The Malolos Constitution emerged as a response to the declaration of independence from Spanish rule

on June 12, 1898, by the Filipino revolutionaries. President Emilio Aguinaldo established a government

and convened the Malolos Congress to draft a constitution, reflecting the aspirations for self-governance

and laying the groundwork for an independent Philippine nation. This congress, held in Malolos,

Bulacan, initiated the drafting process that resulted in the creation of the constitution in 1899.

Felipe Gonzáles Calderón y Roca, also known as Felipe G. Calderon (April 4, 1868 – June 6, 1908) was a

Filipino lawyer, politician, and intellectual, known as the "Father of the Malolos Constitution".

The Malolos Constitution, also known as the “Constitution of the Revolutionary Government of the

Philippine Islands”, was a document that established the First Philippine Republic. It was written in

Spanish and enacted by President Emilio Aguinaldo in Malolos, Bulacan on January 21, 1899. It is

considered to be the first written constitution in Asia.

The constitution was divided into several parts. The first part declared that the Philippine Islands were

an independent state called the Filipino Republic. It also established the government as a representative

democracy with three branches: the legislative, executive, and judicial.

The second part outlined the rights of citizens. It stated that all citizens were equal before the law,

regardless of race, gender, or religion. It also provided basic rights such as the right to life, liberty, and

property, as well as freedom of speech, press, assembly, and religion.

The third part outlined the structure of the government. It established a bicameral legislature with a

Senate and a House of Representatives. It also provided for the establishment of a Supreme Court, as

well as a cabinet of executive departments.

The fourth part provided for the protection of the public welfare. It outlined the duties of the

government and provided for the protection of public health, education, and welfare. It also established

the right of the people to petition their government for redress of grievances.

The fifth part outlined the responsibilities of the President and his cabinet. It established the power of

the President to make decisions, appoint public officials, and declare war. It also provided for the

election of a Vice President and the establishment of a cabinet of executive departments.

Finally, the sixth part outlined the amendment process. It provided for the passage of laws by a majority

vote in both houses of the legislature and ratification by the President. It also provided for the

submission of amendments to the people for a vote.

The Malolos Constitution is a landmark document in Philippine history. It established the First Philippine

Republic and provided for the rights of citizens, the structure of the government, and the amendment

process. It was a major step towards the establishment of a democratic government in the Philippines

and is still remembered today.

The Malolos Constitution of 1899 stands as a significant milestone in Philippine history. Drafted during

the First Philippine Republic, it symbolized the nation's quest for sovereignty after Spanish colonial rule.

The constitution laid the foundation for a republican government, emphasizing the separation of powers

among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. It enshrined fundamental civil rights, including

equality before the law, freedom of speech, religion, and assembly, as well as provisions for public

education.

Crafted in the aftermath of declaring independence from Spain on June 12, 1898, it represented a

collective aspiration for self-governance. However, the onset of the Philippine-American War hindered

its full implementation. The United States, not recognizing the independence of the First Philippine

Republic, suppressed its efforts, eventually leading to the drafting of a new constitution under American

influence.

Though its practical impact was curtailed by historical circumstances, the Malolos Constitution remains a

testament to the Filipino people's determination for self-determination and autonomy.