PPG WEEK5 EVOLUTION of PHILIPPINE POLITICS
PPG WEEK5 EVOLUTION of PHILIPPINE POLITICS
PPG WEEK5 EVOLUTION of PHILIPPINE POLITICS
GOVERNANCE
Name: ____________________________ Grade Level: __________
Section: ___________________________ Date: ________________
LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEET
EVOLUTION OF PHILIPPINE POLITICS AND GOVERNANCE
The historical development of Philippine Politics and Government can be
studied through its evolution from the Pre-historic period which contributed to the
formation of modern Philippine Politics and Government.
The Pre-Spanish Government
The early Filipinos had a government which they called “Balangay”.The head
or the leader was called a Datu or Rajah who was assisted by the elders in the
community. All powers of the government were exercised by the datu or rajah. He was
the chief executive, law giver, chief judge and military head. There are three social
classes at that time namely: The Maharlika (Nobles), the Timawas (Freemen) and the
Alipin (Slaves). The Datu or the Rajah came from the Maharlika (The upper class).
Government in the Philippines under the Spanish Rule
The Philippines was governed indirectly by the King of Spain through the
Viceroy of Mexico. When Mexico, also a former colony of Spain gained her freedom
in 1821, the Philippines was ruled directly by Spain until 1898.The government
established in the Philippines was centralized. The national government was headed
by a Spanish Governor General, who was appointed by the King of Spain. The
Governor-General was at times called the “Representative of the King of Spain” or the
“Little King in the Philippines”. In theory, he was the highest government official in the
country, and practice frailocracy “Rule of friars” existed thus overpowering the
Governor General. Below the national government was the Alcaldia (Provinces)
headed by the Alcalde Mayor, the Pueblos (Towns) which were led by the
Gobernadorcillo (little governor) and the barangays which were led by the Cabeza de
Barangay. Andres Bonifacio organized the Katipunan, a secret revolutionary
organization of the Filipinos. Its aim was a complete separation from Spain. It
precipitated the Philippine Revolution on August 26, 1896 (De Leon & De Leon, 2014).
It was replaced by another government when it was discovered by the Spanish
BACKGROUND INFORMATION FOR LEARNERS
Note: Practice Personal Hygiene Protocols at all times
62
authorities. The new government was headed by Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo as President
in the Tejeros Convention held on March 22-23, 1897.
The Biak-Na-Bato Republic was created by Gen. Aguinaldo on November 1,
1897. Its aim was separation from Spain and formation of the Philippines as an
independent state. The Republic existed until December 15, 1897, with the signing of
the Pact of Biak-Na-Bato. It resulted in the Revolutionary exile of Aguinaldo and his
men to Hongkong provided that General Primo de Rivera would pay $800,000. On
May 24, 1889, Gen. Aguinaldo established a dictatorial government when he returned
from his exile in Hongkong. The notable achievements of the Dictatorial Government
were: 1) the proclamation of Philippine Independence at Kawit, Cavite on June 12,
1898; and 2) the reorganization of local governments. A Revolutionary Government
replaced the Dictatorial Government still with Gen. Aguinaldo as the head. On January
23, 1899, the first Philippine Republic was established with Gen. Aguinaldo as the
President.
The Government during the American Regime
The Americans started the military rule in the Philippines on August 14, 1898.
The president of the United States delegated his authority to the military governor who
exercised all powers of the government (until the war lasted) - executive, legislative
and judiciary. The Spooner Amendment ended the military regime in the Philippines.
It was changed into civil government headed by Civil Governor on July 4, 1901. The
title was changed to Governor General on February 6, 1905. The Governor General
has legislative powers, and he was the President of the Philippines commission from
1901-1907. The Philippine Commission was the sole law making body of the
Government. Eventually, this became the upper house of the legislative department
of the Philippine Assembly (Created by Philippine Bill of 1902) as the lower chamber.
The Jones law of 1916 which became the fundamental law for the Philippines vested
the legislative power in an all- Filipino law-making body composed of the Philippine
Senate and the House of Representatives.
The Commonwealth Government
The Tydings-Mcduffie Law in 1934 established the Commonwealth
Government. It was a form of government in transition toward independence. It provide
for a ten-year transition period after which the Philippine independence would be
Proclaimed and established. The Commonwealth Government was inaugurated on
November 15, 1935. The first National Election in the country was held September 12,
1935. Manuel L. Quezon was the President, and his Vice-President was Sergio
Osmena. The Commonwealth Government functioned in exile during World War II in
Washington, USA, from May 13, 1942 to October 3, 1944 after which it was
reestablished
in Manila on February 27, 1945. The USA turned over to a Filipino
President the full powers and responsibilities of the Commonwealth Government
under the 1935 Constitution.
Note: Practice Personal Hygiene Protocols at all times
63
The Government under the Japanese Occupation
The Japanese military administration was established in Manila on January 3,
1942. A civil government which was called the Philippine Executive Commission was
established with Jorge B. Vargas as chairman. It had legislative and executive powers
but laws enacted though were subject to approval by the Commander-in-Chief of the
Japanese forces. On October 14, 1943, the Japanese-sponsored Philippine Republic
with Jose P. Laurel as the President was inaugurated.
The Presidents of the Philippines
Since independence in 1898 and the ratification of the Philippine Constitution in the
First Republic, there have been 16 presidents. Starting with General Emilio
Aguinaldo all the way to current president Rodrigo Roa Duterte.
General Emilio Aguinaldo
One way to remember the first president of the Philippines First Republic is to
look at the five peso coin. Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo's face used to grace the five peso bill
(which is not used anymore). The back of the bill shows him holding the Philippine flag
at the celebration of the Philippine Independence Day. He led the Filipinos in fighting
against the Spaniards and the Americans.
Contributions and Achievements:
• first (and only) president of the First Republic (Malolos Republic)
• signed the Pact of Biak-na-Bato, creating a truce between the Spanish and
Philippine revolutionaries
• known as the President of the Revolutionary Government
• led the Philippines in the Spanish-Philippine War and the American-Philippine
War
• youngest president, taking office at age 28
• longest-lived president, passing away at 94
Manuel L. Quezon
After 34 years of Insular Government under American rule, Philippine voters
elected Manuel Luis Quezon first president of the Commonwealth of the Philippines.
He is known as the “Father of National Language” (Ama ng Wikang Pambansa). He
died of tuberculosis in Saranac Lake, New York.
Contributions and Achievements:
• first Senate president elected as President of the Philippines
• first president elected through a national election
• first president under the Commonwealth
• created National Council of Education
• initiated women’s suffrage in the Philippines during the Commonwealth
• approved Tagalog/Filipino as the national language of the Philippines
• appears on the twenty-peso bill
• a province, a city, a bridge and a university in Manila are named after him
• his body lies within the special monument on Quezon Memorial Circle
Jose P. Laurel
José P. Laurel's presidency is controversial. He was officially the government's
caretaker during the Japanese occupation of World War II. Criticized as a traitor by
some, his indictment for treason was superseded later by an amnesty proclamation in
1948.
Contributions and Achievements:
• since the early 1960s, Laurel considered a legitimate president of the Philippines
• organized KALIBAPI (Kapisanan sa Paglilingkod sa Bagong Pilipinas, or
Association for Service to the New Philippines), a provisional government during
Japanese occupation
• declared Martial Law and war between the Philippines and the U.S./United
Kingdom in 1944
• with his family, established the Lyceum of the Philippines
Sergio Osmeña
Sergio Osmeña was the second president of the Commonwealth. During his
presidency, the Philippines joined the International Monetary Fund.
Contributions and Achievements:
• became president at 65, making him the oldest person to hold office
• first Visayan to become president
• joined with U.S. Gen. Douglas McArthur in Leyte on October 20, 1944 to begin
restoration of Philippine freedom after Japanese occupation
• Philippine National Bank was rehabilitated and the country joined the International
Monetary Fund during his presidency
• Bell Trade Act was approved by the U.S. Congress during his presidency
• appears on the 50-peso bill
Manuel Roxas
Manuel Roxas was the fifth president of the Philippines: the third (and last)
president under the Commonwealth, and the first president of the Third Republic of
the Philippines. He held office for only one year, 10 months, and 18 days.
Contributions and Achievements:
• inaugurated as the first president of the new Republic after World War II
• reconstruction from war damage and life without foreign rule began during his
presidency
• under his term, the Philippine Rehabilitation Act and Philippine Trade Act laws
were accepted by Congress
• appears on the 100-peso bill
Elpidio Quirino
Elpidio Quirino served as vice president under Manuel Roxas. When Roxas
died in 1948, Quirino became president.
Contributions and Achievements:
• Hukbalahap guerrilla movement active during his presidency
• created Social Security Commission
• created Integrity Board to monitor graft and corruption
• Quezon City became capital of the Philippines in 1948
Ramon Magsaysay
Ramon Magsaysay was born in Iba, Zambales. He was a military governor and
an engineer. He died in an aircraft disaster while boarding the presidential plane.
Contributions and Achievements:
• Hukbalahap movement quelled during his presidency
• chairman of the Committee on Guerrilla Affairs
• first president sworn into office wearing Barong Tagalog during inauguration
• presidency referred to as the Philippines' "Golden Years" for its lack of corruption
• Philippines was ranked second in Asia’s clean and well-governed countries during
his presidency
• established National Resettlement and Rehabilitation Administration (NARRA)
among other agrarian reforms
Carlos P. Garcia
A lawyer, poet, and teacher, Carlos P. Garcia also served as a guerrilla leader
during the Pacific War. Born in Bohol, Garcia serviced as vice president under Ramon
Magsaysay and as secretary of Foreign Affairs for four years. He became president
when Magsaysay died in 1957.
Contributions and Achievements:
• known for “Filipino First Policy,” which favored Filipino businesses over foreign
investors
• established the Austerity Program focusing on Filipino trade and commerce
• known as the “Prince of Visayan Poets” and the “Bard from Bohol”
• cultural arts was revived during his term
• was the first president to have his remains buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani
Diosdado Macapagal
Born in Lubao, Pampanga, Diosdado Macapagal was a lawyer and professor.
His daughter Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was the 14 th, and second female, president of
the Philippines.
Contributions and Achievements:
• established the first Land Reform Law, allowing for the purchase of private
farmland to be distributed in inexpensive, small lots to the landless
• placed the Philippine peso on the currency exchange market
• declared June 12, 1898 to be Philippines’ Independence Day
• signed the Minimum Wage Law
• created the Philippine Veteran’s Bank
Ferdinand Marcos
Born in Sarrat, Ilocos Norte, Ferdinand Edralin Marcos was a lawyer and
Senate President for three years. He was president for 21 years. He ruled under
martial law and his dictatorship was known for its corruption and brutality. Marcos was
removed from office after the People Power Revolution.
Contributions and Achievements:
• first president to win a second term
• declared Martial Law on Sept. 22, 1972
• increased the size of Philippine military and armed forces
• by 1980 the Philippine GNP was four times greater than 1972
• by 1986 the Philippines was one of the most indebted countries in Asia
• built more schools, roads, bridges, hospitals, and other infrastructure than all
former presidents combined
• the only president whose remains are interred inside a refrigerated crypt
Corazon Aquino
The first woman president of the Philippines and the first woman to become
president of an Asian country, Corazon Aquino was born in Paniqui, Tarlac. She was
a prominent figure in the People Power Revolution that brought down Ferdinand
Marcos' dictatorship. Her husband, Benigno Aquino Jr., was a senator during the
Marcos regime and its strongest critic. He was assassinated while Marcos was still in
power.
Contributions and Achievements:
• first woman to be president of the Philippines or any Asian country
Note: Practice Personal Hygiene Protocols at all times
67
• restored democracy
• abolished the 1973 Marcos Constitution and ushered in the new Constitution of
the Philippines
• reorganized the structure of the executive branch of government
• signed the Family Code of 1987, a major civil law reform, and 1191 Local
Government Code, which reorganized the structure of the executive branch of
government
• initiated charitable and social activities helping the poor and the needy
• named “Woman of the Year” in 1986 by Time magazine
• on the new 500-peso bill together with her husband Benigno Aquino
Received honors and awards including:
• 100 Women Who Shaped World History
• 20 Most Influential Asians of the 20 th Century
• 65 Great Asian Heroes
• J. William Fulbright Prize for International Understanding
Fidel V. Ramos
Fidel V. Ramos was the chief-of-staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines
before he became president. He was also a civil engineer. As president, he restored
economic growth and stability in the country, even during the Asian Financial Crisis in
1997. He is the first, and so far the only, non-Catholic president of the Philippines.
Contributions and Achievements:
• oversaw Philippine economic growth
• presided over celebrations of Philippine Independence Centennial in 1998
• received British Knighthood from the United Kingdom by Queen Elizabeth II
(Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St. Michael and St. George)
• hosted the fourth Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Leader's Summit in the
Philippines in 1996
• Philippine Stock Exchange became an international favorite during his presidency
• death penalty reinstated while he was in office
• signed peace agreement with the rebel Moro National Liberation Front
Joseph Estrada
Known as Erap, Joseph Estrada was the first president who had been a famous
film actor. His presidency was controversial. During his years in office economic
growth was slow and he faced impeachment proceedings. He was ousted from the
presidency in 2001. He was later convicted of stealing from the government but was
pardoned. He ran unsuccessfully for president in 2010.
Note: Practice Personal Hygiene Protocols at all times
68
Contributions and Achievements:
• during his presidency Moro Islamic Liberation Front headquarters and camps
were captured
• joined other leaders and politicians to try to amend the 1987 Constitution
• cited as one of the Three Outstanding Senators in 1989
• among the “Magnificent 12” who voted to terminate the agreement that allows for
U.S. control of Clark Airbase and Subic Naval Base
Gloria Macapagal Arroyo
Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was the 14th, president of the Philippines (and the
second female president). The Oakwood Mutiny occurred during her term. Arroyo
oversaw road and infrastructure improvements and higher economic growth that
presidents before her, but there was also controversy. The so-called "Hello Garci"
controversy involved recordings that allegedly captured Arroyo ordering the rigging of
the election that put her in office. In 2005 Arroyo faced impeachment proceedings
related to the recordings but the impeachment failed. After she had left office Arroyo
faced additional charges of election fraud and misuse of state funds.
Contributions and Achievements:
• second female president of the country
• first and only female vice-president of the Philippines so far
• first president to take oath outside Luzon
• former Economics professor at the Ateneo de Manila University, where current
president Benigno Aquino III was one of her students
• ex-classmate of former U.S. President Bill Clinton at Georgetown University’s
Walsh School of Foreign Service, where she maintained Dean’s list status
• oversaw higher economic growth than the past three presidents before her
• peso became the best-performing currency of the year in Asia in 2007
• E-VAT Law was implemented under her term
• currently on the 200-peso bill
Benigno Aquino III
Benigno Aquino III joined the House of Representatives and the Senate before
his presidency. He is the first president who is a bachelor; he is unmarried and has no
children.
Contributions and Achievements:
• created the no "wang-wang" (street siren) policy
• appointed statesman Jesse Robredo to serve as secretary of Interior and Local
Government in 2010, where Robredo served until his death in 2012
1. initiated K-12 education in the Philippines
Note: Practice Personal Hygiene Protocols at all times
69
• renamed the Office of the Press Secretary to Presidential Communications
Operations Office and appointed new officers
• suspended allowances and bonuses to Government Owed and Controlled
Corporation and Government Financial Institution board members
• oversaw 7.1% growth of the Philippine economy in 201
Rodrigo R. Duterte
Rodrigo Roa Duterte born March 28, 1945), also known as Digong and Rody,
is a Filipino politician who is the 16th and incumbent President of the Philippines and
the first from Mindanao to hold the office. He is the chairperson of PDP–Laban, the
ruling political party in the Philippines. Duterte took office at age 71 on June 30, 2016,
making him the oldest person to assume the Philippine presidency; the record was
previously held by Sergio Osmeña at the age of 65.
Born in Maasin, Southern Leyte, Duterte studied political science at
the Lyceum of the Philippines University, graduating in 1968, before obtaining a law
degree from San Beda College of Law in 1972. He then worked as a lawyer and was
a prosecutor for Davao City, before becoming vice mayor and, subsequently, mayor
of the city in the wake of the Philippine Revolution of 1986. Duterte won seven terms
and served as mayor of Davao for over 22 years.
Analyze the evolution of Philippine Politics and Governance (Quarter 1. Week 7-8).
Let’s Start!
Hello learner, please sign the learning agreement before answering the
different activities. ENJOY!
LEARNING COMPETENCY
DIRECTIONS
LEARNING CONTRACT
AGREEMENT: I hereby accept the responsibility to finish the activity package and
submit it to my teacher (____________________) on (____________________).
_______________________________ _________________
Name of Student over Printed Name Date