A Glance at Selected Philippine Political Barcelona the crown because it is not his to begin

Caricature in Alfred McCoy's Philippine with.

Cartoons: Political Caricature of the American
The second cartoon was also published by The
Era (1900-1941)
Independent on June 16, 1917. This was drawn by
Philippine political cartoons gained full expression Fernando Amorsolo and was aimed as a
during the American era. Filipino artists recorded commentary to the workings of the Manila Police at
national attitudes toward the coming of the that period.
Americans as well as the changing mores and times.
Here, we see a Filipino child who stole a skinny
In the book of Alfred McCoy, 377 cartoons were chicken because he had nothing to eat. The
compiled in the book, including the extensive police officer was relentlessly pursuing the
research of McCoy in the Philippine and American said child. A man wearing a salakot, labeled
archives providing a comprehensive background not Juan de la Cruz was grabbing the officer, telling
only to the cartoons but to the turbulent period as him to leave the small-time pickpockets and
well. Artist writer Alfredo Roces, who designed the thieves and to turn at the great thieves
book cover, contributed an essay on the Philippine instead. He was pointing to huge warehouses
graphic satire on the period. containing bulks of rice, milk and grocery products.

Political cartoons and Caricature The third cartoon was a commentary on the
unprecedented cases of colorum automobiles in
These are a rather recent art form, which veered
the city streets.
away from the classical art by exaggerating human
features and poking fun and its subject. Such art The Philippine Free Press published this
genre and technique became a part of the print commentary when fatal accidents involving
media as a form of social and political commentary, colorum vehicles and taxis occurred too often
which usually targets persons of power and already.
authority.

The fourth cartoon depicts a cinema. A blown-up

Cartoons became an effective tool of publicizing police officer was at the screen saying that
opinions through heavy use of symbolism, which couples are not allowed to neck and make
is different from a verbose written editorial love in the theatre. Two youngsters looked
and opinion pieces. horrified while an older couple seemed amused.
This is a graphic with caricatures of public figures,
expressing opinions in the every significant event in
The next cartoon was published by The Independent
our history. This is a combination of artistic skill,
on November 27, 1915.
hyperbole and satire in order to question
authority and draw attention to corruption, Here, we see the caricature of Uncle Sam riding a
political violence and other social ills that is worthy chariot pulled by Filipinos wearing school uniforms.
of historical examination. The Filipino boys were carrying American objects
like baseball bats, whiskey and boxing gloves.
McCoy, in his caption to the said cartoon, it says
The unique way that a caricature represents that this cartoon was based on an event in 1907
opinion and captures the audience’s when William Howard Taft was brought to the
imagination is reason enough for historians Manila Pier riding a chariot pulled by students of
to examine these political cartoons. Liceo de Manila. Such was condemned by the
nationalists at that time.

The first example shown was published in The

Independent on May 20, 1916. The last cartoon was published by Lipang Kalabaw
on August 24, 1907.
The cartoon shows a politician from Tondo
named Dr. Santos, passing his crown to his In the picture, we can see Uncle Sam rationing
brother in law, Dr. Barcelona. A Filipino guy (as porridge to the politicians and members of the
depicted wearing salakot and Barong Tagalog) was Progresista Party (sometimes known as Federelista
trying to stop Santos, telling the latter giving Party) while members of the Nacionalista Party
looked on and wait for their turn.
This cartoon depicts the patronage of the United Was widely accredited as the “Mother of Asian
Stated being committed to politicians from one Democracy”. She restored the democracy after a
party over the other. Analysis of the Political long dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos.
Caricatures during the American Period
Was named as Timed Magazine’s “Woman of the
The selected cartoons illustrate not only the Year” 1986
opinion of certain media outfits about the
 President term: (6 years)
Philippine society during the American period but
also paint a broad image of society and politics  February 25, 1986- June 30, 1992
under the United States.  Died in August 1, 2009 at the age of 76

Patronage also became influential and powerful, not

only between clients and patrons but also between HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF THE
the newly formed political parties composed of DOCUMENT
the elite and the United States.
Corazon C. Aquino delivered her historic speech
The transition from a Catholic-centered, before the U.S. Congress on September 18, 1986.
Spanish-Filipino society to an imperial American
assimilated one, and its complications, were also Barely seven months after being sworn into office
depicted in the cartoons. under a revolutionary government brought about by
1986 People Power.

Young people, as early as that period, disturbed

the conservative Filipino mindset by engaging in The 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution gathered
daring sexual activities in public spaces like millions of Filipinos from all walks of life to march
cinemas. along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA), the
main artery of Metro Manila, to end the dictatorship
of President Ferdinand E. Marcos and begin a new
The cartoons also illustrated the conditions of era marked by true freedom and democracy.
poor Filipinos in the Philippines now governed
by the United States.
 At that time, Cory’s presidency was standing
The other cartoon depicts how Americans on an unstable ground.
controlled Filipinos through seemingly harmless  The economic situation she inherited was in
American objects. shamble.
 There is massive unemployment and
poverty.
 The military’s loyalty to the new
REVISITING CORAZON AQUINO’S SPEECH administration is still in question.
BEFORE THE U.S. CONGRESS 1933-2009  Just five months from office, her
administration was already besiege by a
 Born as Maria Corazon “Cory” Sumulong coup attempt, backed by a multitude of
Cojuanco on January 25, 1933 in Tarlac, civilian Marcos loyalist.
Phlippines.
 Graduated from College of Mount St.
Vincent in New York in 1954, with a The communist insurgency is still gripping the
Bachelor’s Degree in both French and countryside (though she released political detainees)
Mathematics.
 A widow wife of Senator Benigno Aquino, The newly established administration needs all
the oppositionist of Former President foreign allies.
Marcos. The speech starts out with the narrative of the
assasination of Ninoy on August 21, 1986. Cory had
to rush to the Philippines from their comfortable
The 11th President and the first female President of dwelling in United States.
the Philippines and in Southeast Asia.
Before Ninoy’s assasination, many events have
taken place in the history of which could be traced
back when Ferdinand Marcos’ Declaration of 40 million cowards and one son of a bitch” (Robles,
Martial Law in September 21, 1972 and practiced 2014)
dictatorial powers.
Faced with mounting pressure here and abroad, then
The re-establishment of the Communist Party of the president Ferdinand Marcos called a snap
Philippines (CPP) in 1968. presidential election in February 7, 1986, to prove
that he still had the support of Filipinos.
The New People’s Army only number to a few
hundreds increasing to more than 20, 000 strong by Cory became the standard bearer of the opposition.
the 80’s. The election that took place was marred by reports
of cheating, violence, and disenfranchisement of
Marcos also considered the cessationist movement
voters but the people stood their ground in
in the south by the Moslems a threat to national
protecting the ballot boxes.
security.
Among the highlights of 1986 snap election was the
famous walkout of some 30 tabulators of
Marcos crushed the institution of democracy COMELEC from the PICC convention hall.
enshrined in the constitution.
In February 22, 1986, a small group of military
Dissolving the Philippine Congress, curtailing personnel headed by then Defense Minister Juan
freedom of the press. Ponce Enrile and Gen. Fidel V. Ramos, head of
Philippine Constabulary, issued a joint statement
demanding Marcos resignation.
Concocting cases rebellion and criminal acts for “Whether I was ambushed or not, martial law in the
those who fought the dictatorship as evidenced by country was already an irreversible fact. So what
the trial on Ninoy before a military commission. was the need to fake my own ambush?” –Enrile
Ninoy challenged the authority of the military Then, Manila Archbishop Cardinal Jaime Sin
commission by means of hunger strike. applealed to the people via Radio Veritas broadcast
His health which led to his medical exile in Boston, to bring food and supplies for the rebels and
USA. nonviolence to block pro-Marcos troop ordered to
crush the military rebellion.
Although living in comfort with his family, Ninoy
decide to go back home to the Philippines. This Culminating the EDSA PEOPLE POWER of 1986
eventually led to his assassination. whilh led to the installation of Cory Aquino as
President.
Benigno S. Aquino, Jr. was fatally shot to the
ground as he exited the plane.
Rolando Galman, the alleged assassin, was also CONTRIBUTION AND RELEVANCE OF THE
immediately gunned down by personnel of the DOCUMENT IN UNDERSTANDING THE
Aviation Security Command. GRAND NARRATIVE OF PHILIPPINE
HISTORY

Upon investigation, however, another passenger

named Rebecca Quijano testified that she saw a The document significantly contributes to the
man who was wearing a military uniform right development of diplomatic history of the country in
behind Ninoy, shoot him at the back of his head. general and in the U.S. – Philippine relations in
particular.
A post-mortem analysis confirmed that Ninoy was
indeed shot from the back, at close range. The historic speech made by President Aquino
strengthened the political, economic, and social ties
Approximately 2 million Filipinos set aside their between the two nations.
passivity and fear of the oppressive regime during
his funeral which lasted for 11 hours. The United State Congress granted the Philippines
an initial $200 million as emergency aid to help
Awakening of the people’s desire for democracy. build the economy.
The Us also reiterated its long-time commitment to
Just a year before, in 1982, American secretary of defend the security of the Philippines via the Mutual
state George Schultz was reported to have Defense Agreement.
sneeringly dismissed the Philippines as “a nation of
With the present administration’s foreign policy There was no mention of the first mass but the other
shift especially towards the United States, the two events in Pigafetta’s account were mentioned:
speech may be a document that could be included in planting of the cross & formal claiming of the
the discourse on Philippine-US relations. archipelago.

RELEVANCE OF THE DOCUMENT  The Evidence in Favor of Limasawa

 The evidence of Albo’s logbook
 The document speaks on the social reality
 The evidence of Pigafetta
off the Philippines during and after the
Summary of evidence of Albo and Pigafetta
Marcos regime. Confirmatory evidence from Legaspi Expedition
 The author who happened to be one of the
main participants and key stakeholder of the Albo’s Logbook
political events unfolding in those years,
sans her personal and political prejudices Mazaua lies at latitude of 9 and two-thirds degrees
adds to the level of credibility and North & if fits the location of the small island of
authenticity of his document. Limasawa, south of Leyte. Said island’s southern tip
as at 90 54’ N.
 Do we really need foreign powers at present Only the planting of the cross upon a mountain top
to help us build the country? which could be seen 3 islands to the west &
 What should be the basis of our foreign southwest was mentioned.
policy?
 Should there be laws or statutes that should Albo’s Logbook
govern our foreign policy so that it is not
dependent on the bias of the person in Above description fits Limasawa as no islands
power? could be seen to the south and southwest of Butuan
but only towards the north.

Case Study 1: Pigafetta’s Account

Where did the First Catholic Mass take place in
the Philippines? The testimony as regards the route taken by
expedition from the Pacific Ocean to Cebu
Butuan or Limasawa - The Site of the First Mass in The evidence of Pigafetta’s Map
the Philippines The presence of two native kings
The events of the seven days at the island of
Pigafetta’s Account “Mazaua”
The 1st mass was held on Easter Sunday, March 31, An argument from omission.
1521, on an island of “Mazaua”.
Two native chieftains were attendance: the Rajah of Albo & Pigafetta’s Account
Mazaua and Rajah of Butuan.
After the mass, the party went up a little hill and The itinerary of Magellan’s expedition show that
planted a wooden cross upon its summit. they did not go to Butuan or any other point on the
Mindanao Coast.
Fr. Francisco Colins & Fr. Francisco Combes’ The survivors of the expedition went to Mindanao
Account later, but Magellan’s death.
The site of the 1st mass was in Butuan, Agusan del
Norte (17th to 19th Century). Legaspi’s Expedition
The 2 priest worked as missionaries and wrote their
accounts based on 2nd hand information. Mazaua was confirmed to be an island near Leyte &
There account has strong influence over succedding Panaon while Butuan was on the island of
historians who quoted their narratives. Mindanao.
The two were entirely different places and in no
Colin’s Account way identical.
It is insufficient.
It is valuable as it represented the 1st mass The geography of “Mazaua” confirms the
celebration to have taken place in Butuan on Easter description of Pigafetta
Sunday of 1521 with the solemn planting of the The Island is shaped like a Tadpole, running north
cross and the formal taking or possession of the to South.
islands in the name of the Crown of Castile. The Northern Portion is almost all hills, with slopes
dropping steeply to the sea, leaving only a narrow
Combes’ Account coastal strip.
Magellan landed at Butuan and planted the cross in
a solemn ceremony.
The Southern Portion of the island almost all level Spanish descent, born in the Philippines. He was a
with a few hills. It has a good harbor and the fields parish priest of the Manila Cathedral and had been
of the island are fertile. known to be close to the liberal
Here the mass could have been conducted with
solemnity and on one of the hills, the cross have Governor General de la Torre.
been planted which everyone could see from the
plain. He was 35 years old at the time and was active and
outspoken in advocating the Filipinization of the
clergy.

Case Study 2: What Happened in the Cavity

Mutiny? FATHER JACINTO ZAMORA

1. Cavite Mutiny 37 years old, was also Spanish, born in the

Philippines.
A MAJOR FACTOR IN THE AWAKENING
OF NATIONALISM AMONG THE FILIPINOS He was the parish priest of Marikina and was
MUTINY known to be unfriendly to and would not
countenance any arrogance or authoritative behavior
A rebellion against authority from Spaniards coming from Spain.

Comes from an old verb, “mutine” which means

“revolt”
Spanish Accounts of the Cavite Mutiny
Uprising of military personnel of Fort San Felipe
(the Spanish arsenal in Cavite, Philippines) on 1. MONTERO’S ACCOUNT OF THE
January 20, 1872. CAVITE MUTINY
2. OFFICIAL REPORT OF GOVERNOR
Around 200 soldiers and laborers rose up in the IZQUIRDO ON THE CAVITE MUTINY
belief that it would elevate to a national uprising. OF 1872
The mutiny was unsuccessful, and government
soldiers executed many of the participants.

2. The Martyrdom of the three Priest JOSE MONTERO Y VIDAL

GOMBURZA Collective name of the three Spanish historian

martyred priests.
His account centered on how the event was an
Tagged as the masterminds of the Cavite attempt in overthrowing the Spanish government in
Mutiny. the Philippines.

GOMBURZA They are prominent Filipino priests His account on mutiny was criticized as woefully
charged with treason and sedition. biased.

The Spanish clergy connected the priests to the MONTERO’S ACCOUNT OF THE CAVITE
mutiny as part of a conspiracy to stifle the MUTINY
movement of secular priests who desired to have
their own parishes instead of being assistants to the “…THE IDEA OF ATTAINING THEIR
regular friars. INDEPENDENCE. IT WAS TOWARDS THIS
GOAL THAT THEY STARTED TO WORK,
FATHER MARIANO GOMEZ WITH POWERFUL ASSISTANCE OF A
CERTAIN SECTION OF THE NATIVE
An old man in his mid-’70 Chinese-Filipino, born in CLERGY…”
Cavite. He held the most senior position of the three
as Archbishop’s Vicar in Cavite.

He was truly nationalistic and accepted the death GOVERNOR RAFAEL IZQUIERDO
penalty calmly as though it were his penance for
being pro-Filipinos. Implicated the native clergy, who were active in the
movement toward secularization of parishes.
FATHER JOSE BURGOS
 SPANISH ACCOUNTS

In a biased report, he highlighted the attempt to 200 men was led by Sergeant Lamadrid attacked
overthrow the Spanish government in the Spanish officers at sight and seized the arsenal.
Philippines to install a new “hari” the persons of
Father Burgos and Zamora. Izquierdo, upon learning the attack, ordered
reinforcement of the Spanish forces in Cavite to
ACCORDING TO IZQUIERDO, quell the revolt.

Native clergy attracted supporters by giving them The revolution was easily crushed, when Manileños
charismatic assurance that the fight would not fail did not arrive.
because they had God’s support aside from
promises of lofty rewards such as employment, In result, leaders of the plot were killed.
wealth and ranks in the army.
Father Gomez, Burgos, and Zamora were tried by a
THE OFFICIAL REPORT OF GOV. court-martial and sentenced to be executed.
IZQUIERDO ON THE CAVITY MUTINY OF
1872 Pio basa, Joaquin pardo de tavera, Antonio Ma.
Regidor, Jose basa, AND OTHER FILIPINO
“…IT HAS NOT BEEN CLEARLY LAWYERS WERE SUSPENDED FROM THE
DETERMINED IF THEY PLANNED TO PRACTICE OF LAW, ARRESTED AND
ESTABLISH A MONORCHY OR A REPUBLIC, SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT AT
BECAUSETHE INDIOS HAVE NO WORD IN THE MARIANAS ISLAND.
THEIR LANGUAGE TO DESCRIBE THIS FORM
OF GOVERNMENT.” FEBRUARY 17, 1872

“…WHOSE HEAD IN FILIPINO WOULD BE THE GOMBURZA WERE EXECUTED BY

GARROTEIN PUBLIC TO SERVE AS A
CALLED HARI; BUT IT TURNS OUT THAT THREAT TO FILIPINOS NEVER TO ATTEMPT
THEY WOULD PLACE AT THE HEAD OF THE TO FIGHT THE SPANIARDS AGAIN
GOVERNMENT A PRIEST… THAT THE HEAD
SELECTED WOULD BE D. JOSE BURGOS, OR THIS IS A SCENE PURPOTEDLY WITNESSED
D. JACINTO ZAMORA…” BY A YOUNG JOSE RIZAL

SPANISH ACCOUNTS

Underscore the reason for the “revolution” abolition DIFFERING ACCOUNTS OF THE EVENTS OF
of privileges enjoyed by the workers of Cavite 1872
Arsenal such as exemption from payment of tribute
and beingemployed in Polos Y Servicios (Force PARDO DE TEVERA’S ACCOUNT OF THE
Labor). CAVITE MUTINY

Presence of the native clergy, against the Spanish PLAUCHUT’S ACCOUNT OF THE CAVITE
friars conspired and supported the rebels. MUTINY

IN THE SPANIARD’S ACCOUNT, 1872 ACCORDING TO PARDO DE TAVERA

Was premeditated, a part of a big conspiracy among The incident was merely a mutiny by Filipino
educated leaders, mestizos, lawyers and residents of soldiers and laborers of the Cavite arsenal to the
Manila and Cavite. dissatisfaction arising from the draconian policies of
Izquierdo (abolition of privileges and prohibition of
The allegedly plan to liquidate high-ranking the founding of the school of arts and trades)
Spanish officers then kill friars.
THE CENTRAL SPANISH GOVERNMENT
JANUARY 20, 1872
Was planning to deprive the friars of all the powers
The district of Sampaloc celebrated the Feast of the of intervention in matters of civil government and
Virgin Loreto, came it with were some fireworks direction and management of educational
display. institutions.

The Caviteños mistook this as the signal to AN EXCERPT FROM PARDO DE TAVERA’S
commence with the attack. ACCOUNT OF THE CAVITE MUTINY
“…FILIPINO HAD GREAT HOPES OF AN In July 1897, Aguinaldo established the Biak-na-
IMPROVEMENT IN THE AFFAIRS OF THEIR Bato Republic and issued a proclamation stating the
COUNTRY…” following demands:

“…THE FRIARS FEARED THAT THEIR The Biak-na-Bato Constitution Constitution based
POWER IN THE COLONY WOULD SOON BE on the Cuban Constitution the Constitution
COMPLETE A THING OF THE PAST.” Republic of biak-na-bato was written by Felix
Ferrer and Isabelo Artacho. Signed on November 1,
EDMUND PLAUCHUT 1897 The constitution provided a supreme council
where...
A French writer
 Emilio Aguinaldo - President
Complemented Tavera’s account and analyzed the  Antonio Montenegro - Secretary of Foreign
motivation of the 1872 Cavite Mutiny Affairs
 Baldomero Aguinaldo - Secretary of
AN EXCERPT FROM PLAUCHUT’S Treasury
ACCOUNT OF THE CAVITE MUTINY  Emiliano Riego de Dios - Secretary of War
 Isabelo Artacho - Secretary of the Interior
“…THE ARRIVAL IN MANILA OF GEN.  Mariano Trias - Vice President
IZQUIERDO PUT A SUDDEN END TO ALL
DREAMS OF REFORMS.” TO END THE CLASHES BETWEEN
FILIPINOS AND SPANIARDS...
“…SUCH A POLICY MUST REALLY END IN A
STRONG DESIRE ON THE PART OF THE  Pedro Paterno
OTHER REPRESS CRUELLY…”
 Emilio Aguinaldo
 Gov. Gen. Primo de Rivera - Volunteered to
DIFFERING ACCOUNTS
act as a mediator
Friars used Cavite Mutiny as a part of a larger
A cease-fire was declared by both camps and an
conspiracy to cement their dominance.
agreement between Aguinaldo and the Spanish
forces was made.
They showcased the mutiny as part of a greater
conspiracy in the Philippines by Filipinos to
CONDITIONS:
overthrow the Spanish government.
The Spanish government will grant SELF-RULE to
Unintentionally, it resulted in the martyrdom of
the Philippines in 3 years. If Aguinaldo went to
GOMBURZA and paved way to the revolution
exile in Hongkong and surrender his arms
culminating in 1898.
EXCHANGE FOR WHAT?

Aguinaldo will receive P800,000 (Mexican Peso) as

1897: Constitution of Biak-na-Bato
renumeration to the revolutionaries and an amnesty.
Hence... After receiving a partial payment of
Was a provisionary Constitution of the Philippine
P400,000 Aguinaldo left for Hongkong on board the
Republic during Philippine Revolution. The
ship Uranus, December 27, 1897. Some Filipino
constitution, borrowed from Cuba was written by
Generals, however, did not believe in the sincerity
Isabelo Artacho and Felix Ferrer in Spanish and
of the Spaniards. They refused to surrender their
later on, translated into tagalog. It was promulgated
arms.
by the Philippine Revolutionary Government on
November 1,1897.
And BIAK-NA-BATO FAILS…WHY??
Emilio Aguinaldo established his headquarters in
WHY? The Filipinos and the Spaniards did not trust
Biak-na-Bato in the province of Bulacan
each other.
Expulsion of the friars and the return of the friar
As a result, periodic clashes between two empire
lands to the Filipinos. Representation in the Spanish
still took place even after Aguinaldo’s departure
Cortes. Freedom of the press and of the Religion.
from the country. The Spanish did not pay the entire
Abolition of the government’s power to banish
agreed amount.
Filipinos. Equality for all before the laws.
However, Biak-na-Bato fails
1899: Malolos Constitution Freedom and Equality of all Beliefs as well as
Separation of Church and State.
The Political Constitution 1899, also known as
Malolos Constitution, was the constitution of the SALIENT FEATURES OF THE
first Philippine Republic. Philippine Declaration of CONSITUTION
Independence was issued along with the several
decrees that formed the first Philippine Republic. Salient Features:

THE FIRST PHILIPPINE REPUBLIC A. The legality of the decalaration of independence

in Kawit, Cavite.
- the inauguration of the First Philippine Republic
was in Malolos, Bulacan on January 21,1899. After B. The bill of rights of citizens
being proclaimed President. Emilio took his oath in
office, the constitution was read article by article. C. Separated the church and state

May 19,1898 -upon the defeat of the Spanish to the D. The unicameral legislature
Americans in the Battle of Manila Bay, U.S. Navy
transported Aguinaldo back to the Philippines. E. The legislative branch is the highest among the
executive and judiciary branch
June 12,1898 -the newly reformed Philippine
Revolutionary forces reverted to the control of F. Established a democratic, republication
Aguinaldo and the Philippine Declaration of government with three branches; the Executive, the
Independence was issued, together with several Legislative and the Judicial Branch.
decrees that formed the first Philippine Republic
G. The establishment of Republican Government
 July 18,1898 -asking of delegates
revolutionary congress H. The suffrage
 September 7, 1898 -Malolos congress
appointed 50 members composed of wealthy 1935: The Commonwealth Constitution
and educated man.
 November 29, 1898 -approved by congress. On November 15, 1935, the Filipino people took the
penultimate step to independence with the
January 21, 1899 -promulgated by Aguinaldo with inauguration of the Commonwealth of the
title “The Political Constitution of 1899” The Philippines. Only two months prior, on September
constitution was written by Felipe Calderón y Roca 16, a million Filipinos had trooped to the polls to
and Felipe Buencamino, and they patterned it after elect their two highest officials—the President and
Spanish Constitution of 1812 with influence from Vice President. This was the first time in the history
Belgium, Brazil, Mexico, Guatamela Costa Rica, of the nation that a Filipino would finally sit as
French Consitution of 1793, kartilya, Biak-na-Bato Chief Executive and hold office in Malacañang
Constitution, Mabini Constitutional Program of the Palace. Senate President Manuel L. Quezon and his
Philippine Republic of 1898. running mate Senate President pro tempore Sergio
Osmeña were elected as President and Vice
1899 MALOLOS CONSTITUTION President, while voters elected representatives for
the new unicameral National Assembly and for
The Political Constitution of 1899 or the Malolos local positions.
Constitution established a democratic republication
government with three branches: The Executive
power were to be exercise by the president of the
republic with the help of his cabinet. The Judicial Commonwealth Act No. 1 established the
powers were given to the supreme court and other Philippine Army and a national defense policy
lower courts to be created by law. The Legislative Commonwealth Act No. 2 established the National
branch of government is reponsible for enacting the Economic Council; Commonwealth Act No. 3
laws of the state and appropriating the money created the Court of Appeals.
necessary to operate the government.
The Commonwealth was meant to lay down the
foundations for an independent, fully-functional
state. Its priorities could be seen in the first laws
The Malolos Consitution is the first important enacted by the new National Assembly:
Filipino document ever produced by the people’s
representatives. According to Title III, article 5 of
the Malolos Constitution, “The State Recognizes the
The 1935 Constitution was amended in 1940 to Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines
permit the reelection of the president and the vice
president, to restore the Senate and thus shift the 1) The 1935 Constitution - Ratified on May 14,
legislature back to the bicameral system, to 1935 a) Established the Commonwealth
establish a national electoral authority, the Government. Features: b) Provided a
Commission. The proposed amendments were Democratic and Republican government p)
ratified in a plebiscite held on June 18, 1940. inclusion of the Bill of Rights

1935: THE COMMONWEALTH

CONSTITUTION

The 1935 Constitution of the Philippines was

written in 1934, approved and adopted by the
Commonwealth of the Philippines (1935-1946) and
later used by the Third Republic of the Philippines
(1946-1972). It was written with an eye to meeting
the approval of the United States Government as 1973: Constitutional Authoritarianism
well, so as to ensure that the U.S. would live up to
its promise to grant the Philippines independence In 1965, Ferdinand E. Marcos was elected
and not have a premise to hold on to its president.
"possession" on the grounds that it was too
politically immature and hence unready for full, real • In 1967, Philippine Congress passed a resolution
independence. calling for a constitutional convention to change the
1935 Constitution.

• In 1969, Marcos won the re-election in a bid

The original 1935 Constitution provides, inter alia, boosted by campaign overspending and use of
for a unicameral Legislature and a single six-year government funds.
term for the President. It was amended in 1940 to
have a bicameral Congress composed of a Senate The Philippines' "constitutional authoritarianism" of
and House of Representatives, as well the creation 1973 refers to an important period in its history
of an independent Commission on Elections. The when President Ferdinand Marcos governed over
Constitution limited the president to a four-year the country at that time. During this time, martial
term with a maximum of two consecutive terms in law was implemented and a new constitution was
office. created, which significantly increased the amount of
authority that Marcos held in his hands.

1935 CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC

OF THE PHILIPPINES President Ferdinand Marcos issued the declaration
of martial law on September 21, 1972, stating the
The Filipino people, imploring the aid of Divine need to put down the communist rebellion, uphold
Providence, in order to establish a government that law and order, and change society. However, it also
shall embody their ideals, conserve and develop the gave Marcos a way to increase his power and level
patrimony of the nation, promote the general of control.
welfare, and secure to themselves and their posterity
the blessings of independence under a regime of
justice. liberty, and democracy, do ordain and
promulgate this Constitution. Suspension of Civil Rights: Civil rights were
restricted during the martial law period. Curfews,
1935 Constitution Written by Claro M. Recto media censorship, and arrests and detentions
created in accordance with the establishment of the without due process were all part of the
Commonwealth Republic Tydings-Mcduffie Law of government's enhanced control over the public.
1934 caused the drafting of the 1935 constitution
effectivity was halted during the Japanese 1973 Constitution: Marcos suggested for the
occupation but continued in 1946 until 1972 - passage of a new constitution in the midst of martial
constitution had to be approved by Pres. Franklin law. The 1935 Constitution was replaced, and the
Roosevelt of constitution included women for the new one granted Marcos greater power. It allowed
first time. him to rule by law, abolish the previous legislature,
and appoint new officials to carry out his
commands.
 credible alternative, and was assassinated after his
exile from
Power Concentration: Marcos's hold on power
was made easier by the 1973 Constitution. He was US. EDSA PEOPLE POWER REVOLUTION…
able to efficiently control the administration, the
armed forces, and the economy after becoming both Constitutional Authoritarianism It refers to an
the President and Prime Minister. It gave him administration of government that allegedly upholds
unlimited power over the executive and legislative the law and keeps certain democratic systems, but in
branches, no term limits, and significant influence. reality exerts powerful authoritarian control and
limits democratic liberties. This idea represents a
Constitutional authoritarianism's era came to an end situation in which the government manipulates the
in 1981, completing an approximately nine-year legal system to increase its hold on power and
span. Despite lifting martial law, Marcos kept the suppress political opposition while still giving the
authoritarian system put in place by the 1973 impression that it is acting in accordance with the
Constitution. Up until 1986's People Power constitution.
Revolution, which removed Marcos from office and
brought back democracy under Corazon Aquino's
president, the condition persisted.
Here are some elements and characteristics
associated with constitutional authoritarianism:

Reason for the declaration of Martial Law: Marcos 1. Legal Framework

cited that there was a growing communist 2. Election Manipulation
insurgency in the Philippines. Some delegates of 3. Undermining Separation of Powers
constitutional convention were placed behind bars 4. Restrictions on Civil Liberties
and others hiding or were voluntary exiled. With 5. Centralization of Authority
Marcos as dictator, the direction of the convention
turned, with accounts that the president himself
dictated some provisions of the constitution,
manipulating the document to be able to hold on to 6. Weakening of Civil Society
power for as long as he could. 7. Rule by Decree
8. Limited Accountability
In 1980, the situation had been very turbulent. As 9. Criticism and Challenges
Marcos amassed power, discontent, has also
burgeoning. August 1983, Benigno come over, most

1. When was the First Catholic Mass happened in La Voz Española

the Philippines and who conducted it?

March 31, 1621 by Father Manuel Garcia

5. Which accounts of Cry that has been conducted
by a research team of a forerunner of the
National Historical Institute (NHI) and
2. In Philippine history, the two major events identified the location as part of Sitio Gulod,
happened in 1872: Banlat, Caloocan City?

The Cavite Mutiny and The Martyrdom of the Pio Valenzuela

GOMBURZA

3. What movement removed long-standing

personal benefits to the workers, exacted 6. When was the Constitution of Biak Na Bato
personal taxes from the Filipino laborers, and Promulgated?
required them to perform forced labor?
November 1, 1987
Cavity Mutiny
7. What form of government does the Philippine
adopt in 1899 Malolos Constitution?
4. __________ newspaper published the retraction
letter of Rizal. Popular representative
 16. They taught the Filipino to become liberated
when it comes to sex. This era was also called as
8. It is also known as Editorial Cartoon that “Sexual Revolution”.
contain a commentary that express the artist
opinion toward certain issues. Americans

Political Caricature

17. Which of the following locations that contested

9. According to Corazon Aquino's Speech she the Site of the First Mass?
said, "The dictator had called him a _____. Yet,
two million people threw aside their passivity Masao, Butuan and Mazaua, Southern Leyte
and fear and escorted him to his grave".

Nobody
18. The Cavite Mutiny was believed to lead to the
Philippine Revolution of 1896 and the
beginning of?
10. What primary evidences that seemed created
conflict on the Site of the First Mass between Filipino Nationalism
that of Butuan and Limasawa in Leyte?

use of texts 19. The most biased account in favor of the

Spaniards regarding the Cavite mutiny is that
of?
11. Which event was viewed by the Spanish
government officials as a move to overturn the Jose Montero y Vidal
Spanish colonial rule in the Philippines?

1872 Cavite Mutiny 20. Which of the following arguments claimed

about facts and actions of Rizal that doesn’t fit
12. How many years was the original letter of the retraction story?
Rizal's retraction discovered?
No effort was made to save Rizal from the death
39 penalty after his signing of the Retraction.

13. In 1963 the Philippine government declared a

shift on the date of the Cry that is on _____ and 21. The term "Cry" is translated from the Spanish el
at _____. grito de rebelion (cry of rebellion) or el grito for
short and it refers to, EXCEPT:
August 23, in Pugad Lawin, Quezon City
A shout against Spanish Empire

14. A set of fundamental principles or established

precedents according to which a state or other 22. An event that officially ended the period of
organization is governed. Spanish colonization in the Philippines and also
required that the U.S. will pay $20 million USD
Constitution in recompense to the Spanish government.

Treaty of Paris

15. In 1899 Malolos constitution executive power is

vested in the President. Who elects the 23. According to Corazon Aquino's Speech she
President? said, "The _____ already knew that Ninoy was
not a body merely to be imprisoned but a spirit
The assembly of Representative he must break".

Dictator
24. The Cavite mutiny was used by the Spaniards to 32. A constitution that have governed the country in
prosecute even the priests suspected of the year 1897.
instigating the uprising including GOMBURZA.
The only pure-blooded Tagalog priest among Biak-na-Bato
the three is?

Fr. Mariano Gomez 33. He elected as the President of the Malolos

Republic.

Pedro A. Paterno
25. The following statements are reasons that Rizal
retracted EXCEPT.
34. On _____, seven months as a president, Pres.
To free the country from Spanish oppressors. Corazon Aquino went to the United States and
spoke before joining the session of the U.S.
Congress.

26. As there are differing dates and places in the September 18, 1986
Cry of Balintawak or Pugadlawin, authenticity
of the accounts had turned to be
controversial in terms of its: 35. It was a transitional constitution promulgated by
President Corazon Aquino on March 25, 1986,
Anachronistic and Semantics to last for a year while a permanent constitution
is being drafted.

27. A constitution that have governed the country in Freedom Constitution

the year 1899.

Malolos Constitution

28. Proclaimed as the president of Philippine

Republic in Malolos.

Emilio Aguinaldo

29. He was brought to the Manila Pier riding a

chariot pulled by students of Liceo de Manila.

William Howard Taft

30. In Corazon Aquino speech she said, "We face a

communist insurgency that feeds on economic
deterioration even as we carry a great share of
the free world defenses in the _____."

Pacific

31. Which of the following best describes the

condition of the Filipino during the leadership of
Spaniards that took the Cavite Mutiny to
happen?

there was a racial discrimination where

Spaniards led to call Filipinos as “Native
Indios”