Unang eleksyon, 1897 — Ugat ng hidwaan nila Aguinaldo at Bonifacio | Howie Severino Presents

Summary

The episode examines the Tejeros Convention of March 1897, a pivotal and disputed election that exposed deep divisions within the revolutionary movement.

The conflict in Cavite involved two Katipunan factions: the Magdiwang, led by Mariano Alvarez, and the Magdalo, headed by Baldomero Aguinaldo, with Emilio Aguinaldo recognized as its leading figure. Their rivalry reflected disputes over territory, weapons and resources, as well as differing local interests. The Magdalo had gained influence through battlefield successes and the support of wealthy landowners. Bonifacio, the Katipunan’s broader leader, was invited to Cavite to help settle the factions’ disagreements.

The convention took place at the Hacienda de Tejeros, where José Rizal’s family and Josephine Bracken were also present. Bracken reportedly proposed turning the estate into a hospital for Katipunan forces. Although the Katipunan already functioned as a government under Bonifacio, delegates debated creating a revolutionary government and held an election. The episode suggests Bonifacio may have believed he would retain support, though the gathering was largely made up of Cavite delegates.

The voting process was contentious. Diego Mojica reportedly warned Bonifacio that some ballots may have been marked in advance and alleged that more ballots were counted than there were people observing. These claims are presented as allegations, not established proof of fraud. Bonifacio dismissed the warning and said the results should be respected.

Aguinaldo, who was absent and fighting at Salitran, was elected president. Bonifacio lost several contests but was chosen as director of the interior. Daniel Tirona then challenged his suitability for the post, saying it required a lawyer. Bonifacio took the remark as an insult, drew his gun, and declared the convention’s proceedings void before leaving.

The episode describes the aftermath as a struggle over legitimacy. The election’s winners proceeded to swear in their government in Tanza, while Bonifacio rejected the results through the Acta de Tejeros and continued to claim leadership. A subsequent military agreement at Naic further deepened the split.

The hosts and historians also recount a disputed story that Bonifacio blocked reinforcements for Aguinaldo’s brother during the fighting at Pasong Santol. One contributor regards the incident as a turning point in the rivalry.

Presenters and Contributors

• Host: Howie Severino
• Guests and contributors: Public historian Xiao Chua; historian and professor Jose Victor Torres
• Production credits named in the subtitles: Yumaranga and Obri de los Reyes (names as rendered in the auto-generated captions); Criselda Karingal, Arla Fabella, Bern Cebucao, camera teams JZ Fisto and JB Del Rosario, and editor Jr. Magtoto.