On the historic date of November 13, 1846, Arcadio del Rosario y Narciso, a fervent advocate for the separation of church and state, a key contributor to the framing of the Malolos Constitution, and a supporter of American annexation of the Philippines, was born in Pandacan.

Del Rosario, born to Bonifacio del Rosario and Severina Narciso, pursued his education at the Colegio Real de San Jose and the University of Santo Tomas, where he earned his law degree.

A Mason initiated into the brotherhood in February 1892, Del Rosario became involved with the Compromisarios, a group seeking political reforms from the colonial government just before the outbreak of the 1896 Revolution.

Joining the revolutionary cause in 1897, he became part of the Filipino exiles forming the Hong Kong Committee, which served as a government-in-exile post-Pact of Biak-na-Bato.

This committee played a crucial role in diplomatic negotiations, propaganda efforts, and procurement of arms for the Filipino forces resisting the Americans.

As a delegate to the Malolos Congress, Del Rosario actively participated in deliberations on the proposed constitution. He staunchly advocated for women’s suffrage and other political rights while vehemently opposing the provision allowing the union of church and state.

The fierce debate, spanning over a month, saw a division between radicals led by Antonio Luna and conservatives led by Felipe Calderon. Eventually, Del Rosario’s amendment for the separation of church and state was adopted, a provision later integrated into subsequent Philippine constitutions, including the 1987 charter.

After the fall of the republic, Del Rosario returned to Manila, serving as a justice of the peace in Pandacan and as sub-director of rentas internas. He authored books on Spanish laws and taught law at the Secular de Jericho and the Lice de Manila.

During the aftermath of Commodore George Dewey’s victory in the Battle of Manila Bay, Del Rosario found himself among those favoring annexation to the United States. In his later years, he offered his support, both ideologically and financially, to the U.S. annexation cause.

Arcadio del Rosario y Narciso, married to Florencia Zamora, passed away on September 13, 1923, leaving behind a legacy of advocacy for constitutional principles and a significant role in the tumultuous period of Philippine history.

(Jr Amigo/ai/mnm)