At its first meeting the congress resolved to change the policy of war with the United States to one of peace, and this change of policy in congress led to the fall of Mabini and his succession by Paterno.

The first act of the new council was the appointment of a commission headed by Felipe Buencamino which was to go to Manila and there negotiate with the American authorities for an honourable surrender." [449] "Although Mabini had fallen from power, Luna and his powerful faction had still to be reckoned with.

He was less moderate than Mabini, and had armed adherents, which Mabini did not, and when Paterno declared his policy of moderation and diplomacy he answered it on the day the new council of government was proclaimed by an order that all foreigners living in the Philippines except Chinese and Spaniards, should leave for Manila within forty-eight hours." [450] Unfortunately Luna intercepted the Buencamino commission.

Its head he kicked, cuffed and threatened with a revolver.

One of its members was General Gregorio del Pilar.