EUROPEAN DEVELOPMENT THAT INFLUENCED SPANISH COLONIZATION OF THE PHIL.

For that at early period, European geographers knew nothing about the Phil. Ferdinand Magellan
(Ferrando Magallanes in Portugal ) reached our shores in 1521, and that was the greatest achievement
during the age of geographical discoveries and navigation. He was the first European navigator to make
our existence known to the world. Thus, Western writers call him the “discoverer” of the Phil. To us,
Filipinos he was more of a “Rediscoverer”

The closing of the old trade routes inspired the navigators of Europe to find new routes across
the sea. Prince Henry the navigator (1394-1460) f Portugal opened the unknown seas for his
country. One of his navigators, Antonio Gonzales, reached Cape Blanco (1441). He brought the first negro
slaves to Europe. Denis Fernandez, discovered Cape Verde in 1445
In 1487, Bartolome Diaz Cape of Good Hope and in 1498, Vasco da Gama rounded
the Cape of Good Hope and reached Calicut, India. Thus Portugal was the first European nation to reach
Asia.
Span not to be outwit by Portugal, encouraged her navigators to discover new lands beyond the
sea. On October 12, 1492, Christopher Columbus discovered America for Spain.

THE EXPEDITON OF FERDINAND MAGELLAN TO THE PHILIPPINES

Magellan’s Expedition was prepared at the Andalusia City of Seville. When such news reached
Lisbon the Portuguese King exerted all efforts to stop the expedition, diplomacy or otherwise, but
Magellan couldn’t persuaded nor stopped anymore. He completed his preparation which consisted of
five ships and 265 men. On November 28, 1520 with only three ships left, Magellan began his trans-
Pacific voyage which lasted for three months and 20 days. Death, sickness and hunger were encountered
by his fleet but they boldly sailed on. On March 16, 1521 Magellan reached Guam. From here, Magellan
continued his voyage westward. At dawn of March 16, 1521, Magellan saw the towering heights of
Samar. This was the rediscovery of the Philippines. Everywhere he went, Magellan was welcomed by the
inhabitants. However, one Filipino leader defied the white men, he was the fearless Lapu-Lapu, the King
of Mactan. (True name of Lapu-Lapu is Cilapulapu) and the Govt. declared April 27 as Lapu-Lapus’ day, or
working holiday but in Cebu, June 27 declared as non-working holiday note: only in Cebu City))

To crush the defiant Lapu-lapu, Magellan invaded Mactan, with his Spanish soldiers he waded
ashore and attacked the Mactan defenders. The battle was furiously fought; Magellan found out too late
that he had underestimated the fierce courage of Lapu-lapu and his men. In this battle Magellan was
finally defeated and was killed. Magellan was killed on April 27, 1521. By defeating Magellan, Lapu-Lapu
became the first Filipino freedom fighter.

The Spaniards lost face in Cebu because of their defeat in Mactan, few days after their defeat more
than 20 other Spaniards were massacred by the Cebuanos. Feeling no longer safe, the survivors hurriedly
embarked and continued their voyage for home. They reached Spain finally on Sept. 6, 1522 with only 18
survivors. The voyage around the world lasted for two years, 11 months, and 16 days, and for the first
time, the globe had been circumnavigated by man. Thus, Magellan’s voyage was the greatest maritime
expedition by far because of the following results or effects.

1. For the first time man circumnavigated the world thereby proving that the world is round
2. Europe became aware or had come to know of the greatest ocean of all which is the Pacific Ocean
3. The voyage enhanced geographical knowledge and made Europeans eager to explore and to
conquer the Pacific
4. It paved the way to Spanish colonization and Christianization of the Philippines.

The success of Magellan’s voyage paved the way of Spain’s expansion to the Orient. Expedition
Successively headed by Loaisa, conquer and colonize the Phil. And the Moluccas. Of all the expeditions it
was the Legaspi’s expedition which succeeded and which eventually led to the Christianization and
colonization of the Phil. By Spain.

The expedition of Miguel Lopez de Legaspi sailed from Mexico and in less than three months
Legaspi reached Cebu. Because of the Cebuano’s hostility, he sailed away and explored Samar, Leyte and
other islands. In Bohol he made a blood compact with two Filipino Kings, Sikatuna and Sigala. From
Bohol, Legaspi sailed to Cebu. However, they defied by Raja Tupas, the Cebuano ruler and son of Raja
Humabon. However, the Spanish artillery and muskets overpowered the Filipinos. King Tupas with his
surviving warriors retreated to the hills, leaving his Kingdom in flames.

Legaspi adapted a policy of attraction so that within a short time Tupas became a friend of Spain.
Thus, a Spanish settlement, the first of its kind in the Phil. was established. This settlement later became
the city of Cebu which is the oldest city in the Phil. As Legaspi was laying the foundation of Spanish rule
in Cebu, the Spanish missionaries were busy sowing the seeds of Christianity. With the conquistadores
and the missionaries working side by side, the Spanish rule and Christianity were extended from Cebu to
other islands including Manila. Legaspi proclaimed Manila as the capital of the Phil. and rebuilt it into a
Spanish City.

From Manila, Legaspi sent out an expedition for the exploration and conquest of Luzon. After the
conquest of the different parts of Luzon like Zambales, Pangasinan, the Ilocos regions and Cagayan, the
expedition crossed over Tayabas and proceeded to Manila by way of Laguna de Bay.

While the men of Legaspi were busy colonizing the different parts of the Phil. , Legaspi died of
heart attack in Manila. His death was deeply mourned by both Filipinos and the Spaniards for he was a
man of prudence, valor and wisdom. Guido de Lavezaris, successor of Legapi, continued the good worked
of his predecessor and with the exception of Mindanao and Sulu, the Phil. was easily conquered by a small
force of about 600 soldiers.

Reasons for easy conquest

1. The Filipinos at the time of Legaspi’s arrival were not united. They constituted different tribes
under their respective kings or chieftains. The Spaniards taking advantage of their lack of
unity, played one tribe against another.
2. The Spanish colonizers had a great commander in Legaspi who won the people’s friendship
with his generosity and wisdom
3. The Filipinos, despite their courage could not win over the military discipline and superior
arms of the Spaniards.
4. The Filipinos were won over by Spanish missionaries who taught them a better religion, by
accepting Christianity, they became loyal subjects of Spain. In truth, the cross did more than
the sword to result in the easy conquest of the Filipinos. Catholic kingdoms, Portugal and
Spain, led all European nations in geographical discoveries

SPANISH COLONIAL ADMINISTRATION

For more than 333 years, our country was ruled by Spain. During this period a centralized
government was established, with Manila as the capital. The early barangay became barrios. The barrios
were grouped into towns, and towns into provinces. As like as of today’s situation. All the provinces
were united into one country called Filipinas. Our people, as subject of Spain, paid tribute, rendered
forced labor and performed other services for the glory of GOD and the king.
A. Aims of Spanish Colonization
Spain’s aim in colonizing the Phil may be keynoted by the 3Gs-God, Gold and Glory. The
Chief aim of her colonization was the propagation of the Catholicism Christianity. The second aim
was the desire for economic wealth. At that time, material wealth was a measure of greatness among
nations. And the third aim was of Spain’s ambition to be the greatest empire in the world. By acquiring
so many colonies, including the Phil., Spain realized imperialistic ambition.
B. The Powers of the Governor-General
The chief executive of the Phil. during the Spanish time was the Governor-General
As chief executive, he had the following powers.
1. He enforced the King’s royal decrees and other laws from Spain.
2. He was the Commander- in-chief of the colonial armed forces
3. He appointed and removed colonial officials, except those who were appointed by the king
4. He recommended priests for appointment as parish priests and he intervenes in controversies
between religious authorities.

The Great Powers of the Governor General were checked by the following:

1. The Royal Audencia – The Supreme Court of the Philippines during Spanish Period
2. The Archbishop and the Clergy – who were influential in the King’s court
3. The Residencia – a judicial institution in which the outgoing Gov-Gen and other Spanish officials
are tried, being called upon to account for their acts while in office
4. The Visitador – an investigating officer to investigate the Phil conditions

C. The Encomienda System

 The Encomienda is the tribute given by the inhabitants living in a particular conquered
territory which Spain gave to a Spanish colonizer as a reward for his services. The tribute which
the Filipinos paid correspond to one family consisting of husband, wife and minor children. An
unmarried woman paid one half tribute. At the beginning the tribute amounted to one peso
payable in money or in kind. Later it was increased to one a half pesos.

D. Taxation

The Filipino hated the tribute because it reminded them of their bondage to Spain and it
spawned Spanish abuses. Accordingly, the encomenderos forced the inhabitants to pay in kind
like rice, appraising it at a low price and later resold it to them at a very high price.

At the beginning, a tribute amounted to eight reales (one peso), payable in money or in
kind, later it was increased to twelve reales (one peso and a half). The tribute was finally
abolished in 1884 and was replaced by the Cedulla or Community Tax, that until now is exercise.
Senator Trillanes wanted to abolish Cedulla but in vain.

The Muslim and Their Islamic Faith

The term “Moro” is a Spanish term for Muslim. The legacy of Spain to the Phil is Catholic
Christianity. However, they failed to christianize the Muslim Filipinos in Mindanao and Sulu
because the latter valiantly resisted the crusade of the former in preserving their Islamic and their
ancestral heritage.

To understand the Muslim Filipinos it is important to know their religion and customs.
Islam, means submission to the will of God. Their God is Allah and Muhammad His Prophet.

The five (5) pillars of Islam are the following:

1. The profession of faith, that is, “There is no God but Allah and Muhammad is his
Prophet”
2. Praying five times a day facing Mecca. The time for prayers are at daybreak, noon, mid-
afternoon, after sunset and early part of the night
3. Giving of alms to the poor. These alms are called “Zakah”
4. Fasting during the month of Ramadam, during the month of fasting, all Muslims do not
eat, drink and smoke before sunrise and after sunset
5. Pilgrimage to Mecca, the holy city of Islam, Only those Muslims who had performed this
pilgrimage can assume the title of Hadji.

Causes of the Moro Wars

1. The Spanish invasion of Mindanao and Sulu. The Muslims preferred to die as freemen in battle
than live in bonding.
2. The Muslim Filipinos defended their Islamic faith against the invaders who wanted to propagate
Christianity
3. The love of the Muslim Filipinos for adventure. The Muslims attacked the Christian towns not only
to strike a blow against Spain and Christianity but also fele the thrill of battle and to gain rich
spoils of war.

Reasons of the British Invasion

A brief interlude in our history happened when Manila was invaded by the British. The British
invaded the Philippines not only because of her strategic geographical location in the Orient and rich
natural resources but also because Spain supported France in the latter’s war against England. When
England and France fought the seven years war, Spain was dragged into it, supporting France because her
King was a relatives of the French King. Both kings belonged to the Bourbon family. Thus, to strike a
blow against Spain in the Orient, the English government ordered the British authorities of the East India
company in India to prepare a military expedition for the conquest of the Phil, a Spanish colony at that
time. When the British fleet entered Manila Bay the officials and residents of Manila mistook them to be
he harmless Chinese Sampans. They never knew that Spain was with England for they had not received
any official news from the mother country regarding this matter. Thus, they were surprised to learn the
next day that the vessels were British warships on a mission of invasion.

Confusion reigned in Manila during the landing of the British invaders. The city was not in a
position to repel any foreign invasion at that time because the military defences were deplorably poor,
the armed forces were unprepared for war. The acting gov.-gen, Archbishop Antonio Rojo, put up a
gallant defense but as the battle raged in the city, the defenders were butchered mercy. Archbishop Rojo
finally hoisted the white flag as a signal of the surrender of the city, thus, Manila fell into the British hands
on October 5, 1762

Two Terms of Spanish Surrender

Archbishop Rojo and Gen. Draper, Commander of the British groups, discusses the terms of the
surrender. According to the agreement, the Spanish authorities agreed to surrender Manila, Cavite and
other fortified areas and pay a war indemnity of FOUR MILLION PESOS (P4,000,000.00)

In Return, the British granted the following

1. Security of life and poverty
2. Exercise of the Catholic religion
3. Freedom of commerce and industry
4. Preservation of the Royal Audiencia
5. Parole of all Spanish Officers, with the privilege of wearing side arms.

Defects of Spanish Colonial Administration :

1. Denial of human rights to our people

2. Racial discrimination against our people
3. Maladministration of justice
4. Abuses of the Spanish officials
5. Heavy taxes paid by our people
6. Good laws from Spain not enforced
7. Little participation of our people in government

THE PHIL REVOLUTION: The Development of Filipino Nationalism

The miserable condition brought about by the Spanish authorities threw the natives into rebellion
against the ruling power. Although we were ruled and Christianized by the Spaniards, still our people had
not forgotten their love for freedom. They remained loyal to Spain as long as they were treated well by
the Spanish authorities, but the moment they were oppressed and abused, they began to rise in revolts.
Throughout three centuries of Spanish rule, there were more than 100 revolts. Unfortunately, none ever
succeeded, because they were merely regional uprisings led by the tribal/regional/local heroes. Our
people were not yet united to fight as one nation for the sake of liberation.

Causes of Filipino Revolts

1. The desire to regain our lost freedom 3. Agrarian complaints or the loss of the Fil. Lands
2. The Spanish abuses/oppression. 4. The religious intolerance

All revolts of the Filipinos were failed.

THE CAMPAIGN FOR REFORMS

The unjust execution of the three Filipinos priests, Mariano Gomez, Jose Burgos and Jacinto
Zamora was a turning point in the Phil History. The Filipino people became patriotic and determined to
fight the evils of Spanish rule. The illustrados, led by Dr. Jose Rizal, M.H. Del Pilar, and other arose to
champion the liberties and happiness of our oppressed people. They organized the “Propaganda
Movement” which was a peaceful crusade for reforms. The men who participated in the Propaganda
Movement were called “Propagandist”

Aims of Propaganda Movement

1. Equality of Filipinos and Spaniards before the law
 2. Assimilation of the Phil. as a regular province of Spain
3. Restoration of the Phil Representation in the Spanish Cortes
4. Filipinization or secularization of the Phil parishes
5. Individual liberties for Filipinos, such as freedom of speech, freedom of the press

The organ of Propaganda Movement, was the “La Solidaridad”. It was founded by Lopez Jaena, its first
issue appeared in Barcelona on Feb. 15, 1889. The contributors of La Solidaridad were mostly Filipinos.
They were Jose Rizal who was hidden under the penname Laong Laan and Dimasalang. MH Del Pilar
(Plaridel) Mariano Ponce (Naning, Tikbalang ) Antonio Luna (Taga-ilog) Jose Ma. Panganiban (Jomapa)
etc.
Aims of La Solidaridad
1. To portray the deplorable condition of the Philippines
2. To work peacefully for political and social reforms
3. To combat the evil forces of medievalism
4. To advocate liberal ideas and progress
5. To champion the legitimate aspirations of the Filipino people for democracy and happiness.
Rizal founded La Liga Filipina on Julyh 3, 1892. The original concept of Liga Filipina was came
from Jose Ma. Basa, only Rizal who wrote the constitution of Liga Filipina. This Liga Filipina was a
peaceful civic organization, it was not a revolutionary society. All Filipinos who loved their fatherland
were qualified to become members. The motto of the association was “Unus Instar Omnium, meaning
“One Like All”

Unfortunately, the La Liga Filipina was short-lived. On July 7, 1892, Rizal was deported by
Governor General Eulogio Despujol to Dapitan, Mindanao. With his exile, the Liga Filipina died out.

THE KATIPUNAN

With the peaceful campaign reforms failed, a new leader with a bolder ideas arose. He was
Andres Bonifacio, a fearless champion of the masses. He was very poor and had no college education.
But it did not serve a hindrance for him to organize Filipinos for revolution. This was the famous
“Katipunan”. On the night of July 7, 1892 the date on which Rizal was exiled Dapitan, Andres Bonifacio
and few others met secretly in a house and decided to form an association called Kataastaasan
Kagalanggalang na Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan, otherwise known as K.K.K. or simple
Katipunan.

Aims of Katipunan

1. To unite the Filipino into one solid nation

2. To win Phil Independence by means of revolution
3. To initiate the principle of “self-help” among the Filipinos

Andres Bonifacio, The Great Plebeian

Despite his poverty, Andres Bonifacio rose to become one of our great heroes. For this
reason, he was called the “Great Plebeian”, he was known as the Father of the Katipunan because
he was the founder of that revolutionary society. The Katipunan was finally discovered by the
Spanish authorities on August 19, 1896. Teodoro Patiñ o, a member of Katipunan and an employee
of the Diario de Manila, went to convent of Tondo and revealed the Katipunan to Fr. Mariano Gil.
The immediate cause of the Revolution was the discovery of the Katipunan on the night of Aug. 19,
1896.
THE COMING OF THE AMERICANS

The Spanish-American War

The immediate cause of this war was the blowing up of the US Battleship called MAINE at the harbor of
Havana, Cuba at the height of the Cuban Revolution. Although this battleship had been blown up by American spies
in order to provoke the war, the public was not informed of the truth. American went further by passing resolution
demanding Spain to evacuate from Cuba. Spain did not want a war but to save her honor, she finally declared war
against US. This is what the American government was awaiting for. Immediately, the American Congress declared
war against Spain. Thus began the Spanish-American War.

The outbreak of this war caught Aguinaldo in Singapore. Upon the advice of the Hongkong junta, he left for
the PHil. and upon his arrival in Cavite he urged his people to rise in arms and help America against Spain. In
response to Aguinaldo’s call, the Filipino patriots everywhere shed to arms. Within a short time Aguinaldo once
more the head of the large army. In the provinces his former officers raised troops and attacked the Spanish
garrisons. Not long afterward, with the help of the Filipino soldiers, Manila was finally captured by the Americans
through the “MOCK BATTLE OF MANILA”. After the fall of Manila, Gen. Diego delos Rios became the Gov-Gen
succeeding Jaudene. He was the last Gov-Gen of the Phil. He took the command of the Spanish forces retreating to
the South. All Spanish forces were gathered in Zamboanga and in Nov. 1899 they were shipped to Spain. But it
should be noted that the Mock Battle was preceded by the ‘Spanish-American” secret agreement which arranged
for the peaceful surrender of the forces of Gov Gen Agustin to the American forces in the siege of Intramuros.

THE FIRST PHILIPPINE REPUBLIC

Proclamation and Establishment of the First Philippine Republic

When Aguinaldo left for the Philippines during the outbreak of the Spanish-American War he brought with
him a Constitution providing for a Federal Republic. However, because of the war, the country was not ready for a
republic and that a dictatorship was needed to prosecute the war successfully. In the middle part of 1898,
Aguinaldo established the Dictatorial government proclaiming that this government was temporary and was to last
only until a Republic could be established.

Activity 1- Please answer this.

1. What is Federal Form of Government that Duterte’s administration push through.

2. How does Duterte’s Administration answer against the Pandemic Covid 19.
3. Your insight about what was happening now in our country.
4. Campaign of Marcos’ Administration against War on Drugs.
5. How about Anti-terrorism Act.
6. Tell something about NDF-ELCAC

The most significant achievement of the Dictatorial government was the proclamation of Philippine
Independence and the establishment of the First Philippine Republic at Kawit, Cavite on June 12, 1898. After the
proclamation of Independence, Apolinario Mabini, the “sublime paralytic” became the adviser of Aguinaldo.
Because of his great intellectual gifts, he came to be called the “Brains of the Phil. Revolution” just as Emilio
Jacinto, also known for his intellectual talents, was called the “Brains of the Katipunan” .

By decree, Aguinaldo provided an election of Representative known as the “Republican Assembly”, which
was the lawmaking body of the nation. This assembly was the “Malolos Congress”

The congress of the Revolutionary Government met in an inaugural session at the Barasoain Church in
Malolos, Bulacan on Sept. 15, 1898. Its members represented the cream of the Filipino nation. The president of the
Congress was Dr. Pedro A. Paterno, vice pres, Benito Legarda, secretaries are Gregorio Araneta and Pablo Ocampo.

There were four achievements of the Congress

1. The ratification of the independence of the Philippines
2. The promulgation of an act providing for a national loan of P20 million to finance the government
3. Take drafting of the constitution, called the Malolos Constitution, of the first Phil Republic and
4. The establishment of the Literary University of the Philippines the highest seat of learning in the Phil. which
was established in Malolos, Bulacan.

The Filipino-American War and the Fall of the First Philippine Republic

Although the fall of Manila marked the end of Spanish rule in the Philippines, it also marks the Filipino-
American collaboration. The Filipino troops deeply resented the American action of preventing their entry into the
city . They had fought hard in the battle and helped the American in capturing Manila. They naturally felt
themselves entitled to some share in the victory celebration.
 Meanwhile, Spain and the United States sent delegates to Paris to talk and draw up a treaty ending the
Spanish-American war. The delegates finally signed the Treaty of Paris on December 10, 1898.

Some of the provisions of the Treaty of Paris are:

1. Spain ceded the Philippines, Guam and Puerto Rico to the USA
2. US Government will pay the sum of $20 million to Spain;
3. Spain will withdraw from Cuba and
4. The civil and political status of the inhabitants in the ceded territories would be determined by the US
Congress

Felipe Agoncillo, patriot-lawyer, had been sent by Aguinaldo to the peace negotiations as his emissary. But
Agoncillo pleaded the cause of the Filipino people in vain. The revolutionary Government which he represented
was not given recognition by the countries. Hence, he was not even permitted to attend the conference. From
Paris, he went to Washington where he worked against the ratification of the treaty by the US Senate for the Phil.
Republic.

The Rise of the Republic Worsened Relations with America

Finally, the first blow of the Philippine-American war was began by America when Private Robert Grayson
shot and killed a Filipino soldier who was transversing along Sociego St. which unfortunately was an American line.
This outbreak of hostilities was lashed to the United States. The report was distorted, making it appear that the
Filipinos started the fight, so that it incited an anti-Filipino feeling among the American people. It also influenced
the US Senate which had been deadlocked on the issue of ratifying the Treaty of Paris since January 4, to finally
ratify it on Feb. 6, 1899.

The early battles of the war were fought in Manila. With the American superior arms, they easily routed the
Filipino patriots everywhere. After the repulse of the Filipino troops in Manila, the American troops under Gen. Mc
Arthur began their offensive attack towards the north of the city. Their prime objective was the capture of Gen.
Aguinaldo and Malolos, Bulacan capital of the Philippine Republic. After the capture of Malolos, Aguinaldo fled and
transferred the capital of the Republic to San Fernando, Pampanga. Pressing northward, the Americans practically
capture all parts of Central Luzon. With his cabinet and shattered forces, Aguinaldo fled to Tarlac and then to
Bayambang. Here he disbanded the regular army and instituted the guerilla warfare. It is the fight where the
Filipino patriots excelled knowing fully well the terrain of their country.

Fleeing from the advancing Americans, Aguinaldo left Bayambang and marched all night, towards
Pangasinan. From there, he passed through the mountains of northern Luzon, then Candon Tirad Pass and crossed
the Cagayan Valley to Palanan, Isabela where he established his headquarters, unknown to the Americans.

It should be noted that at Tirad Pass, the so-called Battle of Tirad Pass, was fought where the young General
Gregorio del Pilar with his chosen riflemen stood guard to intercept American pursuers and gave Aguinaldo
sufficient time to escape. Unfortunately, after being betrayed, Del Pilar and many of his men were killed. Only few
were able to escape to relate the tragic news to Aguinaldo.

Meanwhile, after the fight at Tirad Pass, the Americans had never heard of Aguinaldo until a year later
when Cecilio Segismundo, Aguinaldo’s messenger, fell into the hands of Gen. Funston in Nueva Ecija who was then
carrying important dispatches to Baldomero Aguinaldo and other guerilla leaders. The dispatch to Baldomero
directed the sending of reinforcements to Palanan, Isabela, the last capital of the Republic. This dispatch gave a
clue to the where-abouts of Aguinaldo. Thus, their devised scheme was to capture Aguinaldo. Disguised as Filipino
soldiers and pretending to be the much awaited reinforcements with some American prisoners, the Macabebe
scouts, as a part of American expedition, were able to enter Aguinaldo’s camp. By this, Aguinaldo’s guards were
easily overpowered until finally the “American prisoners” entered room and arrested Aguinaldo in the name of the
United states.

The capture of Aguinaldo marked the end of the first Philippine Republic, which lasted only for two years,
one month and ten days. With his capture, the revolutionary generals surrendered one after the other and took
their allegiance oath to the US. There is one revolutionary general though who refused to take the oath of
allegiance. He was Gen. Artemio Ricarte. He lived in exile in Hongkong and later in Japan.

Although beaten in war, the Filipino did not give up their ideal of independence. They lost in the war but
continued the good fight with their wits and their hearts set on freedom and independence.

Activity No. 2
1. Discuss the reasons behind the Filipino-American War (1899-1906)
2. What were the cultural changes brought about by the Americans to the Filipinos
THE BANDALERISMO STATUTE

In November 1902, this statute was enacted to meet an emergency pertaining to problems on insurgency
and rebellion. The statute contains the stipulations that whoever is caught with three or more persons conspiring
together, armed with deadly weapons shall be deemed “highway robbers or brigands” and so once convicted shall
be punished by death or imprisonment for not less than 20 years, moreover, it is provided in the same statute that
there is no need to prove that such group have performed or are intending to perform robbery or theft. Mere
membership in an armed band is enough to convict an individual guilty of “Bandalerismo”

THE BALANGIGA MASSACRE

The capture of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo by the American soldiers on March 25, 1901 did not dampen the
spirit of the Filipino Revolutionaries. There was intense and continuous fighting in the different regions of Luzon
and the Visayas. On August 11, 1901, Company C comprised of 74 veterans from China, Cuba and Northern Luzon
sailed into Balangiga, Samar in response to the need to protect the town from Muslim and rebel raids. The alleged
massacre which for some historians was an encounter is inevitable in any form of conflict. Collateral damage is
expected in wars and battles.

Such controversy rose out on Sept. 28 when at around 6:20 in the morning, while the American soldiers
were having their breakfast in their mess tent, a group of “bolo men” disguised as laborers started to attack the US
Soldiers with their bladed weapons and began chopping at them with bolos.

The weapons were able to escape the scrutiny of the American sentries on the guards for these were all
hidden in the coffins pulled by heavily clothed women who shouted “El Cholera” there was a cholera epidemic at
that time, thus the numerous death especially among children. The encounter ended up with 48 US Soldiers killed,
22 wounded and only 4 were unharmed. The loss of the Americans resulted in the so called “Burning of Samar”
which was obviously to avenge the death and suffering caused the ‘Balangiga Encounter”

POLICY OF AMERICA IN COLONIZING THE PHILIPPINES

It was the policy of the US to govern the Philippines for the welfare of our people and to train us in the ways
of democracy, so that someday we should be capable of independence. Thus Pres. McKinley told the US Congress in
1899 saying that “The Philippines are ours, not to exploit, but to develop to civilize, to educate, to train in the
science of self-government”, America also had some other colonial objectives and motives which were not so
unselfish after that:
1. To pursue or manifest the destiny of America as a world power
2. To use the Phil as a source of raw materials for US industries and as a marked for US manufactured
products
3. To use the Phil as a military and naval base
4. To have a refueling port for American ships servicing their interest in China.

MILITARY GOVERNMENT

At first, America established a military government due to the existence of war, with Gen. Wesley Meritt as
Military Governor. The authority of which came from the powers of the US President as Commander-in-Chief of the
United States Army and navy, Gen. Wesley Meritt, was the first Military Governor and then he was succeeded by
Gen. Elwell S. Otis. The Third and last military governor was Gen. Arthur MacArthur, the father of Gen. Douglas
MacArthur. But the Military government lasted only for three years.

During the period of active warfare, the achievement of the military government were the following:
1. It pacified the country and laid down the foundation of the civil regime
2. It introduced the American school system with soldiers as the first teachers
3. It organized the civil courts, including the Supreme Court, with Cayetano Arellano as its first chief justice
4. It established local governments in towns and provinces and thus, the first elections were conducted.

The First Philippine Commission (1899)

On January 10, 1899, Pres. McKinley appointed the first Philippine Commission, popularly known as the
“Schurman Commission”. It was created in the US and its members arrived in Manila a month after the outbreak of
the Fil-Am War. Dr. Jacob G. Schurman, served as the President.

The Functions of Commission are:

1. To deliver America’s message of goodwill to the Filipino people
2. To investigate conditions in the Philippines
3. To make recommendations to the President of the United States as to the kind of government to be
established in the Phil.
 After finishing its investigation of the Phil situation, the Schurman Commission returned to the
United States and submitted report to Pres. McKinley with the following recommendations:
1. The establishment of a territorial form of govt. with a legislature of the houses, the lower house whose
members to be elective and the upper house to be half-elective and half appointive.
2. Withdrawal of military rule in the pacified areas
3. The conservation of natural resources of the Phil. for the Filipinos
4. The organization of Autonomous local government
5. The opening of free public elementary school, and;
6. The appointment of men of high ability and good character to important government offices

The Second Philippine Commission (1900)

To hasten the transfer of the government from military to the civilian authorities, Pres. McKinley on March
16, 1900, appointed the Second Phil. Commission, other known as “Taft Commission”. The commission members
arrived in Manila in 1900 with Judge William Howard Taft as president. It exercise the legislative functions. The
first law passed by the Commission was an appropriation of P2,000,000 for the construction and repair of roads
and bridges in the Philippines.
On March 2, 1901, the US Congress passed the “Spooner Amendment” which established a civil government
in the Philippines. This civil government was inaugurated in Manila on July 4, 1901 with William Howard Taft as
the Civil Governor. The govt. exercised jurisdiction over the pacified areas/provinces and the military rule
remained in the unspecified Christian regions (1902) as well as in the Moro land until 1914. The Filipinos were
still given greater participation in the govt. of their own country. As compared when they were under the Spanish
Colonial Administration. To have their local govt. the municipal and provincial executives were elected by the
qualified voters.

The Administration of Taft was beset with many difficulties but he had some achievements as follows:
1. Through his recommendation, the US Congress appropriated a relief fund of $3,000,000 to alleviate the
deplorable economic situation of the Filipino people
2. His govt. purchased the lands of the friars for $7,237,000 in order to settle the agrarian unrest in the
Phil.
3. He won the Filipino sympathy through his genial personality and his policy “the Philippines For the
Filipino”
4. He work for the passage of the Philippine Bill of 1902.

The Philippine Bill of 1902

The Phil Bill of 1902 was the first US Congressional Law concerning the government of the Philippines
Among its provision were.
1. Extension of the Bill of Rights to the Filipino people, except the right of jury trial
2. Appointment of Two (2) Filipino resident commissioners to Washington
3. Establishment of an elective Philippine Assembly, after the proclamation of complete peace, and two years
after the publication of a census
4. Retention of the Philippine commission as the Upper House of the legislature with the Philippine Assembly
acting as the Lower House
5. Conservation of the natural resources of the Phil. for the Filipinos.

Consistently our Phil. leaders carried on their campaign for National Independence.

Resident Commissioner Manuel L. Quezon carried the fight right in the US, both within the halls of the
American Congress across the continent. Everywhere at all times he sought to impress his listeners with his
culture and good manners, which he put to good service in defense of the justice of our national cause. He
knew he represented the Filipinos and took pains to show our capacity to govern ourselves.

First Independence Bill: Taking advantage of the victory of the Democratic Party in the 1912 elections in
the US, Resident Commissioner Manuel L. Quezon submitted to the Congressman William Atkinser Jones, then
Chairman of the Committee on the insular affairs of the Lower House of the American Congress, a plan for
Philippine Independence. The proposal envisioned the granting of independence to the Phil. in 1921, subject to
the condition that our foreign affairs be under the control of the US through a Philippine Secretary of States.

Congressman Jones found it acceptable and worked for its introduction in the Congress. Although
approved by the House of Representatives, it failed to be passed by the senate. But the fight had just started.

Gov-Gen Francis B. Harrison assumed the position to which he had been appointed by the democratic Pres.
Woodrow Wilson, of the US. He was known to be a liberal minded official and his arrival was the object of a
huge cordial welcome from our people.
Filipinization of the Government

Governor Harrison began the Filipinization of our govt. service. He appointed Filipinos in government
offices whenever vacancies arose. As a result of Harrison’s Filipinization policy, more and more Filipinos entered
the government service. Our people were thus given the opportunity to participate in their own government.

The Second Independence Bill: Upon insistent proddings from Resident Commissioner Quezon, Senator
Jones filed a second Phil Independence Bill, after eliminating from it any reference to a fixed date for our
emancipation, for such have been objected to by Pres. Wilson.

Reported out to the House of Representative, the bill was discussed and was approved. Unfortunately, the
congressional sessions came to an end without any action on the bill having been taken by the senate. Jones was
responsible for introducing the second Phil Independence bill, did not fix a definite date for the grant of
independence but incorporated in the preamble of the bill the declaration in the democratic party flatform of 1912
that independence would be granted as soon as a stable government could be established.

THE JONES LAW OF 1916

To give the Filipino people as much self-government as they could possible enjoy, Pres. Wilson signed the
Jones Law on August 29, 1916. A law was named after its author-Congressman William Atkinson Jones of Virginia,
Manuel L. Quezon, who was a resident commissioner at that time, is credited with having helped to secure the
enactment of the law. The Jones Law continued a preamble declaring that independence would be granted to the
Filipino people as soon as a stable govt. could be established in the Phil.

The executive power is vested in the Gov-Gen, who was appointed by the Pres. Of the US. The legislative
Power shall be vested in a bicameral Phil Legislative consisting of an Upper House called the Senate with 24
members and a Lower House called the House of Representative with 93 members. The senators were elected by
the people for a term of six years. The judicial power is vested in the supreme court and the lower courts. The
Chief Justice (Filipino) and the Associates Justices (Filipinos and Americans) were appointed by the Pres. Of the US
with the consent of the US Senate.

DEVELOPMENTS UNDER THE AMERICAN REGIME

During the American Period, our country experience remarkable economic and social growth. Our
agricultural production increased. New manufacturing industries were established. Our money was stabilized and
more banks were opened. Our communication and transportation facilities were modernized. And with our
economic progress came in improvements in our social life.

ECONOMIC PROGRESS OF THE PHILIPPINES UNDER AMERICA

At the beginning of American regime, agriculture in the Phil. was in a poor state. However, the
administration exerted all efforts to revive and improve agriculture. Thus, the bureau or agriculture was
established in order to promote agriculture with the following proofs.
1. Experimental and modern farms were established
2. Plant and animal waste were gradually exterminated
3. Carabaos were imported to restock the depleted animal resources
4. Friar lands were purchased by the Phil government and sold to tenants on easy terms of payment
5. Modern types of farm machinery were introduced form the US
6. More irrigations systems were constructed

The other developments during the American regime were:

1. Industrial development like, cigarette factories, sugar Centrals, sawmills, textile factories and wine
distilleries increased
2. Mineral industry like gold mining
3. Improvement of transportation and communication, like the introduction of motor vehicle, air
transportation, railway, wireless telegram and telephone, radio and mail services
4. Establishment of sound currency system resulting to stable monetary system
5. Establishment of more banks to foster the economic development of the Phil.
6. Higher standard of living among the Filipino people because of comfort and luxuries imported from
abroad like electric light, radios and phonographs, movies, household applieances, etc.

AMERICAN HERITAGE OF THE FILIPINOS

The greatest legacy of America to the Filipinos is democracy . The Filipinos were given greater
participation in government affairs and enjoyed more human rights. No Filipinos was ever jailed or exiled in
criticizing the American authorities or advocating Phil Independence. All government officials from local to
national level were elected by the people in free and open elections. Multiple political parties were allowed to
campaign for their candidates
 Another major contribution of America is popular education. Education was no longer the privilege of a
few rich families. It became the right of all people to be education. Co-education, (which was banned under Spain),
was established and boys and girls studied together in the same schools.

Still another good legacy of America is the emancipation of the women. The women were no longer
secluded within the “colegios” for ladies. They acquired the freedom to go out alone and associate with men and to
attend social parties without any chaperon. They were allowed to work in factories and offices, to attend political
rallies and meetings, and to participate in active sports.

Some other lasting legacies of America to the Filipino people was the English language which
consequently made the Filipinos the third largest English speaking nation in the whole world; Filipino recreational
life through the introduction of movies, theaters, music, indoor games like bowling, billiards and card games and
outdoor sports like basketball and volleyball. The promotion of public health and sanitation among the Filipino
people ended cholera, small pox and other dreaded deceased like malaria, typhoid fever and tuberculosis.

If there were positive American legacies, there were also certain negative impacts on the Filipino way of life
and mentality. With the practice of democracy on their family life, the Filipino lost some of the beautiful family
custom like the nightly family prayers, kissing the hands of the parents and elders, the breakdown of parental
authority paved the way to present day family troubles, broken homes and juvenile delinquency.

The Tydings-Mc Duffie Law

Otherwise called the Philippine Independence Law, was a revised copy of the Hare-Hawes-Cutting Law. It
provided for a transition period of ten years, during which time there would be established the commonwealth of
the Philippines under the constitutional convention to be elected by the people. On July 04, 1946, at the expiration
of the transition period, the independence of the Philippines would be proclaimed and the Republic inaugurated.

The Law enumerated the steps that would lead to Philippine Independence. As follows:

1. The acceptance of the Law

2. The calling of the constitutional convention not later than Oct. 01, 1934 for the purpose of drafting the
constitution of the Philippines
3. The submission of the constitution to the Pres. of the US within two years that is not later March 24, 1936
4. The submission of the constitution to a plebiscite for ratification within four months after its approval by
the Pres. Of the US
5. The election of the commonwealth officials not earlier than six months after the plebiscites.
6. The proclamation of the results of the election and inauguration of the commonwealth of the Phil
7. The proclamation of the Phil Independence on July 4 th following the tenth year of the transition period

THE COMMONWEALTH OF THE PHILIPPINES

After the acceptance of the Tydings-McDuffie Law, the Filipino people elected the delegate to the
Constitution Convention (Con-Con) on July 10, 1934 for the purpose of drafting the Constitution of the Philippines.
The first election under the constitution held on Sept. 17, in which Senate Pres. Manuel L. Quezon was elected
President and senate Sergio Osmeñ a, Vice President. On November 15, 1935 the Commonwealth was inaugurated.

Although the 1935 Constitution provided the term of the President for six years, it was subsequently
amended making the term of the President to four years with re-election for another term. Thus, after the
expiration of his term in 1941, Quezon ran for re-election and won again for the second time.

Achievements of the Commonwealth

1. After assuming the Presidency of the Commonwealth, Pres. Manuel L. Quezon immediately reorganized the
government along the principles laid down by the constitution.
2. The executive branch of the commonwealth govt. was overhauled, the executive departments were
reorganized. A stronger and more independent judiciary was established All Court of Justice, from the
Municipal Courts to Supreme Court, were entirely Filipinized.
3. Right of women to suffrage/vote was granted accordingly. The Constitution provides that “National
Assembly" shall take steps toward the development and adoption of a common language.
4. Under the commonwealth, education was encouraged, and free public elementary education was provided
5. Our constitution provides the “promotion of social justice to ensure the well being and economic security of
all people”
6. A notable progress in agriculture and industries has been made under the Commonwealth.
Activity No. 3 – Answer the following

1. Give the effects of the following causes:

a. Pacification of the Philippines by the Americans
b. Concept of “manifest destiny’
c. Re-organization of Philippine government under American colonial rule
d. Recognition of the American President as the supreme authority in the land
e. Exposure of Filipinos to democratic traditions

11. Discuss your insight on the following:

a. In your understanding, how did the Americans manage to pacify the Philippines
b. How do you think did the Filipinos react to the imposition of the new colonial master
c. Do you believe that the Americans indeed are “benevolent people? Why?

III. Described each concepts

1. Filipino policy
2. Philippine Bill of 1902
3. Jones Law
4. Taft Commission
5. Spooner amendment

IV. How many Philippine Constitutions we have since the proclamation of Independence.