Readings

in
Philippine
History
By: Prof. Jose J. Lemana
Notre Dame University – Cotabato City
Chapter 4:
Socio-Economic
and Political
Issues in the
Philippines
Note
Before proceeding, please read the excerpts of Marcelo H. Del Pilar’s La Soberania
Monacal en Filipinas.
You may read it through the attached docx file entitled “Del Pilar-La Soberania”
Lesson 1: Taxation During the Spanish
Period
Taxation during the Spanish period was complulsory. All Spanish colonies in America and the
Philippines were required to pay taxes for two reasons: (1) as recognition of Spain’s sovereignty over
the colonies, and (2) to defray the expenses of pacification (the act of forcibly suppressing hostility
within the colonies) and governance, thereafter.

The Real y Supremo Consejo de las Indias (Royal and Supreme Council of the Indies) imposed several
colonial laws on taxation. These were the tribute, sanctorum, donativo, caja de communidad, and
servicio personal (Boncan, 2016).
Lesson 1: Taxation During the Spanish
Period
Tributo was a general tax paid by the Filipinos to Spain which amounted to eight Reales. Those who were required to pay
the tributo were the (a) 18 to 50 years old males, (2) the carpenters, bricklayers, blacksmiths, tailors, and shoemakers,
and (3) town workers such as those in road construction, and those whose works are public in nature.
Sanctorum was a tax in the amount of 3 Reales. These were required for the cost of Christianization, including the
construction of churches and the purchase of materials for religious celebrations.
Donativo was a tax in the amount of half Real for the military campaign of the government against the Muslims. In later
years, however, the amount collected from donativo was almost exclusively used for the Spanish fort in Zamboanga.
Caja de Comunidad. This tax was collected in the amount of 1 Real for the incurred expenses of the town in the
construction of roads, repair of bridges, or the improvement of public buildings.
Servicio Personal. This was the polo y servicios, a form of forced labor during the Spanish period in the Philippines. All
able-bodied males, 16 to 60 years old were required to work in the construction of bridges, churches, and galleon ships.
They were called a polista. Earlier, the polistas were required to work for 40 days, however, the number of days was
lowered to 15 days in 1884 because of the reforms in Spanish taxation. Some of the polistas were brought to fight against
the Muslims and others were brought in the Spanish expeditions. The only way that a polista can be freed from forced
labor was when he paid a falla or fine. But only very few could afford to pay the fine. The gobernadorcillo, cabeza de
barangay, and other members of the principalia were exempt from forced labor and falla.
Revolts Against the Tribute
Cagayan and Dingras Revolts (1589). In 1589, the Cagayan and Dingras Revolts against the
tributes occurred on Luzon in the present-day provinces of Cagayan and Ilocos Norte. This was
triggered by the alleged abuses of the tax collectors, including the collection of high taxes. Six tax
collectors who had arrived from Vigan were killed by the natives. The Philippine tax system was also
reformed because of the revolt.
Agustin Sumuroy’s Revolt (1649-1650). On June 1, 1649, Agustin Sumuroy, who was a Waray
from Palapag in today’s Northern Samar, together with his followers rose in arms against the
Spaniards over the polo y servicio or forced labor system being started in Samar. The revolt was
triggered when the town mayors sent the Warays to the shipyards in Cavite for forced labor, contrary
to the directive of the government of Manila that all natives subject to the polo would not be sent to
distant places from their hometowns to do forced labor. The capture and execution of Agustin
Sumuroy on June 1650 led to the eventual defeat of the rebels.
Revolts Against the Tribute
Francisco Maniago’s Revolt (1660-1661). In 1660, Francisco Maniago, a Kapampangan, led an
uprising in Pampanga. The Kapampangans were against the tribute, forced labor, and rice
exploitation. For eight months, they were made to work under unfair conditions and were not paid for
their labor and for the rice purchased from them.
Andres Malong Revolt (1660–1661). Malong, who was the maestro de campo of Binalatongan,
now San Carlos City, Pangasinan in the 1660s was coaxed by Maniago to revolt against the abuses of
the Spaniards because they were experiencing the same abuses. Malong, hoped to be King in the
province of Pangasinan, as he assisted many Spaniards in governing different towns in the said
province, but abandoned it when the war broke out in Pampanga. He heeded the call of Maniago and
led the people of Pangasinan to take up arms against the Spaniards. When he succeeded, he
proclaimed himself King of Pangasinan.
The Tax Reform of 1884
The Tax Reform of 1884, as provided by the Royal Decree of March 6, 1884, contained two important
provisions: (1) abolition of the hated tribute and its replacement of cedula tax, and (2) reduction of the
40-day annual forced labor (polo) to 15 days.

The Cedulas Personales. Cedulas were first issued based on the Royal Decree on March 6, 1884.
All men and women residents of the islands – Spaniards, foreigners, and natives who were over 18
years old were required to obtain a cedula. The only exceptions were the Chinese, who paid another
poll tax, the remontados d infieles, that were not subject to the local administration, and the natives
and colonists of the archipelago of Jolo and of the islands of Balabac and Palawan.

All in all, there were 16 different classes of cedulas. Originally, there were nine classes taxed, the rates
of taxes ranged from 1.50 pesos to 25 pesos, and a tenth, gratis, for priests, soldiers and privileged
classes.
Lesson 2: Agrarian Reform from the
Spanish Colonial Philippines to the Present
Pre-Spanish period. Filipinos already lived in villages and barangays even before the Spaniards
came to the Philippines. The settlements were ruled by chieftains or datus who comprised the nobility.
There were also the maharlikas (freemen), the aliping mamamahay (serfs) and aliping saguiguilid
(slaves). Despite the existence of a social structure, everyone had access to the fruits of the soil. Rice
was the medium of exchange as money was yet unknown.
Spanish period (1521-1896). The Spaniards introduced the concept of encomienda to the
Philippines. The encomienda was a system of giving lands (Royal Land Grants) to the Spanish
conquerors who were loyal to the Spanish monarch. As a matter of policy, the Encomienderos must
defend his encomienda from external attack, maintain peace and order within, and support the
missionaries. In turn, the encomiendero were given the right to collect taxes (tribute) from the indios
(natives). Because of this, the encomienderos started to abuse their power by renting their lands to a
few powerful landlords, and the natives who once freely cultivated the land became share tenants.
Lesson 2: Agrarian Reform from the
Spanish Colonial Philippines to the Present
Agrarian Uprisings of (1745-46). Taxation was not only the reasons for the revolts of the
Filipinos during the Spanish period, but the agrarian unrest as well. The Agrarian Revolt happened
between 1745 and 1746 in Batangas, Laguna and Cavite, and Bulacan. The revolt happened in the
towns of Lian and Nasugbu in Batangas. The grabbing of lands by the Catholic religious orders
angered the native landowners and demanded that their lands be returned based on ancestral
domain. However, the Spanish priests refused which resulted to riots and massive looting of convents
and the burning down of churches and ranches. Troops were sent from Manila to Batangas to quell
the disturbance. The encounter was bloody and those who surrendered were pardoned.

The uprising resonated in other towns of the neighboring provinces, notably Biñan, Imus, Silang,
Kawit, Bacoor, San Mateo, Taguig, Parañaque, and Hagonoy. The agrarian conflicts reached the ear of
King Philip VI who appointed Oidor (a judge of the Royal Audiencias and Chancillerías) Pedro
Calderon Enriquez to investigate the charges brought against the religious orders and to ascertain the
validity of their titles to the lands in question. The friars ultimately won their case and retained the
disputed lands, and their ownership of the lands remained intact even after the end of the Spanish
regime.
Lesson 2: Agrarian Reform from the
Spanish Colonial Philippines to the Present
The First Philippine Republic. When Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo came to power in 1899, the Malolos
Constitution which they crafted intended to confiscate the so-called Friar lands and other large
estates. However, the First Philippine Republic was short-lived so that the plan to confiscate the lands
was never executed.

American Period (1898-1935). There were some noteworthy regulations enacted during the
American period. These were the Philippine Bill of 1902, which set the ceilings on the hectarage of
private individuals to 16 hectares, and 1,024 hectares for corporations. The Land Registration Act of
1902 (Act No. 496), which provided for a comprehensive registration of land titles under the Torrens
system. The Public Land Act of 1903, which introduced the homestead system in the Philippines. The
Tenancy Act of 1933 (Act No. 4054 and 4113), which regulated relationships between landowners and
tenants of rice (50-50 sharing) and sugar cane lands.
However, The Land Registration Act of 1902 did not completely solve the problem of land registration
under the Torrens system because the lands owners might not have been aware of the law or that they
could not pay the survey cost and other fees required in applying for a Torrens title.
Lesson 2: Agrarian Reform from the
Spanish Colonial Philippines to the Present
Commonwealth Period (1935-1942). During this period, President Manuel L. Quezon
advocated the Social Justice program to block the increasing social unrest in Central Luzon.
Significant legislations enacted during Commonwealth period were the following: (1) The
1935 Constitution, which was promulgated for the promotion of social justice to ensure the
well-being and economic security of all people should be the concern of the State. (2) The
Commonwealth Act No. 178 (An Amendment to Rice Tenancy Act No. 4045), enacted on
Nov. 13, 1936, provided for certain controls in the landlord-tenant relationships. (3) The
National Rice and Corn Corporation (NARIC) of 1936, established the price of rice and
corn that helped the poor tenants as well as consumers. (4) The Commonwealth Act. No.
461, 1937, specified the reasons for dismissal of tenants and only with the approval of the
Tenancy Division of the Department of Justice. (5) The Rural Program Administration,
created on March 2, 1939, provided the purchase and lease of haciendas and their sale and
lease to the tenants. (6) The Commonwealth Act No. 441, enacted on June 3, 1939, created
the National Settlement Administration with a capital stock of P20,000,000.
Lesson 2: Agrarian Reform from the
Spanish Colonial Philippines to the Present
Japanese Occupation. During the Second World War (that started in Europe in 1939 and in the
Pacific in 1941), the HUKBALAHAP (Hukbo ng Bayan Laban sa Hapon) controlled the areas of
Central Luzon. The HUKBALAHAP was composed of peasants and workers who took up arms against
the Japanese forces. Peasants who supported them earned fixed rentals, while landowners who
supported the Japanese lost their lands to peasants. But this was short-lived because it ended with the
end of WWII.

The New Philippine Republic. The problems of land tenure in the Philippines remained even
after the establishment of the Philippine Independence in 1946. To address the problem, the
Philippines Congress revised the tenancy law.
Lesson 2: Agrarian Reform from the
Spanish Colonial Philippines to the Present
During the administration of Manuel Roxas (1946-1948), the following laws were enacted:
Republic Act No. 34, which established the 70-30 sharing arrangements and regulated the share-
tenancy contracts. Republic Act No. 55, which provided for a more effective safeguard against
arbitrary ejectment of tenants.

Elpidio Quirino (1948-1953) issued Executive Order No. 355 on October 23, 1950, replaced the
National Land Settlement Administration with Land Settlement Development Corporation
(LASEDECO) that took over the responsibilities of the Agricultural Machinery Equipment
Corporation and the Rice and Corn Production Administration.
Lesson 2: Agrarian Reform from the
Spanish Colonial Philippines to the Present
President Ramon Magsaysay (1953-1957) enacted the following laws:

(1) Republic Act No. 1160 of 1954, which abolished the LASEDECO and established the National
Resettlement and Rehabilitation Administration (NARRA) to resettle dissidents and landless farmers.
It was particularly aimed at rebel returnees providing home lots and farmlands in Palawan and
Mindanao. (2) Republic Act No. 1199 (Agricultural Tenancy Act of 1954), which governed the
relationship between landowners and tenant farmers by organizing share-tenancy and leasehold
system. It also created the Court of Agrarian Relations. (3) Republic Act No. 1400 (Land Reform Act of
1955), which created the Land Tenure Administration (LTA) that was responsible for the acquisition
and distribution of large tenanted rice and corn lands over 200 hectares for individuals and 600
hectares for corporations. (4) Republic Act No. 821 (Creation of Agricultural Credit Cooperative
Financing Administration), which provided loans to small farmers and share tenants with interest
rates of as low six to eight percent.
Lesson 2: Agrarian Reform from the
Spanish Colonial Philippines to the Present
President Carlos P. Garcia (1957-1961) who succeeded the presidency after the death President
Ramon Magsaysay continued the program.

President Diosdado Macapagal (1961-1965) enacted Republic Act No. 3844 of August 8, 1963
(Agricultural Land Reform Code) that abolished share tenancy, institutionalized leasehold, set
retention limit at 75 hectares, invested rights of preemption and redemption for tenant farmers,
provided for an administrative machinery for implementation, institutionalized a judicial system of
agrarian cases, incorporated extension, marketing and supervised credit system of services of farmer
beneficiaries.
Lesson 2: Agrarian Reform from the
Spanish Colonial Philippines to the Present
President Ferdinand Marcos (1965-1986). The Philippines ‘New Society’
(Kilusang Bagong Lipunan) was ushered in by the proclamation of Martial law
(Proclamation No. 1081) on September 21, 1972. During this time, the Agrarian
Reform program was put into law and land reform program was implemented. In
the events the followed, President Marcos decreed the following: (1) Republic Act
No. 6389, (Code of Agrarian Reform) and RA No. 6390 of 1971 that created the
Department of Agrarian Reform and the Agrarian Reform Special Account Fund
and expanded the scope of agrarian reform. (2) Presidential Decree No. 2,
September 26, 1972, declared the country under land reform program and activated
the Agrarian Reform Coordinating Council. All government agencies were ordered
to fully cooperate and assist the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR). (3)
Presidential Decree No. 27, October 21, 1972, restricted the land reform scope to
tenanted rice and corn lands and set the retention limit at 7 hectares.
Lesson 2: Agrarian Reform from the
Spanish Colonial Philippines to the Present
President Corazon C. Aquino (1986-1992). Article II, Sec. 21 of the 1987 Philippine
Constitution provides that “The State shall promote comprehensive rural development and
agrarian reform.” With this, President Cory Aquino signed into law the following: (1) Executive
Order No. 228, July 16, 1987, which declared full land ownership to qualified farmer-
beneficiaries covered by PD 27. (2) Executive Order No. 229, July 22, 1987, provided the
mechanism for the implementation of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP). (3)
Proclamation No. 131, July 22, 1987, which instituted the CARP as a major program of the
government. It provided for a special fund known as the Agrarian Reform Fund (ARF), with an
initial amount of Php50 billion to cover the estimated cost of the program from 1987-1992. (4)
Executive Order No. 129-A, July 26, 1987, which streamlined and expanded the power and
operations of the DAR. (5) Republic Act No. 6657, also known as the Comprehensive Agrarian
Reform Law (CARL) which was signed into law on June 10, 1988. This law instituted a
comprehensive agrarian reform program to promote social justice and industrialization. This law
is still at work until the present. (6) Executive Order No. 405, June 14, 1990, which conferred in
the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) the responsibility to determine land valuation and
compensation for all lands covered by CARP. (7) Executive Order No. 407, June 14, 1990, which
accelerated the acquisition and distribution of agricultural lands, pasture lands, fishponds, agro-
forestry lands and other lands of the public domain suitable for agriculture.
Lesson 2: Agrarian Reform from the
Spanish Colonial Philippines to the Present
President Fidel V. Ramos (1992-1998) enacted laws that would promote a more meaningful
agrarian reform program. These laws include, (1) Republic Act No. 7881 of 1995. This law amended
certain provisions of RA 6657 and exempted fishponds and prawns from CARP coverage. (2) Republic
Act No. 7905 of 1995, which strengthened CARP implementation. (3) Executive Order No. 363 of
1997, which prescribed the guidelines for the protection of areas non-negotiable for conversion and
monitoring compliance with Section 20 of the Local Government Code. (4) Republic Act No. 8435 of
1997 (Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act AFMA), an act prescribing urgent related
measures to modernize the agriculture and fisheries sectors of the country in order to enhance their
profitability and prepare said sectors for the challenges of globalization through an adequate, focused
and rational delivery of necessary support services, appropriating funds therefor and for other
purposes. (5) Republic Act 8532 of 1998, an act strengthening further the Comprehensive Agrarian
Reform Program (CARP), by providing augmentation fund therefor, amending for the purpose Section
63 of Republic Act No. 6657, otherwise known as "The CARP Law of 1988". This law provided an
additional Php50 billion for CARP and extended its implementation for another 10 years.
Lesson 2: Agrarian Reform from the
Spanish Colonial Philippines to the Present
President Joseph E. Estrada (1998-2000). ERAP initiated the enactment of Executive Order
N0. 151, September 1999 (Farmer’s Trust Fund), which established the farmers trust development
program and provided institutional reforms and fund mechanisms for mobilizing long term private
sector capital for rural development.

President Estrada launched the Magkabalikat Para sa Kaunlarang Agraryo or MAGKASAKA. The DAR
forged into joint ventures with private investors into agrarian sector. The “Agrikulturang Maka Masa”
was also launched that achieved an output growth of 6 percent, which lowered the inflation rate from
11 percent in January 1999 to just a little over 3 percent by November of the same year. This was a
record high at the time.
Lesson 2: Agrarian Reform from the
Spanish Colonial Philippines to the Present
President Gloria Macapacal-Arroyo (2001-2010). Pres. Arroyo envisioned to make the
countryside economically viable for the Filipino family by building partnership and promoting social
equity and new economic opportunities towards lasting peace and sustainable rural development. So,
on September 27, 2004, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, signed (1) Executive Order No. 379 s
2004, amending Executive Order No. 364 entitled Transforming the Department of Agrarian Reform
into the Department of Land Reform (DLR), which broadened the scope of the Department by making
it responsible for all land reform in the country. It also placed the Philippine Commission on Urban
Poor (PCUP) under its supervision and control. DLR was also responsible for the recognition of the
ownership of ancestral domain by indigenous peoples, under the National Commission on Indigenous
Peoples (NCIP). (2) Memorandum Circular No. 4 series of 2003 operationalized the development of
Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan Agrarian Reform Zones (KALAHI ARZones). (3) Republic Act No.
9700 s 2009, an act strengthening the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP), extending
the acquisition and distribution of all agricultural lands, instituting necessary reforms, amending for
the purpose certain provisions of republic act no. 6657, otherwise known as the comprehensive
agrarian reform law of 1988, as amended, and appropriating funds therefor.
Lesson 2: Agrarian Reform from the
Spanish Colonial Philippines to the Present
President Benigno Simeon Cojuangco Aquino III (2010-2016) together with farmers,
Catholic bishops, and other land reform advocates developed a plan of action for the implementation
of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program Extension with Reforms (CARPER). Aquino
established the multi-stakeholders mechanism, composed of representatives from the Department of
Agrarian Reform and other CARP implementing agencies of the government, Church officials, non-
governmental organizations, peoples organizations, and other farmers’ groups and federations to
monitor the implementation of the CARP, specifically focusing on: (a) coverage and distribution of
agricultural lands; (b) movement and performance of Department of Agrarian Reform personnel; (c)
delivery of support services to the beneficiaries; and (d) budget allocation and utilization.

The issue of land reform has been persistent even up to the present time. The current administration,
the administration of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte is committed to pursuing the agrarian
reform program in the country.
Lesson 3: The Evolution of the Philippine
Constitution
A Constitution is a set of fundamental principles or established precedents according to which a state or other
organization is governed. It symbolizes the country’s freedom and independence. The Philippine Constitution has
evolved since 1897: the 1897 Constitution of Biak-na-Bato, the 1899 Malolos Constitution, Acts of the United States
Congress (Philippine Organic Act of 1902, Philippine Autonomy Act of 1916, and Tydings–McDuffie Act of 1934),
the 1935 Constitution, the 1943 Constitution, the 1973 Constitution, the 1986 Freedom Constitution, and the 1987
Constitution.

The Constitution is the highest law of the land and no statute can go against it.

Extra: Not everything in the Constitution are self-executing provisions, many of them need the enabling power of Congress
by making them into statutes. So if you are asking why we still have political dynasties even though the Constitution
stated that political dynasties ought to be prohibited, it’s because it is not a self-executing provision. What do you expect
from Congress though? Their wives, husbands, children or relatives are also the mayors, vice-mayors, and councilors in
their congressional districts (This fact is provided by YCL and separate from Prof. Lemana’s lessons).
Lesson 3: The Evolution of the Philippine
Constitution
The 1897 Constitution of Biak-na-Bato. The Tejeros Convention held at San Francisco de
Malabon in Cavite on March 22, 1897 was the result of the Katipunan revolution. In this convention,
the first president and vice president (of the Philippines) were elected by the members of the
Katipunan. The elected president was Emilio Aguinaldo, and the vice president was Mariano Trias.
It was on November 1, 1897 that the Republic of Biak-na-Bato (República de Biac-na-Bató) was
established during a meeting held at Biak-na-Bato in the town of San Miguel de Mayumo in Bulacan.
This was a De Facto Constitutional Republic. In this meeting, the constitution written by Isabelo
Artacho and Felix Ferrer was promulgated by the Katipunan, which acted as Constitutional Assembly.
The Constitution of Biak-na-Bato known as the "Constitución Provisional de la República de
Filipinas" was short-lived as it operated only from November 1, 1897 to December 14, 1897.
Lesson 3: The Evolution of the Philippine
Constitution
The Preamble of the 1897 Constitution of Biak-na-Bato reads, “The separation of the
Philippines from the Spanish monarchy and their formation into an independent state with its own
government called the Philippine Republic has been the end sought by the Revolution in the existing
war, begun on the 24th of August, 1896; and therefore, in its name and by the power delegated by
the Filipino people, interpreting faithfully their desires and ambitions, we, the representatives of the
Revolution, in a meeting at Biac-na-bato, Nov. 1st. 1897, unanimously adopt the following articles
for the Constitution of the State”.
Lesson 3: The Evolution of the Philippine
Constitution
The 1899 Malolos Constitution or the Political Constitution of 1899 (Constitución Política de
1899) was the basic law of the First Philippine Republic whose form of government was unitary semi-
presidential constitutional. The Malolos Constitution was the first republican constitution in Asia
(Tucker, 2009) written by Felipe Calderón y Roca and Felipe Buencamino after the declaration of
Philippine independence from Spain on 12 June 1898. It was signed into law by the Malolos Congress
and promulgated on January 21, 1899. The Malolos Constitution was in operation from January 23,
1899 to March 23, 1901.

The salient features of the 1899 Malolos Constitution include the declaration of sovereignty of the
people, the enumeration of the basic civil rights, the separation of the Church and State, it provided
for the creation of creation of an Assembly of Representatives to act as the legislative body, and a
parliamentary republic as the form of government.
Lesson 3: The Evolution of the Philippine
Constitution
The Preamble of the 1899 Malolos Constitution reads, “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:”
Lesson 3: The Evolution of the Philippine
Constitution
The Acts of the United States Congress was in operation from December 10, 1898 to March 24,
1934, since the Philippines was a territory of the United States during these periods because of the
Treaty of Paris which transferred the sovereignty from Spain to the United States. The acts, such as
the Philippine Organic Act of 1902, the Philippine Autonomy Act of 1916, and the Tydings-McDuffie
Act of 1934, passed by the United States congress were considered as the Philippine constitutions
because they provided for the fundamental political principles and established the structure,
procedures, powers and duties of the Philippine government.

Philippine Organic Act of 1902, also known as the "Philippine Bill of 1902", was the first organic law
enacted by the US Congress for the Philippines. It provided for the creation of the Philippine
Assembly, and a bicameral legislature composed of a Philippine Commission (upper house) and the
Philippine Assembly (lower house) were the lawmaking power was vested. Like other constitutions, it
also enumerated the bill of rights for the Filipinos and provided for the appointment of two non-
voting Filipino Resident Commissioners of the Philippines that would represent the Philippines in the
US House of Representatives.
Lesson 3: The Evolution of the Philippine
Constitution
Philippine Autonomy Act of 1916, also known as the "Jones Law", amended the structure of the
Philippine government that was provided for in the Philippine Bill of 1902. It removed the Philippine
Commission (upper house) and replaced it with the Senate whose members were elected by the
Filipino voters. Because of this, the Philippines' first fully elected national legislature came into being.
A notable statement of this act was the explicit expression of the United States to grant the Philippines
its independence as soon as a stable Philippine government would be established.
Lesson 3: The Evolution of the Philippine
Constitution
Tydings–McDuffie Act of 1934. On March 24, 1934 the United States passed the Tydings-McDuffie
Act that allowed the Filipino nation to have a self-government. A ten-year transition period was
granted by this Act so that Filipinos could be prepared for self-government and full independence.
Unlike the other two acts which could be considered constitution, the Tydings–McDuffie Act of 1934
could not be considered as a constitution, but still a very important document which provided
authority and defined mechanisms for the establishment of a formal constitution via a constitutional
convention. The eventful day arrived on July 4, 1946, when the United States recognized Philippine
independence in the Treaty of Manila. The Philippine-American friendship day is celebrated every 4th
of July to commemorate the Philippine independence from the United States of America.
Lesson 3: The Evolution of the Philippine
Constitution
The 1935 Philippine Constitution. This constitution was written in 1934 with the goal of meeting
the United States’ expectation of political maturity among Philippine leaders so that a full and real
independence could be granted by the US. This constitution was promulgated by the 1934
Constitutional Convention and was in operation during the Commonwealth era (1935-1946), until the
Third Republic (July 4, 1946 - January 16, 1973). The Third Republic started with the granting of
Philippine independence from US domination on July 4, 1946 to Roxas Administration (1946–48),
Quirino Administration (1948–53), Magsaysay Administration (1953–57), Garcia Administration
(1957–61), and Macapagal Administration (1961–65).
During the Commonwealth period, the form of government was Presidential system, with the
president serving a six-year term without reelection. It also provided for a unicameral
National Assembly. However, in 1940 an amendment was done establishing a Bicameral
Congress of the Philippines composed of a Senate and House of Representatives, as well the
creation of an independent electoral commission. Moreover, President’s term was changed from
six years without reelection to a four-year term with a maximum of two consecutive terms in office.
Lesson 3: The Evolution of the Philippine
Constitution
In the Third Republic, the 1935 Constitution was still in operation, the form of government of the
Philippines was Unitary Presidential Constitutional Republic. Again, an amendment was made in
1947, which provided for the provision of the Parity Rights between the American and the Filipino
citizens. The Parity Rights granted the U. S. citizens and corporations equal rights with Filipino
citizens over the Philippine natural resources.

In 1971, a Constitutional Convention was held to rewrite or revise the 1935 Constitution. However, so
much corruption marred the process. In 1972, President Ferdinand Marcos proclaimed martial law to
suppress the increasing civil strife and the threat of communist takeover of the government. The
proclamation of martial law suspended the 1935 Constitution.
Lesson 3: The Evolution of the Philippine
Constitution
The Preamble of the 1935 Constitution reads, "The Filipino people, imploring the aid of Divine
Providence, in order to establish a government that shall embody their ideals, conserve and develop
the patrimony of the nation, promote the general 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."
Lesson 3: The Evolution of the Philippine
Constitution
The 1943 Constitution. The Preparatory Committee for Philippine Independence (PCPI)
promulgated the 1943 Philippine Constitution during the Japanese occupation of the country. Mostly
of the members of the PCPI were delegates to the convention that drafted the 1935 Constitution. The
constitution was ratified by the popular convention of the KALIBAPI in Manila on September 7, 1943.

Following its ratification, the Second Republic was then formally proclaimed. The Second Philippine
Republic was a single-party authoritarian republic. José P. Laurel was appointed as President by the
National Assembly and was inaugurated into office in October 14, 1943, and Benigno Simeon Aquino
Sr. was the Speaker of the National Assembly.

The 1943 Constitution was in operation in Japanese-controlled areas of the Philippines from October
14, 1943 to August 17, 1945. However, the United States and the Commonwealth government which
was in exile did not recognize the said constitution. Laurel formally dissolved the Second Philippine
Republic following the surrender of Japan in World War II.
Lesson 3: The Evolution of the Philippine
Constitution
The Preamble of the 1943 Constitution reads: "The Filipino people, imploring the aid of Divine
Providence and desiring to lead a free national existence, do hereby proclaim their independence,
and in order to establish a government that shall promote the general welfare, conserve and develop
the patrimony of the Nation, and contribute to the creation of a world order based on peace, liberty,
and moral justice, do ordain this Constitution."
Lesson 3: The Evolution of the Philippine
Constitution
The 1973 Constitution was promulgated by the 1973 Constitutional Convention, after Marcos
declared martial law. The 1973 Constitution ruled the Fourth Philippine Republic from January 17,
1973 to February 22, 1986. A unicameral legislature was established during this period, whose
members were elected for a six-year term of office. The President was elected from among the
members of the national Assembly for a six-year term and eligible for reelections. The elected
president will serve only as purely ceremonial head of state. Executive power was exercised by the
Prime Minister who was also elected from amongst the members of the national assembly. The Prime
Minister was the head of government and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
Lesson 3: The Evolution of the Philippine
Constitution
The 1973 Constitution amended on four occasions. (1) In the 1976 amendments, the Interim National
Assembly was replaced by the Interim Batasang Pambansa, the President would also become the
Prime Minister and would exercise legislative powers until the lifting of the martial law, the President
can legislate on his own on an "emergency" basis. (2) In the 1980 amendment, the retirement age of
the members of the judiciary was extended to 70 years. (3) In the 1981 amendments, the false
parliamentary system was formally modified into a French-style semi-presidential system were:
executive power was restored to the President, direct election of the President was restored, an
Executive Committee composed of the Prime Minister and not more than 14 members was created to
"assist the President in the exercise of his powers and functions and in the performance of his duties
as he may prescribe," and the Prime Minister was a mere head of the Cabinet. (4) The 1984
amendment abolished the Executive Committee and restored the position of Vice-President.
Lesson 3: The Evolution of the Philippine
Constitution
The Preamble of the 1973 Constitution reads, “We, the sovereign Filipino people, imploring the
aid of Divine Providence, in order to establish a Government that shall embody our ideals, promote
the general welfare, conserve and develop the patrimony of our Nation, and secure to ourselves and
our posterity the blessings of democracy under a regime of justice, peace, liberty, and equality, do
ordain and promulgate this Constitution.”
Lesson 3: The Evolution of the Philippine
Constitution
The 1986 Freedom Constitution. Right after the 1986 People Power Revolution that compelled
President Marcos to step down from power, President Corazon Aquino issued Proclamation No. 3 to
serve as a provisional constitution. The proclamation contained some provisions adopted from the
1973 Constitution. Powers such as government reorganization, removal of officials, appointment of a
commission to draft a new and more formal Constitution, which upon ratification, would supplant the
Freedom Constitution.
Lesson 3: The Evolution of the Philippine
Constitution
The first part of Proclamation No. 3 reads, “Whereas, the new government was installed through a
direct exercise of the power of the Filipino people assisted by units of the new armed forces of the
Philippines; whereas, the heroic action of the people was done in defiance of the provisions of the
1973 constitution, as amended; Whereas, the direct mandate of the people as manifested by their
extraordinary action demands the complete reorganization of the government, restoration of
democracy, protection of basic rights, rebuilding of confidence in the entire governmental system,
eradication of graft and corruption, restoration of peace and order, maintenance of the supremacy
of civilian authority over the military, and the transition to a government under a new constitution
in the shortest time possible; Whereas, during the period of transition to a new constitution it must
be guaranteed that the government will respect basic human rights and fundamental freedoms;

WHEREFORE, I, CORAZON C. AQUINO, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested
in me by the sovereign mandate of the people, do hereby promulgate the following Provisional
Constitution:”
Lesson 3: The Evolution of the Philippine
Constitution
The 1987 Philippine Constitution was drafted by a constitutional assembly that was mandated in
Proclamation No. 3. The commission composed fifty members appointed by President Corazon
Aquino from various backgrounds: former members of the House of Representatives, former justices
of the Supreme Court, a Roman Catholic bishop, and political activists against the Marcos regime.
Cecilia Muñoz-Palma, who was a former Associate Chief Justice of the Supreme Court was elected by
the commission as its president. The final draft of the 1987 Constitution was finished on October 12,
1986 and was presented to President Aquino on October. The constitution was ratified on February 8,
1987 through a nationwide plebiscite.

It is the current Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines.

Lesson 3: The Evolution of the Philippine
Constitution
The Preamble of the 1987 Constitution reads, “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.”

YCL’s Note:
(Even toddlers should be able to memorize this jk. As young adults, you should not only be able to
memorize the preamble but uphold and manifest it.)
 THIS POWER-POINT
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