Start date March 22, 1897 | ||
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Tejeros convention in 1897
The Tejeros Convention (alternate names include Tejeros Assembly and Tejeros Congress) was the meeting held between the Magdiwang and Magdalo factions of the Katipunan at San Francisco de Malabon (now General Trias, but the site is now at Rosario), Cavite on March 22, 1897. These are the first presidential and vice presidential elections in Philippine history, although only the Katipuneros (members of the Katipunan) were able to take part, and not the general populace.
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Purpose and results
The convention was called to discuss the defense of Cavite against the Spaniards during the Philippine Revolution. The contemporary Governor general, Camilo de Polavieja, had regained much of Cavite itself. Instead, the convention became an election to decide the leaders of the revolutionary movement, bypassing the Supreme Council.
Andrés Bonifacio, the contemporary Supremo (supreme leader) of the Katipunan presided over the election. He secured the unanimous approval that the decision would not be questioned.
The results of the election:
Bonifacio, accepted the decision but not before insisting on a recount of the votes. Supporters such as Severino de las Alas made abortive efforts to help make Bonifacio vice president. However, Daniel Tirona objected that the post should not be occupied by a person without a lawyer's diploma. He suggested a lawyer like Jose del Rosario is qualified for the suitable position. Bonifacio was insulted, demanded that Tirona retract the remark. When Tirona made to leave instead, Bonifacio drew a pistol and was about to fire at Tirona, but stopped when Ricarte tried to disarm him. Bonifacio then voided the convention as Supremo of the Katipunan.
Emilio Aguinal do was not in attendance at the convention as he was at the military front in Pasong Santol, a locality within Dasmariñas, Cavite. He received notification of his election as President the day after the convention. Urged by his elder brother, Crispulo Aguinaldo, to assume his presidential duties, Emilio left Crispulo in charge of the front and journeyed to Santa Cruz de Malabon (present-day Tanza, Cavite). There, he, alongside the other elected officials except for Bonifacio, took their oath of office. Tragically, Crispulo Aguinaldo was killed in the Battle of Pasong Santol, which took place from March 7 to 24, 1897, and concluded with a victory for the Spanish forces.
The new result of the election:
Allegations of Fraud
In addition to Bonifacio's statement voiding the outcome the probity of the election held has been questioned, with allegations that many ballots distributed were already filled out and that the voters had not done this themselves.