OUR LADY OF FATIMA UNIVERSITY

QUEZON CITY

RIPH111

READINGS IN PHILIPPINE
HISTORY

Rein Ramos
ACADEMICIAN
 Finals
UNIT 4: Social, Political, Economic and Cultural Issues in
Philippine History

Land and Agrarian

Reform Policies

Taxation

The Philippine Constitutions

of 1899, 1935, 1973 and
1987
Evaluation and Promotion
of local and oral history,
museums, historical shrines
and cultural presentations

REMINDER

All contents from this reviewer is

based on the modules and ppts from
our canvas. Please do review other
references that was given by your
professors.

Thank you and Good luck future RN's!

Rein Ramos
ACADEMICIAN
 Land and Agrarian Reform Policies
WHAT IS LAND/ AGRARIAN REFORM?
LAND REFORM
refers to a wide variety of programs
and measures usually by the
government to bring about more
effective control and use of land for the
benefit of the community.
Land reform generally comprise the
takeover of land by state from big land
lords with compensation , and transfer
it to small farmers or landless workers.
It is aimed at changing the agrarian
structure to bring equity and to
increase productivity.
The structure includes both the
relationship of man to his land, and
man’s relationship with others (tenant
and landlord).
AGRARIAN REFORM
is more complex. Along with land
reform it also includes measures to
modernize the agricultural practices
and improving the living conditions of
everyone within the entire agrarian
community.
It includes various supports to
agricultural education, the
establishment of cooperatives;
development of institutions to provide
agricultural credit and other inputs;
processing and marketing of
agricultural produce; and establishment
of ago-based industries, and others.
The desire to obtain social justice and full
development of the dignity of man within
given situations of land reform has gained
great importance across the years in many
countries of the world especially in
agricultural countries.
One of the effects of colonizing periods
was the concentration of landholdings in
the hands of the law.
These few people whom they call as
landlords or “caciques” have yielded
tremendous influence in the social and
economic life of the nation that they had
been able to dictate to their dependents
(the tenants and their families) to such
matters as to whom to vote for in political
elections. They have also influenced
political action in various ways in order to
maintain the status quo.
Rein Ramos
ACADEMICIAN
HISTORY OF LAND REFORM IN THE
PHILIPPINES
PRE-SPANISH ERA
Before the Spaniards came to the
Philippines, the Filipino social system was
feudal. Like the feudalistic system in the
medieval Europe, a warrior class existed
bound by fealty to a warlord.
This class lived on the labor of the serfs
and slaves but in exchange, this warrior
class protected them and exercised a ready
though rough kind of justice.
Within the Filipino social structure, the
datus (chiefs) comprised the nobility
(maharlikas). Then there are the timawas
(freemen), followed by the aliping
namamahay (serfs) and aliping saguiguilid
(slaves).
The freeborn
did not pay tributes or taxes to the
datu, but were bound to follow him to
war. They provided their own weapons
and gears, manned the cars when they
set sail, built their houses, and planted
their rice fields.
The serfs
served his master or lord, who may be a
datu or someone else who is a
maharlika, and tilled his land. Both
master and serfs equally divided the
produce of the land. They had houses
of their own, maintained private
property, and passed these on to their
children as legacy. They were also
allowed the free disposal of their
chattels (movable personal properties)
and their lands. The serfs corresponded
to the aparceros(tenants) of the late
19th century Spanish era.
The slaves
served the lord or master in both his
house and farm. They were allowed
some share of the harvest, but they
were their master’s property. Thus they
could be sold, particularly those
captured in wars, or born and reared as
farm hands.
In the subsistence economy of the early
Filipinos, money was unknown, and rice
served as the medium of exchange.
 Land and Agrarian Reform Policies
SPANISH ERA (1565-1898)
During the Spanish colonial period, lands
were divided and granted to encourage
Spanish settlers or reward soldiers who
served the Crown.
These were called encomiendas.
The conditions of this grant state that the
encomendero must defend his encomienda
from external attack, maintain peace and
order within, and support the missionaries.
In consideration of these services, the
encomendero acquired the right to collect
tribute from the indios (natives) in the
amount and form determined by the royal
government.
The encomienda system
was originally established more for the
benefit of the natives than of the
encomenderos.
Thus the latter could not be called lords
because they were considered
protectors, advocates and tutors of the
natives.
The system, however, degenerated into
abuse of power by the encomenderos.
The tributes they were authorized to
collect soon became land rents, and the
people living within the boundaries of
the encomienda became tenants.
The encomenderos
became the first group of hacenderos
in the country. Meanwhile, the colonial
government took the place of the
datus. The datu was now called cabeza
de barangay, but it was the proprietors
of the estates who held the real powe r
in the barangay or community.
There were four classes of estate
proprietors in the Philippines during the
Spanish period:
first, the religious orders Dominican
and Augustinian;
second, the Spanish peninsulares;
third, the criollos and mestizos;
and lastly, the native principales.
The Dominican friars
leased their lands to both the natives
and mestizos, who became known as
inquilinos.
Rein Ramos
ACADEMICIAN
Each inquilino paid a fixed ground rent
for the area he cultivated, and the
estate owner was not allowed to lease
the land to others unless the incumbent
leaseholder failed to pay the rent for
two consecutive years.
However, the inquilinos abused this
policy by disposing off the lands as if
they owned them. They sold their
interest in them or mortgaged to
wealthy takers, or sub-leased them at
rents higher than what they themselves
paid.
Thus by being inquilinos, they earned
more than the estate owners wi thout
doing virtually any work.
This became the root of a system in which
native agricultural entrepreneurs that tilled
and cleared the land with the aid of tenants
whom they hired on a sharecropping basis
had to lease the land. In time, the system
evolved a set of practices that soon began
to exploit the tenant tillers.
Although Spanish authorities were aware
of these pernicious practices, no effective
measures were made in spite of two royal
decrees issued in 1880 and 1184 urging
landholders to secure titles.
Under these decrees, the government
granted a term of one year within which
claims for free titles were to be filed.
But because the large majority of peasants
either did not understand the law or found
the procedure too complicated and alien to
tradition, only a f ew took advantage of the
offer.
Those few were mostly of the cacique
class, who claimed more lands than they
actually had a right to.
As a result, the actual tillers were driven
out of their land or forced to become
tenants of the caciques.
Spanish land practices came to a halt with
the outbreak of the Philippine Revolution
when Spanish land owners started to sell
off their lands as brought about by the
power shift in government where Spain
was on a losing side against the Filipinos
who had declared their independence in
1898 and the Americans who were
insisting to stay.
 Land and Agrarian Reform Policies
FIRST PHILIPPINE REPUBLIC (1899-1901)
Immediately after the establishment of the
First Republic of the Philippines on January
of 1899, the government of President
Emilio Aguinaldo declared its intention to
confiscate large estates, especially the so-
called Friar Lands.
The declaration was contained in the
Malolos Constitution: “All the lands,
buildings, and other properties belonging
to the religious corporations in these
islands shall be understood to have been
restored to the Filipino state.” However, as
the Republic was short-lived, Aguinaldo’s
plan was never implemented.
AMERICAN REGIME (1901-1935)
Friar Lands had been bought and disposed
During the American era, several laws were
passed to regulate and improve land
tenure. Among the significant legislative
pieces:
Philippine Bill of 1902
imposed specific conditions on the
disposition of public lands
Land Registration Act of 1902 (Act No.
496)
provided for a comprehensive
registration of land titles under the
Torrens system
Rice Share Tenancy Act of 1933 (Act
No. 4054)
regulated relationships between
landowners and tenants of rice
lands
Tenancy Act of 1933 (Act No. 4113)
regulated relationships between
landowners and tenants of sugar
cane fields
At the start of the American era, some
400,000 native farmers were without titles
because of the defective land system
rooted in Spanish institutions, and of the
farmers’ ignorance of various laws. The
situation was aggravated by the absence of
records of issued titles and accurate land
surveys. Land disputes began and agrarian
troubles worsened.
To remedy the problem, the Americans
introduced the Torrens system of land
registration whereby government-
purchased titles were granted only after
the completion of a survey and land
ownership had been proven in court.
Rein Ramos
ACADEMICIAN
This, however, did not solve the problem
completely. As with the Spanish system,
the majority of farmers did not avail of the
government’s offer. Either they were not
aware of the law or if they did, they could
not pay the survey cost and other fees
required in applying for a Torrens title.
As for the Friar Lands, even American
authorities could not touch them as these
were covered by valid land titles issued
during the Spanish era. Furthermore, the
Treaty of Paris of 1898 bound the U.S.
government to protect the property
interests of religious orders.
The best solution offered for such
condition was the outright purchase of the
lands. By 1919, about 69 percent of all
of by the U.S. Civil Government of the
Philippines.
COMMONWEALTH PERIOD (1935-1946)
MANUEL QUEZON (1935-1944)
By the time the Commonwealth was
established under Manuel L. Quezon, the
malingering problem of land tenure
relationships had already given cause to
armed discontent among oppressed
tenants of estates. Pedro Calosa
spearheaded the so-called Colorum Revolt
in Tayug, Pangasinan in 1931 and four
years later, Benigno Ramos mounted the
Sakdal Revolt in Cabuyao, Laguna.
In response to the spreading unrest,
Quezon championed the tenants’ plight
and faced the agrarian crisis squarely by
implementing a program of social justice.
During his administration, Quezon
improved and strengthened existing laws
on land tenure by giving more freedom to
landowners and tenants to enter into
tenancy contracts not contrary to laws,
morals and public policy.
These laws likewise provided for the
compulsory arbitration of agrarian
conflicts, and suspend any action to eject
tenants from the land they till and live in.
Dictated by Quezon’s social justice
program, the expropriation of landed
estates and other big landholdings was
started.
 Land and Agrarian Reform Policies
Another key policy was the orderly
settlement of virgin public agricultural
lands, with focus on Mindanao under the
National Land Settlement Administration.
The Quezon administration began under
the 1935 Constitution which declares, “The
promotion of social justice to ensure the
well-being and economic security of all
people should be the concern of the State.”
In 1933, the Republic Act No. 4054 or the
Rice Share Tenancy Act was passed. The
act provided for a 50-50 sharing
arrangement between landowners and
tenants.
THE THIRD REPUBLIC
The following are the accomplishments in land
and agrarian reform of the administrations under
the Third Republic.
MANUEL ROXAS (1946-1948)
Republic Act No. 34 – Amends RA 4054;
established a 70-30 sharing arrangement
between tenant and landlord.
It provided that whoever shouldered the
expenses of planting and harvesting and
provided the work animals would be
entitled to 70 percent of the harvest. It also
reduced the interest on landowner loans to
tenant at no more than 6 percent instead
of 10 percent.
ELPIDIO QUIRINO (1948-1953)
Executive Order No. 355 – Replaced the
National Land Settlement Administration
with Land Settlement Development
Corporation (LASEDECO), which took over
the responsibilities of the Agricultural
Machinery Equipment Corporation and the
Rice and Corn Production Administration.
RAMON MAGSAYSAY (1953-1957)
Under the Magsaysay administration, the
following were accomplished:
Republic Act No. 1166
Creation of National Resettlement and
Rehabilitation Administration (NARRA).
It was particularly aimed at the peasant
of the HUK movement and was
successful in attracting rebels to return
back to a peaceful life by giving them
home lots and farms in NARRA
settlement in Palawan and some parts
of Mindanao.
Rein Ramos
ACADEMICIAN
Republic Act No. 1199
Agricultural Tenancy Act provided
security of tenure for tenants. It also
granted tenants the choice of shifting
from share tenancy to leasehold. It also
created the Courts of Agrarian
Relations.
Republic Act No. 1400
Land Reform Act provided for the
acquisition of large tenanted rice and
corn lands over 200 hectares if owned
by individuals; 600 hectares if owned
by corporations.
DIOSDADO MACAPAGAL (1961-1965)
Under the Macapagal administration, the
Republic Act No. 3844, otherwise known
as the, Agricultural Land Reform Code was
enacted.
It abolished share tenancy; institutionalized
leasehold; invested rights of preemption
and redemption for tenant farmers ;
provided for administrative machinery for
implementation; institutionalized a judicial
system of agrarian cases; incorporated
extension, marketing and supervised credit
system of services to farme r beneficiaries.
MARTIAL LAW AND THE FOURTH REPUBLIC
FERDINAND MARCOS (1965-1986)
Under the Marcos administration, the following
were accomplished:
Republic Act No. 6389
Instituted Code of Agrarian Reform and
created the Department of Agrarian
Reform
Presidential Decree No. 2
Placed the whole country under the
land reform program
Presidential Decree No. 27
Restricted land reform scope to
tenanted rice and corn lands
PRESIDENTIAL DECREE (P.D.) 27
On October 21, 1972, a month after the
proclamation of martial law, President
Marcos issued P.D. 27 with the main
goal of emancipating farmers from the
bondage of the soil. To the decree,
there is no more leasehold in tenanted
rice and corn land.
 Land and Agrarian Reform Policies
The tiller automatically becomes the
amortizing owner of the land he tills.
Two Aspects of Land Distribution
Determination of the land to be transferred
Rice and corn areas were selected
because they were the areas of urgent
reforms because of social unrest
associated with rice tenancy.
Financing – The - decree
solved the problem of financing by
fixing the value of land at a relatively
modest rate, and directing
compensation that may be paid directly
by the tiller to the landowner or
converted into three -way
arrangement.Coverage of P.D. 27
All private tenanted agricultural land devoted
to rice and corn in excess of seven (7)
hectares. Priorities of coverage shall be:
Larger than 24 hectares
Less than 24 but not below 12 hectares
12 hectares less retention limit
BENEFICIARIES OF P.D. 27
Bonafide tenant farmer of private
agricultural land devoted to rice and corn
are benefited with an economic size farm
fixed at three (3) hectares of irrigated lands
and maximum of five (5) hectares for non-
irrigated.
RETENTION LIMIT OF P.D. 27
Landowners may retain an area not more
than seven (7) hectares, on conditions that
each landowner is cultivating such area.
Letter of Instruction 143 (October 31, 1973)
compels landowner to transfer to their
tenant, if determined by DAR to be
absentee-farmer, with sources of
income other than their holdings.
Letter of Instruction 474 (October 21, 1976)
provides that tenanted areas of seven
(7) hectares or less could be placed
under P.D. 27, if the owner own other
agricultural lands not devoted to rice
and corn, or other lands used for
residential, industrial, or other urban
purposes from which they receive
adequate income to support
themselves and their families.
Rein Ramos
ACADEMICIAN
THE FIFTH REPUBLIC
CORAZON AQUINO (1986-1992)
The achievements of the Cory Aquino
administration on agrarian reform:
1987 Constitution (Art. II, Sec. 21)
“The State shall promote
comprehensive rural development and
agrarian reform.”
Proclamation No. 131
Institutionalized the Comprehensive
Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) and
Agrarian Reform Fund (ARF). It covers
all agricultural lands regardless of
tenurial arrangement and commodity
produced, all public and private
agricultural lands and other lands of
public domain suitable to agriculture.
Executive Order No. 129-A
Reorganized, streamlined and
expanded power and operation of DAR.
Executive Order No. 228
Declared full ownership to qualified
farmer-beneficiaries covered by P.D.
27. It also provided for the manner of
payment by the farmer beneficiary and
mode of compensation to the
landowners.
Executive Order No. 229
Provided mechanism for the
implementation of CARP such as
administrative procedures and
mechanics for land registration, private
land acquisition, and mode of
compensation to the landowners.
Republic Act No. 6657
Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law.
It is an act instituting a comprehensive
agrarian reform program to promote
social justice and industrialization
providing the mechanism for its
implementation and for other purposes.
REPUBLIC ACT (R.A.) 6657
Accordingly, the centerpiece of the Cory
Aquino administration was the launching
of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform
Program by virtue of Proclamation 131 and
Executive Order 229 which was signed by
President Cory Aquino on July 22, 1987.
The latter provided the mechanism needed
initially to implement the CARP.
 Land and Agrarian Reform Policies

The implementation of the CARP is Executive Order No. 407

supported into law by the enactment of directed all government
Republic Act 6657 otherwise known as the instrumentalities, including financial
“Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law” institutions and corporations, to turn
which was signed by President Aquino on over to DAR all lands suitable for
June 10, 1988; thus all matters involving agriculture for coverage under CARP.
the implementation of agrarian reform are
nor governed by the said act. Furthermore, the 1987 Constitution, which
Existing laws such as R.A. 3844 as was ratified on February 2, 1987, contains
amended, P.D. 27, and other laws several provisions directly dealing with the
consistent with the Act shall have only agrarian reform.
suppletory effect.
Executive Order No. 129-A provided for
the strengthening of the DAR as the lead
agency responsible for the implementation
of CARP.
The Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law
otherwise known as RA 6657 emerged
nearly after a year of debates, pressure
demonstrations and deadlocks between
interest groups. President Aquino signed it
on June 10, 1988 and it became effective
on June 15, 1988.
Since then, various measures were adopted
to facilitate CARP implementation such as
the formulation of implementing
guidelines, institutionalization of
implementing and coordinating
mechanisms, information dissemination
and initial registration of lands, landowners
and farmer- beneficiaries.

To strengthen CARP and speed up its

implementation, President Aquino issued in June
1990 three key executive orders namely:

Executive Order No. 405

vested in the Land Bank of the
Philippines the primary responsibility
for land valuation.
Executive Order No. 406
emphasized that CARP is central to the
government’s efforts to hasten
countryside agro-industrial
development and directed the
implementing agencies to align their
respective programs and projects with
the CARP; created CARP implementing
teams from the national to the
municipal levels; and, identified and
gave priority to 24 Strategic Operating
Provinces (SOP) where the bulk of
CARP workload lies, without prejudice
to the program implementation in the
other provinces of the country.
Rein Ramos
ACADEMICIAN
 Philippine Constitution and Government
PHILIPPINE GOVERNMENT AND
CONSTITUTIONS: A SHORT HISTORY
THE PRE-HISPANIC BARANGAY
GOVERNMENT
what is referred to as “frailocracy”. In the
In the pre-historic times, much of the
Philippines were ruled by a Datu or Rajah
who was a king and the sovereign of his
village, the barangay.
The barangay was composed of around
thirty to a hundred families. There was the
institution of social classes with the nobles
referred to as “maharlika’ the affluent
people of the community; the free people,
“timawa” who engaged in daily labors, and;
the “alipin” who were slaves categorized as
“namamahay” who were accorded certain
rights and privileges, and the “saguiguilid”
who are fully owned by their masters.
There was the existence of laws created by
the Datu who was advised by his council of
elders.
In Mindanao, where the Muslim religion
started to spread, the Sultanate of Sulu
was formed in the 15th century, while the
Sultanate of Maguindanao, in the 16th
century.
SPANISH COLONIZATION PERIOD
Gomburza pushed for the formation of
The advent of colonization began with the
arrival of Spain through Ferdinand
Magellan in 1521. Soon after, the
Philippines was a crown colony of Spain
through Mexico from 1565 to1821, as
such, Spain ruled with the help of the
Council of the Indies, created in 1524,
which was an overseas ministry governing
the colonies of Spain.
The head of the council was the Viceroy of
Mexico. Las Leyes de Indias were the laws
that Spain implemented in the colony. The
Governor General was executive chief who
also had legislative powers and the Royal
Audiencia served as Supreme Court.
The first government system based on land
partition was the Encomienda.
After Mexico declared its independence in
1821, Las Islas Filipinas was directly ruled
by Spain until 1898.
Rein Ramos
ACADEMICIAN
Throughout the period of colonization, the
Patronato Real provided for the union of
the State and Church where the Church
was placed under the power Spain making
the friars became politically powerful or
local government, high political powers
such as the Alcalde mayor of the pacified
province were reserved only to Spaniards.
THE PHILIPPINE REVOLUTION
The Filipinos, from the beginning of
colonial oppression had always find
themselves in defiance and struggle. As a
result, rebellions and resistance broke out,
more than a hundred in all, in the cry for
freedom. Out of these, eventhough short
of victory, heroes rose in the likes of Rajah
Sulayman, Diego and Gabriela Silang,
Dagohoy and Hermano Pule.
In January 1872,
the failed attempt of the Cavite Mutiny
against the government resulted to a
case of rebellion against three secular
priests Fathers Gomez, Burgos and
Zamora. They were convicted and were
executed. The disappointment of the
“Ilustrados” in Europe over the fate of
the Propaganda Movement, an action
for reforms.
The Propaganda was active for years and
was most effective during the period of del
Pilar and Jaena and Rizal. The “Noli Me
Tangere’, Rizal’s first novel was considered
as the most powerful weapon the
Propaganda ever had against Spain.
However, the disunity among the members
dismayed Rizal and he resigned his
leaderhip. He returned to Manila where he
secretly formed the Liga Filipina, a civic
association. Rizal’s political plans were
disrupted when the government exiled him
to Dapitan.
The Katipunan, otherwise known as the
Kagalang-galangan, Kataas-taasang,
Katipunan ng Mga Anak ng Bayan (KKK),
started as a secret organization against the
Spanish power in 1892.
 Philippine Constitution and Government
It was an organization initially membered
by the splinter of the defunct La Liga
Filipina, a civic organization founded by
Jose Rizal. The Katipunan government
under its leader Supremo Andres Bonifacio
declared separation from Spain in Aug. 26,
1896 in Pugadlawin, Balintawak resulting
to a nationwide revolution.
The execution of Dr. Rizal on December 30,
1896 drew more men and women to join in
and fight.
To solidify further the Katipunan, Bonifacio
proceeded to Cavite, the most successful
province against Spain.
To unify the Magdiwang and the Magdalo
factions of Cavite, the Tejeros Assembly
was conducted. The assembly resulted to
the dissolution of the Katipunan and the
birth of the Revolutionary government of
the Philippines that elected Gen. Emilio
Aguinaldo as President.
The Biak-na-Bato Republic under
Aguinaldo was established in 1897 upon
the government’s retreat in Bulacan. It
ratified the Biak-na-Bato Constitution
drafted by Isabelo Artacho and Felix
Ferrer.
While in Biak-na-Bato, the governments of
Spain and the Republic reached a truce
called as the Pact of Biak-na-Bato. In the
hope of ending the revolution, the pact
provided for the exile of the Aguinaldo
administration upon the immediate initial
payment of P400,000 to the
revolutionaries.
While the government was in exile, the
Hong Kong Junta was established with
Felipe Agoncillo as President. The pact
proved to be a failure in that the revolution
continued after Aguinaldo’s exile
considering that only a few firearms were
surrendered while the generals who
remained did not cease to fight.
While in exile at Hong Kong, Aguinaldo
worked on his return to the Philippines.
Realizing that the Spanish-American Was
already broke out, he was able to negotiate
an unstable alliance with the United Stated
through Commodore George Dewey.
On May 1, 1898,
the American Asiatic Squadron
destroyed the Spanish armada in the
Battle of Manila Bay. Aguinaldo
returned to Cavite while the Americans
were entering Manila.
Rein Ramos
ACADEMICIAN
The dictatorial government under
Adguinaldo was established upon the
advise of his cabinet. The revolution
regained strength as the Philippine army
defeated the Spaniards in the provinces
from southern Tagalog, to the north, and in
the Visayan islands.
On June 12, 1898,
the culmination of all the sacrifices of
all Filipino heroes and martyrs was
reached when the Independence of the
Philippines was proclaimed by
Aguinaldo in his residence at Kawit,
Cavite. The national flag was waved
while the Marcha Nacional Filipinas was
played.
The Second Revolutionary Government
was established after the day of
independence. Upon the advice of Premier
Apolinario Mabini the government shifted
once more to its revolutionary state in the
attempt to stabilize a true democratic state
that will appeal to the recognition of the
United States who recently has established
a Military Government.
On August 13, 1898,
the Fall of Manila was achieved when
the Spaniards under Gov. General
Fermin Jaudenes preferred to surrender
to the Americans rather than the
Filipinos. The U.S. Military Government
was founded on August 14 upon orders
for U.S. President William McKinley.
The first U.S. Military Governor of the
Philippines was Gen. Wesley Merritt
who was succeeded by Gen. Elwell Otis.
The last one in the position was Gen.
Arthur Mac Arthur.
THE FIRST REPUBLIC AND THE PHILIPPINE-
AMERICAN WAR
On September 15, 1898,
the Malolos Congress was inaugurated
at the Barasoain Church, Malolos,
Bulacan. Its first task was to draft a
constitution needed for the formation
of a republic. On November 29, the
Congress approved the Malolos
Constitution which was drafted by
Felipe Calderon.
 Philippine Constitution and Government
With much debates regarding some
provisions, Aguinaldo only finally
approved it on January 21, 1899.
On the 10th of December 1898,
the Treaty of Paris was signed.
Aguinaldo sent Felipe Agoncillo as
Philippine emissary, and was tasked to
insist the recognition of Philippine
independence by Spain and the United
States. Agoncillo was not recognized. In
the treaty, Spain transferred her
possession of the Philippines to the
United States via cession together with
Puerto Rico and Guam for a
compensation of $20 million.
On January 4, 1899,
Governor Otis made public the
President McKinley Proclamation (on
the US occupation of the Philippines).
Aguinaldo and the government in
Malolos protested against the US
proclamation.
On January 23, 1899,
the First Republic of the Philippines
was inaugurated. Desiring to prove that
the country is a stable state, the first
Republic, otherwise known as the
“Malolos Republic” was inaugurated.
President Emilio Aguinaldo was sworn
into office as the Republic President.
While continuous talks between the Filipino
and American panels resulted to no agree
ment, an incident at San Juan Bridge
started the Philippine-American War on
February 4, 1899. The war resulted to a
series of defeats to the Republic as more
American troops arrived. In its retreat to
Palanan, Isabela, Preisdent Aguinaldo was
captured resulting to the fall of the
Republic.
AMERICAN OCCUPATION
On July 4, 1901, right after Aguinaldo's
capture, the U.S. Civil Government was
inaugurated with William Howard Taft as
Civil Governor.
Rein Ramos
ACADEMICIAN
However, the military rule, due to the
continuing resistance, still prevailed over
Southern Luzon until 1902, Northern and
Central Luzon until 1905 (after the
execution of Macario Sakay), and Southern
Mindanao until 1914 (due to Muslim
resistance).
The first stage in the development of the
Civil Government was done through the
passage of the Philippine Organic Act of
1902 which was officially called as the
Philippine Bill of 1902, passed on July
1,1902. The act provided for the formation
of the all-Filipino elected Philippine
Assembly which served as the lower house
of the bicameral legislature wherein the
Philippine Commission served as the Upper
House.
The first leaders of the Philippine
Assembly were
Sergio Osmena, who served as House
Speaker, and Manuel Luis Quezon who
served as Majority Floor Leader.
Under the administration of Gov. Francis
Burton Harrison,
the Filipinization of the Philippine
government was achieved with the
Philippine Commission to become
dominantly Filipinos and 89% of
government offices be occupied by
Filipinos.
Finally, the Philippine Autonomy Law or
popularly known as the Jones Law of
1916 was passed by the U.S. Congress.
The Jones Law finally allows the
Philippines to already work for its
independence, thus, leading to the
Independence Missions.
The end of the Harrison administration
made Leonard Wood to become the next
governor. His anti-Filipino policies made
him unpopular to government politicians
that led to a mass resignation of his
Cabinet members or what was called the
“Cabinet Crisis of 1923.
The Os-Rox Mission, or the 9th
Independence Mission of 1931, headed by
Senate President Pro- Tempore Sergio
Osmena and House Speaker Manuel Roxas,
triumphantly achieved the independence
law Hare-Hawes-Cutting Act.
 Philippine Constitution and Government

However, this was rejected by Senate About 70,000 American and Filipino
President Manuel Quezon who worked on soldiers died before and after the Fall of
his own independence law in the U.S. and Bataan. After heavy battles and air raids,
returned with his own Tydings-McDuffie Corregidor surrendered on May 1942 to
Law which has the same provisions as the Commander in Chief Masaharu Homma of
previous one. the Japanese High Command.
The resistance, nevertheless continued on
with the Guerilla resistance with leaders
THE COMMONWEALTH OF THE PHILIPPINES such as Manuel Roxas and Ramon
Magsaysay.
On July 10, 1934
the Philippine Legislature elected the On May 5, 1943,
representatives to the Constitutional Premier Hideki Tojo publicly promised
Convention, the delegates' task was to independence to the Filipino people. As
draft the Constitution of the a result, the Philippine Preparatory
Philippines. Commission was organized to draft a
The Presidential election of 1935 made Constitution. The Philippine
Manuel L. Quezon as first Constitution was finished on
Commonwealth President with Sergio September 4 and was ratified by the
Osmena as Vice President. Constitutional Assembly.
Under the 1935 Constitution national The election of the delegates to the
defense was the priority of the National Assembly was held on
government. September 20.
On the 25th,
Under the Commonwealth new the Assembly elected the Speaker
government offices were created, new and the President of the future
cities were created, women were allowed republic. Benigno Aquino was
to vote and the Filipino, based on Tagalog, elected Speaker while Jose P. Laurel
became the national language. became the President of the Second
Republic. Jorge Vargas ended his
term as chairman of the Philippine
WORLD WAR 2 Executive Commission.

After the attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on On August 1, 1944,

December 7, 1941 the Japanese started President Quezon died while in exile.
their attack of the Philippines the next day. Osmena was then sworn to office in
Washington D.C. as President of the
On January 2, 1942, Commonwealth.
Manila was occupied. Executive On October 20,
Commission during the Japanese about 174,000 American troops landed
occupation in 1942. at Leyte with USAFFE Commander Gen.
On Jan. 3, Mac Arthur and President Sergio
the Japanese High Command Osmena. The “Battle of Leyte Gulf”, the
proclaimed the founding of the largest naval battle in world history
Japanese Military Administration, which gave the Japanese their conclusive
established the Philippine Executive defeat against the Allied forces.
Commission with Jorge Vargas as On January 5, 1945,
chairman. MacArthur landed in Lingayen. Manila,
with all its destruction and casualties,
After the departure of President Quezon, was won in February. The
Gen. MacArthur also left Corregidor. After Commonwealth government was
months of resistance and valor, Bataan fell restored in Manila.
to the Japanese resulting to the “Death On July 5, 1945,
March” from Mariveles, Bataan to San Mac Arthur finally announced the
Femando Pampanga. liberation of the Philippines.
Rein Ramos
ACADEMICIAN
 Philippine Constitution and Government
To force Japan to her unconditional
surrender, the cities of Hiroshima and
Nagasaki were destroyed by the Americans
with their new weapon, the atomic bomb.
On August 15, 1945,
the Japanese finally surrendered to the
Allied forces in a formal signing aboard
the USS Missouri.
On August 17, 1945,
Jose P. laurel, in Nara, Japan, dissolved
the Second Republic of the Philippines.
THE THIRD REPUBLIC
On June 9, 1945,
the Philippine Congress convened for
the first time after the war. Brig. Gen.
Manuel Roxas was elected Senate
president.
In the election of April 1946,
Manuel Roxas of the newly founded
Liberal Party won against Nacionalista’s
Sergio Osmena.
Roxas became the third, and would be
the last, President of the
Commonwealth.
On July 4, 1946,
the independence of the Philippines
and the inauguration of the Third
Philippine Republic were highlighted by
the lowering of the American flag by
American Ambassador Paul McNutt
and the raising of the Philippine flag by
President Manuel Roxas.
THE PRESIDENTS OF THE THIRD REPUBLIC
WITH THEIR ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
MANUEL ROXAS (LP) 1946-48:
VP was Elpidio Quirino.
For the rehabilitation of the country
after the war was able to achieve the
U.S. grant of $25 million loan and
UNRRA $10 million;
U.S.- Philippines Military Bases
Agreement;
the Bell Trade Act (free trade relations
with the U.S.;
the Parity Amendment gave U.S.
citizens equal rights with Filipinos to
develop natural resources in the
country and operate public utilities.
Died of heart attack in April of 1948.
Rein Ramos
ACADEMICIAN
ELPIDIO QUIRINO (LP) 1948-49-53:
VP was Fernando Lopez; the Bell
Mission Report was conducted;
creation of economic institutions like
the ACCFA and PACSA;
infrastructures such as the Maria
Cristina and the Ambuklao Dam
Project;
in social welfare, the Boys’ Town of the
Philippines;
an excellent ambassador of goodwill
and friendship;
was able to improve foreign affairs;
tainted with accusations of graft and
corruption like the damaging scam on
the U.S. War Surplus Property
amounting to $ 50 million with $ 20
million in question and allegation that
Liberal Party used it for its election
campaign;
administration failed in its Hukbalahap
peace program due to insincerity.
RAMON MAGSAYSAY (NP) 1953-57:
VP was Carlos P. Garcia; the “Man of
the Masses”;
success in the Hukbalahap amnesty
program;
opened Malacanang for the people; the
formation of SEATO;
the Laurel-Langley Agreement; the
Philippines-Japan Reparations
Agreement; founding of the Social
Security System;
the Land Tenure Reform Act to address
agrarian problems.
Died of plane crash on March 17, 1957.
CARLOS P. GARCIA (NP) 1957-61:
VP was Diosdado Macapagal (LP) the
“Filipino First” Policy;
the Austerity Program;
the Bohlen-Serrano Agreement.
DIOSDADO MACAPAGAL (LP) 1961-65:
VP was Emmanuel Pelaez;
the Decontrol Program;
the Agricultural Land Reform Law; the
official Philippine Claim to Sabah;
joined the confederation MAPHILINDO;
transfer of Independence Day from July
4 to Aguinaldo’s June 12;
use of Filipino language in official
documents;
 Philippine Constitution and Government
FERDINAND MARCOS (NP) 1965-69 AND
REELECTION 1969-73:
VP was Fernando Lopez;
stabilization of government finances by
means of more effective collection of
taxes, imposing new tax laws, and
getting loans from foreign banks and
governments;
Greater production of rice by
promoting the IR-8 hybrid "miracle rice"
and other fast-growing rice seeds, and
the construction of more irrigation
systems;
infrastructures of bridges and roads like
the North Diversion Road;
most number of schoolhouses by a
President;
the improvement of the Philippine
National Railways;
intensive operations against smuggling,
crime syndicates, and the communist
New People's Army (NPA);
Holding of the Manila Summit
Conference in 1966;
Second term was marred by overspending
in the 1969 elections the led to higher
inflation and the "floating peso”
devaluated; the prevalence of dirty politics,
rampage of graft and corruption in
government, the widening gap between
the rich and the poor, the impotency of the
1935 Constitution to cope with the new
socio- economic problems and the rising
tides of crimes, communism and
subversion resulted to student power and
demonstrations.
MARCOS REGIME
Since the Philippines achieved
independence in July 1946, there emerged
a persistent movement to change the
Constitution of 1935.
In the light of the new situation, the
Constitution of 1935 was obsolete for it
was no longer in harmony with the
condition of the times.
Its defects apparently were as follows:
(1) it was a product of American
colonialism and was an imitation of the
US Constitution,
Rein Ramos
ACADEMICIAN
(2) it gave too much powers to the
president to become a dictator,
(3) imbalance of powers among the
legislative, executive and judicial
branches,
(4) its Parity Amendment was a
memento of American imperialism,
(5) the COMELEC has no adequate
powers to prevent election anomalies,
(7) the GAO (General Auditing Office)
was powerless against corruption, and
(8) it had no provision on local
autonomy.
In 1969,
the Communist Party of the Philippines
(CPP) was founded under the
leadership of Jose Ma. Sison. In the
same year CPP founded the New
People’s Army (NPA) with “Kumander
Dante” Bernabe Buscayno as leader.
To draft a new constitution, the
Constitutional Convention was created
with elected members, and was
inaugurated on June 1, 1971.
On August 21, 1971,
the Plaza Miranda Massacre happened
during a Liberal Party campaign rally
claiming eight lives. This led to the
suspension of the privilege of the writ
of habeas corpus by Marcos on
September 21 that year.
By January of 1972,
the writ was restored.
On September 23, 1972,
after an “alleged” assassination attempt
against Secretary of Defense Juan
Ponce Enrile, President Marcos
appeared on television to announce his
proclamation of Martial Law.
The proclamation has been signed
since September 21.
The Martial Law resulted to the arrest and
detention of many in the political
opposition, the media and the academe on
the accusation that they were either
sympathetic to the rebels, supporting the
rebel movement or members of the
communist movement.
 Philippine Constitution and Government
Senators Benigno Aquino, Jr. and Jose
Diokno were among those who were
arrested.
Marcos also impose d curfew in the entire
Philippines; the prohibition of rallies and
demonstrations; and the prohibition of
carrying firearms unless authorized.
He instructed the take over and control of
newspapers, magazines, radio and
television facilities and all media of
communications; to take over the
management, control and operation of
MERALCO, PLDT, the National Waterworks
and Sewerage Authority (NAWASA), the
Philippine National Railways (PNR), the
Philippine Airlines and other airline firms,
and other public utilities.
After the proclamatiom, the Constitutional
Convention (Con-Con) reassembled and
resumed work, except for the anti-Marcos
delegates who have been detained in the
military stockades.
They finished the new constitution on
November 29 1972. Marcos postponed
indefinitely the plebiscite. And, instead,
organized the Citizen Assemblies to
represent the people. the General
Assembly of Citizen
Assemblies rejected the proposal that the
constitution be ratified through a On October 16-17, 1976
nationwide plebiscite. On the other hand
the Citizen Assemblies voted for the
ratification of the 1973 Constitution
through the Citizen Assemblies; the
suspension of the convening of the Interim
National Assembly; the continuation of
martial law, and suspension of elections for
a period of at least seven years.
On January 17, 1973
the President announced that the
Constitution of 1973 had been ratified
by the Citizen Assemblies. The
ratification resulted to the abolition of
the Congress, the institution of a
parliamentary form of government, and
the prerogative when to call for the
interim national assembly (the
parliament).
From 1972 to 1978 the President
would exercise absolute legislative
power.
Rein Ramos
ACADEMICIAN
On Sept. 26, 1972
Marcos issued Presidential Decree No.
2 which declared the country under
land reform program.
Later, Marcos also issued P.D. No. 27 on
Oct. 21, restricting land reform scope to
tenanted rice and corn lands and set the
retention limit at 7 hectares. The Moro
National Liberation Front (MNLF), the
BangsaMoro united armed forces that
sought for the independence of the
BangsaMoro people under the
chairmanship of Nur Misuari, soon clashed
with the government forces in an armed
conflict resulting to casualties on both
sides along with civilians and destruction to
properties.
In 1975
Marcos initited a truce with the MNLF
through the involvement of Islamic
states.
On December 23, 1976,
the MNLF forced the Manila
government under Marcos to sign a
peace agreement under the auspices of
the Libyan government of Col. Muamar
Qadafi.
This peace agreement is known as the
Tripoli Agreement.
the majority of barangay voters (Citizen
Assemblies) approved that martial law
should be continued.
they also ratified the amendments proposed
by Marcos which were:
the creation of the Interim Batasang
Pambansa instead of a national
assembly, whose members would
include the President;
the President would also become the
Prime Minister and would continue to
exercise legislative powers until martial
law is lifted;
the President may legislate outside the
IBP when necessary in case of grave
emergency, or threat or danger to
national security, or whenever the IBP
cannot act adequately that he may
issue decrees, orders or instructions,
which shall part of the law of the land.
 Philippine Constitution and Government
The 1976 amendments only continued
Marcos’ dictatorship. Even with the
creation of the Batasan Pambansa, Marcos
did not relinquish his legistive powers. The
amendments only made the IBP a “rubber
stamp” with Marcos being the Prime
Minister aside from being President.
On January 17, 1981,
Marcos lifted martial law.
The Opposition called the lifting as a
mere "face lifting" as a precondition to
the Philippine visit of Pope John Paul II.
Numerous establishments were built
during Martial Law,
such as the Philippine Heart Center,
the National Kidney Institute and
the Lung Center of the Philippines.
Along with these are the numerous
infrastructure projects like the San
Juanico Bridge, the BLISS housing
projects and the Light Railway Transit
in Metro Manila.
On June 16, 1981,
right after the lifting of martial law, the
first presidential election in twelve
years was held. As expected, Marcos
ran and won a massive victory of 88%
over the other “almost unknown”
candidates Alejo Santos of
Nacionalista Party faction and Cebu
Assemblyman Bartolome Cabangbang
of the Federal Party. Major opposition
parties UNIDO ans LABAN boycotted
the elections.
In March of 1980 former Senator Ninoy
Aquino suffered a heart attack, the result
of more than seven years in prison. At the
Philippine Heart Center he refused to be
operated by doctors employed by Marcos.
He preferred to go to the U.S. or return to
Fort Bonifacio. Imelda Marcos intervened
and offered him to go to the U.S. on
conditions that he will stay and will not
speak there against Marcos.
Aquino was operated in Dallas, Texas,
recovered and traveled already only after a
month. Marcos extended his exile for
medical reasons. Eventually, Aquino
renounced his two covenants with Imelda.
Rein Ramos
ACADEMICIAN
Aquino spent three years in self-exile,
setting up a house with Cory and their kids
in Newton, Boston, Massachusetts. He
worked on two books, gave lectures and
traveled extensively in the U.S. delivering
speeches.
Marcos, on his part, accused Aquino of
masterminding some bombings in Metro
Manila from 1981-82. Aquino denied
advocating a bloody revolution, but warned
that radicalized oppositionists may resort
to this soon.
Early in 1983,
Aquino became apprehensive of the
worsening political and economic
situation of his country combined with
the rumored illness of Marcos. He
wanted to speak to Marcos and present
to him his rationale for the country's
return to democracy.
On August 2l, 1983
former Senator “Ninoy” Aquino
returned to the Philippines. A few steps
after leaving the plane multiple
gunshots were heard. Aquino was shot
dead in the head at the tarmac of the
Manila International Airport while in the
custody of the Aviation Security
a Command (AVSECOM) guards.
Conflicting reports on the assassination
and that of his alleged killer, Rolando
Galman, were assigned to an
investigation by the presidential fact-
finding board.
The country was enraged with the murder
of Ninoy. His funeral turned to be the
longest and largest in Philippine history as
it was attended by some two million
people. The death of Ninoy resulted to
continuous massive rallies and
demonstrations in Manila.
Marcos, immediately created a fact finding
commission to investigate on the “Aquino-
Galman Double Murder” case. The first
under Chief Justice Enrique Fernando was
disbanded immediately.
A five-man independent board of inquiry,
the Agrava Fact-Finding Board headed by
Justice Corazon Agrava was then created.
 Philippine Constitution and Government
The investigation came up with the
findings that the Aquino assassination was
planned and executed by the military, not
by the communists as claimed by Marcos,
and that it was not Galman who shot and
killed Aquino. The Agrava report implicated
seven military men headed by Brig. Gen.
Luther Custodio, chief of the AVSECOM.
The four other members, however,
implicated twenty -five military men
headed Gen. Fabian Ver (AFP Chief of
Staff), major Gen. Prospero Olivas
(PC/Metropolitan Command) and Gen
Custodio. The reports were submitted to
the Sandiganbayan for a trial which
decided for the acquittal of all 26 accused.
The people protested the decision with
rallies and demonstrations flooding the
streets of Metro Manila.
By 1985,
the political and economic instability in
the country faced fears that the violent
overthrew of the Marcos dictatorship
was forthcoming. Massive rallies and
demonstrations in Metro Manila were
much more frequent than at any other
time. Allegedly, the White House had
advised the Marcos government to
exert effort to gain once more the
confidence of the people. Foreign news
agencies began to emphasize the issue
of “loss of confidence” on Marcos.
In order to prove to the international
community that he still has people’s
confidence, Marcos, called for a snap
special presidential election on February 7,
1986. The formidable-richly funded pro-
government KBL party proclaimed
President Marcos and Assemblyman
Arturo Tolentino as their official candidates
for president and vice-president,
respectively. Tolentino was a former
Marcos critic who was courted by the
“sickly” Marcos to run with him.
On the other hand, the oppositionist
United Nationalist Democratic party
(UNIDO) leader Salvador “Doy” H. Laurel
settled for the Vice Presidency to give way
to Ninoy’s widow Corazon “Cory” C. Aquino
to run for president.
Rein Ramos
ACADEMICIAN
In the campaign, President Marcos used all
efforts in the use of "guns, goons and gold"
to intimidate voters to support the Marcos
- Tolentino ticket. Behind the scenes, the
government party implemented a massive
strategy to fake and cheat the results of
the elections in favor of the KBL
candidates.
After the election, conflicting results
showed Marcos-Tolentino winning in the
partial official count of the Commission of
Elections (COMELEC) while, on the other
hand, Aquino and Laurel were leading in
the unofficial count of the National
Movement for Free Ele ctions (NAMFREL),
headed by Jose Concepcion, Jr. and was
serving as the official citizen’s arm for that
election. The confusion was further
aggravated when, in the midst of the
canvassing, 30 COMELEC computer
operators walked out of the PICC hall with
the complaint that their figures were being
tampered and were inconsistent with what
was being showed. The COMELEC count
ended with the official tally of Marcos-
Tolentino winning the election.
In the Batasan Pambansa, Speaker Nicanor
Yniguez declared the two as the duly
elected President and Vice-President.
Massive protests followed. Due to the
reports of alleged fraud, the Catholic
Bishops Conference of the Philippines
(CBCP) issued a statement condemning the
elections. The U.S. Senate passed a
resolution stating the same. Mrs. Aquino
called the people to a “civil disobedience”
protest to pressure Marcos to step down.
On February 16, 1986,
Mrs. Aquino, along with the opposition,
rallied the people at the Luneta
Grandstand for the “Tagumpay ng
Bayan”. The occasion was attended by
more than three million people.
THE PEOPLE POWER REVOLUTION
The "People Power Revolution" began,
allegedly, as an attempted coup by the
Reform the AFP Movement (RAM), a group
of young military men organized by Col.
Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan.
 Philippine Constitution and Government
On Feb. 22, Saturday,
Lt.. Michael Asperin and 18 other
soldiers were apprehended by Marine
guards at the Bonifacio Naval Station
for their unauthorized presence and
suspicion of espionage. Defense
Minister Enrile was informed and, with
Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Fidel Ramos,
gave a press conference at the Ministry
of National Defense at Camp Aguinaldo
to announce their withdrawal of
support to the President. Ramos called
upon various military units and the
police to support their cause.
The Radio Veritas
a Catholic radio station covered the
conference. Marcos also conducted his
own news conference calling on Enrile
and Ramos to surrender.
Via Radio Veritas, Archbishop of Manila
Jaime Cardinal Sin exhorted Filipinos to
come to the aid of the rebel leaders by
going to EDSA between Camps Crame
and Aguinaldo and give support, food
and other supplies.
However dangerous, considering the
possibility of a military encounter a
multitude of people marched to EDSA.
From February 23-25
people, coming from all walks of life,
continued to pour in EDSA as hours
passed, armed only with prayers,
rosaries, and the statue of Our Lady of
Fatima.
Government troops under Brig. Gen.
Artemio Tadiar that attempted to attack
the rebel soldiers, were stopped by
thousands of people forming human
barricades. Tadiar threatened the crowds
but were not moved, forcing them to stand
by from a distance. Soon, the government
troops that came defected instead of
attacking. At the height of the people
power, an estimated three million filled
EDSA from Ortigas to Cubao. In the late
afternoon of the 24th, rebel helicopters
attacked Villamor Air Base, destroying
presidential vehicles. Another helicopter
fired a rocket at Malacanang and caused
minor damage. Later, many officers have
defected while majority of the AFP had
already changed sides.
Rein Ramos
ACADEMICIAN
On the morning of the 25th,
Cory Aquino was inaugurated as
President of the Philippines at Club
Filipino in Greenhills with Laurel as
Vice-President. Attending the
ceremonies were Ramos, who was
promoted to Chief of Staff, Enrile, who
was reinstated, and many politicians. In
her simple inaugural message President
Aquino expressed her gratitude to the
people and the military for their fight
for freedom.
She appealed to all Filipinos to "work
for national reconciliation which was
why Ninoy came back, and to unite in
the rebuilding of the country. In
conclusion she pleaded that Filipinos to
continue praying for God’s help.
An hour later, Marcos conducted the
inauguration at Malacañang. On the
Palace balcony, Marcos took his oath as
President on broadcast by channels 9
and 13, and the private channel 7. No
invited foreign dignitaries attended.
Marcos was making a speech when the
broadcast was cut by rebel troops.
At this time, thousands had amassed at the
barricades along Mendiola near the Palace.
They were prevented from storming the
Palace by loyal soldiers securing the area.
The angry demonstrators were pacified by
priests who pleaded them not to be violent.
Marcos, later, was adviced by White House
that exile is a must. Marcos was
disappointed. Later, Marcos talked to
Enrile requesting a safe passage. Finally, at
6:00 p.m., the Marcos family was
transported by four American helicopters
to Clark Air Base on to Guam, and finally to
Hawaii.
When the news of Marcos' flight broke out,
the people rejoiced in the streets. At
Mendiola, the demonstrators finally
stormed Malacañang, long denied to
Filipinos for almost two decades. Looting
by some protesters occurred, but the
majority only wandered the extravagance.
People around the world rejoiced and
congratulated Filipinos they knew.
 Philippine Constitution and Government
CORY AQUINO ADMINISTRATION
Constitution are the following:
The first thing Cory Aquino did was to
restore democracy. Immediately, she
ordered the release of political prisoners
and restored the writ of habeas corpus in
regions IX and XII in Mindanao. She also
opened Malacanang to the public once
again. Thousands of people who visited the
palace were shocked at how the Marcoses
lived in luxury for 20 years while the people
were suffering. They also saw examples of
the extravagant lifestyle of Imelda Marcos,
her 3,000 pairs of custom-made shoes,
more than 1,000 gowns, hundreds of
perfume bottles and her over sized bed,
Before the drafting of a new constitution
and its ratification by the people, President
Aquino issued Proclamation No. 3 on
March 25, 1986, promulgating the
Provisional Constitution of the Republic of
the Philippines, otherwise known as the
"Freedom Constitution". This constitution
was designed and adopted as an
instrument for the transition.
To restore political stability, President
Aquino called for the drafting of a new
constitution that would replace both the
1973 amended constitution and the 1986
provisional constitution.
On June 2, 1986,
she appointed an independent
Constitutional Commission (Con-Com)
and gave them three months to frame
the new constitution.
On October 15, 1986,
one month behind schedule, the
commissioners approved the entire
draft of the new charter by a vote of 45
to 2. Con-Com president, former
Supreme Court Justice Cecilia Munoz
Palma led the yes votes. The new
constitution was submitted to the
President who, in response, called for a
new registration of voters and a
plebiscite to ratify the charter.
On February 2, 1987,
the people went to the polls and ratified
the new constitution in a national
plebiscite. It was the most peaceful and
honest poll in years.
Rein Ramos
ACADEMICIAN
Among the salient features of the 1987
A declaration of state policies which
pursues freedom from nuclear weapons,
upholds the sanctity of family life and
protects the unborn, ensures equality for
women, provides for a Filipino controlled
economy, promotes agrarian reform,
prohibits political dynasties, and takes
measures against graft and corruption;
A new Bill of Rights which bans the death
penalty, and the use of torture,
intimidation or secret detention of state
prisoners.
The creation of a permanent Commission
on Human Rights to safeguard the rights of
the people.
The establishment of a presidential system
of government, with checks and balances
between the three branches of the
government.
The limitation of the President's term to six
years without reelection, with a ban against
appointment of relatives to public office.
The President's right to proclaim martial
law or suspend the writ of habeas corpus is
limited to 60 days which the Congress,
afterwards, may revoke or extend.
The establishment of a people elected
bicameral congress whose legislative
powers are given with built-in specific
safeguards.
Provision for laws, constitutional
amendments, and impeachment cases that
may be initiated directly by the people.
Provision for the autonomy of local
governments and the creation of
autonomous regions for the Cordilleras and
the Muslim Mindanao.
Provision for free education up to high
school level.
The government's right to incur new loans
is subject to freedom of information and
limitations by Congress and monetary
board.
On May 11, 1987,
new senators and congressmen were
elected to the new congress. It was one
of the most peaceful and honest
elections in Philippine history. Sen.
Jovito Salonga was elected Senate
President while Rep. Ramon Mitra as
Speaker of the House of
Representatives .
 Philippine Constitution and Government

President Aquino inherited the problems
besetting the former administration which
was worsened by economic
mismanagement and the uncontrollable
greed of the Marcoses, their relatives and
cronies. Worst, the country was burdened
with a foreign debt of more than $26
billion. For economic recovery, intensive
efforts were exerted to attract more
foreign investments.
In 1986,
Mrs. Aquino was invited to deliver a
speech in the U.S. Congress. The
speech dealt on the struggle of the
Filipino people against dictatorship and
for the restoration of democracy. The
members of the U.S. Congress gave her
a standing ovation. Aquino was likewise
selected as Time Magazine's Woman of
the Year in 1986.
As provided for in the 1987 Constitution,
the government launched, in July 1987,
the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform
Program (CARP) by virtue of R.A. 6657.
Unlike the P.D. 27 of Marcos which only
covered private agricultural lands
devoted to rice and corn, the CARP
covers all private or public agricultural
lands regardless of crops grown. The
government has also exerted efforts to
recover the so-called ill-gotten wealth
of the Marcos family and their cronies
through the Presidential Commission
on Good Government (PCGG).
During her term, Aquino repeatedly faced
coup attempts. In July 1986, Marcos
loyalists attempted to establish a rival
government at the Manila Hotel with
Arturo Tolentino as temporary president.
The Aquino administration also faced a
number of natural disasters such as the
eruption of Mt.Pinatubo in 1991 which
devastated the economy of the Philippines.
The disaster coincided with the termination
of the U.S.-Philippines Military Bases
Agreement in the Philippines. The Central
Luzon earthquake in 1990 resulted to 1,
700 casualties and a burden of
infrastructure problems for the
administration. The power problem also
plagued the term of Aquino resulting in
repeated brown-outs nationwide.
The next presidential administrations of
the 5th Republic of the Philippines under
the 1987 Constitution are
Fidel V.Ramos (1992-98),
JosephE.Estrada(1998-2001),
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (2001-2004-
2010);
Benigno Simeon Aquino III (2010-2016)
and
the incumbent Rodrigo R. Duterte
(2016- )

In August 1987,
the attempted military coup “God Save
the Queen” posed a more serious
threat. Gen. Fidel Ramos foiled the
attempt and arrested its leader Col.
Gregorio Honasan of the RAM. In
December 1989 coup proved to be the
most serious as the government and
rebels forces encountered in several
portions of Metro Manila with an
attempt to attack Malacanang.
Honasan, its leader, was again arrested.
He would be granted amnesty during
the Ramos administration.

Rein Ramos
ACADEMICIAN
 Taxation: The Fundamentals of Taxation
and Some Features of the TRAIN Law
FUNDAMENTALS OF TAXATION
The beginning of the idea of taxation
cannot be dated in the continuum of our
history. It came as a matter of survival for
the government. The development of tax
law as a comprehensive and general
system is a recent phenomenon resulting
from the evolution of taxes and increasing
state-economy relationship.
A tax law is a body of rules passed by the
legislature by virtue of which the
government acquires a claim or property as
a matter of legal duty or obligation by
operation of law.
Taxation may be defined then, as the
power of the sovereign to impose burden
or charges upon persons, property or
property rights for the use and support of
government in order to enable it to
discharge its function.
INHERENT LIMITATIONS OF THE POWER OF
NATURE OF TAXATION POWER
The power of taxation is both inherent and
legislative in character because it has been
reserved by the State for it to exercise. It is
an essential and inherent attribute of
sovereignty, belonging as a matter if right
to every independent government. The
government possesses it without being
conferred by the people. The power is
inherent because the sustenance of
government requires contribution from
them.
The power of taxation is legislative in
character because only the legislature can
make tax laws. It is an exercise of the high
act of the sovereignty to be performed
only by the legislature upon consideration
of the policy, necessity and public welfare.
Having the power to tax, it must also
possess the sole power to prescribe the
means by which the tax shall be collected,
and designate the officers through whom it
shall be enforced.
NATURE OF TAXATION POWER
The primary purpose of taxation is to raise
revenues for public needs so that the
people may be enabled to live in a civilized
society. It also serves a variety of purpose. I
Rein Ramos
ACADEMICIAN
It may be increased in order to stabilize
prices and stimulate greater production;
taxes on imports may be increased to favor
domestic production; or decrease to
encourage foreign trade; it can also
mobilize capital to be poured into capital
deficient fields of business.
Thus, taxation is an instrument of fiscal
policy, and fiscal policy influences the
direction and structure of money supply,
prices and of the national economy.
BASIS OF TAXATION
The power of taxation originated from the
theory that the existence of a government
is a necessity. No government, whether
democratic or despotic, can exist without
resources to finance its operations. A true
tax is an exaction for revenue that is for the
support of the government.
TAXATION
LIMITATION OF PUBLIC PURPOSE
A tax is for public purpose where it is
for the support of government, or any
of the recognized object of the
government, or where it will directly
promote the welfare of the community
in equal measure.
LIMITATION OF TERRITORIAL
JURISDICTION
The general rule is that sovereignty of a
state extends only as far as its territorial
jurisdiction. It follows that its taxing
power does not extend beyond its
territorial limits, but within its limit, it
may tax persons, property, income or
business.
LIMITATION OF DOUBLE TAXATION
Double taxation may be understood as
direct duplicate taxation which means
taxing twice by the same public
authority for the same purpose during
the taxing period some of the property
in the territory in which the tax is paid
without taking all of them a second
time.
 Taxation: The Fundamentals of Taxation
and Some Features of the TRAIN Law
LIMITATION OF NON-DELEGATION OF
TAXING POWER
The constitution provides that
sovereignty resides in the people and
all government authority emanates
from them. Under a republican form of
government, the people created a
legislative department for the exercise
of their legislative power manner in
which those rules shall be given effect.
The power cannot be delegated to the
President and to local government.
However, it may be delegated to the
municipal corporations which are the
instrumentalities of the state for the
better administration of the
government in matters of local
concerns.
LIMITATION OF EXEMPTION OF
GOVERNMENT AGENCY OR
INSTRUMENTALITY
The general rule is that agencies and
instrumentalities of the government is
exempted from taxation. So, properties
owned by the Philippine government,
any province, city, municipality, or
municipal districts are exempted from
taxation. However, government entities
performing profit-making activities are
not exempted from taxation.
BASIC PRINCIPLES OF TAXATION
FISCAL ADEQUACY
emphasizes the source of revenue as a
whole must be sufficient to meet the
expanding governmental expenses
regardless of business conditions,
export taxes, trade balances, and
problems of economic adjustments.
EQUALITY OR THEORETICAL JUSTICE
refers to the use of revenues which
must be believed based on the
taxpayer’s ability to pay.
ADMINISTRATIVE FEASIBILITY
means that the tax system must be
clear to the taxpayers, can be enforced
and is convenient and not burdensome
or discouraging to a business activity.
Rein Ramos
ACADEMICIAN
INHERENT POWERS OF THE GOVERNMENT
POLICE POWER
authority of the government to regulate
the activities of an individual even in
the absence of law for the benefit and
protection of public welfare.
TAXATION
authority of the government to improve
taxes, charges and fees from its
taxpayers under its sovereignty and/or
territorial jurisdiction, to support its
necessary expenses.
EMINENT DOMAIN
authority of the government to
expropriate private property for public
use upon payment of a just
compensation.
A tax may be defined then, as a forced and
involuntary burden assessed in accordance
with some reasonable rule of appointment
by the authority of a sovereign government
upon the persons or properties within its
jurisdiction, to provide public revenues for
the support of the government.
It proceeds upon the theory that the
existence of the government is a necessity,
that it cannot continue to operate without
the means to pay for its expenses, and for
those means has the right to compel all
citizens and properties within its limit to
contribute.
ESSENTIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF TAXES
1. It is an enforced contribution
2. It is exacted pursuant to legislative
authority
3. It is contribution in money
4. It is levied upon person, property and
property rights
5. It is for the purpose of raising revenue
6. It must be for public purpose
7. It must be proportionate in character
 Taxation: The Fundamentals of Taxation
and Some Features of the TRAIN Law

CLASSIFICATION OF TAXES ACCORDING TO DETERMINATION OF

ACCORDING TO PURPOSE
FISCAL TAXES
designed to raise revenues for
governmental needs.
Ex. Percentage tax on locally
manufactured commodities
REGULATORY TAXES
designed to achieve some social and
economic goals irrespective of whether
revenue is actually raised or not.
Ex. protective tariff or custom duties
ACCORDING TO OBJECT
PERSONAL, CAPTIVATION OR POLL TAX
imposed on individuals within the
jurisdiction of the taxing power, without
regard to the amount of their property
or occupation in which they are
engaged.
Ex. residence tax
AMOUNT
SPECIFIC TAX
of fixed amount by the hear or member,
or by some standards of weight and
measurement, and requires no
assessment other than a listing or
classification of the subjects to be
taxed
Ex. excise taxes on wines and liquors
AD VALOREM TAX
of fixed proportion, of the value of the
property with respect to which the
taxes are assessed, and require the
intervention of assessors to appraise
the value of such property before the
amount due from each taxpayer can be
determined.
Ex. real state tax, excise tax on cigars
and cigarettes
ACCORDING TO AUTHORITY IMPOSING THE
TAX

PROPERTY TAXES NATIONAL TAXES

computed upon the valuation of levied and collected by the national
property and assessed at the owner’s government
domicile, although privileges may be Ex. income tax
included in the valuations
Ex. real state tax MUNICIPAL TAX
levied and collected by the municipal
EXCISE TAX government
imposed directly by the legislature and Ex. real state tax
the sum is measured by the amount of
business done or the extent to which ACCORDING TO RATE
the privilege has been enjoyed or

exercised. PROPORTIONAL TAX

based on a fixed percentage regardless
ACCORDING TO SUBJECT of the amount of income, property or
other bases to be taxed, a single rate
DIRECT TAX being applied to different objects with
when the person on whom the tax is different values.
imposed absorbs the tax or bears it.
Ex. income tax PROGRESSIVE TAX
the tax rate increases as the tax base
INDIRECT TAX increases.
charge paid by a person other than the Ex. income tax
one on whom it is legally imposed.
Ex. value-added tax REGRESSIVE TAX
the effective rate decreases as the base
increases.
Ex. value-added tax

Rein Ramos
ACADEMICIAN
 Taxation: The Fundamentals of Taxation
and Some Features of the TRAIN Law
FORMS OF ESCAPE FROM TAXATION
SHIFTING
transfer of the burden of a tax by the
original payer on the one on whom the
tax was assesses or imposed to another
or someone else.
CAPITALIZATION
special form of backward shifting. It
occurs when the good is durable good,
the whole series of future taxes is to be
shifted backward at the time of
purchase, and the future taxes must be
capitalized and deducted in a lump sum
from the price offered.
TRANSFORMATION
this is effected through the process of
production. When the producer pays
the taxes himself and recovers the
additional expenses by improving his
production thereby turning out units of
his production at lower cost.
EVASION
illegal effort to avoid payment of tax
AVOIDANCE
use of legally permissible means to
reduce tax liability
EXEMPTION
grant of immunity to a particular person
or corporation from a tax upon
properties or exercise which they are
obligated to pay.
LOCAL TAXATION
Since the power of taxation is an incidence
of sovereignty that is absolutely necessary
to maintain government and therefore
inherent in the state, local government
units (LGUs) such as provinces,
municipalities, cities and barangays can
exercise the power not only if conferred on
them.
The constitutional provisions as to taxation
of LGUs are ordinarily not self-executing
because they require conferring the power
to tax. The local power of taxation is
subject to such conditions and restrictions
as may be prescribed, and only such
purposes as may be expressed.
Rein Ramos
ACADEMICIAN
Local tax may be valid only for the public
purpose and yet invalid for private
purposes. Except when allowed by law,
local funds shall be devoted exclusively to
local purposes.
The policy of taxation in the Philippines is
provided primarily by the Constitution of the
Philippines and three Republic Acts.
Constitution: Article VI, Section 28 of
the Constitution states that "the rule of
taxation shall be uniform and equitable"
and that "Congress shall evolve a
progressive system of taxation."
National laws: National Internal
Revenue Code—enacted as Republic
Act No. 8424 or the Tax Reform Act of
1997, and subsequently amended by
Republic Act No. 10963 or the Tax
Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion
Act of 2017;[3] and,
Local laws—major sources of revenue
for the local government units (LGUs)
are the taxes collected by virtue of
Republic Act No. 7160 or the Local
Government Code of 1991,[4] and
those sourced from the proceeds
collected by virtue of a local ordinance.
Taxes imposed at the national level are
collected by the Bureau of Internal
Revenue (BIR), while those imposed at the
local government level, which are the
provincial, city, municipal and barangay,
are collected by the local treasurer's office.
THE FOLLOWING ARE SOME OF THE
SALIENT FEATURES OF RA 10963
OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE TAX REFORM
ACCELERATION AND INCLUSION (TRAIN)
LAW. EXAMPLE GIVEN HERE IS THE
INCOME TAX.
BACKGROUND
On December 19, 2017, the President
signed into law Package I of the Tax
Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion
(“TRAIN”) bill otherwise known as Republic
Act No. 10963.
 Taxation: The Fundamentals of Taxation
and Some Features of the TRAIN Law
The law contains amendments to several
provisions of the National Internal Revenue
Code of 1997. It shall take effect on
January 1, 2018, following its complete
publication in the Official Gazette or in at
least one newspaper of general circulation.
The law was published in the Official
Gazette on December 27, 2017.
Toll tax
a fee demanded for the use of the
property of another person or private
entity.
Debt
an amount of money owed to a person
or a company that is to be paid as
agreed upon in a contract.

NATIONAL TAXES IMPOSED BY SPECIAL

LAWS:

Tariffs and customs duties (P.D. 1464)

Sugar adjustment taxes (C.A. 567)
Taxes on narcotic drugs (R.A.953)
Travel tax (P.D.1183)
Private motor vehicle tax (E.O. 43)
Energy taxes (P.D. 844 and P.D. 845)

CLASSIFICATION OF INCOME AND RELATED

CONCEPTS

Taxable Income
refers to the gross income after
personal and additional exemptions
have been declared.
Passive income
applies to income from interest on
banks, deposits, dividends, royalties
prizes and other winnings.
Gross Income
refers to all incomes.
Net Income
gross income after the allowable
deductions have been substracted.
OTHER TERMS RELATED TO TAX
Revenue
all income or profit gained by a person,
a company or an organization from its
business activities.
Custom Duty
refers to the tax or tariff imposed on
goods exported to other countries.
Penalty
a pecuniary sanction imposed on a
taxpayer when he/she failed to pay
his/her levies on time.
Internal Revenue
the government's income from taxes
and duties collected locally or
domestically.

Rein Ramos
ACADEMICIAN
 UNIT 5: Evaluation and Promotion of local and oral
history, museums, historical shrines and cultural
presentations

There are numerous museums, historical

sites, art galleries, archeological sites and
other places where one could find history
and cultural heritage which are recognized
by the National Historical Commission of
the Philippines (NHCP). It is most
convenient if, as part of the activit ies of
this course, that the tour or visit to a
museum, site or gallery be conduction in
areas that are near the school. Considering
the proximity is a pragmatic approach to
the activity since it will not require to much
expenses and will minimize the difficulty in
reaching the location on the part of the
students. It is also a way in maximizing the
student’s ability to appreciate more the site
and tour it for a longer period of time, and
with ease.
However, it also must be of another
consideration if the chosen place would be
significantly historical and cultural so as to
create a greater benefit on the education
of the students. The value of the site is
unbargainable. While proximity may offer
ease and time, the richness of a chosen site
creates the meaningful experience on the
part of the student.
Another matter to be taken into
consideration is that the choices of the
sites should offer various areas of learning
for the student. In an educational tour, a
student must be exposed to a variety of
interests as an appeal towards a greater
appreciation of history and culture. It is
therefore most beneficial if a historical site
will also be combined with an art gallery, a
museum, a park or an archeological site.
Lastly, it would more educational,
comprehensive, and encompassing if the
sites selected would represent different
time periods. Doing this would impose a
continued curiosity on the part of the
historical tourist since different time
periods offer changes in historical events
and an evolution to culture. Human
development is greatly appreciated in
presentation that considers the aspect of
chronology.

Rein Ramos
ACADEMICIAN
 UNIT 5: Evaluation and Promotion of local and oral
history, museums, historical shrines and cultural
presentations

'Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight
-Proverbs 3:5-6