Emilio Aguinaldo, first president who fought in frontlines still has heroism doubted

More than 120 years after he became the Philippines' first president, historians are still debating whether or not Emilio Aguinaldo was a hero.

According to Gail Cayetano's report on Stand for Truth's Presidente series, historian Emmanuel Calairo said Aguinaldo fought in battles even when he was already President.

"Si Emilio Aguinaldo ay lumalaban habang siya ang pangulo. Lumalaban sa harapan mismo. Frontliner siya sa mga digmaan at dala-dala niya 'yan hanggang Philippine-American war," Calairo said.

Calairo said Aguinaldo led Filipino soldiers to victory in the Battle of Binakayan and the Battle of Alapan.

Still, Aguinaldo's role in the deaths of Katipunan founder Andres Bonifacio and fellow general Antonio Luna affected his placed in history.

"If you say that a hero is being admired by many, Aguinaldo qualifies. But if you say that a hero has to be a moral person, something to emulate, there's a gray area there," historian Arius Raposas said.

Watch this Stand for Truth segment on Aguinaldo and know more about Aguinaldo, who at 27, was the youngest ever president of the Philippines.

Stand For Truth's Presidente series will feature all Filipino presidents in the coming months as the country draws closer to elect its next in Eleksyon 2022. —Ma. Angelica Garcia/NB, GMA News