The laws of the first Philippine Republic (the laws of Malolos) 1898-1899. / Compiled & edited by Sulpicio Guevara.

10

THE LAWS OF THE FIRST PHILIPPINE REPUBLIC

1A. Decree of June 18, 1898, establishing the Dictatorial Government.* (English translation)
To my Country:
God has willed that I should be placed in the position that I now
occupy, although I am cognizant of my unworthiness. But unable to shirk
the responsibility which God has placed upon my shoulders and imbued
by pure love of country, I hereby salute you, dear Motherland.
My entire life has been dedicated to the liberation of our country,
and the recovery of our lost freedom.
The first duty of a leader is to comply with the wishes of the governed. For this reason, I am compelled to establish a Dictatorial Government with full authority, civil and military, in order to determine first
the real needs of the country.
I also see the need of establishing in each town a government to preserve peace and order which, in turn, shall be the foundation for the
government of the Republic of the Philippines as a government of the
people, by the people, and for the people.
In view of the above, I hereby decree the following:
ARTICLE 1. All residents in each town shall take the necessary
steps to consummate the complete annihilation or capture of all Spanish
soldiers in their respective communities, and give them the treatment
recognized by civilized nations.
ART. 2. After this has been accomplished, all select citizens of
every town shall convene in a big assembly and elect by majority vote
the town mayor and the head of every barrio in the town. Those to be
elected, also by majority vote, must at least be 21 years of age, who
have proven their love for the independence of the country.
ART. 3. The Assembly shall elect three officials: One, of Police
and Public Order; another, of Justice and Civil Registry, and another,
of Revenues and Property.
The Police official shall help the town mayor in preserving peace
and order.
The official of Justice and Civil Registry shall help the town mayor
in settling disputes, and shall also keep a registry of births, deaths, and
marriages.
The official of Revenues and Property shall help the town mayor
in the collection of contributions and taxes, and keep a registry of large
cattle, houses, and lands, and promote the economic condition of the
people.
* Translated from Tagalog by the author.