1) Emilio Aguinaldo proclaimed the independence of the Philippines and the establishment of a Philippine republic on June 12, 1898 after several rebel successes against Spanish forces. 2) While Aguinaldo wanted to delay formal independence until towns and provinces were recognized, the ceremonies on that date signified the birth of a new nation to him. 3) The American admiral Dewey, who was invited, did not attend the ceremony as he did not want to legitimize or recognize Philippine independence from Spain at that time.

1. RECOGNIZING THE PHILIPPINES
Philippine Independence
Although he was back in the Philippines on 19 May 1898, Aguinaldo was rowed ashore
by the Americans only the next morning. With Dewey’s permission, he occupied the former
residence of the Cavite governor, and began to recruit men the fight against the Spaniards.
The third day after his return, 21 May, Aguinaldo called on the Filipinos to rise in arms,
since, he added, their “hour liberation” had come. Three days after, he assumed dictatorial
powers. Soon he learned that arms were arriving from Hong Kong, and that American
reinforcements were on their way. As a precaution against any eventuality, he decided to seek
recognition of an independent Philippine nation. But since no independent Philippines existed,
Aguinaldo had to create one.
News of several rebel successes against the Spaniards encouraged Aguinaldo to act
immediately. On 12 June 1898, a Sunday, “Dictator” Aguinaldo proclaimed the independence of
a new Philippine republic, with its own flag (sewn by Mrs. Felipe Agoncillo) and its own
national anthem (composed by Julián Felipe):
There can now be proclaimed before the Filipino people and the civilized nations its only
aspiration, namely, the independence of the country, which proclamation should not be delayed
for any ulterior objects of this government.
Strange as it may seem, there was no “Act” of independence read or proclaimed
that day. Aguinaldo wanted such proclamation to take place after the towns and
provinces had been recognized. But the ceremonies on 12 June signified in Aguinaldo’s
eyes the birth a new nation. Dewey had been invited, but he did not attend. He did not
want to legitimize or even create the impression that he recognized the independence of
the Philippines.