Module 7: One past many histories: that was later published in Italian

Controversies and Conflicting Views in translation.

Philippine History
The official declaration is that Mazaua is
Contents: the island across from the southern tip of
1. Site of the First Mass  Leyte named Limasawa. This is hotly
2. Cavite Mutiny  disputed by those who insist that Mazaua is
3. Retraction of Rizal  in Butuan and is the true site of the First
4. Cry of Balintawak  Mass. They question the reasoning and
5. Controversies in the Battle of Mactan accuracy of the studies leading to the
6. The Balangiga Bells/ Balangiga decision favoring Limasawa
Massacre 
To end the conflict for the issue about the
first mass, the National Historical
Commission of the Philippines panel
1. Site of the First Mass  adapted the recommendation and
 1st mass: On March 31, 1521, an unanimously agreed that the evidence and
Easter Sunday, Magellan ordered a arguments presented by the pro-Butuan
mass to be celebrated which was advocates are not sufficient and convincing
officiated by Father Pedro enough to warrant the repeal or reversal of
Valderrama, the Andalusian chaplain the ruling on the case by the National
of the fleet, the only priest then. Historical Institute

 Conducted near the shores of the 2. The 1872 Cavite Munity 

island, the Holy First Mass marked
the birth of Roman Catholicism in
the Philippines  The 12th of June of every year
since 1898 is a very important
event for all the Filipinos. In this
 Early accounts—mainly by friars particular day, the entire Filipino
relying on available writings and on nation as well as Filipino
tradition—reported the First Mass as communities all over the world
being held in Butuan, Agusan del gathers to celebrate the Philippines’
Norte, specifically on an island Independence Day
called Masao. 

Historical thinking began to shift in the early  One hundred and forty years ago, on
1900s with the availability of more primary January 20, 1872, about 200
sources, notably accounts of  Filipino military personnel of Fort
a. Antonio Pigafetta San Felipe Arsenal in Cavite,
b. Francisco Albo Philippines, staged a mutiny which in
c. Gines de Mafra, and other a way led to the Philippine
expedition members, as well as Revolution in 1896. 
records of interviews of Magellan
expedition survivors.
d.  Pigafetta organized and expanded  Around 200 soldiers rose up in the
his notes into a more detailed belief that it would elevate to a
manuscript written possibly and was national uprising. The mutiny was
published in a French translation unsuccessful, and government
 soldiers executed many of the who turned out to be dissatisfied
participants  with the abolition of their privileges 
2. SPANISH VERSION- an attempt of
the Indios to overthrow the Spanish
What is Mutiny?  government in the Philippines.
 an open rebellion against the proper
authorities, especially by soldiers or Important dates:
sailors against their officers.   January 20, 1872- about 200 men
comprised of soldiers, laborers of
the arsenal, and residents of Cavite
 Comes from an old verb “Mutine” headed by Sergeant Lamadrid rose
which means “Revolt”  in arms and assassinated the
commanding officer and Spanish
officers in sight
2 Major Events in 1872:
1. 1872 Cavite Munity
2. The Martyrdom of the 3 martyr priest  the district of Sampaloc celebrated
in the persons of Fathers Mariano the feast of the Virgin of Loreto,
Gomes, Jose Burgos and Jacinto unfortunately participants to the
Zamora (GOMBURZA) feast celebrated the occasion with
the usual fireworks displays.

The Filipino Version of the Incident

 Dr. Trinidad Hermenigildo Pardo  February 17, 1872 - an attempt of
de Tavera - a Filipino scholar and the Spanish government to instill
researcher, wrote the Filipino fear among the Filipinos so that they
version of the bloody incident in may never commit such daring act
Cavite. again, the GOMBURZA were
executed. This event was tragic but
served as one of the moving forces
 In his point of view, the incident was that shaped Filipino nationalism.
a mere mutiny by the native Filipino
soldiers and laborers of the Cavite
arsenal who turned out to be
dissatisfied with the abolition of their
privileges.  3. Retraction of Rizal

1872 Cavite Mutiny: Spanish Perspective December 30, 1896- Jose Rizal, was
  Jose Montero y Vidal - a prolific assassinated by the Spanish colonialists
Spanish historian documented the 120 years ago. 
event and highlighted it as an
attempt of the Indios to overthrow Birth: June 19, 1861
the Spanish government in the
Philippines.
 Became a hero for his writings to
2 Versions of Cavite Munity:
destroy the idea of colonialism and
1. FILIPINO VERSION- it’s a simple
free our minds to form the nation –
mutiny by the native Filipino soldiers
the Noli Me Tangere and El
and laborers of the Cavite Arsenal
Filibusterismo, which question the
beliefs that blind us, especially
 following the wishes of the friars as
messengers of God. • According to his testimony, Rizal woke up
several times, confessed four times,
attended a mass, received communion and
  But, hours before he was shot, Rizal prayed the rosary, all of which seem out of
signed a document stating that he character. But since it is only the testimony
was a Catholic and that he was of allegedly a “primary” account that Rizal
retracting all his writings against the ever wrote a retraction document, it has
church. The document became been used to argue the authenticity of the
known as, “The Retraction”. document. 

4. The Testimony of Cuerpo de

What is a Retraction? Vigilancia 
 - A public statement made about an earlier • Another eyewitness account surface in
statement that withdraws, cancels, refutes, 2016, through the research of Professor
or reverses the original statement or ceases Rene R. Escalante. In his research,
and desists from publishing the original documents of the Cuerpo de Vigilancia,
statement. included a report on the last hours of Rizal,
written by Federico Moreno. The report
details the statement of the Cuerpo de
May 13, 1935 -Father Manuel A. Gracia Vigilancia to Moreno.
found a document of the retraction of Dr.
Jose Rizal at the Catholic Hierarchy’s
Archive in Manila. Rizal accepted a Rizal’s Retraction 
document prepared by Father Pio Pi, the · Retraction was a condition for
superior of the Jesuit Society in the administering the sacraments to Rizal 
Philippines.
· Lengthy discussion held on matters of the
There are 4 iterations of the texts of this Catholic belief and “correcting” Rizal’s false
retraction:  understanding of the faith 
1. The first was published in La Voz
Española and Diario de Manila on the day · Rizal wrote his retraction himself but using
of the execution, December 30, 1896.  the prescribed format of Fr. Pio Pi 

2. The second text appeared in · The document was signed along with
Barcelona, Spain, on the magazine La witnessed by 11:30 p.m. of December 29,
Juventud, a few months after the execution, 1896.
February 14, 1897, from an anonymous
writer who was later on revealed to be Fr.
Vicente Balaguer. However, the “original” Arguments against Rizal’s Retraction:
text was only found in the archdiocesan  Rizal’s body after the execution was
archives on May 18 1935, after almost four not handled in a Catholic manner 
decades of disappearance.  The original letter was not shown to
the public 
3. The Balaguer Testimony   The family was not made known
• Doubts on the retraction document about the retraction, either by Rizal
abound, especially because only one or by the Friars 
eyewitness account of the writing of the  Errors in Balaguer’s account,
document exist – that of the Jesuit friar Fr. specifically the failure to mention
Vicente Balaguer.  about Rizal’s last poem
Conflicting issues:
Rizal retracted 2. The tearing up of community tax
certificates (cedulas personales)
symbolizes the termination of
4. Cry of Balintawak Katipunero’s loyalty to Spanish
Regime. 
The “Cry of Balintawak” was an event that
officially marked the start of the Philippine
Revolution against Spain. 3.  “Patriotic shouts such as ‘Viva la
Independencia Filipina’ ” 
The revolt later grew in strength and spread
to 8 provinces including Manila, Bulacan,
Cavite, Pampanga, Tarlac, Laguna, 4. The shouts for ‘Viva la
Batangas, and Nueva Ecija — which were independencia Filipina’ or ‘ ‘Long
eventually represented by the eight rays of Live Philippine Independence!’ was
the sun in the present Filipino flag. to express the goal of their secret
society. 
What is Cry? 
The term “Cry” is translated from the When did it happen? 
Spanish el grito de rebellion or el grito for The Cry of Balintawak happened on
short which means “Cry for Rebellion.”  August 26, 1896, as proved by the
testimonies of people who had
“The First Cry” witnesses the event, which means
  The ‘first cry’ is generally signified that their versions are accurately
as the ‘first call for rebellion’. It is detailed and show credibility. The
marked as the beginning of members of the secret society of the
Philippine revolution or seeking of Katipunan planned to move against
independence for the Philippines the Spaniards, marking the
from Spanish colonial rule with the beginning of the Philippine
use of violence and arms. Revolution.

How did it start?

With the initiative of Andres Bonifacio and
his colleagues, they founded a Philippine 5. Controversies in the Battle of
revolutionary organization, commonly Mactan
known as Katipunan or KKK, with its
primary goal to gain independence from Controversies in the Battle of Mactan
Spain through a revolution. The Katipunan   It is such a big controversy whether
was a secret organization until it was the Battle of Mactan happened in
discovered in 1896 which led to start the Mactan (Lapu-Lapu City) or Mactang
Philippine revolution, which is now called as (Poro, Camotes) it is a question that
the ‘first cry’.  hounds historians, residents and
scholars. 
What are the 4 significant events in the
Cry of Balintawak?
 Lapu-Lapu City was locally known
1. “Tearing up of community tax
as "Opon", locals would say that it
certificates 
is Lapu-Lapu's nickname, Lapu-
 Lapu (1521) was a ruler of Mactan Jose Rizal) had sewn the Philippine flag in
in Visayas.  Hongkong.

Modern Filipino society regards him as the "Lupang Hinirang" (Chosen Land),
first Filipino hero because he was the first originally titled in Spanish as "Marcha
native to resist Spanish colonization. He is Nacional Filipina"(Philippine National
best known for the Battle of Mactan that March), was the Philippine national anthem.
happened at dawn on April 27, 1521, where Its music was composed in 1898 by Julián
he and his soldiers defeated Ferdinand Felipe, and the lyrics were adopted from the
Magellan. The battle ended up in the killing Spanish poem "Filipinas", written by José
of Magellan Palma in 1899

Summary of dates: Philippine Flag unfurled in the balcony of

 March 31, 1521- (Magellan) Aguinaldo’s mansion as the Philippine
Conducted near the shores of the National March was played in public
island, the Holy First Mass marked
the birth of Roman Catholicism in
the Philippines Symbolism/Meanings in the Philippine
Flag
 White triangle signifies the
  June 12, 1872- is a very important distinctive emblem of the famous
event for all the Filipinos. In this Society of the “Katipunan” which by
particular day, the entire Filipino means of its blood compact inspired
nation as well as Filipino the masses to rise in revolution.
communities all over the world - It also represents fraternity,
gathers to celebrate the Philippines’ liberty, and equality
Independence Day.
 The three stars, signifies the three
principal Islands of this Archipelago-
Luzon, Mindanao, and Panay where
Module 8: The Birth of a Nation this revolutionary movement started;

Declaration of Philippine Independence  The sun represents the gigantic

steps made by the sons of the
June 12 1898-  in the presence of a huge country along the path of Progress
crowd between four and five in the and Civilization. It also symbolizes
afternoon, Filipino rebels led by General freedom, unity, democracy, and
Emilio Aguinaldo proclaimed the sovereignty.
independence of the Philippines at Cavite el
Viejo (Kawit) after 300 years of Spanish  The eight rays, signifies the eight
rule. provinces- Manila, Cavite, Bulacan,
Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Bataan,
The event saw the unfurling of the Laguna, and Batangas—which
Philippine National Flag, and the national declared themselves in a state of
anthem, Marcha Filipina Magdalo (known war as soon as the first revolt was
as Lupang Hinirang) was played in public. initiated;
Marcela Mariño Agoncillo, assisted by her
daughter Lorenza Agoncillo and Mrs.  The colors of Blue, Red, and
Delfina Hermosa de Natividad (niece of Dr. White, commemorating the flag of
 the United States of North America, while keeping the Philippine Revolutionary
as a manifestation of our profound Army out of the city center.
gratitude towards this Great Nation
for its disinterested protection which The battle left American forces in control
it lent us and continues lending us. of Intramuros, the center of Manila,
surrounded by Philippine revolutionary
 The blue color stands for peace, forces, creating the conditions for the Battle
justice, sacrifice, and truth. of Manila of 1899 and the start of the
Philippine–AmericanWar.
 The red color symbolizes bravery,
courage, and patriotism.

The Act of the Declaration of Treaty of Paris

Independence was the first formal
statement by a nation’s people asserting On December 10, 1898, the Treaty of Paris
their right to choose their own government. was signed by Spain and the United States
and officially ended the brief Spanish-
 The declaration, however, was not American War. Sovereignty over the
recognized by the United States or Philippines was transferred from Spain to
Spain. the United States. The Philippines were
 It was prepared and read by bought for $20 million, Puerto Rico and
Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista. The Guam were ceded to America,and the Cuba
proclamation of Philippine became a U.S. protectorate.
independence was, however,  Philippine insurgents who fought
promulgated on August 1 when against Spanish rule during the war
many towns has already been immediately turned their weapons
organized under the riles laid down against the new colonizer, and a
by the Dictatorial Government significantly greater number of
American troops died suppressing
the Philippines than in defeating
End of July 1898 -12,00 American Troops Spain
under the overall command of Major
GeneralWesley Meritt
Battle of Manila (1899)
August 1, 1898 -First convention of
Municipal Presidents held in Bacoor, Cavite, The first and largest battle of the Philippine–
Capital of the Revolutionary Government American War, was fought on February
1899, between 19,000 American soldiers
and 15,000 Filipino fighters.
Incredulous Battle of Manila (1898)  Initially, the Filipino troops were able
to make some advance against the
a land engagement which took place in American forces and took control of
Manila on August 13, 1898. It is sometimes a few American positions, forcing
referred to as the "Mock Battle of Manila“ back the American troops. Before
because the local commanders of the soon, the American forces launched
Spanish and American forces, who were a full assault and were able to rout
legally at war, secretly and jointly planned the Filipino troops. This battle was a
the battle to transfer control of the city complete victory for the American
center from the Spanish to the Americans forces
 would appoint representatives of
The commander on the Filipino side was congress because holding elections
General Antonio Luna. is not practical at that time. He
One of the main commanders on the appointed 50 delegates in all (but
American side was General Elwell this number fluctuated from time to
Stephen Otis. time). In accordance with these two
decrees, Aguinaldo assembled the
Revolutionary Congress at the
Barasoain Church in Malolos,
First Philippine Republic  Bulacan on September 15, 1898. 

popularly known as the Malolos Republic

was an unrecognized independent Important achievements of the Malolos
sovereign state in the Philippines. It was Congress: 
formally established with Emilio Aguinaldo
as president by proclamation of the Malolos 1. In September 29, 1898, ratified the
Constitution on January 21, 1899 in declaration of Philippine independence held
Malolos, Bulacan, succeeding the previous at Kawit, Cavite on June 12, 1898. 
Revolutionary Government of the
Philippines.  2. Passage of a law that allowed the
Philippines to borrow 20 million peso from
On January 23, 1899, Malolos Republic banks for government expenses 
was inaugurated amidst colorful ceremonies
at the Barasoain Church. This was also the 3. Establishment of the Universidad
first republic inAsia. In this inaugural Literatura de Filipinas and other schools.
address, President Aguinaldo expressed his
congratulations to the members of the 4. Drafting of the Philippine Constitution
Malolos Congress for drafting the Malolos
Constitution, to the armed forces for winning 5. Declaring war against the United States
the country's freedom by force of arms, and on June 12, 1899.
to the Filipino people for their cooperation
and sacrifices in the struggle for
independence Malolos Constitution
 known as Political Constitution of
Legislative body- gaubra sang laws 1899.
  It was written by Felipe Calderón y
Roca and Felipe Buencamino as
Malolos Congress (Revolutionary an alternative to a pair of proposals
Congress) to the Malolos Congress by
 formally known as the national Apolinario Mabini and Pedro
assembly, was the legislative body Paterno.
of the Revolutionary Government of
the Philippines.
  The constitution was inspired by
the constitutions of Mexico,
  Back then, Aguinaldo issued a Guatemala, Costa Rica, Brazil,
decree on July 18, 1898 asking for Belgium and France. After some
the election of delegates to the minor revisions (mainly due to the
revolutionary congress, another objections of Apolinario Mabini), the
decree was promulgated five days final draft of the constitution was
later, which declared that Aguinaldo presented to Aguinaldo. After a
 lengthy debate in the latter part of
1898, it was promulgated on 21  3.The Filipinos adopted American ways
January 1899 and was the very well. No other former colony like its
constitution of the First Philippine other country as much as the Filipinos liked
Republic.  the United States.

 It established a democratic,
republication government with three
branches - the Executive, Legislative Military Government
and the Judicial branches. It called
for the separation of church and  The form of an administration by
state. which an occupying power exercises
government authority over occupied
 The Discussion of the draft lasted. territory
Article 5, Title III of the draft was the
most debatable which refers to the A military government was established
religion and separation of Church under General Wesley Meritt as First
and state. Military Governor on August 14, 1898
whose powers flow from the President as
the Commanderin Chief of the US Armed
 Tomas Del Rosario in favor of the Forces during the period of active warfare.
Separation of the Church and State
while Felipe Calderon on the
contrary position wanted to make The following are the military Governors of
Catholicism the state religion.  the Philippines: 
1. Gen. Merrit
2. Gen. Otis
Take note: Identificantion in American Rule, 3. Gen.Mcarthur
there is a case in the exam
Civil government- governed by civilians or
ordinary individuals

Topic 9: The American Rule Civil government

 It was inaugurated at Manila on July
American Colonial Policy 4, 1901  
 American colonial policy in the  Exercised jurisdiction over the
Philippines was unique because of pacified areas while the military rule
the following reasons:   continued to unpacified regions until
1902 
1. The Americans said they would go as  The Commission became the
soon as the Filipino could stand on their legislative body.
own as fee nation. From the beginning,
American officials did not want to hold on to Philippine Comission
the Philippines as a colony forever.  
Schurman Taft Commission
2. The Americans were kinder and more Commission
generous than other colonial powers 0f the
same era ( Germany, Netherlands, France Dr. Jacob William Howard Taft
or Britain). The Americans shared power Schurman
with the Filipinos in government. 
 Identification
Establishment of Established a judicial
Schools system, including a
The Philippine Organic Act 
Supreme court, drew up
 Established the insular Government
legal code to replace
of the Philippine Islands (1902-1935)
antiquated Spanish
-> bcs during this time we were
ordinances and
colonized by the japanese
organized a civil
service.

Establishment of The 1901 municipal  Provided for the establishment of

Civil Authority code provided for bicameral legislature composed of a
having a popularly elected lower house, the Philippine
bicameral presidents and Assembly, and an upper house
legislature councilors to serve on consisting of the Philippine
municipal boards Commission

 Provided for extending the United

States Bill of rights (pareho lang
The Spooner Amendment Senator- John sa US) to Filipinos and sending two
Spooner Filipino resident commissioners to
Washington to attend sessions of
To end the military government and let the the United Sates Congress. The
civil government Philippine Assembly elections of 1
 A bill giving unprecedented power to
the excutive branch in the
development of colonial policy in the
Philippines.   Taft Administration
 Taft dealt with the remaining
 Congressional Amendment to the revolutionaries and the economic
Army Appropriation Act of 1901 that problems on his administrations like
called for the end of the U.S. military joblessness, epidemics, drought,
government in the Philippines.   etc.  

 Senator John C. Spooner sponsored  He want to the US to work for the

the amendment for the passing of the Philippine Bill 1902
establishments of a civil government and the “ purchased of the friar
in the Philippines   lands” 

 On March 3, 1901 the U.S Congress

passed the spooner Amedment to  He captured the confidence and
the Army Appropriation Act, administration of the Filipinos
providing legislative authority for the especially due to his policy, “ the
President to proceed with the Philippines for the Filipinos”. 
establishment of a civil government
in the Philippines.   He left back to US to become the
Secretary of War under President
Appropriation act to end military government Roosevelt
and to established civil government in the
philippines
The Philippine Bill of 1902
  Was the basic law for the Philippine  Flag Law- prohibited the display of
government Philippine flags and other symbols
 The first Congressional law of the used to resistance against the US
US to the Philippines also known as
the Cooper Act.

It was passed on July 1, 1902 with the Q: What is the impact of American rule
following provisions: on the Filipinos on their economy,
politics, society and culture?
 Extinctions of the bill of Rights to the
Filipinos except trial by jury. A: United States improved the economy and
system of government, where the Filipinos
 The conservation of neutral had greater political participation and more
resources of the Philippines for the economics gains.
Filipinos
The American rule caused great marks of “
colonial mentality” and the materialistic and
 Establishment of elective Philippine individualistic ways among many Filipinos
Assembly

 Retention of the Philippine

Commission as a upper house and Education and the School system
Philippine Assembly as lower house.
 America’s greatest achievements in
the Philippine was the introduction
 Appointment of two resident Filipino
of the public school system.
Commissioners to Washington.
 Overall, the public school system
increased the number of Filipinos
who knew how to read and write.
Anti-Nationalist Laws
 The oldest university founded under
 Sedition of law- imposed death the Americans was Siliman
penalty or long prison term to those University in Dumaguete City,
who advocated separation from the followed by Central Philippine
US even through peaceful means. University in Iloilo City. The
University of the Philippine was
 Brigandage Act- punished with founded in 1908 in Manila.
death or prison term of not less than
20 years for members of an Armed  Education under the Americans
band advanced rapidly and was not
equaled by any other colonizing
 Reconcentration Act- this gave the power.
governor general the power to
authorize any provincial governor to
reconcentrate in the towns all
residents outlying barrios if outlaws Improvement in Trade & Industry
operated in these areas.
 In 1909, Philippine exports
amounted to 60.9 million pesos. In
1910- 1914,it rose to 94.7 million
 pesos. In 1914-1918, the amount of
exports further increased to 177.3
million pesos, In 1925-1930, the Transportation and Communication
exports amounted to 297.9 million
pesos. Except during World War 1,  The railway line was likewise
from 1914- 1918, Philippine foreign extended. In 1903, there were less
trade enjoyed a favorable balance of than 200 kilometers of railway In.
trade 1935, it rose to more than 1,0000
kilometers. The Manila Dagupan
 In industry, the Philippine also Railwa, founded during the Spanish
prospered under the Americans. period, was acquired by the
government and became the Manila
 Coconut oil mills, cigar and cigarette Railroad Company.
factories, rope factories, fishing and
fish canning, alcohol small  The line was extended to the
distilleries, and sugar centrals were provinces of Northern and Southern
established throughout the Luzon, the thereby bringing them
Philippines. closer than before.

 More laborers were employed and

Filipino capital
Democracy and Civil Liberties
 In 1929, gold mining produced
almost seven million pesos worth of The Americans regime recognized the
gold. In 1935, the year of the equality of men before the law and right of
Commonwealth, it produced almost every man to all the freedoms
thirty-two million pesos worth of
gold.  freedom of religion
 freedom of speech
 freedom of the press
 freedom to complain
Public Health & Welfare  and freedom to change’s one
domicle
 In 1901, the Americans created the
board of Public Health, which later domicle- a place permanent residence
on became a bureau.
 It’s duties were to construct the
people in hygiene and sanitation and
to combat the people’s ignorance Political Parties
and superstitions which were the
greatest enemies of medicine and  The parties then had a political
public health platform which Filipinos learned from
the Americans
 The Americans taught the
Filipinos nutrition.  In times, the good as well as the bad
characteristics of the political party
system in United States were
 Balanced diet consisting of large amounts adopted by the Filipinos.
of all known  vitamins and minerals was
introduced  The results of this system of political
parties was the increase in the
 knowledge of government machinery
and government affairs by the
wealthy and educated Filipinos Module 10: The Japanese Occupation

 This kind of politics, ironically was Japan had already been at war in
deepened during the time of
Manchuria (1931) and China (1937) long
Governor-General Harrison, when
more Filipinos came to control the before the Second World War started in
lawmaking body and government Europe when Germany invaded Poland
bureaucracy on September 1, 1939.

By 1941, Japanese military expansion in the

Asia-Pacific region had made confrontation
Language and Literature and war with the United States increasingly
certain.
 Mckinley ordered that the English
language be made as the medium of In preparation for war, on July 26, 1941,
instruction in all public schools. General Douglas MacArthur brought the
12,000 strong Philippine Scouts under his
 Some Filipinos began to write in command with the 16,000 American
English. soldiers stationed in the Philippines

 By 1935, many Filipinos writers in The Japanese occupation was the period
English distinguished themselves in in the history of the Philippines between
poetry, short stories, and essay. A 1942 and 1945, when the Empire of Japan
few wrote dramas and novel. Some occupied the previously American-controlled
of the poems and short stories of Philippines during World War II.
Filipino writers in English were
published in US
December 8, 1941
The invasion of Japanese in the Philippines
Negative Results of American Rule started, ten hours after the attack on Pearl
Harbor. Japanese troops attacked the
 The Philippines became dependent islands in many places and launched a
exclusively on the United States to pincer drive on Manila. Aerial bombardment
continue prosper economically. was followed by landings of ground troops
 There was no real industrialization in in Luzon. The defending Philippine and
the hands of Filipino capital. United States troops were under the
command of General Douglas MacArthur.
 Our own delicacies and heroes are
no longer appreciated. Filipino
people focus about American December 11, 1941
Culture. Lacking air cover, the American Asiatic
Fleet in the Philippines withdrew to Java
 Materialistic view of life has
weakened the Filipino’s communal December 22, 1941
spirit towards an individualistic and Japanese troops landed at the Lingayen
consumerist way of life Gulf and continued on to Manila.
December 25, 1941 October 1943 The Japanese military
authorities immediately organized a new
General Douglas MacArthur declared government structure in the Philippines.
Manila an open city on the advice of
commonwealth President Manuel L.
Quezon to avoid its destruction. JAPANESE RULES FOR FILIPINOS
(1941-1945)

January 2, 1942 1. Salute to the Japanese soldiers when you

meet them.
The Japanese occupied Manila.
 Under the pressure of superior 2. The Japanese flag should be displayed at
numbers, the defending forces every house's door.
withdrew to Bataan Peninsula and to
the island of Corregidor. 3. Everybody must put the sun-rise
 President Quezon and Vice- armband on the left arm.
President Osmena left Corregidor
by submarine to form a government 4. Everybody should have the certificate of
in exile in the United States. residence.

March 11, 1942 5.Wherever you see Japanese soldiers you

General MacArthur escaped Corregidor on must welcome them and not escape from
the night and bound for Australia; 4,000 km them. The escaper will be considered as the
away through Japanese controlled waters enemy.

6. Unless you do not tell false prices you will

April 9, 1942 be paid reasonable.

The besieged U.S.-Filipino army on Bataan 7. You are absolutely prohibited to walk until
finally fell down the sun-set until the sun-rise without
carrying lamps. The walker who has not
 The surrender at Bataan was the lights will be shot by the Japanese patrolling
largest surrender (76,000) in soldier without any warns.
American and Filipino military
history, and was the largest United 8. Don't be fooled and bewildered by false
States surrender since the American propaganda by Communists, bandits and
Revolution. Chinese.
 The Japanese led their captives on
a cruel and criminal "Death March" 9. The incendiarism accidental fire and
on which 7,000-10,000 died or were robbery will be punished.
murdered.
10. The holding of arms is allowed by the
May 6, 1942 army. But the armsholder must report to the
The 13,000 survivors on Corregidor mayor it and get permission from.
surrendered
11. The jobless people can find one's jobs in
Japanese army and will be.
Occupation in the Philippines
12. Be obedient to the orders of governor
and mayor who are authorized
THE JAPANESE INFLUENCE servitude by the Japanese Imperial
During the Japanese occupation of the Army in World War II.
Philippines during World War II, the  Japanese occupation of the
Japanese influenced the government in the Philippines was opposed by
Philippines by enforcing a strict curfew, increasingly effective underground
adding Japanese currency, instituting a and guerrilla activity that ultimately
military government and reducing reached large-scale proportions.
neighborhood government systems by half. Postwar investigations showed that
The occupation also cost the lives of over a about 260,000 people were in
million people in the Philippines guerrilla organizations and that
members of the anti-Japanese
Although the Japanese had promised underground were even more
independence after their occupation, they numerous.
initially organized a Council of State through
which they directed civil affairs until October  The effectiveness of these guerillas
1943, when they declared the Philippines an were such that by the end of the
independent republic. war, Japan controlled only twelve of
the forty-eight provinces in the
Philippines.
LIVES OF THE FILIPINOS DURING THE
OCCUPATION
THE HUKS
 During the occupation of the
Japanese in the Philippines, they ran In the midst of fear and chaos, some
the Philippines with an iron hand. farmers of Pampanga banded together and
They instilled fear declared martial created local brigades for their protection.
law. They imposed curfews, they Luis Taruc, Juan Feleo, Castro
ordered that anyone who opposes Alejandrino, and other leaders of organized
them or even those who are just farmers held a meeting in February 1942 in
accused of going against the Cabiao, Nueva Ecija. In that meeting, they
Japanese were punished and killed. agreed to fight the Japanese as a unified
guerrilla army
 Singing of the national anthem and
raising of the national flag was
prohibited. Use of radios and Another meeting was held the following
transmitters was also prohibited. month, where in representatives from
Political parties, elections, and public Tarlac, Pampanga and Nueva Ecija
assemblies were put to a halt. threshed out various details regarding their
organization, which they agreed to call
"Hukbo ng Bayan Laban sa mga Hapon"
 School, printing presses, telegraph, or HUKBALAHAP. The members were
and radio stations were closed simply known as Huks!
down. Everything was controlled by
the Japanese. LUIS TARUC- a communist party member
 The people suffered greatly from since 1939, is the leader of HUKBALAHAP
Japanese brutality, and the puppet
government added little support.
THE PHILIPPINE EXECUTIVE
 An estimated 200,000 Asian women
COMMISSION
were also drafted into sexual
In accordance the instructions of President governors and city mayors. Jose P. Laurel
Manuel Quezon to Jorge Vargas, the was elected as president of the second
Filipino officials in Manila were told to enter republic (the first republic was Aguinldo's
into agreements and compromises with the Malolos Republic) and both Benigno Aquino
Japanese to mitigate the sufferings of the Sr. & Ramon Avancena as a vice-
people under the iron-clad rule of the presidents.
Japanese.

On January 23,1942 the Philippine KALIBAPI

Executive Commission was established,
with Vargas as chairman. the following was
appointed as department heads:  F o r t h e J a p a n e s e , KA LIB A
 Benigno Aquino PI s e r v e d a s a labour
 Sr., interior recruitment service in its initial
stages before taking on an
 Antonio de las Alas finance;
expanded role in mid 1943
 Jose P. Laurel, justice;
 Claro M. Recto, education, health,  It was left to KALIBAPI to write the new
and public welfare; constitution and establish the new
 and Quintin Paredes, public works National Assembly, resulting in Aquino's
and communication; appointment as Speaker (as his
 Jose Yulo was named Chief Justice replacement as Director-General by
of the Supreme court. Camilo Osías)

OCTOBER 14, 1943

The following month, an election was held
 The new republic was inaugurated
for members of The Preparatory
on the front steps of the legislative
Commission for Philippine
building in Manila.
Independence (PCPI). The purpose of
 The Philippine flag was hoisted as
PCPI is to draw up a constitution for a free
Philippines. Jose Laurel became its head. the national anthem was played.

Against the will of the PCPI delegates the  The Japanese then started using
new Constitution was finalized on July 10, propaganda to gain the trust and
1943. confidence of Filipinos who refused
to cooperate with them. They hung
Two months later it was ratified by the giant posters and distribute their
KALIBAPI, which was the only political party materials that contains such slogans
allowed to exist at that time. KALIBAPI is as "the Philippines belong to the
the acronym for "Kapisanan sa Paglilingkod Filipinos”.
sa Bagong Pilipinas".
 They also used newspapers,
movies, and others to publicize the
THE 2ND REPUBLIC same idea. Promoting Japanese
On September, 20 1943, the KALIBAPI- propaganda was one of the main
under the leadership of its director general, objectives of the KALIBAPI, but still
Benigno Aquino Sr. held a party convention Japanese failed to gain the trust of
to elect 54 members of the National the Filipinos.
Assembly. The Assembly was actually
made up of 108 members; but half of this
number was composed of incumbent
THE JAPANESE PROPAGANDA
 DATES
December 8, 1941 The invasion of Japanese in
the Philippines started, ten
 Japanese propaganda during World hours after the attack on
War II was designed to assist the Pearl Harbor.
ruling government of Japan during
that time. Many of its elements were Japanese troops attacked the
continuous with pre-war elements of islands in many places and
statism in Shōwa Japan, including launched a pincer drive on
the principles of kokutai, hakkō Manila. Aerial bombardment
ichiu, and bushido was followed by landings of
ground troops in Luzon.
New forms of propaganda were developed
to persuade occupied countries of the
The defending Philippine and
benefits of the Greater Asia Co-Prosperity
United States troops were
Sphere, to undermine American troops'
under the command of
General Douglas MacArthur.
December 12, 1941 Lacking air cover, the
American Asiatic Fleet in the
 morale, to counteract claims of
Philippines withdrew to Java.
Japanese atrocities, and to present
the war to the Japanese people as December 22, 1941 Japanese troops landed at
victorious. It started with the Second the Lingayen Gulf and
Sino-Japanese War, which merged continued on to Manila.
into World War II. It used a large Dcember 25, 1941 General Douglas MacArthur
variety of media to send its declared Manila an open city
messages on the advice of
commonwealth President
From Australia, Allied forces slowly Manuel L. Quezon to avoid its
advanced toward the Philippines, bombing destruction
several Japanese strongholds until they January 2, 1942 The Japanese occupied
regained control of areas previously Manila.
occupied by the enemy. The bombings
began on September 21 1944, and barely a  Under the pressure of
month later, on October 20, 1944, the superior numbers, the
Americans landed triumphantly in Leyte. defending forces
withdrew to Bataan
Peninsula and to the
ONCE A SHORE, GENERAL DOUGLAS island of Corregidor.
MACARTHUR SAID; "I HAVE RETURNED
 President Quezon and
Vice-President
Osmena left
Sergio Osmena Corregidor by
submarine to form a
 Part of MacArthur’s group. government in exile in
 He had taken over Manuel L. the United States.
Quezon as president after the latter March 11, 1942 General MacArthur escaped
past way at Saranac Lake, New Corregidor on the night and
York on August 1944 bound for Australia; 4,000 km
away through Japanese
controlled waters
April 9, 1942 The besieged U.S.-Filipino
army on Bataan finally fell
down.
May 6, 1942 The 13,000 survivors on
Corregidor surrendered.
  From October 23 to October 26, government of the Philippines recognizes five
1944 the Americans engaged "Philippine republics" in the history of the
Japanese forces in the Battle of Philippines:
Leyte Gulf. Consider as the biggest
naval battle in World History, this • First Philippine Republic (January 23, 1899 –
historic encounter almost destroyed March 23, 1901) Called itself the "Philippine
the entire Japanese fleet and Republic". Also called the Malolos Republic by
rendered in incapable of further
historians.
attack. The US victory in the battle of
Leyte Gulf is said to have signaled • Second Philippine Republic (October 14, 1943
the beginning of Philippine liberation
– August 17, 1945)
from the Japanese Japanese forces
in the Battle of Leyte Gulf • Third Philippine Republic (July 4, 1946 –
September 21, 1972)
By mid-December, the American • Fourth Philippine Republic (June 30, 1981 –
soldiers had reached Mindoro. The
February 25, 1986)
Japanese, meanwhile, secured other
area where their thought other • Fifth Philippine Republic (February 2, 1987 –
American units would land. present
Nevertheless, US liberation forces
successfully docked at Lingayen The Republic of the Philippines
Gulf on January 9, 1945.
The term Philippine Republic" or "Republic of
The news alarmed the Japanese. Lt. the Philippines" refers to a succession of
Gen. Tomoyuki Yamashita, supreme republics during and after the Philippine
commander of the Japanese troops Revolution in the Philippines. • The current
in Manila, mobilize his kamikazes
government of the Philippines recognizes five
(Japanese suicide pilots); but they
failed to stop Americans. Japanese "Philippine republics" in the history of the
also deployed MAKAPILI units to Philippines:
defend Manila but neither succeeds.
• First Philippine Republic (January 23, 1899 –
 Consider as the biggest naval battle March 23, 1901) Called itself the "Philippine
in World History, this historic Republic". Also called the Malolos Republic by
encounter almost destroyed the historians.
entire Japanese fleet and rendered
in incapable of further attack • Second Philippine Republic (October 14, 1943
– August 17, 1945)
 The US victory in the battle of Leyte
Gulf is said to have signaled the • Third Philippine Republic (July 4, 1946 –
beginning of Philippine liberation September 21, 1972)
from the Japanese
• Fourth Philippine Republic (June 30, 1981 –
February 25, 1986)
The Republic of the Philippines
• Fifth Philippine Republic (February 2, 1987 –
The term Philippine Republic" or "Republic of
present
the Philippines" refers to a succession of
republics during and after the Philippine
Revolution in the Philippines. • The current THE MAKAPILI
Headed by the triumvirate of former who is also known as the tiger of
Revolutionary General Artemio Ricarte, Pio Malaya.
Duran, and former Sakdalista Movement  The Japanese forces retreated to
founder Benigno Ramos Yamashita line a jungle battlefront
stretching along the Sierra Madre
 The MAKAPILI came into existence after Mountains from Antipolo, Rizal to
the Japanese started to conscript Appari Cagayan. December 8, 1944 The
Filipinos to augment their military Japanese in Manila would not give up
forces. easily. In fact, it took 3 weeks of intense
 Whenever a village or a town was fighting before they finally surrendered
suspected of guerrilla activity, the on February 23.
Japanese would round up the residents
and then let the MAKAPILI members—
who covered their faces with bamboo
JULY 5, 1945
baskets except for their eyes—point out
MacArthur announced “All the Philippines are
the suspected guerrillas or their
now liberated.” The great U.S. victory
sympathizers. In this way, many
effectively destroyed the Japanese navy and
Filipinos, including the innocent ones,
opened the way for the recovery of the
were dragged off by the Japanese to be
Philippine islands.
tortured and executed
The Japanese had suffered over 425,000 dead in
THE EXECUTION OF JOSE ABAD the Philippines. The Philippines suffered great
SANTOS loss of life and monstrous physical destruction
by the time the war was over. An estimated 1
He was killed by the Japanese because he million Filipinos had been killed, and Manila was
stood his ground for his country. He had full extensively damaged
authority over what's left of the Philippines
and on his capture, it was like catching the
president himself. August6,1945
 The US troops bombarded Hiroshima
Abad Santos choose honor and death over using an plutonium atomic bomb
a life of shame. He even saw dying for the
country as an opportunity. Such was his August 9,1945
patriotism, such was his heroism during
those times of war. Just like our national Second bombing of US destructed the whole city
hero, Jose Rizal, he was calm upon of Nagasaki having casualties of 80,000 people
receiving the news until the end. approximately

“Do not cry, Pepito. Show these people that you September 2,1945
are brave. It is a rare opportunity for me to die JAPAN FORMALLY ACCEPTED DEFEAT UPON
for our country. Not everybody is given that SIGNING A TREATY ON BOARD USS MISSOURI
chance. ” - Chief Justice Jose Abad Santos to his AT TOKYO BAY
son, Pepito.
Third Republic of the Philippines
December 8, 1944
The Third Republic of the Philippines was
 President Laurel and his cabinet moved
to Baguio upon orders of Yamashita, inaugurated on July 4, 1946. It marked the
culmination of the peaceful campaign for Romulo, as permanent representative of the
Philippine Independence—the two landmarks of Philippines to the United Nations, helped shape
which were the enactment of the Jones Law in the country's international identity in the newly
1916 (in which the U.S. Congress pledged established stage for international diplomacy
independence for the Philippines once Filipinos and relations. During the Roxas administration,
have proven their capability for self- the Philippines established diplomatic ties with
government) and the Philippine Independence foreign countries and gained membership to
Act of 1934 (popularly known as Tydings- international entities, such as the United
McDuffie) which put in place a ten-year Nations General Assembly, the United Nations
transition period during which the Philippines Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
had Commonwealth status. (UNESCO), the World Health Organization
(WHO), the International Labor Organization
(ILO), etc.
The Roxas Administration (May 28, 1946 –
The Quirino Administration (April 17, 1948 –
April 15, 1948)
December 30, 1953)
Manuel A. Roxas- Last President of the
• Elpidio Q uirino . Second President, Third
Commonwealth Term: May 28, 1946- July 4,
Republic of the Philippines.
1946
• President Q uirino established the Action
First President of the Third Republic of the
Committee on Social Amelioration through
Philippines Term: July 4, 1946- April 15, 1948
Administrative Order No. 68, in order to
In an effort to solve the massive socio- efficiently promote the welfare of citizens in the
economic problems of the period, President rural districts. He established the Social Security
Roxas reorganized the government, and Study Commission by virtue of Executive Order
proposed a wide-sweeping legislative program. No. 150, to investigate socio-economic
Among the undertakings of the Third Republic's problems of the working class and formulate
initial year were: The establishment of the legislation developing social welfare.
Rehabilitation Finance Corporation (which
• The Labor Management Advisory Board,
would be reorganized in 1958 as the
established by Executive Order No. 158,
Development Bank of the Philippines), the
formulated labor policies and conducted studies
creation of the Department of Foreign Affair
on the ways and means of preventing,
and the organization of the foreign service
minimizing, and reconciling labor disputes. The
through Executive Order No. 18; the GI Bill of
Agricultural Credit and Cooperative Financing
Rights for Filipino veterans, and the revision of
Administration, established by Republic Act. No.
taxation laws to increase government revenues.
821, assisted farmers in securing credit as well
President Roxas moved to strengthen as developing cooperative associations to
sovereignty by proposing a Central Bank for the efficiently market their agricultural
Philippines to administer the Philippine banking commodities.
system which was established by Republic Act
The Magsaysay Administration (December 30,
No. 265. The Roxas administration also
1953 – March 17, 1957)
pioneered the foreign policy of the Republic.
Vice President Elpidio Q uirino was appointed • Ramon Magsaysay . Third President of the
Secretary of Foreign Affairs. General Carlos P. Third Republic of the Philippines.
 • Best known for successfully defeating the more productive investment, and more
communist led Hukbalahap (Huk) Movement. efficiency" that aimed to mobilize national
Idol of the masses, champion of democracy, and savings.
freedom fighter
• The Anti Graft and Corrupt Practices Act,
• Among the accomplishments of the through Republic Act No. 301, aimed to prevent
Magsaysay administration were the Social corruption, and promote honesty and public
Security Law of 1954 or Republic Act No. 1161. trust. Another achievement of the Garcia
In an effort to solve the problems of administration was the Bohlen-Serrano
communism and insurgency, President Agreement of 1959, which shortened the term
Magsaysay sought to protect the farmers, of lease of the US military bases in the country
through the creation of laws such as: the from the previous 99 to 25 years
Agricultural Tenancy Act of the Philippines or
The Macapagal Administration (December 30,
Republic Act No. 1199; the Land Reform Act of
1961- December 30, 1965)
1955 through Republic Act No. 1400, the
formation of the Court of Agrarian Relations • Diosdado Macapagal. Fifth President of the
through Republic Act No. 1267; and the Third Republic of the Philippines. Poet,
National Resettlement and Rehabilitation politician, lawyer, diplomat, statesman,
Administration (NARRA) through Republic Act economist and intellectual. Born to poverty but
No. 1160. The administration achieved victory rose due to diligence and brilliance. Best known
over insurgents with the surrender of Huk as the "Champion of the Common Man" and
leader Luis Taruc in 1954. "The poor boy from Lubao
The Garcia Administration (March 18, 1957 – • Among the laws passed during the Macapagal
December 30, 1961) administration were: Republic Act No. 3844 or
the Agricultural Land Reform Code (an act that
• Carlos P. Garcia. Fourth President of the Third
established the Land Bank of the Philippines),
Republic of the Philippines. Famous for his
Republic Act No. 3466, which established the
austerity program and policy. He maintained
Emergency Employment Administration,
the strong tradition ties with the United States
Republic Act No. 3518, which established the
and sought closer relation with non-communist
Philippine Veterans Bank; Republic Act No.
Asian countries.
3470, which established the National Cottage
• The Garcia administration promoted the Industries Development Authority (NACIDA) to
"Filipino First" policy, whose focal point was to organize, revive, and promote the
regain economic independence; a national establishment of local cottage industries, and
effort by Filipinos to "obtain major and Republic Act No. 4156, which established the
dominant participation in their economy." The Philippine National Railways (PNR) to operate
administration campaigned for the citizens' the national railroad and tramways. The
support in patronizing Filipino products and administration lifted foreign exchange controls
services, and implemented import and currency as part of the decontrol program in an attempt
controls favorable for Filipino industries. In to promote national economic stability and
connection with the government's goal of self- growth.
sufficiency was the "Austerity Program," which
• On May 12, 1962, President Diosdado
President Garcia described in his first State of
Macapagal issued Presidential Proclamation No.
the Nation Address as "more work, more thrift,
28, which declared June 12 a special public
holiday throughout the Philippines, "... in Aquino's widow, Corazon Aquino. The official
commemoration of our people's declaration of election canvasser, the Commission on Elections
their inherent and inalienable right to freedom (Comelec), declared Marcos the winner of the
and independence." On August 4, 1964, election. However, there was a large
Republic Act No. 4166 renamed July 4 holiday as discrepancy between the Comelec results and
"Philippine Republic Day", proclaimed June 12 that of Namfrel, an accredited poll watcher. The
as "Philippine Independence Day", and enjoined allegedly fraudulent result was rejected by
all citizens of the Philippines to observe the Corazon Aquino and her supporters.
latter with befitting rites. International observers, including a U.S.
delegation, denounced the official results.
Fourth Philippine Republic
General Fidel Ramos and Defense Minister Juan
FERDINAND MARCOS (1965-1986 ) Ponce Enrile withdrew their support for Marcos.
A peaceful civilian-military uprising, now
• He was a lawyer and Senate President for 21 popularly called the People Power Revolution,
years. He ruled under martial law. He was forced Marcos into exile and installed Corazon
ousted out of position as President during the Aquino as president on February 25, 1986.
People Power Revolution I.
• First President to win a second term
• Marcos officially lifted martial law on January
17, 1981. However, he retained much of the • Declared Martial Law on September 22, 1972
government's power for arrest and detention
• Increased the size of Philippine Military and
Corruption and nepotism as well as civil unrest
armed forces
contributed to a serious decline in economic
growth and development under Marcos, whose • By 1980 the Philippine GNP was four times
own health faced obstacles due to lupus greater than 1972

. • The political opposition decided to boycotted • 1986 the Philippines was one of the most
the 1981 presidential elections, which pitted indebted
Marcos against retired general Alejo Santos, in
• The only President whose remans are
protest over his control over the results. Marcos
interred inside a refrigerated crypt
won by a margin of over 16 million votes, which
constitutionally allowed him to have another • The remains were buried in the Libingan ng
six-year term. Finance Minister Cesar Virata was mga Bayani (2017)
evetually appointed to succeed Marcos as Prime
Minister Fifth Philippine Republic (1986–Present Time)

• In 1983, opposition leader Benigno Aquino, Jr. The world’s eye was on the Philippines after it
was assassinated at the Manila International successfully toppled down almost a decade of
Airport upon his return to the Philippines after a dictatorship rule through a peaceful
long period of exile. demonstration tagged as the EDSA People’s
Power Revolution.
• This coalesced popular dissatisfaction with
Marcos and began a succession of events,
including pressure from the United States, that CORAZON AQUINO (1986-1992)
culminated in a snap presidential election in
February 1986. The opposition united under The first woman president of the Philippines
and the Asian Country. She was a prominent
figure in the People Power Revolution that • Received British K nighthood form the United
brought down Ferdinand Marcos dictatorship. K ingdom by queen Elizabeth II (K night grand
Her husband, Benigno Aquino Jr. was a senator Cross of the Order of St. Michael and St.
during the Marcos regime and its strongest George)
critic. He was assassinated while Marcos was
• Hosted the fourth Asia Pacific Economic
still in power
Cooperation Leader’s Summit in the Philippines
• 1st woman President of the Philippines and in in 1996
Asia • Restored democracy
• Philippine Stock Exchange became an
• Abolished the 1973 Marcos Constitution and international favorite during his
ushered in the new Constitution of the
• Death Penalty while he was in office
Philippines
• Signed peace agreement with the Moro
• Reorganized the structure of the executive
National Liberation Front
branch of the government 1191 Local
Government Code JOSEPH ESTRADA (1998-2001)
• Signed the Family Code of 1987, a major civil Known as Erap, Joseph Estrada was the first
law reform President who had been a famous film actor.
During his years in office economic growth was
• Named “Woman of the Year” in 1986 Time
slow and he faced impeachment proceedings.
Magazine
He was ousted from the presidency in 2001
• On the new 500-peso bill together with her (EDSA II). He was later convicted of stealing
husband Benigno Aquino from the government but was pardoned
(PGMA).
• Received honors and awards including:
• Moro Islamic Liberation Front headquarters
• 100 Women who shaped World History • 20
and camps were captured
most influential Asians of the 20th Century
• Joined other leaders and politicians to try to
• 65 Great Asian Heroes
amend the 1987 Constitution
• J William Fulbright Prize for International
• Cited as one of the Three Outstanding
Understanding FIDEL V. RA
Senators in 1989
FIDEL V. RAMOS (1992-1998)
• Among the “Magnificent 12” who voted to
Chief of staff of the Armed forces of the terminate the agreement that allows for U.S.
Philippines before he became president. He is control of the Clark Airbase and Subic Naval
also a civil engineer. He is the first, and so far Base
the only, nonCatholic President of the
Philippines. As President, he restored economic
growth and stability in the country, even during
the Asian Financial Crisis in 1997.

• Oversaw Philippine Economic Growth

Presided over celebrations of Philippine
Centennial in 1998 GLORIA MACAPAGAL ARROYO (2001-2010)
14th President and during her term the . • Duterte is the first president from Mindanao
Oakwood Mutiny occurred and the oldest person to be elected president of
the Philippines. He is also the first Philippine
• First and only female vice-president of the
president to have worked in the three branches
Philippines so far
of the government. He was the mayor of Davao
• First President to take oath outside Luzon City at the time of his 2016 presidential election
victory, garnering over 16 million votes or about
• Former Economics Professor at the Ateneo de 39% of total votes, beating his closest rival by
Manila University where former President over 6.6 million votes. Duterte's approval rating
Aquino III was one of her students has been relatively high throughout his
• Oversaw higher economic growth than the presidency despite criticism and international
past three Presidents before her opposition to his anti-narcotics drive.

• Peso became the best-performing • Duterte started a nationwide campaign to rid

the country of crime, corruption, and illegal
BENIGNO SIMEON AQUINO III (2010-2016) drugs. The war on drugs saw about 6,600
He Joined the House of Representative and the persons linked to the illegal drug trade killed as
Senate before his presidency. He is the first of July 2019.
President who is a bachelor. • He prioritized infrastructure spending,
• Initiated K -12 education in the Philippines initiating the massive Build! Build! Build!
Infrastructure Plan. He enacted the Universal
• 2013, The Philippines wins its first Access to Q uality Tertiary Education Act which
investment-grade credit rating from Fitch paved the way for free college education in all
ratings state universities and colleges nationwide, and
the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion
• Changed the Philippines reputation as “the
Law (TRAIN Law), which lowered personal
sick man of Asia” to “brightest spot in Asia”
income tax and increased consumption tax on
• Oversaw higher economic growth than his non-essential goods. He signed into law the
predecessors Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) which
established the Bangsamoro Autonomous
• Signed a landmark law mandating the state
Region.
provide free contraceptive to poor couples and
teach sex education in schools • Duterte has pursued an "independent foreign
policy", pursuing improved relations with Russia
• Filed a suit a UN-linked international
and China, and lessening the country's
arbitration tribunal in the Hague to invalidate
dependence on its traditional ally — the United
China’s claim of Philippine claimed territories in
States. He has adopted a more friendly stance
the West Philippine Sea
towards China compared to his predecessor and
RODRIGO ROA DUTERTE (2016-PRESENT) has set aside the previous government policy of
using the Philippines v. China ruling to assert
• The presidency of Rodrigo Duterte began at the Philippines' claims over the South China Sea
noon on June 30, 2016, following his and its islands.
inauguration as the 16th president of the
Philippines, succeeding Benigno Aquino III. His • Duterte resumed peace talks with the
term is expected to end exactly six years later Communist Party of the Philippines in 2016, but
cancelled all negotiations in February 2017
following attacks and kidnapping of soldiers by
NPA members, officially declaring the CPP-NPA
as a terrorist group. Following the Maute
Group-led occupation of Marawi, Duterte has
declared martial law throughout Mindanao
which was later extended for two years until
2019 in a bid to ensure order in the island. The
Battle of Marawi lasted for five months from
May 23 to October 17, 2017, the day after the
deaths of militant leaders Omar Maute and
Isnilon Hapilon, with Duterte declaring Marawi
as "liberated from terrorist influence".

• This Republic was a testament of the

aspirations and the capabilities of the Filipino
people for Democracy, Liberty and Justice. A
beautiful reminder that our people are capable
of our own greatness than being uncivilized
with the foreign power of other country. The
republic of the Philippines was a beacon of
hope for many colonized and occupied people
in Asia and purposefully served this as one of
their inspirations to fight for their freedom- and
establish their own modern democratic
societies.