alvarez, Ariston Villaneuva, Mariano C. Trias, Diego Mojica, Emiliano R. de Dios, Santiago V. Alvarez, Artemio Ricarte, Santos Nocon, Luciano San Miguel, Pablo Mojica, Severino de las Alas, and Santiago Rillo, all of them of the Magdiwang. Among the Magdalo seated at the head table were Messrs. Baldomero Aguinaldo, Daniel Tirona, and Cayetano Topacio. It must be mentioned that, before the assembly was convened, Secretary of War Ariston Villanueva of the Magdiwang Council received the confidential information that Mr. Daniel Tirona of the Magdalo faction was set to undermine the proceedings of the assembly and that be had already acceded in enjoining any among the Magdiwang leaders to ally with him. Secretary Villanueva kept silent, but nevertheless alerted Captain General Apoy, who had troops in readiness for any sudden eventuality. The leaders were seated at the presidential table, as previously described and all the others were standing in Co _] Scanned with CamScannerMARY SOURCES 132 ANALYZING PR ides of those seated. After Chairman Jacin, Lumbreras had declared the assembly open, he a rmounced the main topic of discussion which was how to bolster the defense in the areas still under Magdiwang control. Presently, Mr, Severino de las Alas rose to speak, and when he was recognized, he said, “Before we discuss minor details, let ys first tackle the major issue such as what kind of government soe should have and how we should go about establishing it. Once we make a decision about these questions, the problem of organization and strengthening of defenses will be resolved.” groups om both “As initiator of the Revolution,” Chairman Lumbreras replied, “the Katipunan now holds authority over the islands, It has a government of law and a definite program. It is obeyed and respected by all because it stands for freedom, brotherly love, and a well-organized and well-run government...” The chair next recognized the Supremo. He concurred with what Chairman Lumbreras had just said and explained that the “K” in the middle of the sun in the Katipunan flag used in the Revolution stood for “Kalayaan.” Mr. Severino de las Alas spoke again. He countered that the letter “K” and the sun on the flag did not indicate whether the revolutionary government was democratic oF not. The Supremo replied that from the rank-and-file to the highest levels, the Katipunan was united in its respect fo" saver brotherhood and equality of men. It was risking oodshed and life itself in its struggle against the kings i order to establish a sovereign and free government. In short, it stood for people's Sovereignty, nl) by one or two, not a government led on!) Ee Scanned with CamScannerTue Teyenos assemary [33 Mr. Antonio Montenegro spoke in defense of Mr. Severino de las Alas’s stand. He argued that if they would agree on the kind of revolutionary government they were to have and that if they were to let the status quo prevail then they who were in the Revolution would be no better than a pack of bandits or of wild, mindless animals.” General Apoy was hurt by these words of Mr. Montenegro. He quickly stood up and looked angrily at the previous speaker. “We of the Katipunan,” he began, “are under the jurisdiction of our respected Highest Council of the Sons of the People. This Council is the defender of, and has authority over, the Magdiwang and Magdalo governments of Cavite. We are true revolutionaries fighting for freedom of the native land. We are not bandits who rob others of their property and wealth. Nor should be likened to beasts, for we 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...” When order was restored, some wanted the convention adjourned but the Supremo Bonifacio prevailed upon the others to continue. However, the presiding officer, Mr. Lumbreras, refused to resume his role of chairman. He wanted to yield the chair to the Supremo whom he thought to be the rightful chairman.... Mr. Lumbreras’s speech was well received and bis proposal was unanimously accepted. The Supremo Bonifacio LO Scanned with CamScanner134 axeeze primary SOURCES re med the chairmansbip accordingly and said, “Your aim w overall government of the Katipunan People. This would repudiate the eeting held at the friar estate house “President-Supremo” of the Most Venerable Katipunan of the Sons of the People, I agree and sympathize with your aspirations. But I wish to remind you that we should respect all decisions properly discussed and approved in all our meetings. We should respect and abide by the wishes of the majority. ” Because of a repeated clamor for the approval for the establishment of a government of the Philippine Republic, the chair proceeded to prepare for an election to the following positions: president, vice-president, minister of finance, minister of warfare, minister of justice, and captain- assul is to establish a ne and the Sons of the decision made at the m in Imus, In my capacity as general. The Supremo spoke again before the election began. He said that the candidate who would get the most number of votes for each position should be the winner, no matter what his station in life or his educational attainment. The Supremo Bonifacio appointed Gen. Artemio Ricarte as secretary. Then, with the help of Mr. Daniel Tirona, he distributed pieces of paper to serve as ballots. When the ballots had been collected and votes were read to be canvassed, Mr. Diego Mojica, the Magdiwang secretary of the treasury, warned the Supremo that many ballots distributed were already filled out and that the voters had not done this themselves. The Supremo ignored this remark. He proceeded with the busi b had happened. ¢ business at hand as if nothing unusua Apc the votes for president were counted, Mr. Emilio ‘a'do won over Mr. Andres Bonifacio, the Supremo Lo fey be ed Scanned with CamScannerTHE TEJEROS ASSEMBLY ] 3 5 The winner was acclaimed by applause and shouts of “Mabuhay!” Mr. Severino de las Alas spoke again to say that since the Supremo Bonifacio had received the second highest number of votes for the presidency, he should be proclaimed vice- president of the government of the Philippine Republic. When nobody signified approval or disapproval of the proposal, the presiding officer, the Supremo Bonifacio, ruled that the election be continued. For vice-president, Mariano Trias won over Mr. Mariano Alvarez and the Supremo Bonifacio. General Vibora was elected captain over General Apoy.... Mr. Baldomero Aguinaldo wanted the elections to be finished before it got too dark. To facilitate the counting of votes, he suggested that for all other positions to be voted upon, voters should stand on one of the sides of the hall if in favor and on the other side if against. This suggestion was adopted for the rest of the election. For the position of secretary of war, Mr. Emiliano R. de Dios was elected overwhelmingl: After the voters had given the proper honors to the new secretary of war, they proceeded to elect the secretary of the interior. Mr. Andres Bonifacio, the Supremo, won over Mr. Mariano Alvarez. The crowd broke into shouts of “Mabuhay!” Mr. Daniel Tirona requested for a restoration of order and then spoke aloud: “My brethren, the office of Secretary of Interior is of $0 great a scope and of such sensitivity that we should no entrust it to one who is not a lawyer. One among us here is a lawyer. He is Mr. Jose del Rosario. Let us reconsider the choice of the Jast position, for he has no credentials to show attesting to any educational attainment. Then in as loud a voice as he could muster, Tirona shouted, “Let us elect Mr. Jose del Rosario, the lawyer!” Lo Scanned with CamScannerPRIMARY SOURCES ] 3 6 ANALYZING Greatly embarrassed, the ee awickly stood up and said, “We agreed to le ie the majority vote and accept its choice "0 matter what the station in life of the person elected. And because of this, I demand from you, Mr. Daniel Tirona, an apology. You must restore to the voters and the one they elected the honor you have only now besmirched.” Then he pulled out his revolver and took aim. Instead of replying, Mr. Tirona ignored the Supremo’s remarks and, perhaps because of fear, he slid away and got lost in the crowd. Disorder ensued as the convention secretary tried to disarm the Supremo, who was intent on shooting Mr. Tirona. The people began to disperse and the Supremo adjourned the meeting with these words: “In my capacity as chairman of this convention and as President-Supremo of the Most Venerable Katipunan of the Sons of the People which association is known and acknowledged by all, I hereby declare null and void all matters approved in this meeting.” Then he left quickly and was followed by his aides and some others present. Scanned with CamScanner