This was triggered due to the appointment of the incumbent Rafael Palma as a member of the Philippine Commission.

In July 1908, during the final days of the administration of James Francis Smith as governor-general, William Cameron Forbes was appointed as vice governor-general, thereby making him Smith's successor when he retires.

Additional appointments are Attorney-General Gregorio S. Araneta as Secretary of Finance and Justice, and judge Newton W. Gilbert and Cavite delegate Rafael Palma to the Philippine Commission.

Quezon was disputing an article that appeared on La Democracia; the newspaper The Cablenews-American, when reporting about the incident, remarked "[W]e have nothing but words of protest against those who seek redress in this manner.

[4] A total of three persons ran to fill the vacant seat, namely: In August 1908, Tría Tirona announced his intention of succeeding Palma in the assembly, refuting any association with the Centro Catolico or Catholic friars.