From Indio to Filipino

● The Filipinos began to fight the Spaniards the moment they settled permanently in
1565 and continued this resistance to the end of their rule in 1898 for a total of
333 years. All these pockets of resistance for various causes burst into a national
struggle as the Filipinos fought to liberate themselves from Spanish domination in
the Philippine revolution of 1896-1897.
● In October 1889, a group of illustrados in Paris, signing themselves as "The
Filipinos," addressed the following "To Our Dear Mother Country,Spain". ● Lapu-
lapu of Mactan(1521) and Dagami of Cebu (1567) were among the first Filipino
to refuse to bow under Spanish yoke.
● The revolt patterns must be treated holistically, and not separately, as personal
and religious functions may be one and the same in one leader.

Revolts are Categorized for Convenience:

1. Personal, (led by former datus, maginoos and maharlikas)

2. Religious leaders’ resistance to oppressive Spanish introduced economic as well as
religious institutions
3. Land problems.

PERSONAL MOTIVES

• Some revolts are personally led by former barangay datus and maharlika as well as
babaylans or katalonans,
• Some reasons of their revolts are Forced Labor, tributes and over taxes

Lakandula and Soliman, 1574

● They are the last’s Manila’s Chieftain.
● Their families are exempted from tribute and forced labor until 1884.
● Another benefit is their exclusive right to keep their name.
● Lakan Dula (or Lakandula) and Soliman, revolted in 1574 because of Lavezares who
confiscated the land properties and tolerated the corrupt encomendero.

Conspiracy of Maharlikas

• Lead by Agustin de Legazpi, son of Lakandula and his first cousin, Martin Pangan
(Manila and Bulacan).
• Failed because Antonio Susabau of Calamianes and Amarlahagi {datu of Bay,
Laguna} revealed the plot to the Spanish authorities.
• When the masterminds were caught, they were beheaded in public as a warning
against their crime, and their heads were spiked for public exhibition.

Paganism and Idolatry

• Spanish friars had converted zealously the Filipinos in masse, as exemplified by 30

babaylans in bohol who in 1611 smashed their ancestral idols and altars and even
joined the children’s class in catechism.
• Not all the highly respected shamans surrendered to the loss, not only of their
tangible means of income but also their time-honored personal prestige, in
barangay.
 • They withdrew the woods before the arrival of the missionaries who successfully
utilized various enticing conversing methodology.
• They found out that the living in the Christianized reduccion under the peal of the
bells was irritating.

Tamblot of Bohol (1621-1622)

• Tamblot of Bohol was an outlawed babaylan, employed magic and religion to abandon
Christianity.
• He slashed the bamboo and wine gushed forth and rice emerged; promised that the
“mountains will rise up against the enemies and if any Indians died, they will be
revived.”
• Was crushed by Juan de Alcarazo, alcalde mayor of Cebu, and his men.

Datu Bankaw

• Although baptized as a Christian in his youth, he apostatized in his old age.

• With babaylan Pagali, he built an appropriate temple to the diwatas and pressed six
towns to rise up in arms.
• Used magic to attract devotees saying that they could petrify the Spaniards and
the woman or child could easily change the enemies into clay.
• Alcarazo checked the revolt and bankaw’s severed head was impaled on a bamboo
stake.

Dagohoy in Bohol

• Started by Francisco Dagohoy; longest revolt; a cabeza de barangay.

• Causes of revolt: forced labor; refusal of Jesuit , Fr. Gaspar Moralesto give
Sagarino, his brother, a Christian burial, on the groud that he died in the duel and
had not received the extreme unction
• Sagarino was a constable in Talibon who was slain while carrying out the order of
the same priest; upon the order of Fr. Morales, Sagarino’s rotting corpse were
exposed for 3 days in front of Inabagan church.
• Along with the leaders of Tagbilaran, Baclyon and Dauis, Dagohoy proclaimed “free
Bohol” ; refused unjust payment of tribute and forced labor.
• However, Dagohoy did not lived to see the ending of the uprising.

RELIGIOUS MOTIVES

• The continuous hispanization of the Filipinos throught the religion was in line with
the Spain’s policy. “Gospel, Gold and Glory”
• Various attempts were made to convert other neighboring unconverted groups by
using a newly Christianized chieftain by using them for being model for the other
barangay members would follow.
- Miguel Lanao ( 1625-1627)
- Tapar (1663)
- Francisco Rivera (1718)
- Ermano Apolinario Dela Cruz (1840-1844)
- Muslims in the Southern Philippines
- Igorots in the Cordillera
Miguel Lanab (1625-1627)
• Revolted in June 1625 with Alabanan of Capanitan From Apayao.
• Revolted by mutilating and beheading the Dominicans, Fr. Alonzo Garcia – cut to
pieces and fed the flesh to the pigs Bro.
• Onofre Palao Lanab and Alabanan forced the Isnegs to escape with them in the
mountains, set fire to the churches, desecrate the images and loot properties. As a
consequence, the newly converted Isnegs, voluntarily forced to turn their backs in
the faith and flee to the mountains.

Tapar Revolt (1663)

• Tapar, a babaylan from Iloilo, formed a syncretic religion blending Catholicism and
local beliefs.
• His followers killed Fr. Francisco de Mesa and fled, but Spanish forces captured
and killed the leaders.
• The bodies of leaders, including their “Blessed Virgin Mary,” were fed to crocodiles
as punishment.

Francisco Rivera's Uprising (1718)

• Rivera, a visionary leader in Tuguegarao, rejected religious symbols and led an
assault on Spanish forces, though internal dissent weakened his rebellion.

Ermano Apolinario De La Cruz (1832-1841):

• Founder of the Cofradía de San José, a religious brotherhood that defied Spanish
religious control.
• His movement spread across Tayabas and Laguna, eventually leading to his capture
and execution in 1841.

Filipino- American Relationship

Historical Background

Spanish-American War (1898): The relationship began when the Philippines

became a colony of the U.S. after Spain ceded the country through the Treaty of Paris in
1898. The Philippines was under American control until it gained full independence on July
04, 1946.
Philippine-American War (1899–1902): This war erupted as Filipino
revolutionaries, who had been fighting for independence from Spain, resisted U.S. rule. It
led to significant casualties on both sides but resulted in the continued American
colonization of the Philippines.
Commonwealth Period and World War II (1935–1946): During the Commonwealth
period, the U.S. helped the Philippines prepare for eventual independence. The two
countries fought side by side during World War II against the Japanese occupation,
further deepening their alliance.

Military and Defense Relations

Mutual Defense Treaty (1951): This treaty is the cornerstone of the Philippines-
U.S. security relationship. It commits both nations to come to each other's defense if
either is attacked.
Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) and Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement
(EDCA): These agreements allow U.S. military presence in the Philippines and enhance
cooperation in terms of joint military exercises, disaster response, and counterterrorism.
 Contemporary Issues: In recent years, under the Duterte administration (2016–
2022), the Philippines had shown an inclination toward reducing dependence on the U.S. and
improving ties with China. However, under the current administration, there has been a
rebalancing, with efforts to maintain strong relations with the U.S., particularly concerning
the West Philippine Sea dispute and mutual defense interests.

Economic Relations
Trade and Investment: The U.S. is one of the Philippines' top trading partners. Key
exports from the Philippines to the U.S. include electronics, garments, and agricultural
products. Meanwhile, the U.S. exports agricultural goods, machinery, and equipment to the
Philippines.
Aid and Development: The U.S. provides substantial development aid to the
Philippines, focusing on governance, education, health, and disaster preparedness. The U.S.
Agency for International Development (USAID) has numerous projects in the country
aimed at reducing poverty and fostering sustainable development.
Cultural Influence
Westernization: American culture has had a profound influence on Filipino society,
particularly in areas such as language (widespread use of English), education, and popular
culture (music, movies, and fashion). The Philippines is considered one of the most
Westernized countries in Southeast Asia.
Filipino Diaspora: The U.S. is home to a significant Filipino population, making
Filipinos one of the largest Asian-American communities. This diaspora maintains strong
ties to their homeland, contributing through remittances and cultural exchange.
Social, Political, Economic, and Cultural Issues in the Philippines
Social Issues
• It refers to challenges that affect the quality of life of individuals and
communities.

• Example: Poverty despite economic growth in recent years, poverty remains a

significant issue in the Philippines, with wide gaps between the rich and poor. Many
rural areas and urban poor communities continue to suffer from a lack of basic
services such as healthcare, education, and housing.

Political Issues
• A topic or problem that involves disagreement about how a society should be
governed or how resources should be allocated.

• Example: Corruption remains a long-standing issue in the Philippines. Despite various

anti-corruption measures and agencies, such as the Office of the Ombudsman,
graft and corruption in both local and national government continue to hinder
progress.

Economic Issues
• The fundamental challenge facing all societies, which is how to satisfy unlimited
wants and needs with limited resources.

• Example: Unemployment and Underemployment: The Philippines continues to

struggle with underemployment, with many workers in low-paying or informal jobs.
While the country's service and manufacturing sectors have grown, they haven't
created enough quality jobs to absorb the labor force, particularly among the
youth.
Cultural Issues
• The disagreement in the society along with the government that can be based upon
the origin and cultural differences.

• Example: Filipino resiliency; Filipino resiliency refers to the remarkable ability of

Filipinos to adapt, recover, and remain optimistic in the face of hardships and
challenges. This trait is deeply embedded in the culture and is often displayed
during natural disasters, economic difficulties, and social problems. Despite
adversities, Filipinos maintain a positive outlook, foster strong community bonds,
and exhibit courage and resourcefulness to rebuild their lives.

1899 Malolos Constitution

Emilio Aguinaldo
• He was the mayor of Cavite Viejo or Kawit Cavite (August 1896).
• He is the local leader of the Katipunan.
• Signed an agreement called Pact of Biac-na-Bató with the Spanish governor general
(December 1897).
• He made agreements with representatives of the American consulates and of
Commodore George Dewey to return to the Philippines to assist the United States
in the war against Spain.
• Aguinaldo returned to the Philippines on May 19, 1898.
• The Filipinos, who declared their independence from Spain on June 12, 1898,
proclaimed a provisional republic, of which Aguinaldo was to become president, and
in September, a revolutionary assembly met and ratified Filipino independence.

History of the Philippine Revolutionary Government

• The Malolos Congress
- On July 18, 1898, Emilio Aguinaldo issued a decree asking for the election of
delegates to the revolutionary congress. Five days later, another decree was
being promulgated which declared that Aguinaldo would appoint representatives
of Congress.
- He appointed 50 delegates in all.
- Aguinaldo assembled the revolutionary cogress at Barasoain church in Malolos,
Bulacan on September 15, 1898.

The most important achievements of the Malolos Congress:

• In September 29, 1898, ratified the declaration of Philippine independence held at
Kawit, Cavite on June 12, 1898.
• Passage of a law that allowed the Philippines to borrow P 20 million from banks for
government expenses.
• Establishment of the Universidad Literatura de Filipinas and other schools.
• Drafting of the Philippine Constitution.
• Declaring war against the United States on June 12, 1899.

The Malolos Constitution

• A committee headed by Felipe Calderon and aided by Cayetano Arellano, the
Constitution was drafted, for the first time, by representatives of the Filipino
people and it is the first republican constitution in Asia.
• The original title of the first document of the Malolos Constitution is “The Political
Constitution of 1899”
 • The Constitution has thirty-nine articles divided into fourteen titles, with eight
articles of transitory provision, and a final additional article.
• The final draft of the constitution was presented to Aguinaldo, and this paved the
way to launching the first Philippine Republic.
• It established a democratic, republication government with three branches: The
Executive, the Legislative, and the Judicial branches. And it called for the
Separation of church and State.

Highlights of the Malolos/Political Constitution of 1899

• Preamble
- We, the Representatives of the Filipino people, lawfully convened, in order
to establish justice, provide for common defense, promote the general
welfare, and insure the benefits of liberty, imploring the aid of the
Sovereign Legislator of the Universe for the attainment of these ends, have
voted, decreed, and sanctioned the following political constitution.
• The 27 articles of title IV detail the natural rights and popular sovereignty of
Filipinos, the enumeration of which not imply the prohibition of any other rights not
expressly stated.
• Title III, Article V, also declares that the state recognizes the freedom and
equality of all beliefs, as well as the separation of Church and State.
• The three form of government, according to Title II, Article 4 is to be popular,
representative, alternative, and responsible, and shall exercise three distinct
powers, namely: legislative, executive, and judicial.
• The 1899 Malolos Constitution was never enforced due to the ongoing war. The
Philippines was the effectively a territory of the united states upon the signing of
the treaty of Paris between Spain and the united states, transferring sovereignty
of the Philippines on December 10, 1898.

1973 and 1987 Constitutions

1987 PHILIPPINE CONSTITUTION

- Also known as the “Constitution of the New Society”. This title reflects the
regime's focus on societal reforms and changes during the martial law period under
President Ferdinand Marcos.

- Was ratified by President Ferdinand Marcos on January 17, 1973 by issuing a

proclamation (Proclamation No. 1102).

- Promulgated during the presidency of Ferdinand Marcos, the 1973 Constitution was
adopted amid martial law.

- It aimed to legitimize Marcos's rule and create a framework for a parliamentary

system, transitioning from the previous 1935 Constitution.

- It is composed of a PREAMBLE and 17 Articles, provides for the shift from

presidential to parliamentary system government.

Preamble:

"We, the sovereign Filipino people, imploring the aid of Divine Providence, in order to
establish a government that shall embody our ideals and aspirations, promote the
general welfare, conserve and develop the patrimony of our nation, and secure to
ourselves and our posterity the blessings of democracy under the regime of justice,
peace, liberty and equality, do ordain and promulgate this Constitution."

Articles:
1. Article I: National Territory

2. Article II: Declaration of Principles and State Policies

3. Article III: Citizens

4. Article IV: Bill of Rights

5. Article V: Duties and Obligations of Citizens

6. Article VI: The Suffrage

7. Article VII: The President and Vice- President

8. Article VIII: The National Assembly

9. Article IX: The Prime Minister and the Cabinet

10. Article X: The Judiciary

11. Article XI: Local Government

12. Article XII: The Constitutional Commissions

13. Article XIII: Accountability of Public Officers

14. Article XIV: The National Economy and the Patrimony of the Nation

15. Article XV: General Provisions

16. Article XVI: Amendments

17. Article XVII: Transitory Revisions

1987 PHILIPPINE CONSTITUTION

- It is also known as the “Freedom Constitution”. This title reflects its emphasis on
restoring civil liberties and democratic governance following the authoritarian rule of
Ferdinand Marcos.

- The 1987 Philippine Constitution was ratified through a national plebiscite held on
February 2, 1987. This followed the People Power Revolution, which led to the ousting of
President Ferdinand Marcos and the establishment of a new government under President
Corazon Aquino.

-The ratification process involved voters approving the proposed constitution, which
aimed to restore democratic governance and protect human rights after years of martial
law. Approximately 76% of voters approved the constitution, and it officially took effect
on February 11, 1987.

Preamble:
"We, the sovereign Filipino people, imploring the aid of Almighty God, in order to build a
just and humane society, and establish a Government that shall embody our ideals and
aspirations, promote the common good, conserve and develop our patrimony, and secure to
ourselves and our posterity, the blessings of independence and democracy under the rule
of law and a regime of truth, justice, freedom, love, equality, and peace, do ordain and
promulgate this Constitution."

Articles:
1. Article I: National Territory

2. Article II: Declaration of Principles and State Policies

3. Article III: Bill of Rights

4.Article IV: Citizenship

5. Article V: Suffrage

6. Article VI: Legislative Department

7. Article VII: Executive Department

8. Article VIII: Judicial Department

9. Article IX: Constitutional Commissions

10. Article X: Local Government

11. Article XI: Accountability of Public Officers

12. Article XII: National Economy and Patrimony

13. Article XIII: Social Justice and Human Rights

14. Article XIV: Education, Science and Technology, Arts, Culture, and Sports

15. Article XV: The Family

16. Article XVI: General Provisions

17. Article XVII: Amendments or Revisions

18. Article XVIII: Transitory Provisions