READINGS OF PHILIPPINE HISTORY REVEIWER (MIDTERMS)

LESSON 1: THE GOVERNANCE OF SPAIN IN THE PHILIPPINES (SPANISH COLONIZATION PERIOD)___________

A. La Soberania Monacal en Filipinas (Monastic Sovereignty in the Philippines)
●​ Written by Marcelo H. Del Pilar, published in Barcelona, Spain in 1889, and reprinted in Manila in 1898.
●​ It analyzed the political, religious, and economic aspects of friarchy or frialocracia in the Philippines during the
19th century.
●​ It was hailed by the Spanish liberals and former Spanish administrators, including fomer governor-general Emilio
Terrero and director general of the civil administration Benigno Quiroga
​ They viewed it as an open attack on the backbone of Spanish power in the Philippines — the Catholic
Church, especially the monastic orders.
​ They considered the publication as a dangerous call for insurrection.
●​ Jose Rizal called it as one that had “no chaff; it is all grain” meaning it represents the valuable content/essential
useful parts (grain) and absence of worthless or irrelevant material (chaff).
a. Political Aspect
●​ Critique of the friars' dominance over civil and political life in the Philippines, arguing that they wielded
excessive and undemocratic power.
​ Del Pilar exposed how the Spanish friars essentially operated as a shadow government in the
Philippines. While the colonial administration was officially under the control of Spanish civil
authorities, the friars had immense power in local governance, wielding influence over laws,
appointments, and policies, especially in rural areas.
​ The friars often controlled town councils (known as gobierno municipal), interfered in the
appointment of civil officials like the gobernadorcillo (town mayor), and even influenced judicial
decisions.
●​ Advocacy for secularization, calling for the transfer of power from the friars to secular authorities and
Filipino priests, and for Filipinos to have more control over local governance.
​ A central political demand in del Pilar’s pamphlet was the secularization of power, meaning the
removal of the friars' control over both political and religious affairs. He advocated for
transferring ecclesiastical duties from the friars to secular clergy, ideally Filipino priests, while also
reducing the friars' interference in civil matters.
​ sought to undermine the friars' monopoly on power and increase Filipino participation in
governance.
●​ Exposure of abuses by the friars, including their influence over land and taxation policies, and how their
power was used to exploit the Filipino people.
​ The pamphlet was a scathing indictment of the abuses committed by the friars, including their
involvement in land ownership disputes, heavy taxation, and exploitation of Filipino peasants.
Del Pilar highlighted how the friars used their power to oppress the population and maintain control
over vast agricultural lands.
●​ Support for reforms that would grant Filipinos more rights and political representation, contributing to the
broader goals of the Propaganda Movement.
​ Del Pilar aimed to secure political reforms such as representation in the Spanish Cortes (parliament),
freedom of the press, equality before the law, and the right for Filipinos to govern themselves, at least
on a local level.
​ By attacking the friars' influence, del Pilar was not just critiquing religious overreach; he was also
making a case for political reform that would promote civil liberties and a more just, equitable system
of governance in the Philippines.
b. Religious Aspect
●​ Religious Authority as Political Power:
​ The friars wielded not only spiritual authority but also immense political power in the Philippines. They
were not just religious leaders; they influenced the colonial government, often serving as advisers or
even decision-makers in administrative affairs.
 ​ Del Pilar argued that this fusion of religious and political authority was detrimental to the people. The
friars often used their religious positions to manipulate and control the population, extending their
influence beyond spiritual matters into governance, law, and justice.
●​ Control Over the Sacraments:
​ The friars maintained a monopoly on religious sacraments, which were central to the lives of Filipino
Catholics. This included the administration of baptism, marriage, confession, and burial rites. Del Pilar
accused the friars of using these sacraments as tools of control, often withholding them as
punishment for disobedience or for not paying fees or tithes.
​ For example, the friars could refuse to perform marriages or burials for families unable to pay the
required fees. This created a system where the poor were denied access to basic religious rites
unless they complied with the friars' demands.
●​ Religious Intolerance:
​ Del Pilar criticized the intolerance and censorship imposed by the friars. They were staunch
defenders of orthodoxy, and any form of criticism or questioning of their authority, whether by local
intellectuals or reformists, was met with harsh repression.
​ The friars also worked to suppress education and limit the spread of modern or liberal ideas, fearing
that an educated Filipino population would challenge their religious and political supremacy. Del Pilar
argued that this suppression of intellectual and religious freedom stifled progress and kept the
population subservient to the friars' interests.
●​ Moral Corruption of the Clergy:
​ Del Pilar condemned the moral abuses of the friars, accusing them of hypocrisy and corruption. While
the friars preached morality and virtue, many were involved in vices such as greed, sexual
misconduct, and exploiting their position for personal gain.
​ These actions led to a growing disillusionment among the Filipino people with the friars and the
Catholic Church as a whole. Del Pilar viewed these abuses as evidence that the friars had strayed
from their religious duties, using their positions for self-serving purposes rather than guiding the
spiritual lives of their parishioners.
●​ Clericalism vs. Secularization:
​ Del Pilar was a strong proponent of secularization, the movement to transfer control of parishes from
Spanish friars to Filipino secular priests. He believed that Filipino clergy should manage local
parishes, as they were more attuned to the needs of the people.
​ The friars, however, fiercely opposed secularization, fearing it would diminish their influence. Del Pilar
saw this resistance as another example of the friars’ desire to maintain their grip on power, rather
than act in the best interest of Filipino Catholics.

​ Del Pilar argued that the friars' excessive control over both religious and secular matters was harmful to the
spiritual and social well-being of Filipinos. By monopolizing religious authority, interfering in politics, exploiting the
sacraments, and engaging in moral corruption, the friars maintained an oppressive system that kept the population
subjugated. Del Pilar believed that reforming the Church’s role in the Philippines was crucial for true social and
spiritual liberation.

c. Economic Aspect
​ Marcelo H. del Pilar focused on the negative economic impact of the Spanish friars' dominance in the Philippines.
Specifically, he criticized how the friars controlled vast amounts of land, which they managed through the hacienda
system. Del Pilar viewed the friars as hindering the economic progress of the Philippines by maintaining a feudal-like
system that benefited the Church at the expense of the Filipino people. He argued that:
●​ Friars monopolized land: The friars owned large agricultural estates, which hindered Filipino farmers'
access to land and economic opportunities.
●​ Excessive rents and taxes: Filipino tenants (or kasamas) on friar-owned lands were often subjected to high
rents and oppressive taxes, leading to widespread poverty among the rural population.
 ●​ Economic exploitation: The friars enriched themselves while keeping the Filipino population impoverished,
perpetuating a system of economic dependence.

LESSON 2: TAXATION DURING THE SPANISH PERIOD__________________________________________________

A. Taxes Imposed By The Spanish Government
​ Taxes during this time was compulsory for two reasons:
●​ as recognition of Spain’s sovereignty over the colonies
●​ defray the expenses of pacification (the act of forcibly of suppressing hostility within the colonies)
​ the colonial taxation laws were mad eby the Real y Supremo Consejo de las Indias (Royal and Supreme
Council of the Indies)

1.​ Tributo
​ General tax paid by the Filipinos to Spain which amounted to eight Reales
​ 18 to 50 years old males
2.​ Sanctorum
​ Amounted to three Reales
​ to pay for the cost of Christianization, including the construction of churches and purchase of materials for
religious celebrations
3.​ Donativo
​ Amounted to half Real
​ To pay for the military campaign of the government against the Muslims, however later on, it was
used to establish a Spanish fort in Zamboanga
4.​ Caja de comunidad
​ Amounted to 1 Real
​ To pay for the expenses of the town such as construction of roads, repair of bridges, or improvement of
public buildings
5.​ Servicio personal (polo y servicio)
​ A form of forced labor
​ All able-bodied males form 16-60 years old were required to work (called polista)
​ They were required to work for 40 days, however it was amended and lowered to 15 days as a result of
the tax reform in 1884 by Royal Decree
​ The only way a polista can be freed form forced labor was when he paid a falla or fine, but only a few
can afford it
​ The governadorcillo, cabeza de barangay, and other members of principalia were exempted from this

B. Revolts Against The Tribute

1.​ Cagayan and Dingras Revolts (1589)
​ The revolt occured in Luzon (in the present-day provinces of Cagayan and Ilocos Norte)
​ It was triggered by the alleged abuses of the tax collectors, including the collection of high taxes
​ Six tax collectors were killed by the natives, however the rebels were pardoned in the end
​ Due to this revolt, the Philippine tax system was reformed
​ It was one of the first native revolts against the hated tribute and the concept tribute collectors
2.​ Agustin Sumuroy’s Revolt (1649-1650)
​ Agustin Sumuroy: a Waray from Palapag in Northern Samar
​ Together with his followered, they rose in arms against the forced labor system; started with the
murder of a parish priest of Palapag.
​ It was triggered when the town mayors sent Warays to render service in Cavite, when it was
promised that no natives subject to the polo will be sent to distant places from their hometowns
​ They succeeded to establish a rebel government in the mountains of Samar, however the execution of
Sumuroy in June 1650 which led to the group’s defeat
 3.​ Francisco Maniago’s Revolt (1660-1661)
​ Francisco Maniago: a Kampampangan, led the uprising in Pampanga
​ They were against the tribute, forced labor, and rice exploitation
​ For 8 months, they were made to work under unfair conditions and were not paid to their labor and for the
rice they purchase from them.
​ They set the campsite on fire and fight ensued; this was the strat of a bloodier revolt in Pangasinan
4.​ Andres Malong Revolt (1660-1661)
​ Andres Malong: was the Maestro de Ocampo of Binalatongan, Pangasinan
​ He was coaxed by Maniago to revolt against the abuses of the Spaniards. He hoped to be King in
Pangasinan and helped Spaniards in governing different towns in the province, but abandoned it when
war broke out in Pampanga.
​ He succeeded in the revolt, and proclaimed himself King of Pangasinan

C. Tax Reform of 1884

​ One of the good reforms in the 19th century by Spain
​ Provided by the Royal Decree of March 6, 1884 and declared:
●​ Abolition of the hated tribute and its replacement of cedula tax
●​ Reduction of the 40-day annual forced labor (polo) to 15 days
​ Cedulas Personales – all men and women who were over 18 years old were required to obtain a cedula (except
the Chinese people who paid another poll tax, remontados d infeles)
​ There were 16 different classes of cedulas (originally nine) and the rates of the taxes ranged from 1.50 pesos
to 25 pesos, and a tenth for the priests, soldiers, and privileged classes.

LESSON 3: AGRARIAN REFORM IN THE SPANISH COLONIAL____________________________________________

A. Spanish Period (1521-1896)
●​ Encomienda
​ A system of giving lands (Royal Land Grants) to the Spanish conquerors that were loyal to the Spanish
monarch.
​ Encomenderos must defend the lands from external attack, in return, they were given the right to collect
taxes (tribute) from the indios (native)
​ Due to this, encomenderos abuse their power by renting their lands to powerful landlords, and the
natives were left as share tenants
B. Agrarian Uprisings (1745-1746)
​ Conducted in Batangas, Laguna, Cavite, and Bulacan, the revolt was triggered by the grabbing of lands by the
Catholic religious orders which angered the native land owners and demanded that their lands be
returned based on ancestral domain. When the Spanish priests refused, it resulted to riots and massive looting
of convents and the burning down of churches and ranches.
LESSON 4: AMERICAN OCCUPATION IN THE PHILIPPINES______________________________________________
A. Spanish-American War
​ For quite some time, Spain’s reputation for being one of the greatest European powers in the colonial industry has
been declining, with its colonies rebelling and revolting under their leadership. The Spanish-American war was
able to commence indirectly for this reason. When Cuba, one of Spain’s colony at that time, was struggling to
achieve independence from its colonizer, the US saw this as an opportunity to declare war against Spain and to
liberate the Cubans from its oppressor.
​ In 1898, the US declared war against Spain with the reason of liberating the Cubans. This was then followed
to other Spanish colonies such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and finally the Philippines.
​ George Dewey was the navy commander sent by the US to attack the Philippines and fight the Spaniards,
with which they found out that like Cuba were also fighting against the Spaniards for years. The US then offered
help with the fighting which the Philippines agree.
​ This was made possible by summoning Emilio Aguinaldo, who was exiled in Hong Kong, in April 23, 1898 forge
an alliance between the US and the Philippines, and in return, the US will support the Philippines’ campaign for
independence.

B. Timeline Before the Philippine-American War

●​ May 1, 1898 – Battle of Manila Bay:
​ U.S. naval forces, led by Commodore George Dewey, defeat the Spanish fleet, gaining control of the bay and
cutting off Manila.

●​ June 12, 1898 – Philippine Declaration of Independence:

​ Emilio Aguinaldo declares Philippine independence from Spain in Cavite, believing the U.S. would support
Filipino self-rule.
​ Or also known as the Proclamation of Independence by the Filipino People which took place in June 12,
1898.
​ It was a ceremony in Kawit, Cavite, written and read by Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista. There was the
singing of the March Nacional Filipina, and the raising of the Philippine Flag— a white triangle from
the emblem of the Katipunan Society, three stars for the archipelago of Luzon, Mindanao, and Panay, Eight
Rays for the provinces of Manila, Cavite, Bulacan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Laguna, and Batangas; lastly,
colors blue, red, and white to commemorate the U.S. of North America's flag

●​ August 13, 1898 – Mock Battle of Manila:

​ A staged battle between U.S. and Spanish forces to transfer Manila to the U.S. without letting Filipino
revolutionaries enter the city. Spain surrenders Manila to the U.S.

●​ August 14, 1898 – U.S. Military Occupation of Manila:

​ The U.S. establishes control over Manila, excluding Filipino forces from occupying the capital, causing
tensions.

●​ September 15, 1898 – Malolos Constitution at the Barasoain Church

​ The Malolos Congress made the Malolos Constitution at the Barasoain Church in Malolos, Bulacan; It was
the First Democratic Constitution in Southeast Asia; The government is separated into the three branches
legislative (highest), executive, and judicial power; It recognizes a separation of church and state (the
freedom and equality of all religious practices

●​ December 10, 1898 – Treaty of Paris:

​ The treaty is signed, officially ending the Spanish-American War. Spain cedes the Philippines, Guam, and
Puerto Rico to the U.S. for $20 million. This angers Filipino revolutionaries who sought independence.
C. Philippine-American War
●​ February 4, 1899 – Outbreak of War
​ in the San Juan Bridge Incident; American troops suddenly became hostile– killing 2 Filipino soldiers; With that,
President Emilio Aguinaldo declared war on the United States as the incident communicated to the Filipinos as
(1)​ the broken peace between Philippines and America;
(2)​ Americans have become enemies;
(3)​ State of War between Filipinos and Americans over the different PH localities

●​ February 6, 1899 – The Benevolent Assimilation Proclamation

​ A document by President William McKinley of the U.S., who planned to annex the Philippines, writing his
intention in the form of a diplomatic proclamation

●​ March 4, 1899 -- Schurman Commission Arrival; the First Philippine Commission

​ It concluded that the Philippines is not prepared for self-governance, proposing the following
(1)​ the creation of a civil government with a bicameral legislature;
(2)​ formation of LGUs pacified by the Americans;
(3)​ establishment of comprehensive public systems like health and education;
(4)​ cooperation with the PH elite by an autonomous status for the Philippines

●​ June 2, 1899 – First Philippine Republic Declares War

​ The First Philippine Republic, led by Aguinaldo, formally declares war against the U.S.

●​ March 23, 1901 – Capture of Aguinaldo

​ Emilio Aguinaldo is captured by U.S. forces in Palanan, Isabela, effectively weakening Filipino resistance.

●​ April 1, 1901 – Aguinaldo Swears Allegiance to the US

​ Aguinaldo officially pledges loyalty to the U.S., signaling the collapse of centralized Filipino leadership.

●​ September 28, 1901 – Balangiga Massacre

​ Filipino fighters ambush U.S. soldiers in Balangiga, Samar, killing 48. The U.S. retaliates with a brutal
counteroffensive.

●​ July 4, 1902 – Official End of the War:

​ U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt declares the Philippine-American War over, although resistance continues in
parts of the country.

D. “The White Man’s Burden”

​ refers to the belief, popularized in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, that it was the duty of European and
American colonizers to "civilize" non-Western peoples. It portrayed colonialism as a moral obligation to uplift
supposedly "less advanced" societies by spreading Western culture, religion, and governance.
​ he term comes from a poem by Rudyard Kipling (1899)
​ The idea justified imperialism as a benevolent act, though it often masked exploitation and oppression.

E. “Manifest Destiny”
●​ the 19th-century belief that the United States was divinely destined to expand across the North American
continent, from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean. This ideology held that U.S. territorial expansion was not
only inevitable but also justified and beneficial, as it would spread democracy, civilization, and Protestant values.
LESSON 5: JAPANESE OCCUPATION IN THE PHILIPPINES_____________________________________________
●​ July 26, 1941 – Preparation
​ U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt placed the Philippines under the command of General Douglas Mac
Arthur in preparation for a possible Japanese invasion.

●​ December 8, 1941 – Japanese Invasion Begins

​ Just hours after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Japanese forces bombed Clark Air Base and other military
installations in the Philippines. This marked the beginning of the Japanese invasion.
​ The U.S. and Filipino forces, led by General Douglas MacArthur, were forced to retreat to Bataan and
Corregidor.

●​ December 22, 1941 – Japanese Landings

​ Japanese troops began landing in Lingayen Gulf in northern Luzon and quickly advanced towards Manila.

●​ December 24, 1941

​ President Manuel Quezon makes Corregidor the seat of government. This makes Corregidor somewhat
the new capital.

●​ December 26, 1941 – Manila Declared an Open City

​ U.S. General Douglas MacArthur declared Manila an "open city" to prevent its destruction, withdrawing
U.S. and Filipino forces to Bataan and Corregidor for a defensive stand.

●​ December 27, 1941

​ The Japanese bomb Manila hitting Santo Domingo Church and the Intendencia

●​ January 2, 1942 – Japanese Capture Manila

​ Japanese forces entered and occupied Manila, establishing control over the capital.

●​ March 6, 1942 – Complete Conquest of Japan

​ The island of Corregidor, the last holdout of the U.S. and Filipino forces, falls to the Japanese, completing
Japan’s conquest of the Philippines.

●​ April 9, 1942 – Fall of Bataan

​ After a fierce defense, Filipino and American forces in Bataan surrendered. Approx. 76,000 Filipino and
American soldiers are taken prisoner after war.
​ Bataan Death March begins, prisoners of war are forced to march over 60 miles to prison camps in Tarlac.

●​ June 18, 1943

​ The KALIBAPI holds its first general assembly and is instructed by the Japanese to form the Preparatory
Commission for Philippine Independence

●​ October 14, 1943

​ Jose P. Laurel is inducted into office; the Philippine Republic is inaugurated. Second Philippine Republic.
​ The Japanese established a puppet government led by José P. Laurel in 1943. Harsh rule, food shortages,
forced labor, and abuses led to widespread suffering. Resistance movements, such as the Hukbalahap (Huk)
guerrillas, actively fought against Japanese forces.

●​ October 20, 1944 – MacArthur’s Return at Leyte

​ U.S. General Douglas MacArthur fulfilled his famous promise, landing at Leyte with Allied forces. This began
the Leyte Gulf Campaign, the largest naval battle in history, which crippled the Japanese fleet.
 ​ This marks the start of the liberation of the Philippines.

●​ October 23-26 - Battle of Leyte Gulf

​ One of the Largest naval battles in history, involving U.S. and Japanese forces and marked a decisive defeat
for Japan. It opened the way for the Allies to retake the Philippines

●​ January 9, 1945
​ Invasion of Luzon: U.S. forces landed in Lingayen Gulf on Luzon, marking the beginning of the liberation of
the main island.

●​ February 1945 - Manila Massacre.

​ During the battle for Manila, the retreating Japanese forces committed atrocities against the civilian
population, killing an estimated 100,000 Filipinos.

●​ February 23, 1945

​ Manila is liberated by U.S and Filipino forces, though the city lay in ruins, one of the most devastated urban
areas during World War II.

●​ March 1945
​ Japanese forces begin to retreat after the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki effectively ending
World War II

●​ March – June 1945 – Final Resistance

​ Japanese forces retreated to the mountains, continuing guerrilla warfare. Allied forces systematically cleared
remaining pockets of resistance across Luzon and other islands.

●​ July 5, 1945 – Liberation of the Philippines Declared

​ General MacArthur officially declared the Philippines liberated, although scattered fighting continued.

●​ September 2, 1945
​ The formal surrender of Japan occurs aboard the USS Missouri officially ending the Japanese occupation of
the Philippines.

●​ September 3, 1945
​ General Tomoyuki Yamashita surrendered all Japanese forces in the Philippines.

●​ July 4, 1946 - The Philippines gained full independence.