Author: Apolinario Mabini
Release Date: January 10, 2005 [EBook #14660]
Language: English
Character set encoding: ASCII
*** Start of this project gutenberg
EBOOK Mabini’s decalogue for Filipinos
***
Produced by Tamiko I. Camacho from page scans provided
by University of Michigan.
=Mabini’s decalogue for Filipinos=
[Illustration: Apolinario Mabini]
Apolinario Mabini, Martyr.
“Thou shalt love thy country after God and they
honor and more than thyself: for she is the only
Paradise which God has given thee in this life, the
only inheritance of thy ancestors and the only hope
of thy posterity.”
Philippine Press Bureau
Washington, D. C.
1922
Mabini was undoubtedly the most profound thinker and
political philosopher that the Pilipino 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. He supported himself
while studying by his own efforts, and made a brilliant
record in both institutions. Later he 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 him.
He 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 he
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 he called “The True
Decalogue,” published in the pages following.
Mabini’s “ten commandments” are
so framed as to meet the needs of Filipino patriotism
for all time. He 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.
