By June 5, 1898, the success of the insurgent arms had been such that Aguinaldo felt that he could throw down the mask.  He would still be glad of American assistance, but he felt himself strong enough to do without it.  He saw that “there can now be proclaimed before the Filipino people and the civilized nations its only aspiration, namely, the independence of this country, which proclamation should not be delayed for any ulterior object of this government” [361] and ordered that the independence of the Philippines should be proclaimed at his birthplace, Cavite Viejo, on June 12, 1898.  On that date he formally proclaimed it.  The provinces of Cavite, Bataan, Pampanga, Batangas, Bulacan, Laguna and Morong were about to fall into his hands, the Spanish troops in them being besieged, and about to surrender.

From the same place on June 18, 1898, Aguinaldo promulgated his decree for the creation and administration of municipalities. [362] In brief, this provided that as soon as the territory of the archipelago, or any portion thereof, had passed from the possession of Spanish forces, the people in the towns who were most conspicuous for their intelligence, social position and upright conduct were to meet and elect a town government.  The heads of the towns in every province were to elect a head for the province and his three counsellors.  The provincial council, composed of these four officials, with the presidente of the capital of the province, were to see to the execution in that province of the decrees of the central government and to advise and suggest.

This provincial council was to elect representatives for the revolutionary congress, which was to be charged with submitting suggestions to the central government upon interior and exterior affairs, and was to be heard by the government upon serious matters which admitted of delay and discussion.

Before any person elected to office was permitted to discharge his functions, his election was to be approved by the central government.  The military commanders, except in time of war, were to have no jurisdiction over the civil authorities.  They could, however, demand such supplies as they might need, and these could not be refused.  The government was to appoint commissioners to carry these regulations into effect.

On June 20 Aguinaldo issued his regulations for the government of provinces and municipalities [363] as supplemental to the decree of two days before.  It went into the details of government, under the following heads:  police, justice, taxation and registration of property.

On June 23 he proclaimed the establishment of a revolutionary government, with himself as “president.”  In this capacity he had all the powers of the Spanish governor-general, unhampered by any orders from Spain.  It is true that the scheme provided for the eventual formation of a republic, but it is doubtful if the people who drew it up really knew what that word meant.  What was provided for in practice was a strong and highly centralized military dictatorship, in which, under the form of election, provision was made for the filling of all offices by men devoted to the group which had seized control.