Emilio Aguinaldo was the prominent figure leading the fight for independence in the Philippines. He played a critical role in the Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonial rule and later against American colonization. Aguinaldo declared Philippine independence on June 12, 1898. His leadership united various groups seeking autonomy and helped establish a short-lived democratic government. However, following the Spanish-American War, the U.S. took control of the Philippines, leading to the Philippine-American War. Aguinaldo continued to advocate for Filipino sovereignty, becoming a symbol of resistance and national pride.