Ambrosio Bautista was a lawyer and author of the "Declaration of Philippine Independence."

AMBROSIO BAUTISTA

Ambrosio became legal adviser to Emilio Aguinaldo in 1898. After studying the Ponce constitution, Bautista persuaded Aguinaldo to delay its implementation. Believing that a constitlitional government would not be viable because of the turbulent conditions at the time, he advised Aguinaldo to establish a dictator regime instead.

Bautista wrote several important state documents, including the Declaration of Philippine Independence. He read the paper during the proclamation of independence at Aguinaldo's residence in Kawit, Cavite.

After the independence celebration, Bautista was replaced by Apolinario Mabini as Aguinaldo's principal adviser. In June 1899, he was elected president of Revolutionary Congress (the Malolos Congress) when it convened in Tarlac.

When the Filipino-American War ended, Bautista cooperated with the American authorities and was appointed judge of the Court of First Instance.

17 December 1830

to 4 December 1903