ShareThisPASAY CITY — Vice President Jejomar Binay has sought the help of historians in rectifying what could be an oversight in proclaiming revolutionary General Miguel Malvar as the rightful second President of the Philippines.
In a letter to National Historical Commission chairman Maria Serena Diokno and heads of history departments of various universities and colleges, Binay said he received information that Malvar was Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo’s right-hand man during the war against the United States and took over command when the latter was captured by American forces in Palanan, Isabela.
Since he took over from Aguinaldo who was then the first Philippine president, Binay said some quarters are of the opinion that Malvar was the rightful second Philippine president.
A bill bestowing such recognition to Malvar has been filed by Rep. Rodolfo G. Valencia in the House of Representatives.
“Your help would be very valuable in setting the record straight and giving Gen. Malvar the recognition he deserves,” Binay told Diokno.
The Vice President learned of the claim during preparations for the general’s death centenary.
Some sectors claim that since he was second-in-command, Malvar was the legitimate successor to the presidency after Aguinaldo’s capture.
The recognized second president of the country is Manuel Quezon, who served as president during the Commonwealth Period after the fall of the First Republic in Kawit, Cavite.