DID YOU KNOW

Today, July 23, is Apolinario Mabini Day by virtue of Republic Act 9430 signed in April 2007. Mabini studied at San Juan de Letran College in Manila, and at University of Sto. Tomas, taking up law. When Emilio Aguinaldo was proclaimed president of the independent republic in 1898, Mabini helped draw up its Constitution. But when the United States announced it would annex the Philippines, Mabini joined Aguinaldo in a renewed struggle for independence. He was captured by American troops in December 1899 because he refused to swear allegiance to the United States. He was exiled to Guam and allowed to come home to Manila only months before his death on May 12, 1903. —CHLARINE GIANAN, INQUIRER RESEARCH