 Women’s rights. Mabini saw that the 1898 Malolos Congress
was represented wholly by male Filipinos. Thus, in Article 17 of
the Malolos Constitution he drafted, he included a provision
stating the right of the women to vote and to study in public
institutions of learning.
 He believed that wisdom and reason are not monopolized by the
male gender”. This article on women’s right to suffrage was
however turned down by the conservative members of the
Congress.
 Mabini’s provision inspired the feminist movement in the
Philippines in the early 1900s.
 After the feminist organizations’ years of lobbying in the
Congress, a plebiscite on women’s suffrage was held on
April 30, 1937 through Commonwealth Act No. 34. According to
the Official Gazette of the Philippines, the result was
overwhelming: 90 percent agreed that women have the right to
vote.
• In December of the same year, Filipino women voted in the
national elections for the first time.
Through his written works, such as “El Verdadero Decálogo” and
“Programa Constitucional de la República Filipina,” Apolinario
Mabini presented his vision for a free and sovereign Philippines.
His writings provide valuable insights into his philosophical ideas
and the principles that guided his revolutionary ideals.
• El Verdadero Decálogo (The True Decalogue, 1898):
This pamphlet outlined ten principles for the conduct of the
Philippine Revolution, emphasizing morality, discipline, and
unity. It served as a moral code for the revolutionaries and
helped shape the revolutionary character of the fight for
independence.
• Mabini’s “El Verdadero Decálogo” or “The True Decalogue” is a
compilation of ethical principles that he believed were essential
for the proper governance of the Filipino people. In this work,
Mabini emphasized the importance of justice, equality, and
dignity, advocating for a society that upholds the rights and
welfare of its citizens
• He crafted Aguinaldo’s decrees for the administration of
justice and protection of human rights.
He wrote the
"True Decalogue", a ten-point guide to citizenship and
moral conduct which accompanied his constitutional
program.
• “The True Decalogue” was written as an introduction to
the Malolos Constitution. It is a set of rules which serves
as a guide for Filipinos on how to be better citizens.
However, it was not included in the Malolos Constitution
ratified in 1898.
• “The True Decalogue” laid the foundation for the
establishment of the Philippine Independent Church, or
Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI), also known as
Aglipayan Church. It was formed in 1902 to protest the
Spanish clergy’s control of the Roman Catholic Church in
the Philippines. Today, IFI has at least two million
members.
The True Decalogue
First. Love God and your honor over all things; God, as
the source of all truth, all justice, and all activity; your
honor, the only power that obliges you to be truthful, just
and industrious.
Second. Worship God in the form that your conscience
deems most upright and fitting, because it is through your
conscience that God speaks to you, reproaching you for
your misdeeds and applauding you for your good deeds.
Third. Develop the special talents that God has given you,
working and studying according to your capabilities, never
straying from the path of good and justice, in order to achieve
your own perfection, and by this means you will contribute to
the progress of humanity:” thus you will accomplish the mission
that God himself has given you in this life, and achieving this,
you will have honor, and having honor, you will be glorifying God.
Fourth. Love your country after God and your honor, and
more than you love yourself, because your country is the
only paradise that God has given you in this life; the only
patrimony of your race; the only inheritance from your
ancestors; and the only future of your
descendants: because of your country you have life, love
and interests; happiness, honor and God.
Fifth. Strive for the happiness of your country before
your own, making her the reigning influence for reason,
justice and work; if your country is happy, you and your
family will also be happy.
Sixth. Strive for the independence of your country,
because you alone can have a real interest in her
aggrandizement and ennoblement, since her independence
will mean your own freedom, her aggrandizement your
own perfection, and her ennoblement your own glory and
immortality.
Seventh. In your country, do not recognize the authority
of any person who has not been elected by you and your
compatriots, because all authority comes from God, and as
God speaks to the conscience of each individual, the
person chosen and proclaimed by the consciences of all
the individuals of a whole town is the only one that can
exercise real authority.
Eighth. Strive that your country be constituted as a
republic, and never as a monarchy: a monarchy
empowers one or several families and lays the foundation
for a dynasty; a republic ennobles and dignifies a country
based on reason, it is great because of its freedom, and is
made prosperous and brilliant by dint of work.
Ninth. Love your neighbor as you love yourself, because
God has imposed on him and on you the obligation to help
one another, and has dictated that he does not do unto
you what he does not want you to do unto him; but if
your neighbor is remiss in this sacred duty and makes an
attempt on your life, your freedom and your properties,
then you should destroy him and crush him, because the
supreme law of self preservation must prevail.
Tenth. Always look on your countryman as more than a
neighbor: you will find in him a friend, a brother and at least
the companion to whom you are tied by only one destiny, by the
same happiness and sorrows, and by the same aspirations and
interests.
Because of this, while the borders of the nations
established and preserved by the egoism of race and of
family remain standing, you must remain united to your
country in perfect solidarity of views and interests in order
to gain strength, not only to combat the common enemy,
but also to achieve all the objectives of human
life. (Mabini, 1941, 103-105)
• The True Decalogue would be mirroring the ten
commandments of Moses, but expressed more fully in
the historical context of the Philippines in the late
nineteenth century. As the “True” Decalogue, it would
combine moral principles and political concepts that were
often presented side by side with one another.
• A perusal of the basic principles expressed in the True
Decalogue would reveal its obvious parallelism with the
Masonic moral code. Just like the code, the Decalogue
would have the first two articles entered on the belief in
God and the attribution to all the just, goodness and
truthfulness of all existence and being.
The second article in the Decalogue paralleled that of the
third article in the moral code.
The attribution and
acknowledgement to the capacity of one’s conscience
would lead in the determination of an individual’s belief in,
worship to God.
1. Moral compass for the revolution: It aimed to provide a
moral and ethical framework for the individuals involved in
the Philippine Revolution. By emphasizing values like
reason, conscience, duty, and responsibility, it aimed to
ensure the revolution was fought with integrity and aimed
towards building a just and ethical society.
2. Building a new nation: The "Decalogue" went beyond
individual behavior, outlining principles for building a new,
independent Philippine nation. It emphasized concepts like
self-government, respect for the law, and unity among
Filipinos, all crucial aspects of establishing a functioning
and thriving democracy.
3. Inspiration for future generations: The "Decalogue"
served as a source of inspiration and guidance for future
generations of Filipinos. It continues to be seen as a
valuable contribution to Philippine political thought and a
reminder of the values upon which the nation was built.
4. Interplay of liberalism and Filipino context: The
"Decalogue" reflects Mabini's liberal ideals, emphasizing
reason and individual rights. However, it also acknowledges
the specific context of the Philippines, incorporating
elements of patriotism and national unity within its
framework.
5. Influence on the Philippine Constitution: The principles
outlined in the "Decalogue" influenced the drafting of the
Malolos Constitution, the first Philippine constitution, further
solidifying its significance in shaping the nation's political
landscape.
While in exile in Guam from 1901 to 1903, Mabini wrote his
memoir, La Revolucion Filipina, where he pointed out the
flaws of the Revolution and expressed his criticisms on
Aguinaldo’s leadership.
His
sentiments
and
disappointments
over
what
he
perceived as major shortcomings of Aguinaldo and his
government which he claimed, succumbed to the influence
of the oligarchy.
1. Personal ambition and power
Mabini believed Aguinaldo prioritized personal power over
the national cause. He saw decisions like the execution of
Andres Bonifacio, a rival leader, as fueled by Aguinaldo's
desire for control rather than sound judgment.
2. Lack of focus and strategy
Mabini felt Aguinaldo lacked a clear vision and effective
strategy for achieving complete independence. He argued
for a more unified and disciplined approach, including
professionalizing the military and prioritizing diplomacy.
3. Susceptibility to manipulation
Mabini believed Aguinaldo was easily influenced by
advisors focused on personal gain or political agendas that
didn't align with the revolution's best interests. He felt this
led to decisions that hampered the revolution's progress.
4. Incompetence in military matters
Although Aguinaldo held the position of commander-in-
chief, Mabini questioned his ability to effectively lead the
military. He believed this resulted in missed opportunities
and unnecessary sacrifices.
5. Disagreements in negotiating with Americans
While Aguinaldo was open to negotiating a possible
alliance or even a protectorate status with the Americans,
Mabini strongly advocated for complete independence and
complete
resistance
to
American
intervention.
This
ideological clash further strained their working relationship.
This collection of essays, published posthumously in 1931,
presents Mabini's reflections on the Philippine Revolution,
its goals, and the challenges it faced. He analyzes the
strengths and weaknesses of the revolution and proposes
strategies for achieving independence.
This work presented Mabini's vision for the Philippine
government. It influenced the drafting of the Malolos
Constitution, the first Philippine constitution, by advocating
for a democratic and republican form of government.
Aspiring leaders in the Philippines look to Mabini as a role
model,
drawing
inspiration
from
his
intellectual
contributions, unwavering principles, and unyielding
dedication to the Filipino people. Mabini’s legacy reminds
us that true leadership is not only about power and
influence but also about the responsibility to serve and uplift
the lives of the people.
Mabini’s vision of a just society, where the rights and welfare of
every Filipino are protected, resonates with future leaders who
strive
for
social equality
and inclusivity. His unwavering
commitment to the principles of justice and fairness serves as a
reminder that the pursuit of power should always be accompanied
by a deep sense of responsibility and a genuine concern for the
welfare of the people.
“Does the job of Chief Justice of the
Supreme Court require constant walking?
No? Therefore, he can be a man without
feet, as long as he possesses the brains
and able hands for the office.”
-Mabini
References:
Apolinario’s Mabini: The True Decalogue. (2018, April 11). Philippine Center for Masonic Studies. Retrieved March 1, 2024, from
https://www.philippinemasonry.org/information/apolinario-mabini
Johnston. (n.d.). Apolinario Mabini. Britannica. Retrieved February 27, 2024, from https://www.britannica.com/biography/ApolinarioMabini
Recafrente, G. (2010). In Search of the Essence of the Filipino Mason: Apolinario Mabini . Philippine Center for Masonic Studies.
Retrieved February 28, 2024, from https://www.philippinemasonry.org/apolinario-mabini.html
Sanvictores, V. (2014, October 10). Mabini: the voice of the Philippines. University of the Philippines- Diliman. Retrieved March 1,
2024, from https://upd.edu.ph/mabini-the-voice-of-the-philippines-2/
The Life and Legacy of Apolinario Mabini. (2023, September 23). Sinaunang Panahon Pilipinas Kong Mahal. Retrieved March 1,
2024, from https://sinaunangpanahon.com/the-life-and-legacy-of-apolinario-mabini/