Rep. Joseph Emilio A. Abaya has introduced a bill declaring Cavite as the Philippines’ historical capital.

The Provincial Capitol has long pronounced Cavite as the country’s historical capital although Congress and Malacanang have yet to approve the claim.

Past provincial governors, including now Imus Lone District Rep. Erineo “Ayong” Maliksi, said Cavite is the undisputed historical capital of the country due to the revolution and other significant events that transpired in the province at the turn of the 20th century.

Cavite, a coastal province, is known as “cradle of Philippine revolution” and "birthplace of the country’s independence.”

In a statement, Abaya said it is high time to officially tag Cavite as the Philippines’ historical capital, citing the historical events in the province.

He said the seven districts of Cavite were the birthplaces of the revolution and the site of other historical events. The districts comprised 19 towns and four cities.

Abaya is a Liberal Party (LP) stalwart in Cavite and great grandson of Gen. Emilio Famy Aguinaldo, the country’s first president. He is a representative of the province’s first district which comprises Cavite City and Rosario, Kawit and Noveleta town.

He said the events during the Spanish and American occupation prompted him to introduce House Bill 106 that seeks to name Cavite as the country’s historical capital.

"It was in Cavite that the struggle for independence against the Spanish colonizers in 1896 began. It was the home of the first President of the Republic — Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo and many of our national heroes," said Abaya.

"Cavite was the birthplace of the Philippine flag and our national anthem, and it was the site of the declaration of our independence in 1898," Abaya added.