Andres Bonifacio: The Rightful First Philippine President

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Emilio Aguinaldo was the first Philippine president, according to history books, but the scandalous events that transpired before and after March 22, 1897 presidential elections would never be forgotten by those who believe that Andres Bonifacio was the legitimate first president.

            Bonifacio founded the Katipunan, a secret revolutionary society against Spain, on July 7, 1892.  In fact it was a revolutionary government headed by him.  He could have declared himself the President and no one would be against it, but he was so humble that he assigned one of his men from time to time to the post, who could be replaced by another at Bonifacio’s discretion or behest.

            Finally, in 1895, Bonifacio had himself elected President or “Supremo” of Katipunan, perhaps fed up with the lackluster performance of the past presidents of the revolutionary government.  So, you see, his being President was firmly established as early as 1895.

            About four years after Katipunan was founded, a young man in the name of Emilio Aguinaldo would rather have his own version of Katipunan in his province, Cavite.  That’s why the organization was split into two factions:  Magdiwang, the original Katipunan of Bonifacio, and Magdalo, the newly formed group of Aguinaldo.

            To resolve the issue of who was going to lead, a presidential election was held in the bailiwick of Aguinaldo, of course.  Aguinaldo was so confident (or playing safe?) that he did not even show his face in that momentous event.  As expected, Aguinaldo was elected President and Bonifacio, Director of the Interior. Being a good sport, Bonifacio was satisfied with the election results.

            But then, something very obnoxious happened.  Daniel Tirona, a Magdalo loyalist, questioned the educational qualifications of Andres Bonifacio saying in effect that the position held by Bonifacio should be given to an educated man, particularly to a lawyer.  What could be a greater insult to the Supremo who started it all!  He was about to shoot Tirona when, again, an Aguinaldo loyalist held his hand.

            Bonifacio was quick to realize that the ugly head of politics was glaringly evident and working against him.  He declared the election null and void and left the damned place. 

            He was pursued by Aguinaldo’s men, and the rest is dark history.