At that time, the Philippines was part of Spain and the official language was Spanish. In the movie nobody speaks in spanish, it's a historical mistake led by malice or ignorance.
Rafael (aka Amigo), the character played by Joel Torre was meted with death penalty. He died after being hanged, and subsequently shot by Lt. Compton, a foreigner whose troop invaded the Philippines. In the movie 3rd World Hero (2000), Torre played 'José Rizal', who was also meted by death penalty and was executed.
Chief: [pointing at newly hung telegraph wire]
On this wire flows the words of the Americans, like fallen leaves on a river, all the way to Manila. And soon the wires will spread to ever corner of the island.