February 26, 1903, Apolinario Mabini took oath of allegiance to the United States
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On February 26, 1903, Apolinario Mabini, one of the Philippines' most revered revolutionary thinkers and the intellectual architect of the First Philippine Republic, took an oath of allegiance to the United States. This moment marked a poignant turning point in his life and in the nation's struggle for independence, reflecting the complex realities of colonial transition following the Philippine-American War.
A Revolutionary Mind in Exile
Apolinario Mabini, often called the "Sublime Paralytic" due to his polio-induced disability, was born on July 23, 1864, in Tanauan, Batangas. A brilliant lawyer and writer, he emerged as a key figure in the fight against Spanish rule, serving as Emilio Aguinaldo's chief adviser during the 1898 revolution. His "True Decalogue" and constitutional drafts laid the philosophical and legal groundwork for the Malolos Republic, the Philippines' first independent government.
However, the arrival of American forces in 1898 shifted the struggle. After the Spanish-American War, the United States acquired the Philippines under the Treaty of Paris, sparking the Philippine-American War (1899 - 1902). Mabini, staunchly anti-imperialist, opposed American occupation and urged continued resistance. His outspoken criticism of U.S. rule led to his arrest in 1899 and exile to Guam in January 1901, alongside other Filipino leaders who refused to swear loyalty to the new colonial power.
The Path to the Oath
Mabini spent two years in exile, enduring harsh conditions that further weakened his health. By 1903, the war had largely subsided, with American victory solidified through military campaigns and the capture of Aguinaldo in 1901. The U.S. colonial government, under Governor-General William Howard Taft, sought to pacify remaining resistance by offering amnesty to exiles who would pledge allegiance. For Mabini, this posed a profound dilemma: remain in exile, clinging to his principles, or return home to a Philippines under foreign rule.
On February 8, 1903, Mabini sailed back to Manila aboard the U.S. transport Thomas, arriving after a grueling journey. His return was conditional - he had to take the oath of allegiance, a requirement imposed on exiled leaders to reintegrate into colonial society. On February 26, 1903, at the age of 38, Mabini swore loyalty to the United States in a subdued ceremony, a stark contrast to his earlier defiance.
A Reluctant Compromise
Mabini's decision was not a betrayal of his ideals but a pragmatic choice. Historical accounts suggest he took the oath under duress, driven by his deteriorating health and a desire to die on Philippine soil. In his writings, he expressed resignation rather than acceptance, noting the futility of further resistance against overwhelming American power. His oath did not erase his legacy as a patriot; rather, it highlighted the personal cost of colonial domination.
Just months later, on May 13, 1903, Mabini succumbed to cholera in Manila, at the age of 38. His death closed a chapter on one of the revolution's most brilliant minds, but his ideas - rooted in justice, liberty, and self-governance - endured as inspiration for future generations.
Legacy and Historical Context
The oath of February 26, 1903, encapsulates the broader Filipino experience under American rule: a struggle between resistance and adaptation. While some saw it as surrender, others viewed it as a tactical retreat, preserving the spirit of independence for a later fight. Mabini's life remains a testament to intellectual courage, even in defeat.
Today, he is honored as a national hero, with his contributions celebrated in monuments, schools, and the collective memory of a nation that continues to grapple with its colonial past.
Source:
- Apolinario Mabini - Sublime Paralytic, Joss T. Enriquez, Philippine Magazine, Volume 26, Number 1, June 1929.
- The Kahimyang Project