Lesson 2: Philippines under the American Regime – Self government

and developments in the Philippines Under American Colonial Rule

Lesson 2.1 Self-government and developments in the Philippines

Under American Colonial Rule

a. American Government in The Philippines

a. America’s Policy of Occupation

America’s successful suppression of revolutionary resistance against

their colonial rule forced the Filipino elite to shift to an alternative of peaceful
struggle for independence. Using an altruistic policy for the Philippines, the
United States, under President Willliam Mckinley, enticed the Filipino elites
into a compromise with American Colonialism. Many of the Filipino elite
Leaders especially the “Illustrados,” began to adhere to the well-stated US
Policy of President Mckinley in his message to the US Congress stressing
that the Philippines is theirs not to exploit but to develop, to civilize, to
educate, and to train in the science of self-government. In reality, behind
this policy declaration was America’s other colonial objectives, as follows:

1. To pursue a “manifest destiny” for America as a world power

2. To use the Philippines as a source of raw materials for US
industries and as market for US manufactured surplus
products
3. To use the Philippines as a military and naval base to balance
the power in Asia
4. To have a refueling port for American ships servicing their
interest in Chine

These ulterior motives of America’s colonial rule later became a reality

when the US government gained complete control of the Philippine
archipelago politically. Finding no other way to repel American motives, the
Filipinos painfully succumbed to compromising their sovereignty to
colonialism by way of serving under American military and civilian rule in the
Philippines.

a. Filipino involvement in American Government in the Philippines (1899-

1913)

In preparation for the foundation of a civilian government in the

Philippines, the three successive terms of American military governors,
namely General Wesley Merrit (August 16, 1898), General Elwell S. Otis
(1898-1900), and General Arthur McArthur (1900- 1901), focused on
pacifications of campaigns. To win the support of Filipino Elites, the
Americans used a subtle strategy of conquest by
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introducing the American school system to civilize and educate Filipinos to
embrace democracy. They organized civil courts and appointed Filipino
jurists. They established towns and provinces and installed pro-American
local leaders to participate in local governmental affairs as apprentices of the
American system of governance.

To train Filipinos to govern their constituencies in the way Americans

want them to towards achieving their ulterior motives, the first election was
held by Gen. Henry W. Lawton in Baliwag, Bulacan. These patterns of
pacification campaign which were employed successfully in Luzon, Visayas,
and Mindanao resulted in readiness of Filipino elite leaders to collaborate
with the US government in the Philippines.

In the central American government, those Filipino elites who believed in

the sovereignty of the US over the Philippines were appointed to top
executive, legislative, and judicial positions by being members of the First
Philippine Commission, otherwise known as the Schurman Comission (1899),
and the Second Philippine Commission (1900) also known as the “Taft
Commission.”. there were three reasons why Filipino elite leaders opted to
collaborate with the American authorities. The first reason was to preserve
the security of their privileges as there was a growing demand from the
masses for the redistribution of economic benefits and resources. The
second reason was the elite class, distrust of the masses, nothing that some
of them were branded as bandits or trouble makers, ignorant people who
possess questionable moral conduct. Thirdly, the elite could not entrust their
interests and future to the masses, thus, by co-opting with the Americans,
they were assured of the protection of their wealth, power, and prestige. To
the Americans, the pro-American attitude of the Filipino elites was
advantageous to their colonial purposes and economic interests in the
Philippines.
Collaborative participation of cultural communities in Luzon, Visayas, and
Mindanao was gained through the efforts of American teachers and
missionaries who played their roles in domestication the tribal leaders. Datus
and sultans in Mindanao were used as key persons in their strategy for
collaboration, giving them roles as promoters of social services to effect
social re-orientation favorable to American interests.

In the Cordilleras, the Americans used a strategy to win the Ifugaos, and
Kalingas to cooperate and accept American rule. The head-hunting
skirmishes between and among the Cordillera tribes, as weel as the disputes
over territorial boundaries and hostilities, were stopped either with the use
of firepower for pacification or with a compromise settlement. When
firepower was not too effective, the

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Americans shifted to benevolent treatment of the natives to impress on
them their image as benefactors. Establishment of American local
governments in the Cordillera proved successful after Cordillera natives were
appointed as mayors or cabecillos. Ifugaos who did not make it to political
positions were recruited into the American Constabulary as regular soldiers
who were paid generously.

In Southern Mindanao, the American approach to establish collaboration

was a political co-existence characterized by mutual respect for personal
property and political rights. The sultanate form of government of the datus
and sultans was a formidable block to improve American political presence in
Mindanao. Sa as not to agitate the Sultans and datus from usurping their
authorities as leaders of the sultanate government, American authorities
negotiated and concluded treaties with Muslim leaders such as the Bates
Treaty (1899) and later, the Carpenter-Kiriam Agreement (1905).
Consequently, these treaties with the Muslims led to the erosion of power of
the sultanate and paved the way for the total imposition of American
sovereighnty in all territories of the sultanate.

b. The Filipinization of American Government in the Philippines

In 1913, Frances Burton Harrison became the first Democratic Governor

General of the Philippines. His appointment saw the full implementation of
American policies and substantial participation of Filipinos in government. As
his colonial policy, rapid Filipinization of government in the Philippines
gained momentum then he involved Filipinos in the various levels of the
bureaucracy. Unfortunately, Filipinization in government was only confined
to the Filipino elites who were actually landlords and capitalists and
government employees during the Spanish period, including those who could
read and write.
Filipinization in government involving the participation of Filipino elites
was suitable to the Americans since it was an aid rather than a hindrance to
colonialism. In the purview of the Americans, keeping the elite involved in
government would be beneficial to American economic interests in the
Philippines, because it warranted economic partnership between Americans
and Filipino landlords and capitalists.

This partnership eventually led to a special relationship between the

American and Filipino land owners and capitalists as manifested in the so-
called “free-trade” which was provided for in the Payne-Aldrich Tariff of 1909
during the Harrison Era, consequently making the Philippines a US market of
surplus goods in Asia. The American capitalists enjoyed the lion’s share in
the benefits from the free trade policy. This lopsided effect of free trade
policy permeated further not only in the economic aspect of Filipino life, but
also in the political, social and cultural fields.
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c. The Socio-Cultural Effects of Filipinization in Government during the
American Period

The American democratic political structure in the Philippines which

was largely manned by Filipino elites who were trained under American
tutelage in governance improved modern ways of American democracy.
The pro-American Filipino elites were referred to outsiders as “little brown
American.” They insisted that Filipino traditional ways should be
abandoned if not substituted totally with modern bureaucracy. A new
brand of democracy known as ‘democracy-Filipino style’ emerged. This
style as a trend of Filipinization gave rise to a new breed of Filipinos who
were involved in the introduction of popular American activities in cultural
fields such as sports, entertainment, education, religion, and the arts.

Despite the fact that American democratic styles have found a distinct
place in Filipino life, Filipino values which were anchored on Filipino tradition
were not abandoned by those who co-opted with the Americans. Large
majority of Filipinos saw no contradictions between the American values and
Filipino tradition. This perception of many Filipinos was contributory to the
Americanization of Filipino lifestyle.

d. The American Policy on Philippine Independence

When Filipino nationalists began their advocacy movements for

autonomy and independence, the American authorities in the Philippines had
no effective response. They viewed nationalist efforts as mere agitations of
the leaders of insular politics. As a palliative measure to downplay the
clamor for self-government and independence, the American colonial
authorities promised independence as soon as a stable form of government
could be established by them. This was affirmed by the passage of the Jones
Law in 1916 by the US Congress which required the establishment of a
stable government first before independence would be granted.

In 1918, just after the World War 1 ended, the Filipinos began to
agitate for the fulfillment of America’s promise of independence to the
 Philippines. They were inspired by their belief that political pressures and
consistent campaign efforts could force the US o comply with its promise.
After 1918. Through the leadership of Manual L. Quezon, a more sustained
effort to end American rule and the granting of independence to the
Philippines was directed to the legislators in Washington, the US seat of
government.

Lesson 2.2 Development and Progress Under American Rule a.

Economic and Social Progress under American Rule 
Given an era of cooperation and good relations between American
authorities and Filipino leaders, development in the Philippines took great
leaps and bounds. Rapid development in agriculture, commerce, and trade
soared high. Transportation and communications were modernized. Banking
systems were established and manufacturing industries grew in big
proportions. All of these were generated as a result of the favorable political
and socio-cultural climate in the Philippines. American businessmen,
capitalists, and industrialists flocked to Philippine soil to establish their
enterprises using local talents and labors. 
The economic progress under America did not pass without a great
price on the part of the Filipinos. Local production and business gave way to
accommodate American Products and industries. In terms of who benefited
most in terms of economic progress, the Filipinos got the least, while
American capitalists got the most profit using Filipino skills and labor. 
b. Growth of Agriculture in the Philippines 

Agricultural Progress in the Philippines during the American regime

was remarkable for it changed the deplorable state of Philippine agriculture
into a scientifically advanced and modernized one. The introduction of
experimental model farms and livestock production technology introduced by
Americans gradually empowered Filipino farmers with scientific methods of
cultivation. New breeds of livestock increased production outputs. Modern
post-harvest facilities like warehouses and farm machineries like thresher
and rice hullers were introduced. Irrigation systems and dams were built.
Sugar plantations were established and packaging of farm products was
taught. All of these and other introductions and innovations spurred the
growth of agricultural production in the Philippines. Unfortunately, majority
of Filipino farmers were not favored much by agricultural developments for
reasons that they remained tillers of the lands of landlords and capitalists. 
c. Flourishing of Trade and Commerce 
 The free trade relations between the US and the Philippines
fostered a giant leap for trade and commerce in the Philippines. Import and
export trade which became a full free trade in

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1913 by virtue of the Underwood-Simons Tariff Act of the US Congress
facilitated the opening of ports all over the country. 
However, the trade agreement seemed not to favor the Filipino much
because of the fact that Philippine export products were free to enter
American ports within quota limits while American products could enter
Philippine ports without paying duty taxes to the Philippines and without
quota limits. The crux of inequality was the fact that there were more
imports from America than the export products of the Filipinos entering the
US. THE American capitalists got greater profits that their Filipino
counterparts. 
d. Industrial Development 

The American period facilitated the Industrial Age in the Philippines.

Factories sprang up in towns and cities, producing commodities such as
cigars, coconut oil, sugar, textile, and cordage using local resources. Mining
industries boomed into huge international industries. The Philippines became
known as a gold producer and supplier of other minerals such as chromate,
manganese, copper, iron, silver and others. Fishing and fish canning became
major industries, placing the Philippines in the limelight of the international
market as a rich ground for deep-sea fishing. 
e. Improvement of Transportation and Communication 

The American period affected the modernization of transportation

facilities in the Philippines. Roads and bridges were constructed, which
facilitated transport of products from farms to ports and markets with ease
and convenience. By 1935, there were already 20,826 kilometers of roads
and 8,100 bridges built by American road builders. 
In 1905, telephone system was introduced in Manila. Radio telephone
services were installed in 1933. Towns and provincial capitols were inter-
connected by radio, telegraph lines, and telephones. By 1935, more than a
thousand mail offices all over the Philippines were established, facilitating
communications though ordinary mails, telegrams, money orders, packages,
and air mail letters. 
 These material progress in the Philippines that were achieved during
the American colonial period had an impact on the economic condition of the
Philippines. However, form the perception of Filipino nationalists, America’s
regime in the Philippines transformed the Philippines into a market of
surplus products of the US and a gold mine of economic resources at the
expense of the greater majority of

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Filipinos, who gave so much of the expense of the resources, time, and
talents but received the least of benefits. 
f. Social Progress under America 

The impact of American public education I the Philippines was a key

factor in the improvement of peace and order conditions in the country.
Democracy as an ideology was emphasized in all schools. Filipinos became
conscious of basic freedoms. Political writers began to express their views
with greater impetus and political consciousness grew among Filipinos in
government. Partisan politics was allowed, enabling Filipinos to form
independent political parties wherein a great majority of Filipino elites
agitated for political independence. 
Filipino cultural life changed dramatically as the English language
became an official medium, not only in schools, but also in private and
public offices. The influx of ideas from the progressive West acquired
through the knowledge and proficiency in English helped enrich the English
language, which was patronized by Filipinos, proved itself as the potent force
which changed Filipino cultural life and gave importance to a Western-
oriented cultural environment,
LESSON 3: The Philippines Under Japanese Rule
Japanese Invasion 
During the 10-year period of the Commonwealth government, Japan
arose as Asia’s strongest military power. The Japanese government, which
was controlled by an elite class of military warriors, embarked on an
ambitious scheme to build an economic empire by uniting all Asian nations
against the colonial clutches of Western imperialist nations. She embarked
on a conquest of expansionism through military invasions over weak
countries in Asia. Her conquests were greatly motivated by her need for
territories to accommodate her excess population and also to have markets
for her surplus manufactured goods. 
Establishment of Japanese Military Administration 
 On January 02, 1942, after the relatively bloodless occupation of
Manila, General Homma, Commander-in-Chief of the Japanese Imperial
Forces in the Philippines, declared the establishment of the Japanese military
administration with the intention of putting under complete control political,
economic, and socio-cultural affairs in Manila and consequently the whole
Philippines. He further declared the end of American occupation and placed
the country under  
martial law, and ordered the confiscation of firearms, ammunitions, and
other war materials. He declared punishment by death for  anyone who did
not hostile act against the Japanese army. He placed  under Japanese
control all industries, factories, banks, schools,  churches, printing presses,
and centers of recreations. He issues a proclamation prohibiting circulation
of American dollars and introduced Japanese war notes which replaced
Philippine currency.  He ordered arrests and punishment to those who
caught singing the American National anthem and any American song.
Books, magazines, and newspaper in English were confiscated and burned.
Only Japanese propaganda newspapers written in Tagalog were allowed for
circulation. 
The Socio-Cultural Situation under Japanese Occupation 

Although there was a Japanese-sponsored republic in existence, the

Filipinos had to contend with five mortal dangers: the guerillas, hunger,
Japanese-paid Filipino spies, lack of medicine, and diseases. 
The Japanese military police or “KEMPETAI” had wanton disregard for
human lives. They sowed fear and terror in communities by raiding houses
of occupants with unregistered radios. All those arrested suspects were
severely tortured or executed publicly by hanging or by firing squad.
Oftentimes, torture by water cure, punching badly or “red-hot iron” or
“electric wire” were made public 

toward people not to collaborate in any way or by any means with Japanese
enemies. Worst were public executions by beheading with samurai. Such
did not effectively sow fear but sowed instead hatred for Japanese soldiers.
Spies were also a menace in the social life of Filipinos. Many Filipino spies
who were paid by the Japanese just pointed to anyone whom they falsely
suspected to be pro-American and anti-Japanese. More often than not, the
victims of Japanese-paid spies were unjustly accused, tortured, and
eventually executed. 
Guerillas, on the other hand, were also a threat for they quickly
liquidated Filipinos who were suspected to be Japanese collaborators
without due process. 
 Social evils such as poverty and pretty crimes were rampantly
prevalent. Crimes against property increased for the sake of survival.
Stealing was a usual crime as it was a desperate means to survive
attributed to scarcity of food and hopelessness due to the acute state of
poverty. Scavengers roamed the streets and the public markets scrounging
for food in garbage drums. Some women grave in desperation had to
sustain their family by employing themselves as comfort women for
Japanese soldiers and sex attendants to the bourgeoisie and plutocrats. 
In the cultural context, the Filipinos were forcibly induced for
educational re-orientation. Military Order no.2, the Japanese policy on
education, was issued on February 2, 1942 to inculcate Japanese culture;
promote the dissemination of the principle of Greater East Asia Co-
Prosperity Sphere, spiritual rejuvenation. And the teaching of Nippongo
language; further vocational and elementary education; and promote the
love of labor. The main goal of this Japanese educational policy was to erase
Western cultural influences and to create an atmosphere of friendship to
push through Japanese intentions and war aims. Schools were re-opened
and were forced to strictly observe Japanese educational policies. 
In the field of arts expression, strict prohibitions were enforced by
Japanese authorities. Performers in theatres were not allowed to present
entertainment that were Western-oriented and injurious to Japanese
sensibilities. Writers did not enjoy freedom to expression. Only a few print
media were allowed for circulation with strict censorship. While encouraging
Filipino culture, the Japanese imposed restrictions so as to ensure that they
do not impair Japanese aims of war. 

The Economic Situation in the Philippine under the Japanese

Occupation 
Economic activities in the Philippines during the Japanese
occupation were limited since most of the economic resources were under
Japanese control. Production practically stopped due to the war and fear of
Japanese atrocities. Agriculture production was at its lowest ebb. This
predicament prevailed because work animals decreased and farms and
plantations had been abandoned. The Japanese military confiscated trucks,
cars, rice harvests, and even required farmers and laborers to serve for the
soldiers. Philippine currency was not in circulation for the banks were
controlled by the Japanese. During the Period of Japanese Rule, Japanese
money, called “Micky Mouse Money” by the Americans and “Yap-yap” by the
Filipinos, was the currency which became a worthless legal tender towards
the end of the Second World War. 
The Liberation Period in the Philippines 
 The Liberation period was one of the most thrilling episodes of the
struggles of Filipinos to restore and preserve their sovereignty. War
historians claim that the two years from 1944-1946 were the most dramatic
part in Philippine history. It was the period when Filipinos showed their
determination to take back their independence which had they lost, by
sheer gallantry and courage through the guerilla warfare that they waged. 
The final phase of the war in the Philippines during World War 2
involved a series of events in which leaders and personalities who were
Either Filipinos or Americans had put their lives at stake or had somehow
perished, all for the sake of a noble cause – freedom from the clutches of
the Japanese hawks of military expansionism.