The Malolos Congress established the First Philippine Republic with Emilio Aguinaldo as its first president. Key achievements included ratifying Philippine independence, passing laws allowing loans for the government, establishing schools like the University of Filipinas, and drafting the Malolos Constitution, which created a democratic government with separate executive, legislative, and judicial branches. The constitution was finally promulgated in January 1899 after debates between Apolinario Mabini and Congress. The revolutionary government also established newspapers and sent diplomats abroad to seek recognition of Philippine independence.