Apolinario Mabini - A Filipino Hero

Mabini was undoubtedly the most profound thinker and political philosopher that the Filipino race ever produced. Some day, when his works are fully published, but not until then, Mabini will come into his own. A great name awaits him, not only in the Philippines, for he is already appreciated there, but in every land where the cause of liberty and human freedom is revered.

Mabini was born in Tanawan, province of Batangas, island of Luzon, P.I., of poor Filipino parents, in 1864. He received his education in the "Colegio de San Juan de Letran." Manila, and in the University of Santo Tomas. Mabini supported himself while studying by his own efforts, and made a brilliant record in both institutions. Later Mabini devoted his energies to the establishment of a private school in Manila and to legal work.

Mabini came to the front in 1898 during the Pilipino revolution against Spain. In the subsequent revolution against the United States he became known as "the brains of the revolution." He was so considered by the American army officers, who bent every energy to capture Mabini.

Mabini was the leading adviser of Aguinaldo, and was the author of the latter's many able decrees and proclamations. Mabini's official position was President of the Council of Secretaries, and Mabini also held the post of Secretary of the Exterior.

One of Mabini's greatest works was his draft of a constitution for the Philippine Republic. It was accompanied by what Mabini called "The True Decalogue."  Mabini's "Ten Commandments" are so framed as to meet the needs of Filipino patriotism for all time. Mabini also drafted rules for the organization and government of municipalities and provinces, which were highly successful because of their adaptability to local conditions.

Mabini remained the head of Aguinaldo's cabinet until March, 1899, when he resigned. But he continued in hearty sympathy with the revolution, however, and his counsel was frequently sought.

Mabini was arrested by the American forces in September, 1899, and remained a prisoner until September 23, 1900. Following his release, Mabini lived for a while in a suburb of Manila, in a poor nipa house, under the most adverse and trying circumstances. Mabini was in abject poverty.

In spite of Mabini's terrible suffering from paralysis, Mabini continued writing. Mabini severely criticised the government, voicing the sentiments of the Filipino people for freedom. Mabini was ordered to desist, but to this, in one of his writings to the people, Mabini replied: "To tell a man to be quiet when a necessity not fulfilled is shaking all the fibers of his being is tantamount to asking a hungry man to be filled before taking the food which he needs."

Mabini's logic was a real embarrassment to the American military forces, and in January, 1901, Mabini was arrested a second time by the Americans. This time Mabini was exiled to the island of Guam, where he remained until his return to Manila on February 26, 1903.

Mabini died in Manila, of cholera, May 13, 1903, at the age of 39 years. His funeral was the most largely attended of any ever held in Manila.

Although Mabini died from natural causes, Mabini died a martyr to the cause of Philippine independence. Five years of persecution left his intense patriotism untouched, but it had made his physical self a ready victim for a premature death.

Apolinario Mabini - a true Philippine Patriot!