They must be considered together in order to obtain an idea of what this method really was.
When the Insurgent movement had progressed sufficiently far, the leaders collected their adherents and obtained recognition as the heads of their provinces or districts.

For example, representatives of the towns of Pampanga assembled at San Fernando on June 26, 1898, and under the presidency of General Maximo Hizon agreed to yield him "complete obedience as military governor of the province and representative of the illustrious dictator of these Philippine Islands." [368] The town of Macabebe refused to send any delegates to this gathering.

Commissioners, in almost every case officers of Aguinaldo's army, were empowered by him to establish the so-called republican government.

They appointed delegates who proceeded to the smaller towns and held elections; but whenever possible the commissioner of Aguinaldo presided.

In many cases these delegates were lieutenants of the army.