Republic of Biak-na-Bato

The Republic of Biak -na- Bato ( Tagalog: Republika ng Biak -na- Bató, Spanish: República de Biac -na- Bató ) was the first provisional Republic on Philippine soil, which was created in the course of the Philippine Revolution. It was Declared in July 1897 by Emilio Aguinaldo, who declared himself president. The proclamation of the Republic submitted no declaration of independence from Spain, but a declaration of autonomy of the Philippines in the Spanish colonial empire dar.

The demands included the equality and equality of Filipinos before the law, seats in the Spanish Parliament, the press and freedom of expression, land reform and self-government of the Philippine archipelago. They leaned so on to the manifesto of the La Liga Filipina José Rizal.

By Felix Ferrer and Isabelo Artacho a constitution was drawn up, which was based on the Cuban Constitution of 1892. It is called the Constitution of Biak -na- Bato and represents the first constitution in the history of the Philippines; they signed on November 1, 1897 and entered into force on 15 November. Emilio Aguinaldo was officially appointed President and Mariano Trias explained Vice-President.

Since the Spanish colonial authorities in the receivables and the Republic of Biak na Bato not accepted, the caves of Biak -na- Bato was besieged by the Spanish troops. The Governor-General Fernando Primo de Rivera newly inserted saw the situation on his side also hardly improved. In a statement he said: "I can take Biak -na- Bato problems. Each army can occupy. But the rebellion I can not finish it. " For this reason he decided to revolutionaries to reach out the hand of peace. The lawyer Pedro Paterno was selected as a negotiator between the two sides. For four months he traveled between Manila and Biak -na- Bato back and forth. His work bore fruit when, on the 14th - 15th December 1897 signed the Treaty of Biak -na- Bato.

The Republic of Biak -na- Bato was officially dissolved on December 15, 1897. Emilio Aguinaldo and several dozen of his followers went into exile to Hong Kong, where she later founded the Hong Kong Committee to support the revolution continues. Her successor was the First Philippine Republic, declared himself completely independent.