Aguinaldo, Emilio

About the author

Emilio Aguinaldo (1869–1964) was a Filipino revolutionary leader, statesman, and the first president of the Republic of the Philippines, a figure pivotal to the country’s struggle for independence from Spanish and American rule. Born in Cavite, Aguinaldo rose to prominence as a municipal mayor and later assumed leadership roles in the Katipunan, the secret revolutionary society fighting against Spanish colonialism. He subsequently served as President of the revolutionary government that sought to establish Philippine sovereignty during the turn of the 20th century.

In his book True Version of the Philippine Revolution, Aguinaldo offers a firsthand account of the tumultuous events surrounding the Philippine Revolution and the subsequent Philippine-American War. Writing in clear, direct prose, he defends the actions of Filipino revolutionaries and sheds light on diplomatic negotiations, military strategies, and the political aspirations that fueled their resistance. The text also highlights the complexity of forging national unity among diverse regional and cultural groups, a task made more urgent by the threat of foreign domination.

Aguinaldo’s reflections have become an essential primary source for understanding the birth of Filipino nationalism and the early challenges of state-building. Though his leadership faced internal disputes and external criticism, particularly after American occupation, his legacy endures as a symbol of Philippine independence and self-determination. By chronicling his experiences and rationale, True Version of the Philippine Revolution invites readers to consider both the hardships and triumphs of a nation in flux. Even today, historians and political scientists examine Aguinaldo’s narrative to glean insights into the roots of modern Filipino identity and the universal complexities inherent in the fight for sovereign governance.