President Aguinaldo appointed Antonio Luna as Director of War in 1898 based on the recommendation of Felipe Agoncillo. Majority of the generals opposed the appointment of Luna as Director of War. (Alejandrino). For historian Alfredo Saulo, this appointment was borne out of Aguinaldo’s naiveté and deference to his intellectual superiors. It is believed that Luna came back to the Philippines for two reasons: (1) to fight the Yankees (he was very invested in the Spanish-American War in Cuba) and (2) atone for his past mistakes ( such as denouncing the existence of the Katipunan (according to Jose Alejandrino).
President Aguinaldo appointed Antonio Luna as Director of War in 1898 based on the recommendation of Felipe Agoncillo. Majority of the generals opposed the appointment of Luna as Director of War. (Alejandrino). For historian Alfredo Saulo, this appointment was borne out of Aguinaldo’s naiveté and deference to his intellectual superiors. It is believed that Luna came back to the Philippines for two reasons: (1) to fight the Yankees (he was very invested in the Spanish-American War in Cuba) and (2) atone for his past mistakes ( such as denouncing the existence of the Katipunan (according to Jose Alejandrino).
Main Controversies
Two main controversies may be associated with Luna.
First, Luna’s issue with General Tomas Mascardo was never just about insubordination. According to Saulo, the issue involves a pretty girl from Pampanga. Mascardo won the heart of the girl, making Luna jealous. In order to avoid possible harassment and humiliation from Luna, Mascardo handed his resignation to the Secretary of War Baldomero Aguinaldo but this was rejected.
Mascardo, who was in Arayat to inspect troops, was ordered by Luna to return to Guagua under the impression that the former left his headquarters to attend a town fiesta. Luna sent a second telegram ordering Mascardo to send reinforcements to Calumpit. Mascardo then messaged Luna that he was returning to Guagua because he had finished his inspection and ignored the subsequent order to report to Calumpit.
Second, in May 1899, the Americans took advantage of their military superiority and offered the Hay Autonomy Proposal to establish a government under an American governor-general but with maximum Filipino participation. Buencamino and other conservatives favored the proposal while Luna opposed it. Those in favor won. Mabini was replaced as prime minister, Pedro Paterno assuming the position, while Buencamino was appointed secretary of foreign affairs.
Luna, who was still a member of Congress, held a growing animosity towards Buencamino for many reasons, both personal and political. This culminated in a Cabinet meeting in Cabanatuan with Luna berating the pro-American “autonomists,” leading to traded accusations. Luna insinuated cowardice in battle on the part of Buencamino’s son while Buencamino accused Luna of losing Bagbag due to the withdrawal of men just to discipline Mascardo.
Accounts vary, with one saying Luna slapped Buencamino and others with Aguinaldo or Severino de las Alas stopping him.
Artikulo Uno
As a general, Luna was known for his temper, stubbornness, and dictatorial tendencies. He was also the man behind “Artikulo Uno” (Article 1) which stated that anyone who did not follow the orders of the general will be stripped of his position and executed.
Luna’s Brutality
President Emilio Aguinaldo witnessed first hand the brutality of Antonio Luna. Luna brought his close friend and admirer General Jose Alejandrino to Calumpit to meet with Aguinaldo. They saw the presidential train coming. To clear the station crowded with women and children, majority suffering smallpox, Luna mercilessly whipped them. President Aguinaldo said nothing but, according to General Alejandrino, appeared disgusted with the act. The incident gained Luna many enemies among the chiefs and officers who came with their families aboard the train.
Luna as a Spy
Mabini received an anonymous note stating Luna must be expulsed because he was a well-paid spy of the Spaniards and was to take Aguinaldo as prisoner.
