During the late years of the Spanish Era, several forms of governments were formed by the Filipinos with the aim to oppose Spain’s political power as well as to established self-governance.
There are different forms of de facto government that were established in the Philippines during the Spanish period; these governments are the Katipunan, the Biak-na-Bato Republic, the Dictatorial Government, the Revolutionary Government as well as the First Philippine Republic.
The Katipunan is a secret revolutionary organization in 1896 that was organized by Andres Bonifacio.
The central government of this secret society was vested in the Supreme Council or called as the
“Kataas-taasang Sangunian”. The Judicial council or the “Sanguniang Hukuman” is in-charge with the judicial power.After the founder Andres Bonifacio was executed, Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo assumes power and established a new government. Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo acted as the first president of the Philippines by the virtue of the Spanish periodelection held on the 22nd of March year 1897.
The Biak-na-Bato Republic was founded by Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo on the 1st of November in the year 1897. The republic only takes effect for two years. However, the Republic of Biak-na-Bato declared the separation of the Philippine Islands from the mother country Spain.
The Dictatorial Government is also founded by Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo on 24th of May 1898;
after the outbreak of the Spanish-American War on the 25th of April in the year 1898. With the Dictatorial government, the Philippine independence was proclaimed on the 12th day of June in the year 1898 in Kawit, Cavite.The Revolutionary Government is another government established by Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo on the 23rd day of June in the year 1898; replacing the dictatorial government. This government aims to struggle for the Philippine independence until the foreign countries including Spain will recognized the Philippines. It also aims for the future establishment of the real republic.
The First Philippine Republic was formed by the revolutionary congress of the Filipino Representatives through the Malolos Constitution. The free and Independent Philippine republic was inaugurated on the 23rd day of January in the year 1899, making Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo as the president. However, the new established republic was not recognized by the family of nations.
In the month of February year 1899, the United States of America annexed the Philippine Archipelago as a result of the Spanish American War.
After the World War II, the American government grants the Philippines with the Independence.