What did Aguinaldo do in his very long retirement?

Emilio Aguinaldo, a pivotal figure in Philippine history, is primarily remembered as the leader of the Philippine Revolution against Spain and the first President of the short-lived First Philippine Republic. His presidency, however, was cut short by the outbreak of the Philippine-American War. Following his capture by American forces in 1901, Aguinaldo entered a period of life that spanned over six decades – a remarkably long “retirement” from the presidency he once held. Far from being a period of complete inactivity, Emilio Aguinaldo’s long retirement saw him navigate the complexities of American colonial rule, participate in national politics, endure the Japanese occupation, and actively work to preserve and shape the memory of the revolution he led. Understanding this extensive post-presidency period is crucial to grasping the full scope of his influence and legacy in Philippine history and national identity.

This article delves into the life and activities of Emilio Aguinaldo from the moment of his capture in 1901 until his death in 1964. It explores his return to private life, his engagements with the evolving political landscape, his controversial role during World War II, and his later efforts to champion historical causes, particularly the recognition of June 12th as Philippine Independence Day.

Historical Context: Transition to Retirement

The period leading up to Emilio Aguinaldo’s long retirement was one of immense turmoil and transition for the Philippines. The declaration of independence from Spain on June 12, 1898, in Kawit, Cavite, marked the zenith of the First Philippine Republic under Aguinaldo’s leadership. However, the Treaty of Paris, signed in December 1898, transferred sovereignty over the Philippines from Spain to the United States, setting the stage for a new conflict – the Philippine-American War (1899-1902).

End of the First Republic and the Philippine-American War

The First Philippine Republic, established with the Malolos Constitution, faced the daunting task of asserting its sovereignty against a new colonial power. The war was brutal, marked by conventional battles initially, followed by a shift to guerrilla warfare by the Filipino forces as the American military gained control of key areas. Filipino resistance was fierce but ultimately outmatched by the superior resources and military strategy of the United States.

Aguinaldo’s Capture (1901)

The turning point in the war, and the catalyst for Emilio Aguinaldo’s long retirement, was his capture on March 23, 1901. General Frederick Funston, an American commander, orchestrated a daring ruse. Using Macabebe scouts loyal to the Americans and a small force of American officers disguised as prisoners, Funston penetrated Aguinaldo’s remote headquarters in Palanan, Isabela. The ruse was successful, leading to Aguinaldo’s capture without a fight.

This event dealt a severe blow to the Filipino resistance, as Aguinaldo was the recognized leader of the revolutionary government. While guerrilla warfare continued in some areas for a few more years, Aguinaldo’s capture effectively signaled the end of organized national resistance led by the First Republic.

Oath of Allegiance and Return to Private Life

Following his capture, Aguinaldo was brought to Manila. On April 19, 1901, he took an oath of allegiance to the United States. In a public manifesto, he appealed to his countrymen to accept American sovereignty, acknowledging the futility of further resistance and expressing hope for peace and future prosperity under American rule. This act was controversial among some Filipino nationalists who continued to resist.

Upon taking the oath, Aguinaldo was allowed to return to private life. He settled back in his ancestral home in Kawit, Cavite. This marked the formal beginning of what would become Emilio Aguinaldo’s long retirement, a period stretching over six decades, during which he lived under American colonial administration and later, the independent Philippine Republic.

Beginning of American Colonial Rule

Aguinaldo’s return to private life coincided with the consolidation of American colonial rule. The Philippine Commission had already been established, laying the groundwork for civil government. William H. Taft became the first Civil Governor in 1901. The period saw the implementation of American policies regarding education, infrastructure, and the gradual establishment of political institutions like the Philippine Assembly (established 1907). While many former revolutionaries and ilustrados participated in this new political system, Aguinaldo initially remained outside of direct political power structures.

The Retirement Period: A Long Span (1901-1964)

The duration of Emilio Aguinaldo’s long retirement is extraordinary – 63 years, from his capture in 1901 until his death in 1964. This period witnessed seismic shifts in the Philippines and the world: the maturation of American colonial rule, two world wars, the granting of Philippine independence, and the early decades of the independent republic.

Duration and Political Landscape

American Colonial Period (1901-1946): Aguinaldo lived through the entirety of the American colonial era. This period saw the evolution of Philippine political institutions, from the Philippine Assembly to the establishment of the Commonwealth of the Philippines in 1935, a transitional government towards full independence.
Japanese Occupation (1942-1945): World War II brought a brutal interlude with the Japanese invasion and occupation of the Philippines. Aguinaldo, like many Filipinos, had to navigate the complexities and dangers of this period.
Independent Republic (1946-1964): Aguinaldo lived for nearly two decades under the independent Republic of the Philippines, witnessing the challenges of nation-building, economic recovery, and political development.

Aguinaldo’s Status

His status transformed dramatically over these years:

From the revered President and Commander-in-Chief of a revolutionary republic.
To a former leader, a private citizen living under the authority of the power he had fought against.
Later, to a historical figure, a living link to the revolutionary past, under an independent nation.

This unique position allowed him to observe, and occasionally participate in, the unfolding history of the nation he helped create.

Key Activities and Roles During Retirement

While no longer holding the reins of national power, Emilio Aguinaldo’s long retirement was far from static. He engaged in various activities, from managing his personal affairs to attempting a return to politics and actively shaping historical narratives.

Return to Private Life in Kawit

Upon returning to Kawit, Cavite, Aguinaldo focused on rebuilding his life and managing his properties. He owned agricultural lands and dedicated time to overseeing their operations.

Managing Family Affairs: He devoted time to his family. He was married to Hilaria del Rosario until her death in 1921 and later married Maria Agoncillo in 1930.
Restoration of the Ancestral Home: His home in Kawit, which served as the site of the Declaration of Independence, held immense historical significance. Aguinaldo took steps to restore and preserve it, transforming it into a repository of revolutionary artifacts and a tangible link to 1898. This house, now known as the Aguinaldo Shrine, became a personal project and a public symbol. He added architectural features, including the iconic tower.

Limited Political Involvement (Early Period)

In the immediate decades following his surrender, Aguinaldo largely refrained from direct, confrontational politics against the American administration. He had taken an oath of allegiance and seemed to accept the new reality, at least publicly.

Symbolic Presence: Despite his political retirement, Aguinaldo remained a highly respected, albeit sometimes controversial, figure. For many Filipinos, he was still the Presidente, the embodiment of the struggle for independence. His presence served as a living reminder of the revolution and the aspirations for self-determination.
Quiet Influence: While not holding office, he maintained contacts with political figures and was undoubtedly consulted or his opinion sought on certain matters, though his direct political power was minimal.

Increased Political Activity (Later Period)

As the Philippines moved closer to self-governance and eventually independence, Aguinaldo’s interest in national politics resurfaced more overtly.

Campaign for President (1935): The most significant political event during Emilio Aguinaldo’s long retirement was his decision to run for President in the 1935 elections. These were the first national elections held under the newly established Commonwealth of the Philippines, which was designed as a ten-year transition period towards full independence in 1946.
- Context: The election was for the highest office Filipinos could hold under American sovereignty, a position that was essentially the successor to the presidency he once held.
- Opponent: His main opponent was Manuel L. Quezon, a prominent figure in the Nacionalista Party and the President of the Senate, who had played a key role in the passage of the Tydings-McDuffie Act, which paved the way for the Commonwealth and independence.
- Platform: Aguinaldo ran on a platform that often invoked the ideals and sacrifices of the revolution. He criticized the perceived corruption and compromises of the established political elite (like Quezon) and positioned himself as a candidate who represented the “true” spirit of 1898. He advocated for reforms and a focus on the welfare of the common people, often drawing a contrast between the revolutionary generation’s purity of purpose and the pragmatism (or perceived opportunism) of the Commonwealth politicians.
- Outcome: Aguinaldo was soundly defeated by Manuel L. Quezon. The election results showed that while Aguinaldo retained symbolic importance, the political machinery and popular appeal of Quezon and the Nacionalista Party were far stronger in the new political landscape. Aguinaldo’s campaign was also hampered by limited resources and a political style perhaps less suited to the mass politics of the Commonwealth era compared to the revolutionary period.
- Significance: His candidacy demonstrated his continued, albeit unsuccessful, desire to play a leadership role in the nation’s destiny. It also highlighted the generational shift in Philippine politics and the different approaches to achieving national goals after decades under American influence.
Post-1935 Political Stance: After his 1935 defeat, Aguinaldo did not run for office again. However, he remained interested in national affairs. He would occasionally issue statements, offer advice (sometimes unsolicited), and participate in public ceremonies. He became more of an elder statesman, albeit one with a specific perspective rooted in the revolutionary past.

Role During the Japanese Occupation (WWII)

The Japanese occupation (1942-1945) was a complex and controversial period for many Filipino leaders, including Aguinaldo. The Japanese military sought to gain the cooperation of prominent Filipinos to legitimize their rule and counter the American presence and guerrilla resistance.

Collaboration Accusations: Aguinaldo, along with other pre-war political figures like Jose P. Laurel and Jorge B. Vargas, was among those who interacted with the Japanese authorities. He made public statements that were interpreted by many as collaborationist.
Appeals to Guerrillas: Most notably, Aguinaldo made radio appeals urging Filipino guerrillas fighting against the Japanese to surrender. He argued that further resistance was futile and would only lead to more Filipino suffering. These appeals were highly controversial and alienated him from many who were risking their lives in the anti-Japanese resistance, including those loyal to the returning American forces and the Commonwealth government-in-exile.
Motivations: Historians debate Aguinaldo’s motivations. Some argue he genuinely believed his actions would save Filipino lives by preventing further conflict. Others view his actions as opportunistic or misguided, aligning himself with the occupying power.
Post-Liberation Detention: Following the liberation of the Philippines by American forces in 1945, many Filipinos accused of collaboration were arrested. Aguinaldo was among them. He was briefly imprisoned but later released without formal charges, partly due to his age, historical stature, and perhaps the complex nature of the political situation during the occupation where lines between survival, pragmatism, and collaboration were often blurred.

His actions during this period remain a sensitive and debated aspect of Emilio Aguinaldo’s long retirement and legacy.

Post-WWII Activities

After the war and the granting of independence in 1946, Aguinaldo continued to live in Kawit, focusing on historical matters and national symbols.

Promoting Nationalism and Historical Memory: Aguinaldo became a vocal advocate for recognizing the historical significance of the First Philippine Republic and the date of June 12, 1898.
Independence Day Advocacy: For many years after 1946, the official Philippine Independence Day was celebrated on July 4th, commemorating the date the U.S. granted independence. Aguinaldo strongly believed that the true independence day was June 12th, the date the Filipinos themselves declared independence from Spain. He tirelessly campaigned for this recognition.
- He hosted events at his Kawit shrine every June 12th, keeping the memory of that day alive.
- He lobbied political leaders to change the official date.
- His efforts culminated in 1962 when President Diosdado Macapagal, recognizing the historical validity and nationalistic importance of Aguinaldo’s advocacy, signed Proclamation No. 28, which declared June 12th as the official Independence Day of the Philippines. This was a major achievement during Emilio Aguinaldo’s long retirement and cemented his role in shaping national historical memory.
Role in Establishing Flag Day: Related to his June 12th advocacy, Aguinaldo also played a role in promoting the commemoration of Flag Day on May 28th, the anniversary of the Battle of Alapan in 1898, where the Philippine flag was first unfurled in battle.
Veterans’ Affairs: As the last surviving prominent leader of the revolution, Aguinaldo was involved in veterans’ organizations, advocating for the welfare and recognition of those who fought for independence.
Interactions with Later Presidents: Despite his 1935 defeat, later presidents recognized his historical importance. He interacted with presidents like Ramon Magsaysay and Diosdado Macapagal, who sought his counsel or honored him as a link to the revolutionary past.

Historical Preservation and Writing

Throughout Emilio Aguinaldo’s long retirement, he was conscious of his place in history.

Memoirs and Accounts: He worked on his memoirs, “Mga Gunita ng Himagsikan” (Memoirs of the Revolution), published posthumously. These writings provided his perspective on the events of 1896-1901, offering valuable, albeit subjective, insights into the revolution and the First Republic.
Maintaining the Aguinaldo Shrine: He continued to maintain and develop his home in Kawit as a historical site, preserving artifacts and welcoming visitors. The shrine became a personal museum and a national landmark, curated under his watchful eye for decades.

Significance and Legacy of His Retirement

Emilio Aguinaldo’s long retirement was significant for several reasons, impacting how the revolution is remembered and his place in Philippine history.

Living Symbol of the Revolution

For over six decades, Aguinaldo was a tangible link to the Philippine Revolution and the struggle for independence. He was a living witness to the events of 1898, a direct connection to the aspirations and sacrifices of that era. His presence kept the memory of the revolution alive for generations born under American rule and later, under independence. He was the last surviving president of the First Republic, a unique status that accorded him a certain reverence despite past controversies.

Influence on Historical Memory

His active efforts, particularly his successful campaign to change Independence Day to June 12th, profoundly shaped how the nation commemorates its birth. By insisting on June 12, 1898, he helped solidify the narrative that Philippine independence was declared by Filipinos themselves, rather than granted by the United States on July 4, 1946. This was a powerful assertion of national agency rooted in the revolutionary period. His preservation of the Aguinaldo Shrine also ensured that a key site of the revolution remained accessible and served as a focal point for historical commemoration.

Controversies

Despite his historical stature, Emilio Aguinaldo’s long retirement was not without controversy. His actions during the Japanese occupation remain the most debated. Was he a pragmatist trying to minimize suffering, or did he lend legitimacy to an oppressive regime? This question continues to be analyzed by historians. His 1935 presidential campaign, while a democratic exercise, was also seen by some at the time as potentially divisive, challenging the unity of the nationalist movement under Quezon.

Role in National Identity

Aguinaldo’s advocacy for June 12th contributed significantly to the narrative of continuous struggle for independence starting in 1898. This narrative is central to Philippine national identity, emphasizing self-determination and the revolutionary spirit. His long life allowed him to champion this view for decades, influencing public perception and eventually official policy.

Different Perspectives and Controversies

It is impossible to discuss Emilio Aguinaldo’s long retirement and his overall legacy without acknowledging the historical debates that surround his leadership and actions. These controversies persisted and evolved throughout his long life.

Leadership during the Revolution: Long-standing debates include his role in the deaths of Andres Bonifacio and Antonio Luna, two other key figures in the revolution. Critics argue these events consolidated Aguinaldo’s power but fractured the revolutionary movement. Supporters defend his actions as necessary for unity and discipline during a chaotic time.
Actions during the Japanese Occupation: As mentioned, his appeals to guerrillas and interactions with the Japanese-sponsored government led to accusations of collaboration. This period remains a stain on his record for many, while others offer mitigating circumstances or alternative interpretations of his motives.
1935 Campaign: While a legitimate political contest, his decision to run against Quezon was viewed by some as potentially undermining the Commonwealth government’s stability at a critical juncture towards independence.

The fact that Aguinaldo lived for so long meant that these debates were not confined to historical texts but were part of the ongoing national conversation during his lifetime. He had the opportunity to respond to criticisms, offer his side of the story (as in his memoirs), and see public opinion shift over time. His continued presence allowed for a prolonged engagement with his legacy, both positive and negative.

Conclusion Summary

Emilio Aguinaldo’s long retirement, spanning from his capture in 1901 until his death in 1964, was far more than a withdrawal from public life. While he returned to managing private affairs in Kawit, Cavite, this extensive period saw him remain a significant, albeit evolving, figure in Philippine national life.

His activities included:

Caring for his family and preserving his ancestral home, the future Aguinaldo Shrine.
A notable, though unsuccessful, return to national politics by running for President in 1935 against Manuel L. Quezon.
Navigating the treacherous years of the Japanese occupation, a period marked by controversial actions that continue to be debated.
Vigorously advocating for historical recognition, most significantly campaigning for June 12th as the true Philippine Independence Day, a cause he saw realized before his death.
Working on his memoirs to present his account of the revolution.

His remarkably long life ensured that he remained a living symbol of the Philippine Revolution for several generations. He was not just a historical figure in books but a person who could be seen, heard, and whose presence connected the present to the foundational struggle for nationhood. While controversies surrounding his leadership and wartime actions persist, his efforts in later life, particularly in championing the significance of June 1898, left an indelible mark on Philippine historical memory and national identity. Emilio Aguinaldo’s long retirement was a final, extended chapter in the life of a man who was inextricably linked to the birth of the Filipino nation.

Key Takeaways:

Emilio Aguinaldo lived for 63 years after his capture in 1901, a period longer than his time as revolutionary leader and president.
His “retirement” involved managing personal affairs, preserving his home (Aguinaldo Shrine), and engaging with national life.
He ran for President in 1935 under the Commonwealth government but was defeated by Manuel L. Quezon.
His actions during the Japanese occupation (WWII), particularly appeals to guerrillas, remain highly controversial.
A major achievement in his later life was his successful advocacy for June 12th to be recognized as Philippine Independence Day.
He remained a living link to the revolution, influencing historical memory and national identity despite controversies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

When did Emilio Aguinaldo’s “retirement” begin? His retirement effectively began after his capture by American forces in March 1901 and his subsequent oath of allegiance in April 1901, leading to his return to private life in Kawit, Cavite.
How long did Emilio Aguinaldo live after his capture? He lived for 63 years after his capture, until his death in 1964.
Did Aguinaldo participate in politics after 1901? Yes, most notably he ran for President of the Commonwealth in 1935. He also remained interested in national affairs and advocated for historical causes.
What did Aguinaldo do during the Japanese occupation? He interacted with the Japanese authorities and made public appeals for Filipino guerrillas to surrender, actions that led to later accusations of collaboration.
Why is June 12th Philippine Independence Day? Emilio Aguinaldo strongly advocated for recognizing June 12, 1898 (declaration of independence from Spain) as the true independence day, rather than July 4, 1946 (granting of independence by the US). His advocacy led President Diosdado Macapagal to officially change the date in 1962.
What is the Aguinaldo Shrine? The Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite, is Emilio Aguinaldo’s ancestral home and the site where Philippine independence from Spain was declared on June 12, 1898. Aguinaldo himself worked to preserve it during his retirement.
When did Emilio Aguinaldo die? Emilio Aguinaldo died on February 6, 1964, at the age of 94.

Sources:

Agoncillo, Teodoro A. Malolos: The Crisis of the Republic. University of the Philippines Press, 1960.
Agoncillo, Teodoro A., and Milagros C. Guerrero. History of the Filipino People. 8th ed. Garotech Publishing, 1987.
Aguinaldo, Emilio. Mga Gunita ng Himagsikan (Memoirs of the Revolution). Translated by Luz Colendrino-Bucu. Cacho Hermanos, Inc., 1967. (Original published posthumously)
Constantino, Renato. The Philippines: A Past Revisited. Tala Publishing Services, 1975.
Kalaw, Teodoro M. The Philippine Revolution. Jorge B. Vargas Filipiniana Foundation, 1969.
Taylor, John R.M. The Philippine Insurrection Against the United States: A Compilation of Documents with Notes and Introduction. E. Santos, 1971. (Reprint)
Zaide, Gregorio F. Philippine History and Government. National Bookstore, 1984.
National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) resources on Emilio Aguinaldo and the Aguinaldo Shrine. (e.g., https://nhcp.gov.ph/)
Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines – Proclamation No. 28, s. 1962. (e.g., https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/)

Category: American Colonial Period (1901-1946)