Apolinario Mabini's True Decalogue: A Moral Code for the Philippine Republic

The late 19th century was a time of immense change and fervent hope in the Philippines. After centuries under Spanish colonial rule, the flames of revolution had been ignited, and a new nation was struggling to be born. In this crucible of conflict and aspirations, leaders emerged not only on the battlefield but also in the realm of ideas. One such figure was Apolinario Mabini, often called the “Brains of the Revolution” and later, the first Prime Minister of the short-lived First Philippine Republic.

Mabini was not just a political strategist and legal mind; he was also a deep thinker on ethics, morality, and the very foundation of a just and virtuous society. As the nascent republic faced internal and external challenges, Mabini recognized the critical need for a strong moral compass to guide its citizens and leaders. It was in this context that he penned El Verdadero Decálogo, or The True Decalogue. More than just a set of commandments, this document represented Mabini’s vision for the moral fabric essential for the survival and success of the newly formed Philippine state.

Understanding Apolinario Mabini’s True Decalogue requires looking at the man himself, the tumultuous era he lived in, and the profound principles he sought to instill in the Filipino people. This article will delve into the historical backdrop, examine each of the ten points of the Decalogue in detail, and explore its enduring significance today.

Who Was Apolinario Mabini? The Brains of the Revolution

Before we dissect the True Decalogue, it’s crucial to understand the man behind it. Apolinario Mabini y Maranan (1864-1903) was born to a peasant family in Tanauan, Batangas. Despite his humble beginnings and the immense challenges posed by his eventual paralysis (likely due to polio), Mabini displayed extraordinary intellectual capacity and an unwavering commitment to justice and freedom.

He pursued his education with vigor, earning a law degree from the University of Santo Tomas. His legal studies and exposure to the injustices of the Spanish regime solidified his reformist ideals. Initially, he advocated for reforms within the Spanish system, like many other ilustrados (enlightened Filipinos) such as Jose Rizal. He was involved with La Liga Filipina, the reformist organization founded by Rizal.

However, as the Philippine Revolution gained momentum, Mabini became increasingly convinced that radical change was necessary. Despite his physical disability, which prevented him from participating in combat, his sharp intellect and profound understanding of law and governance made him an indispensable advisor to General Emilio Aguinaldo, the leader of the revolutionary forces.

Mabini served as Aguinaldo’s principal advisor during critical junctures, including the declaration of independence in Kawit, Cavite, and the establishment of the First Philippine Republic. He played a significant role in drafting foundational documents for the new government, earning him the moniker “Brains of the Revolution.” His political philosophy was deeply rooted in Enlightenment ideals, emphasizing reason, justice, and the sovereignty of the people, but also tempered by a strong sense of moral responsibility and national solidarity.

It was during his service to the fledgling republic, likely around the time of the Malolos Congress or shortly after, that Mabini articulated the principles found in the True Decalogue. He saw these principles as fundamental not just for individual behavior but for the collective consciousness and action needed to build a truly free and independent nation.

The Historical Context: The First Philippine Republic

Mabini wrote the Apolinario Mabini’s True Decalogue during a period of intense upheaval and hope. The Philippine Revolution had successfully ousted Spanish rule from much of the archipelago (though pockets of resistance and Spanish presence remained). On June 12, 1898, Philippine independence was declared. This led to the establishment of the First Philippine Republic, formally inaugurated in Malolos, Bulacan, in January 1899.

This government, however, faced monumental challenges. Internally, there were disagreements and power struggles among various revolutionary factions and leaders. Externally, the situation was precarious. The Treaty of Paris, signed in December 1898 between Spain and the United States, effectively transferred sovereignty over the Philippines from Spain to the U.S. for $20 million, completely disregarding the newly declared Philippine independence.

The United States, having initially aided the revolutionaries against Spain, began to assert its control, leading to the outbreak of the Philippine-American War in February 1899, just weeks after the Malolos Republic was inaugurated. The Republic was now fighting for its very existence against a new colonial power.

In this turbulent environment, Mabini understood that military strength and political organization were not enough. A nation also needed a shared set of values, a common purpose, and a deep commitment to ethical principles to unite its people and guide its actions. The True Decalogue Philippines was intended to serve as this moral compass, a guide for citizens on how to live honorably, serve their country, and uphold the ideals for which so many had sacrificed. It was meant to be a moral foundation for the new republic, outlining the duties of free Filipinos towards God, their conscience, their country, and their fellow human beings.

Mabini believed that genuine independence wasn’t just about removing a foreign power; it was about cultivating a virtuous citizenry capable of self-governance. His Decalogue was a tool for this cultivation, emphasizing personal integrity, rational thought, love of country, and the pursuit of collective well-being.

Understanding the True Decalogue: A Deep Dive into Mabini’s Principles

Mabini’s El Verdadero Decálogo consists of ten commandments, much like religious decalogs, but focused on secular and civic virtues essential for a nation. These principles reflect a blend of rationalism, patriotism, and a strong sense of personal responsibility. Let’s explore each point:

Decalogue I: Love God and your honor more than yourself

This first point might seem traditionally religious, but Mabini frames it in a way that connects the divine with personal integrity. Loving God is linked directly to loving one’s honor. For Mabini, true piety wasn’t just about ritual but about living a life of moral uprightness and personal dignity. He suggests that this love for God and honor should surpass self-interest.

Love of God: Interpreted not just in a narrow religious sense, but perhaps as reverence for truth, justice, and the inherent order of the universe. It is the highest ideal.
Love of Honor: Refers to personal integrity, reputation earned through virtuous conduct, and self-respect. It is the inner conscience guiding one’s actions.
More than Yourself: Emphasizes selflessness and putting principles above personal gain or comfort. Sacrifice for higher ideals is implied.

Mabini places this as the very first commandment because he saw personal honor and reverence for the divine/truth as the bedrock upon which all other virtues and duties rested. Without personal integrity, fulfilling duties to others or the nation becomes impossible.

Decalogue II: Worship God according to the dictates of your conscience, for it is your conscience which teaches you to worship God, shunning error and evil

This decalogue point strongly emphasizes individual liberty of conscience and rational faith, a hallmark of liberal thought of the era. Mabini was writing in a society deeply influenced by centuries of Catholic doctrine and the intertwined power of Church and State under Spain. This point directly challenges the idea of forced or prescribed worship.

Worship according to conscience: Asserts the right of the individual to determine their own relationship with the divine, free from external coercion or dogma. This was a radical concept in the Philippine context at the time.
Conscience teaches worship: Suggests that true worship comes from within, guided by one’s innate moral sense and reason, rather than solely from external authority or tradition.
Shunning error and evil: Implies that a properly guided conscience naturally leads one away from immoral actions, connecting genuine faith with ethical behavior.

This point highlights Mabini’s belief in the importance of individual autonomy and reasoned judgment in matters of faith and morals. It underscores the idea that a virtuous life stems from an informed and free conscience.

Decalogue III: Cultivate the special talents which God has lent you, working and studying according to your capability, never swerving from the path of righteousness and justice, to procure your own perfection, and by this means contribute to the progress of humanity; thus you will realize the mission which God has ordained for you in this life, and recognizing it, you will make your way towards immortality

This is a comprehensive point emphasizing personal development, diligence, ethical conduct, and service to humanity. Mabini connects individual self-improvement directly to contributing to the greater good.

Cultivate special talents: Encourages individuals to identify and develop their natural abilities through work and study. This highlights the importance of education and self-improvement.
Never swerving from righteousness and justice: Links personal effort and ambition to moral limits. Success must be achieved ethically.
Procure your own perfection: Refers to striving for moral and intellectual excellence, seeing self-improvement as a continuous process.
Contribute to the progress of humanity: Positions individual effort within a broader context of social and global improvement. Personal growth is not just for oneself but for the betterment of others.
Realize your mission: Suggests that each person has a unique purpose given by God (or fate/nature), which involves using their talents ethically for good.
Make your way towards immortality: This phrase could be interpreted metaphorically, meaning achieving lasting significance through one’s contributions, or perhaps literally, reflecting a belief in a soul or afterlife earned through virtuous living.

This point is deeply humanistic, stressing the potential and responsibility of each individual to contribute to the world through their cultivated abilities, guided by moral principles.

Decalogue IV: Love your country after God and your honor, and more than yourself: for she is the only paradise which God has given you in this life, the only patrimony of your race, the only inheritance of your ancestors, and the only hope of your posterity; because of her, you have life, love, and interest, and happiness

This point defines patriotism as a core virtue, placing it second only to love of God and honor. It articulates a powerful rationale for loving one’s country, linking it to identity, heritage, and future.

Love your country after God and your honor, and more than yourself: Reaffirms the hierarchy of values: divine/honor first, then country, then self. National interest and well-being are paramount.
She is the only paradise…: Uses evocative language to describe the country as a sacred inheritance and the source of life and happiness. This fosters a deep emotional connection to the nation.
Patrimony of your race, inheritance of ancestors, hope of posterity: Connects the individual to the collective historical narrative and future destiny of the Filipino people. It emphasizes continuity and responsibility across generations.
Because of her, you have life, love, etc.: Attributes personal well-being and identity directly to the existence and nurture provided by the country.

Mabini is creating a strong sense of national identity and loyalty, framing the country not just as a political entity but as a spiritual home and the repository of collective hopes and dreams. This was vital for uniting disparate groups under the banner of the First Philippine Republic.

Decalogue V: Strive for the happiness of your country before your own, making of her the reign of justice, of labor, and of wisdom; for should she be happy, together with her there will be your family and yourself, and by your effort, your prosperity will be assured

This point translates patriotism into action, defining the goal of national love as striving for the country’s happiness, which Mabini equates with the reign of justice, labor, and wisdom. It links individual prosperity to the collective well-being of the nation.

Strive for the happiness of your country before your own: Directly commands prioritization of national welfare over personal gain. This is a call to selfless service.
Making of her the reign of justice, of labor, and of wisdom: Defines the key elements of a happy and prosperous nation according to Mabini.
- Justice: Fair laws and their impartial application, ensuring rights are protected and wrongs are redressed.
- Labor: Diligence, productivity, and economic activity; recognizing the value of work in nation-building.
- Wisdom: Knowledge, education, rational decision-making, and enlightened governance.
Should she be happy, together with her there will be your family and yourself…: Provides a pragmatic reason for prioritizing national happiness – personal and family well-being are dependent on it. This reinforces the interconnectedness of individual and national fate.

This decalogue is a powerful call to civic duty and nation-building, outlining the necessary components of a thriving republic: ethical governance, productive economy, and an enlightened populace, all working towards the collective good.

Decalogue VI: Live a rational life, without succumbing to the allurement of sensual pleasure, which degrades nor to the passion of pride and ambition, which torments

This point focuses on personal conduct and the cultivation of virtues related to self-control and humility. Mabini advocates for a life guided by reason rather than base desires or destructive emotions.

Live a rational life: Emphasizes the use of reason and critical thinking in guiding one’s actions and decisions. This aligns with Enlightenment ideals.
Without succumbing to sensual pleasure, which degrades: Warns against excessive indulgence in physical desires, viewing them as potentially degrading to one’s character and dignity.
Nor to the passion of pride and ambition, which torments: Cautioning against arrogance and unchecked ambition, seeing them as sources of inner turmoil and potentially harmful behavior towards others.

Mabini is promoting a balanced, disciplined life where reason keeps desires and ego in check. This contributes to personal integrity, which, as seen in Decalogue I, is foundational to his moral code.

Decalogue VII: Devote your mind and capabilities to the science of progress, first to the material and then to the moral and intellectual, that you may thus know the cause of the ills of the country and their remedy, and consecrate your existence to her redemption and welfare

This point stresses the importance of continuous learning and applying knowledge (“science of progress”) to understand and solve the nation’s problems. It highlights the need for both material and intellectual advancement.

Devote your mind and capabilities to the science of progress: A call to intellectual rigor and continuous learning, emphasizing progress in knowledge and understanding.
First to the material and then to the moral and intellectual: Suggests a pragmatic approach – addressing basic material needs and understanding physical realities are necessary first steps, but moral and intellectual progress are equally, if not more, important for true national well-being.
Know the cause of the ills of the country and their remedy: Explicitly links knowledge and understanding to problem-solving and national improvement. Intellectual effort is a patriotic duty.
Consecrate your existence to her redemption and welfare: Reinforces the idea that personal knowledge and effort should be directed towards serving the nation and addressing its challenges.

This decalogue emphasizes enlightened patriotism – not blind loyalty, but one rooted in understanding, critical analysis, and the application of knowledge for national betterment.

Decalogue VIII: Constitute yourself into a family; the family of Filipinos, and let this be your sacred work, and at the same time, make perfect your social and political organization, for this is the only means of securing the prosperity of your race, and of assuring the continuance of your life to posterity

This point calls for national unity, framing the Filipino people as one large family. It also stresses the importance of establishing and perfecting social and political institutions as the means to secure the nation’s future.

Constitute yourself into a family; the family of Filipinos: A powerful metaphor for national unity, urging Filipinos to see each other as kin, bound by shared identity and destiny.
Let this be your sacred work: Elevates national unity and the building of the Filipino family to a religious or deeply moral duty.
Make perfect your social and political organization: Calls for continuous effort to improve the structures of government and society. Recognizing that building a nation is an ongoing process that requires effort and adaptation.
Only means of securing prosperity… and assuring continuance…: States the vital necessity of unity and effective organization for national survival, prosperity, and the future of the race.

This decalogue underscores Mabini’s belief in the power of collective action and well-structured institutions as essential for a nation’s strength and longevity. Unity and good governance are portrayed as intertwined necessities.

Decalogue IX: Let your country be ever the first to be considered, and live for her; consequently, the Philippine Republic will always be the first, and always be loved; never regard it as the sun which should give life to you, but as the fruit of your life; with God and your honor, and with the love of your country, the Philippine Republic will be perfect

This point reiterates and reinforces the supreme importance of the country, specifically the Philippine Republic, placing it at the center of citizen’s lives.

Let your country be ever the first to be considered, and live for her: A direct command to prioritize the nation in all thoughts and actions.
Philippine Republic will always be the first, and always be loved: Expresses confidence in the ideal of the Republic as the embodiment of the country, deserving of utmost loyalty and affection.
Never regard it as the sun which should give life to you, but as the fruit of your life: This is a critical distinction. It argues against viewing the Republic as a passive provider one merely consumes from. Instead, it is something actively created and nurtured by the citizens’ efforts and sacrifices (“the fruit of your life”). This shifts the perspective from entitlement to responsibility.
With God and your honor, and with the love of your country, the Philippine Republic will be perfect: Connects the perfection of the Republic directly to the personal virtues (love of God, honor) and patriotic actions (love of country) of its citizens. The state’s strength depends on its people’s morality and commitment.

This decalogue is a powerful statement on active citizenship and the reciprocal relationship between the individual and the state. The Republic thrives only if its citizens are virtuous and dedicated.

Decalogue X: You will be righteous if you are conducting yourself in your life in the same way as you are conducting yourself in the discharge of your duties to God, to your conscience, to your country, to your family, and to your neighbor

The final point summarizes and synthesizes the previous nine, defining righteousness as consistency in fulfilling all one’s duties – to the divine, oneself, the nation, family, and community.

You will be righteous if you are conducting yourself…: Defines righteousness not as adherence to dogma, but as living a life of consistent ethical action.
In the same way as you are conducting yourself in the discharge of your duties to God, to your conscience, to your country, to your family, and to your neighbor: Lists the key spheres of duty outlined throughout the Decalogue. It emphasizes that the same high standard of conduct must apply across all these relationships. There is no separation between private and public morality; true righteousness requires consistency.

This final point serves as a unifying principle, presenting a holistic view of the moral life where duties are interconnected and require uniform integrity.

Significance of the True Decalogue: Why It Mattered Then and Now

Apolinario Mabini’s True Decalogue holds significant historical and philosophical importance in the context of Philippine history and the development of Filipino identity. It wasn’t just a list of rules; it was a foundational ethical document for a nation striving for self-determination.

Contrast with Other Codes/Documents

Unlike some religious codes that primarily focus on divine laws or personal salvation, Mabini’s Decalogue is distinct in its strong emphasis on civic virtue and national duty. While it begins with love for God and honor, it quickly pivots to duties towards the country, fellow citizens, and the collective good. It blends personal morality with political ethics.

It also differs from purely political documents like constitutions, which outline structures of government and legal rights. The Decalogue delves into the character required of the people and their leaders to make those structures work and uphold those rights. It’s a moral foundation for the republic, not just a description of it.

Compared to the Kartilya ng Katipunan, the moral code of the Katipunan revolutionary society, Mabini’s Decalogue addresses a broader audience – the citizens of an established (though embattled) republic, rather than just members of a secret revolutionary organization. While both emphasize love of country and virtuous living, Mabini’s feels more like a set of principles for a functioning state and its populace, incorporating ideas about science, progress, and political organization, reflecting his role as a statesman.

Influence on Filipino Identity and Values

The True Decalogue Philippines articulated ideals that resonate deeply with aspirations for a just and prosperous nation. It provided a framework for what it meant to be a virtuous Filipino citizen during a critical period of nation-building.

Emphasis on Reason and Education: Decalogues III and VII stress the importance of cultivating talents, studying, and pursuing knowledge (“science of progress”). This aligns with the value placed on education by Filipino reformists and revolutionaries.
Patriotism and National Unity: Decalogues IV, V, VIII, and IX make love and service to the country paramount. This was crucial for fostering a sense of shared identity among diverse regional groups during the revolution and the early republic. The idea of the “family of Filipinos” is a powerful call for solidarity.
Personal Integrity and Righteousness: Decalogues I, II, VI, and X highlight the necessity of individual honor, conscience, self-control, and consistent ethical behavior. Mabini saw personal virtue as inseparable from national strength.
Responsibility over Entitlement: Decalogue IX’s powerful image of the Republic as the “fruit of your life” rather than the “sun which should give life to you” instills a sense of active responsibility and contribution among citizens.

While the First Philippine Republic was short-lived, Mabini’s ideas, particularly those embedded in the Decalogue, continued to influence Filipino thinkers and nationalist sentiment. They represent an early, powerful articulation of the ethical requirements of Filipino citizenship and nationhood.

Mabini’s Vision vs. the Realities of the Time

It is also important to view the Decalogue within the context of the challenges Mabini faced. The First Philippine Republic was plagued by internal divisions, conflicts between military and civilian authority, and the overwhelming threat of the American invasion. Mabini himself struggled with these realities, often finding his counsel disregarded or overridden by political expediency or the pressures of war.

His vision of a republic built on justice, labor, wisdom, and perfect social/political organization (Decalogue V and VIII) was an ideal he passionately advocated for. The Decalogue can be seen, in part, as a response to the perceived shortcomings and moral lapses he witnessed or feared within the revolutionary ranks and the nascent government. It was a call to hold onto high ideals even amidst the chaos and compromises of war and politics.

For example, the emphasis on rationality and shunning pride (Decalogue VI) might reflect Mabini’s observations of impulsive decisions or ego clashes among leaders. The call for justice and merit (Decalogues V and IX) could be interpreted as his hope for a government based on competence and fairness, rather than patronage or political connections.

Thus, the Apolinario Mabini’s True Decalogue is both an aspirational document and a commentary on the challenges of building a virtuous republic from scratch, under duress.

Legacy and Relevance Today

Although written over a century ago for a republic that no longer exists in its original form, Apolinario Mabini’s True Decalogue remains remarkably relevant to contemporary Philippines. Its principles speak to fundamental human values and the enduring challenges of nation-building and governance.

Education and Civics: The emphasis on cultivating talents, studying, and using knowledge for national welfare (Decalogues III and VII) remains a cornerstone of educational philosophy. The Decalogue provides a historical basis for teaching civic virtue and ethical responsibility in Philippine schools.
Governance and Public Service: Mabini’s call for justice, labor, and wisdom in government (Decalogue V) and the requirement for public servants to prioritize the country above self (Decalogues IV, V, IX) are timeless principles for good governance. His insistence that the Republic is the “fruit of your life” (Decalogue IX) reminds those in power that their authority stems from the people and is meant to serve the people, not themselves.
Personal Ethics: The Decalogue’s focus on honor, conscience, rationality, self-control, and consistent righteousness (Decalogues I, II, VI, X) provides a strong framework for personal moral development. These are virtues essential for individual well-being and for contributing positively to any society.
National Unity and Identity: In a diverse archipelago, Mabini’s vision of the “family of Filipinos” (Decalogue VIII) is a powerful reminder of the need for solidarity and mutual regard across regional, ethnic, and political divides.

The True Decalogue Philippines serves as a historical touchstone, reminding Filipinos of the high ideals that animated the founders of the Republic. It challenges contemporary society to reflect on whether these principles of justice, labor, wisdom, integrity, and selfless patriotism are being upheld.

Decalogue Point	Core Principle(s)	Relevance Today
I: Love God and your honor	Personal integrity, spiritual grounding, prioritizing principles over self	Combating corruption, promoting accountability, individual moral compass.
II: Worship God according to conscience	Freedom of conscience, rational faith, inner morality	Religious tolerance, critical thinking, authentic living.
III: Cultivate talents, work, study, contribute	Personal development, diligence, ethical work, service to humanity	Importance of education, lifelong learning, using skills for social good, ethical professionalism.
IV: Love your country after God and honor	Supreme patriotism, national identity, respect for heritage	National unity, pride in Filipino identity, active citizenship.
V: Strive for country’s happiness (justice, labor, wisdom)	Civic duty, nation-building goals, components of a good society	Good governance, rule of law, economic development, importance of knowledgeable leadership.
VI: Live rationally, shun pleasure/pride/ambition	Self-control, reason, humility, emotional balance	Ethical leadership, avoiding excesses, mental well-being, grounded decision-making.
VII: Devote mind/capabilities to progress, understand ills, serve country	Intellectual pursuit, problem-solving, using knowledge for national welfare	Research & development, evidence-based policy, addressing societal issues through understanding.
VIII: Constitute a Filipino family, perfect organization	National unity, social cohesion, effective institutions	Bridging social divides, strengthening democratic institutions, community building.
IX: Country first, Republic as fruit of life	Priority of nation, active citizenship, responsibility for the state	Fighting apathy, participating in governance, citizens’ role in demanding good government.
X: Be righteous by fulfilling all duties consistently	Holistic morality, consistency in ethics across all relationships (God, conscience, country, family, neighbor)	Personal integrity, ethical consistency in public and private life, fulfilling responsibilities in all spheres.

Table 1: Summary of Mabini’s True Decalogue and Contemporary Relevance

Blockquotes from the Decalogue offer powerful insights:

“Love your country after God and your honor, and more than yourself: for she is the only paradise which God has given you in this life, the only patrimony of your race, the only inheritance of your ancestors, and the only hope of your posterity.”

This quote encapsulates the deep connection Mabini sought to forge between the Filipino people and their land. It’s a call to view the country as a sacred trust.

“Never regard it as the sun which should give life to you, but as the fruit of your life…”

This striking metaphor from Decalogue IX challenges a passive or entitled view of citizenship, demanding active contribution and responsibility instead.

Apolinario Mabini’s True Decalogue stands as a testament to the profound thinking that underpinned the Philippine Revolution and the First Republic. It is a legacy of ideals that continue to inspire and challenge Filipinos to build a nation founded on justice, wisdom, and virtue.

Key Takeaways:

Origin: Written by Apolinario Mabini, the “Brains of the Revolution,” during the era of the First Philippine Republic (late 1890s).
Purpose: Served as a moral code intended to guide the citizens and leaders of the newly formed Philippine Republic.
Core Themes: Blends personal ethics (honor, conscience, reason) with civic virtues (patriotism, love of country, service, national unity).
Emphasis: Prioritizes God/Honor, then Country, then Self. Stresses the importance of justice, labor, wisdom, education, and strong social/political organization.
Significance: An early articulation of Filipino national identity rooted in shared moral principles and collective responsibility.
Legacy: Remains relevant today as a source of inspiration for good governance, active citizenship, and personal integrity in the Philippines.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Q: What is Apolinario Mabini’s True Decalogue? A: It is a set of ten ethical and civic principles written by Apolinario Mabini, intended to serve as a moral guide for the people of the First Philippine Republic during the Philippine Revolution and the Philippine-American War.

Q: When was the True Decalogue written? A: Mabini likely wrote the True Decalogue in 1898, during the crucial period between the declaration of Philippine independence and the inauguration of the First Philippine Republic, or shortly thereafter.

Q: What is the main difference between Mabini’s True Decalogue and religious decalogs like the Ten Commandments? A: While it shares the “ten commandments” format, Mabini’s True Decalogue focuses heavily on civic duties, patriotism, national unity, and the ethical foundations required for building a just republic, alongside personal moral principles. Religious decalogs primarily focus on theological relationships and personal sin.

Q: Why is Mabini’s True Decalogue important in Philippine history? A: It is one of the foundational ethical documents of the First Philippine Republic, reflecting the ideals and aspirations of Filipino revolutionaries and nation-builders. It highlights the importance of moral character and civic virtue for national success.

Q: How does the True Decalogue define patriotism? A: The Decalogue defines patriotism as a supreme virtue, second only to love of God and personal honor, and greater than self-interest. It is seen as loving the country as a sacred inheritance and actively striving for its happiness through justice, labor, and wisdom.

Q: Is Mabini’s True Decalogue still relevant today? A: Yes, its principles regarding justice, good governance, active citizenship, education, national unity, and personal integrity remain highly relevant for understanding Filipino values and addressing contemporary challenges in the Philippines.

Q: Did the First Philippine Republic officially adopt the True Decalogue? A: While Mabini was a key figure in the government and his ideas were influential, the True Decalogue was more of a personal ethical manifesto from him, circulated and read, rather than a formally enacted law or part of the Constitution of the Republic. However, its principles deeply influenced the nationalistic and ethical aspirations of the time.

Q: How does the True Decalogue relate to Jose Rizal? A: Mabini, like many Filipino intellectuals of his time, was influenced by Jose Rizal’s writings, particularly Rizal’s emphasis on education, reason, love of country, and moral uprightness as essential for national progress. Mabini’s Decalogue can be seen as aligning with and building upon some of these Riza-lian ideals within the context of an independent republic.

Conclusion

Apolinario Mabini’s True Decalogue stands as a powerful and insightful document from a pivotal moment in Philippine history. It is more than just a historical artifact; it is a profound articulation of the moral and civic virtues Mabini believed were essential for the soul of the Filipino nation. In an era marked by war and uncertainty, Mabini offered not just political guidance but a moral blueprint for building a society grounded in justice, truth, and collective well-being.

By examining each of the ten points, we see a consistent philosophy emerge: that personal honor and integrity are inseparable from national strength and prosperity. Mabini called upon every Filipino to cultivate their talents, live a life guided by reason and conscience, love their country above themselves, and actively contribute to making it a reign of justice, labor, and wisdom. His vision of the Republic as the “fruit of your life” remains a poignant reminder of the active responsibility demanded of citizens in a free society.

Today, the challenges facing the Philippines may differ in form from those of Mabini’s time, but the fundamental need for a strong moral compass, dedicated citizenship, and ethical leadership endures. The principles embedded in the Apolinario Mabini’s True Decalogue offer a timeless source of reflection and inspiration for Filipinos striving to realize the full potential of their nation, built on the solid foundation of virtue and collective purpose envisioned by one of its most brilliant minds. It calls upon each individual to contribute their best, guided by honor and love of country, towards the unending work of perfecting the Philippine Republic.

Category: First Philippine Republic