Owing to the objections of Mabini to some provisions of the constitution,Aguinaldo did not immediately promulgate it. The Congress leaders compromised with Mabini by agreeing to insert amendments to satisfy thePresident's closest adviser. On January 21, 1899, Aguinaldo finally promulgated the Malolos Constitution. Earlier, on January 2, he formed the cabinet as follows:

Apolinario Mabini	President of the Cabinet and Secretary of Foreign Affairs
Teodoro Sandico	Secretary of the Interior
Baldomero Aguinaldo	Secretary of War
Mariano Trias	Secretary of Finance
Gracio Gonzaga	Secretary of Welfare, including Public Instruction, Public Works, Communications, Agriculture, Industry and Commerce

The Council of Government, or the Cabinet, according to Mabini, "belongs tono party, nor does it desire to form one; it stands for nothing save theinterest of the fatherland."

On January 23, 1899, the Philippine Republic was inaugurated at Malolosin colorful ceremonies. Aguinaldo took his oath of office after having beeninformed that he has been proclaimed President of the Republic. The Malolos Constitution was read article by article, and the army took its oath of loyalty before the President. A review of troops and processionfollowed.

To make the event more memorable, Aguinaldo issued a decreegranting pardon to all Spanish prisoners of war who were not members ofthe Spanish regular army and at the same time, granting to Spaniards and other aliens the right to engage in business within the limits ofthe Republic.

History of the Filipino People. Teodoro A. Agoncillo

On the sunny morning of January 23, 1899, the First Philippine Republic,popularly known as the Malolos Republic, was inaugurated amidst colorfulceremonies at the Barasoain Church. This was also the first republic inAsia.

In this inaugural address, President Aguinaldo expressed his congratulations to the members of the Malolos Congress for drafting the Malolos Constitution, to the armed forces for winning the country's freedom by force of arms,and to the Filipino people for their cooperation and sacrifices in thestruggle for independence. He stated the aspiration of the nation "to liveunder the democratic regime of the Philippine Republic, free from the yokeof any foreign domination." In conclusion, he declared:
"Great is thisday, glorious this date, and forever memorable this moment in which ourbeloved people are raised to the apotheosis of Independence."

The Philippines: A Unique Nation. Dr. Sonia M. Zaide

On January 23, 1899, the First Philippine Republic was inaugurated.The people rejoiced; appropriate festivities marked the day throughoutthe land.

In Malolos, the inauguration ceremonies were typical of the elite.Aguinaldo took his oath of office as President of the Philippine Republicwearing formal attire "with top hat, white gloves, and bow tie" and carryinga "tasseled gold-knobbed cane." The food at the inaugural banquet was European and the menu written in French.

The Philippines: A Past Revisited. Renato Constantino