MODULE 3: Occupation in the Philippines

Self-assessment Task 1

Compare and contrast the administration of the local government units during the Spanish period with those of the
present.

SPANISH PEROD PRESENT

 Centralized Colonial Government  Republic Government

 Local Government Bureaucracy  Local Government Bureaucracy

 Provincial Government  Autonomous Region

* Alcalde Mayor- (Pacified Regions) * Regional Chief Executive
* Corregidor- (Unpacified Regions) * Chief Minister
* 9 Junta Provincial “Councils” * Member of Parliament
1- Public Prosecutor
1- Finance Administrator  Provincial Government
1- Treasurer * Governor
1- Foreign Vicar * Vice Governor
1- Provincial Doctor * Board Members
4- Principalies
 City Government
 City Government * Mayor
* 4 Cabildos “Councils” * Vice Mayor
1- Alcalde “Mayor” * City Councilors
1- Regidores “Councilors”
1- Aguacil Mayor “Police Chief”  Municipal Government
1- Escribando “Secretary” * Mayor
* Vice Mayor
 Municipal Government “Pueblo * Municipal Councilors
* Gobernadorcillos
* 4 Lieutenants  Barangay
1- Teniente Mayor * Barangay Captain
1- Teniente de Polocia * Barangay Councilors
1- Teniente de Sementeras * Sanguniang Kabataan
1- Teniente de Ganados

 Barangay
* Cabeza de Barangay

SPANISH PEROD
 System of Election
 Provincial and City Officials are
reservedly appointed by the King, but in
most cases Governor General filled the
offices by putting relatives and political
favorites into the office. Usually these
positions are filled up by Insulares (Spanish
born in the Philippines) or Peninsulares
(Spanish born).
 Municipal and Barangay officials
are Filipino native or a Chinese Meztizo,
age 25 and above and must be literate in
Spanish both in oral and written. Municipal
Officials were elected among the ranks of
the Principalias “elite ruling class”. While
the Barangay Officials were hereditary in
nature.
 Men could only be appointed for
provincial and city officials and municipal
and barangay officials were elected
through secret balloting.
 Principalias “noble class” played an
important role selection for the candidates
and friar dominated Government System
SPANISH PEROD
 Land System
 Encomieda System, an earliest
political system used during the conquista
period. Wherein the conquistadores, friars
and nobles were granted estates in
exchange for their services to the King and
given the privilege to collect tribute from
its inhabitants.
 Conflicts arise due to abuses
committed by Spanish Encomenderos and
that they were only interested in getting
rich and being greedy. Thus, Filipinos
became lazy and reasoned that it was
useless to work for a living cause their
hard work would only go to the payment
of tributes.
PRESENT
 System of Election
 Local Government Officials must
be a Filipino citizen, able to read and
write Filipino or any local language or
dialect, resident for at least 1 year of the
place running for the position unto, 15 to
23 years old for Sanguniang Kabataan,
18 yrs old for City and Municipal Councilors,
Barangay officials, 23 yrs old for Governor, Vice
Governor, Mayor and Vice Mayor
 Right of suffrage is exercised by Filipino
Citizens ages 18 and above both men and
women through Comelec registration
“Government Agency that supervises elections”
 Automated Elections are practice
using vote counting machines. Local
Government officials term is good for 3 years.
 Political dynasty in the local
government positions are existing. Prominent
families in politics acquire dominance and
influence in their respective locality.
PRESENT
 Land System
 Comprehensive Agrarian Reform
Program is a land reform established in the
Philippines today. Large land holdings are
broken up and distributed to farmers and
workers on that particular hacienda. Under
the law, a land owner can only retain 5
hectares, regardless of the hacienda size.
 Conflicts arise between previous land
owners and beneficiaries and between
farmers groups that have conflicting
claims.
 SPANISH PEROD
 Taxation System
 Taxes
* Tribute/ Cedula- paid in cash or in kind
* Bandala- annual enforce sale and
requisitioning of goods like palay and corn.
* Custom Duties and Income Tax
* Monopoly Tax- ex. tobacco monopoly to
increase local government income.
* Polo y servicio- ”force labor” men ranging
from 16 to 60 years old are obligated to
give personal services for 40 days.
 Taxes Exemptions
* All Spaniards and other foreigners were
exempted from taxes except Chinese
(legislative discrimination)
* Electorate Gobernadorcillos and
Cabeza de Barangay wife and first
born son were also exempted
SPANISH PEROD
 Union between the church and the state
 Frailocracia Government controlled by
The friars is established since priest and friars
outnumbered civil officials and Spanish
government depends on them on pacification
and source of information.
 Religous Orders aside from doing his
religious activities, they had authority in
administration of the colony. They supervises the
elction of Gobernadorcillos and Cabeza de
Barangay. They also voiced out their opinions
whether they like or not the winner of the
position and may make or break the candidates
title for the position.
PRESENT
 Taxation System
 Taxes
* Poll Tax/ Cedula
* Local Business Tax
* Real Property Tax
 Taxes Exemptions
* Poll tax were not mandatory.
* Churches and religious buildings used
for religious purposes are exempted from
real property tax.
PRESENT
 Separation between the church and the state
 Church is neither a ruler nor an agency of
the state and it is autonomous and independent
in its own field and purpose.
 Religious orders wields great influence on
Philippine society and politics. Involvement of
religious groups is not new for inclusive nation
building. In fact, it has been involve in electoral
politics including in the selection of candidates.
Ex. Catholic Church exhorts voters to vote
according to conscience in the launch of the
“One Good Vote Campaign Against Bribery and
Vote Buying” and during People Power
Revolution that drove ex president Marcos
and ends his presidential term. Iglesia ni Cristo,
even supports candidates and make its
members vote according to their Religious
Head choice.
Conclusion:

I conclude, that due to the archipelago nature of the Philippines that the creation of local government units creates
a good purpose and advantages cause it serves as an arm to facilitate the administration of the country. Philippines
today follows the local government unit bureaucracy during the Spanish regime composed of Provincial, Autonomous,
City, Municipality and Barangay. The differences are the composition of officials, its duties and qualifications. Election
candidates and voters also differ before. Social status is very important, that only noble class men only can be appointed
or elected for the local government positions. Filipinos today, at age 18 both men and women exercises the right of
suffrage no matter what social class they belong. Downside is, vote buying is very rampant today. Encomienda System
are replaced by Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program, both have different platforms with suppose to be good
intentions yet creates conflicting claims because of land ownership. Taxation helps for the progression of government,
especially that it creates local government income. The difference between then and now is that excessive taxation is
being implemented before without proper account for taxes collections. This leads to greediness and abuses that
revolutions happens. Today, the government sees to it that taxes are charge fairly to create balance on the society
status. Bigger income, Bigger tax. Talking about the church and the state. Before, Spanish empire depended very heavily
on the clergy of the religious orders of the church to spread Spanish culture, religion and influence. Thus,priest and friars
has been given authority to supervised both the religious activities and political aspects. Unlike today, wherein church
and state are separated to more focus on each other functions and purpose. Church could still be involve in politics since
its people are also citizens. Yet, they could only give advises and opinions based on church teachings.

Self-assessment Task 2

1. Discuss the teachings of the KKK. Point out some teachings that you find useful and helpful in your daily life.

Kartilya ng Katipunan teachings are unique in such a way that it tackle different aspects of person’s life. It was meant to guide us in
living our everyday life with morals and good values. Possessing the right attitude towards others and love unto the native land.

1. The life that is not consecrated to a lofty and reasonable purpose is a tree without a shade, if not a poisonous weed.

-Living a life with purpose effect shape goals and offer sense of direction, that produces a sense of usefulness to make
a difference by touching the lives of others.

2. To do good for personal gain and not for its own sake is not virtue. 

-Actions done with selfish reasons is not a commendable quality trait.

3. It is rational to be charitable and love one’s fellow creature, and to adjust one’s conduct, acts and words to what is in itself
reasonable. 

-Kindness is simply seen in one’s words and actions, with love given to his fellowmen without expecting anything in
return.

4. Whether our skin be black or white, we are all born equal: superiority in knowledge, wealth and beauty are to be understood,
but not superiority by nature. 

-Everyone should be treated equally and fairly regardless of race, color, and culture. Society may divide us through
our differences in wisdom, status, and personality but we must all understand that those are not reasons to be superior of
anyone.

5. The honorable man prefers honor to personal gain; the scoundrel, gain to honor. 

-A wise man values his honor rather than his personal benefit.

6. To the honorable man, his word is sacred. 

-Speak and act with integrity by doing what you say not merely making empty promises.

7. Do not waste thy time: wealth can be recovered but not time lost. 

-Time is gold, spend it wisely cause you ca never get it back.

8. Defend the oppressed and fight the oppressor before the law or in the field.

-Choose to fight and defend the unjust and cruel exercise of power.

9. The prudent man is sparing in words and faithful in keeping secrets

 -A man must ponder first of what he says and keep to oneself what is needed to be kept.

10. On the thorny path of life, man is the guide of woman and the children, and if the guide leads to the precipice, those whom he
guides will also go there. 

-And a true man leads his family to the right path by showing them that he is righteous to avoid harm and jeopardy.

11. Thou must not look upon woman as a mere plaything, but as a faithful companion who will share with thee the penalties of
life; her (physical) weakness will increase thy interest in her and she will remind thee of the mother who bore thee and reared
thee. 

-Women are not plaything. A man must treat a woman with dignity and respect they deserve.

12. What thou dost not desire done unto thy wife, children, brothers and sisters, that do not unto the wife, children, brothers and
sisters of thy neighbor. 

-Every action has its own consequences, so we must do not do to others if you don't want to done unto you.

13. Man is not worth more because he is a king, because his nose is aquiline, and his color white, not because he is a priest, a
servant of God, nor because of the high prerogative that he enjoys upon earth, but he is worth most who is a man of proven
and real value, who does good, keeps his words, is worthy and honest; he who does not oppress nor consent to being
oppressed, he who loves and cherishes his fatherland, though he be born in the wilderness and know no tongue but his own.

-Life is not define on the status nor abundance of the things possessed, but through personality traits towards others
and love towards native land.

Some teachings that you find useful and helpful in your daily life.

For me, among these teachings. There are four that I find helpful in my everyday life. First, “the life that is not consecrated to a lofty
and reasonable purpose is a tree without a shade, if not a poisonous weed”. I realized that I must live a purpose driven life, me
setting goals and achieving dreams. Dedicating my success to my love ones, for my life without purpose would be meaningless and
useless. Second, “It is rational to be charitable and love one’s fellow creature, and to adjust one’s conduct, acts and words to what is
in itself reasonable”. I believe that my simple act of kindness could change others lives. Touching others hearts, could mean
everything to me. It just makes me believe that there’s hope to everyone and that I can be an example to someone. Third, “d efend
the oppressed and fight the oppressor before the law or in the field”. Bullying is rampant today, I experience it and its not good.
Good thing I got my family who restore my confidence. That’s why whenever I found someone being bullied I try to defend him/ her
in every way I can and fight violence. Fourth, What thou dost not desire done unto thy wife, children, brothers and sisters, that do
not unto the wife, children, brothers and sisters of thy neighbor. I believed in good and bad karma. Everything I do and say there’s a
respective effect that is like a boomerang, as what goes around comes back around. That’s why I am careful to my actions and words
and be responsible for it.

2. Make a chart comparing the Reform Movement and the Katipunan.

 REFORM MOVEMENT
AIMS
1. The assimilation of the Philippines as a regular
province of Spain;
2. The restoration of Filipino representation to
Spanish Cortes;
3. Secularization of Parishes;
4. Equality between Spanish and Filipinos;
5. Human Rights- freedom of speech and of the
press;
6. Economic development;
7. Reforms in the government
8. Reforms in education- clamor of public school
system;
NATURE
 The middle class denounce Spanish abuses and
asked Spain to make the Philippines the province of
Spain.
 The reformist believed that the Filipinos would
be better off if they were to become Spanish citizens
enjoying all the rights and privileges of the latter.
 The assimilation of the Philippines was to be
published in a peaceful manner.
METHODS
 Literature- used of words in the form of
speeches as well as pieces of writing to create change
and awareness of their issues and equip the Filipinos
with knowledge. (ex.)
1. La Solidaridad
2. La Liga Filipina
3. Noli Me Tangere
4. El Filibusterismo
RESULTS
 Failed:
1. Inadequacy of funding meant for the
publication of the novel. Some conservative members
withdrew their support for the newspaper leading to its
demise;
2. Conflicts of opinions and views among the
propagandists limited the effectiveness of the reform
movement of its campaign for reforms;
3. Personal and heath problems of Filipinos
seemed to aggravate the homesickness of the Filipinos
in exile;
4. Advocacy of reform did not achieve any of its
defined aims;
 Avenue for the birth of national consciousness
among the natives as well as the radicalization of the
masses.
 Through this movement KKK was founded.
Conclusion:
KATIPUNAN MOVEMENT
1. Develop a strong alliance with each and every
Katipunero;
2. To unite the Filipinos into one solid nation;
3. To To win Philippine independence by means of an
armed conflict (or revolution);
4. To establish a republic after independence
 A secret revolutionary society of Filipinos that aims
to
gain independence.
 The reformist believed that Katipunan must replace
the Spanish Government in the Philippines.
 The revolution will free the Philippines from shackles
of
Spanish oppression.
 Revolution- this crusade for reforms was done by
means of violent revolution that leads to establish a
Philippine revolutionary society.
 Literature- used to stir patriotism and aim to spread
revolutionary thoughts and ideals to the society. (ex)
1. Kalayaan
2. Pag-ibig sa Tinubuang Lupa
3. Kartilya ng Katipunan
 Exposed:
1. Existence of Katipunan became known- Teodoro
Patiño engaged in a bitter dispute over pay with a co-
worker, Katipunero member Apolinario de la Cruz and
exposed Katipunan in revenge;
2. Series of blood revolts- Philippine Revolution began
when the Spanish authorities discovered the Katipunan;
 Schism, transfer of authority and dissolution:
1. Internal struggles and conflicts- rivalries emerged
between commanders and territories of the Magdalo and
Magdiwang, creating big rifts in the association;
2. Tejeros Convention- settlement of leadership
dispute between the Magdalo and Magdiwang and the
dissolution of Katipunan and establishment of a republic
making Emilo Aguinaldo the president;
3. Rival Government- Andres Bonifacio established a
rival government against Aguinaldo and was found guilty
of treason;
 I conclude, that the Filipino struggle against Spain was a proof that Filipinos loved their freedom and their hospitality has
limitations. However, love of freedom seemed not enough to win the battle against the enemies. First, the geographical nature of the
Philippines seemed to be the main source why most of the resistance failed. Since the Philippines is an archipelago, there existed a
problem of communication that hindered a more concrete and strong defense against Spain. Second, there was a problem of
national leadership, revolts were sporadic rather than compact. Filipinos did not think of themselves as one homogeneous race,
identity was instead linked with regional ethnicity. Third, Spain employed some Filipinos to become assassins to kill leaders of revolts
to suppress the uprising. Fourth, the absence of national consciousness of the Filipinos hindered all resistance against Spanish rule,
making Filipinos suffered from their own ignorance.

I believe all of these process must be felt and experience by the Filipinos to develop nationalism ideology. The movements like
Reform and Katipunan though may have different aims and means, but the two aspire an equal treatment from Spain and have
enormous love for the country. The thing is, these movements loss an inspiration of selfless desire of independence and are
misguided to choose personal interest and gains to succeed. Though they were not successful in their own right and struggle to reach
independence through different circumstances most of them personal in nature, but it was the love of independence that became a
driving force behind all of these endeavors to fight either in peaceful manner or through revolution for better or for worse. In fact,
these movements cause a chain reaction of events which led Filipinos to realized that they are better and strong if they are united as
one.

Independence is our vision. Now, we must be worthy of it. We Filipinos today as the heirs to this legacy must be thankful to our
heroes and must keep in mind that we as one will win against all the challenges that may come our way. We must fight towards
discrimination and oppression and always choose what is right and for the betterment of all not for oneself only, cause no man is an
island.