He was the acting President from 12 August 1911 to 1 September 1911 (a reign lasting just 21 days). He took the role on a temporary basis when Eloy Alfaro, who had been President for over 4 years, was overthrown and went to exile. Freile was replaced by the already elected President Emilio Estrada, whose mandate lasted just three months before his death on 21 December 1911.