The development of Philippine politics

132 THE DEVELOPMENT OP PHILIPPINE POLITICS

Probably because of Mabini's opposition a few temporary provisions wer' inserted in the last part of the constitution. The para aph of Article 4 which provided that,
"two or more of these powers shall never be vested in one
person or corporation; neither shall the legislature be
vested in one individual alone", has been modified with the
insertion of Article 99 which reads as follows: "Notwithstanding the general rule established in the 2nd palagraph
of the 4th article, during the time the country may y.a7e to
stru-gle for its independence the government is hereby
authorized to determine, at the close of Congress, whatever
questions and difficulties, not provided for by law, may a ise
from unforseen events, by means of decrees which ma:' be
communicated to the permanent commission and to the assembly on its first meeting." Similarly Article 5, which
recognizes the equality of religions and the separation of
the church and state was suspended until the meeting of
the constitutional assembly. Articles 62 and 63, referring
to the power of the legislature to over-ride the veto of the
president was modified, allowing the president to suspend
the operation of the law until the new session of Congress
the following year. As amended, the Malolos Constitution
was promulgated on January 21, 1899. i
Proclamation of the Philippine Republic
The Philippine Republic constituted with the adoption
of the Malolos Constitution was inaugurated on January
23, 1899 with pompous ceremonies in the Revolutionary
capital (Malolos) in accordance with the following program:
The Congress to hold a session at eight o'clock in the
morning.
Promulgation of the Constitution.
Oath of the Constitution by the Assembly.
Proclamation of the Republic, as the form of Government of the Nation.
Proclamation of Sefnor Emilio Aguinaldo y Famy, as
President of the Philippine Republic.
Committee appointed in order to inform Sefior Emilio
Aguinaldo that he has been proclaimed President of the
Republic.