A.
SIGNIFICANCE OF FRIARS
1. Political Aspect
The Friars hold a very important role, they have control over the status quo of the Philippines. This is because
they so skillfully created a system that fully benefited them.
They took advantage of the lack of union between the people and the government, frightening the government
with rebellion, and the people with despotism. Thus, they offer support to the government to suppress the
rebelliousness and the people to defend them against official rapacity, which then the people gave the friars their
wealth.
The convents became millionaires during that time, owning the deeds and titles of lands; leasing and renting it
which increases from time to time. The People also pay direct taxes and indirect taxes, not only that they had to
also pay tax of the religious festival.
Though a papal decree of 2 May 1867 was made to relieve the Filipino Catholics the burden by reducing
festivities, it is evident that it was ineffective as the convent decided to set a patron saint in each parish church
that needs to be celebrated lavishly with the expense of the people. Not only that, districts with fifty families
would have a chapel erected and they must pay 100 pesos minimum.
Moreover, if ever someone decides to question or go against the friars, they have the right to name that person so
they could get deported, and the government would see to it that the curate’s opinion will suffice. With all of this
in mind, the friars are ruling with the fear of the people that keeps them in control.
2. Religious Aspect
The curate’s opinion is of very importance. He’s signature is also very essential in getting documents and for
approval of almost anything. He either approves it or denies it according to his will or the order of his prelates.
The Philippines’ National Integrity is also based on the curate. His arguments create an effect where the National
Integrity of the Philippines would be in danger. But if the Philippine consolidate the fraternity with Spain, it can
grant them defense against the dangers that the National Integrity may face.
The divisive plans of the friars may succeed, its monastic saddles would not be necessary, as they cannot
command public opinion. So, National Integrity should not be and will never be in the hands of the friars.
3. Economic Aspect
The Philippine government lacks resources to undertake public works. On the other hand, the monastic orders
build grand and costly convents in Manila and in each parish of three thousand souls, they erect a spacious palace
for the residence of the regular curate.
The abundance of the convent makes laughable the pity of the government. Where the government lacks are
where the abundance of the convent are.
The government builds primary school, yet the friars are the one who regulates it.
The government is having a hard time to collect taxes, yet the friars, without difficulty, empties out the pockets of
the same public, in exchange of heavenly promises.
The government worries about funds, yet the monastic treasuries overflow with money.
Therefore, it is clearly shown how big difference there is with poverty of the government and the opulence of the
vow of property. An economic phenomenon was even mentioned to analyze this.
The sale of religious objects with priestly blessings that are overpriced is where most of the monastic income
comes from.
A belt would not be of much price, yet if it has been blessed by a priest the price of this object would double or
triple of amount as it becomes an object of papal and Episcopal indulgences. Price may also vary if you’re an old
or new costumer.
B. CARICATURE
During Spanish colonization, the friars wielded the most power. The Philippines' basic forces the friars had produced
a great deal of strife in the areas of government, religion, and economics. Not only were there confrontations, but
there were also several human rights breaches. The friars shattered the Philippines' National Integrity merely because
of the government's and people's suspicion of one another. Not only is that, but their dread of the friar’s one of the
reasons for the lack of National Integrity at the time.
Individuals, regardless of religion, gender, languages, beliefs, color, or other factors, are united and fellowshipped
under the banner of national integrity. Everyone in their nation feels a sense of belonging and connection to the
society. Without national integrity, nations may lack the will to progress toward development and improvement,
particularly in times of crisis, such as the corona virus outbreak.
National integrity is important because it helps citizens to have a feeling of national pride and identity, it allows
individuals to put their differences aside and work together, and it allows the country and its residents to thrive in a
variety of ways. National integrity is vital because it helps residents to have a feeling of national pride and identity
even when they are not in their homeland. Individuals may no longer feel superior to other countries that they believe
are more advanced and evolved than their own because they believe that if they work together as a team, exponential
progress will occur.
