Evolution of Philippine Politics

and Governance
The Pre-Spanish Government
●The early Filipinos had a government which they called “Balangay”.

●The head or the leader was called a Datu or Rajah which was assisted by elder in
the community.

●All powers of the government were exercised by the datu or rajah. He was the
chief executive, law giver, chief judge and military head.

There are three social classes at that time namely:

●The Datu or Rajah came from the Maharlika ( Upper Class ). They are intermediate class of men who had enough land,
those who rendered services to the rulers and do not work on fields. Also they are the commoners. They can own their
own land and don’t have to pay tribute.

●The Maharlika (meaning freeman or freedman) were the feudal warrior class in ancient Tagalog society in Luzon, the
Philippines. The Spanish translated the name as Hidalgos (or libres). They belonged to the lower nobility class similar to
the Timawa of the Visayan people. In modern Filipino, however, the word referred to aristocrats or to royal nobility
which was actually restricted to the hereditary Maginoo class.

●The Alipin refers to the lowest social class among the various cultures of the Philippines before the arrival of the
Spanish in the 16th and 17th centuries. In the Visayan languages, the equivalent social classes were known as the
oripun, uripon, or ulipon.

Government in the Philippines under the Spanish Rule

●The National Government was heads by a Spanish Governor General, who was appointed by the King of Spain.

●The Governor-General was at times called the “ Representative of the King of Spain “ or the “ Little King in the
Philippines ".

●In theory, he was the highest government official in the country, and practice frailocracy “ Rule of Friars “ existed thus
overpowering the Governor General.

●Below the National Government was the Alcadia (Provinces) headed by the Alcalde Mayor.
●The Pueblos (Towns) which where led by the Gobernadircillo (Little Governor) and the barangays which where led by
the Cabeza de Baranggay.

●Andres Bonifacio organized the Katipunan, a secret revolutionary organization of the Filipinos. This aim was a complete
separation from Spain. It precipitated the Philippine Revolution on August 26, 1896 (De Leon & De Leon, 2014). But it
was replaced by another government when it was discovered by the Spanish authorities.

●The new government was headed by Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo as President in the Tejeros Convention held on March 22-
23, 1897.

●The Biak-Na-Bato Republic was created by Gen. Aguinaldo on November 1, 1897. Its aim was separation from Spain
and formation of the Philippines as an independent state. The Republic existed until December 15, 1897, with the
signing of the Pact of Biak-Na-Bato.

● It resulted in the Revolutionary exile of Aguinaldo and his men to Hongkong provided that General Primo de Rivera
would pay $800,000. On May 24, 1889, Gen. Aguinaldo established a Dictatorial Government when he returned from his
exile in Hongkong.

●The notable achievements of the Dictatorial Government were:

®The proclamation of Philippine Independence at Kawit, Cavite on June 12, 1898

®The recognition of Local Governments

●A Revolutionary Government replaced the Dictatorial Government still with Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo as the head. On
January 23, 1899, the first Philippine Republic was established with Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo as the President.

The Government during the American Regime

●The Americans started military rule in the Philippines on August 14, 1898. The president of the United States delegated
his authority to the military governor who exercised all powers of the government ( until the war lasted ) – executive,
legislative and judiciary.

●The spooner Amendment ended the military regime in the Philippines. It was changed into civil government headed by
Civil Governor on July 4, 1901.

●The tittle was changed to Governor General on February 6, 1905. The Governor General has legislative powers, and he
was the President of the Philippines Commission from 1901-1907.

●The Philippine Commission was the sole law making body of the Government. Eventually, this became the upper house
of the legislative department of the Philippine Assembly ( Created by Philippines Bill of 1902 ) as the lower chamber.

●The Jones law of 1016 which became the fundamental law for the Philippines vested the legislative power in an all-
making body composed of the Philippine Senate and the House of Representatives.

The Commonwealth Government

●The Tydyings-Mcduffle Law in 1934 established the Commonwealth Government. This was a form of government in
transition toward independence. It provide for a ten-year transition period after which the Philippine independence
would be Proclaimed and established.

●The Commonwealth Government was inaugurated on November 15, 1935.

●The first National Election in the country was held September 12, 1935. Manuel l. Quezon was the President, and his
Vice-President was Sergio Osmena.

●The commonwealth Government functioned in exile during World War II in Washington, USA, from May 13, 1942 to
October 3, 1944 after which it was reestablished in Manila on February 27, 1945.

●The USA turned over to a Filipino President the full powers and responsibilities of the Commonwealth Government
under the 1935 Constitution.

The Government under the Japanese Occupation

●The Japanese military administration was established in Manila on January 3, 1942. A civil government which was
called the Philippine Executive Commission was established with Jorge B. Vargas as chairman.

●It had legislative and executive powers but laws enacted though were subject to approval by the Commander-in-Chief
of the Japanese forces. On October 14, 1943, the Japanese-sponsored Philippine Republic with Jose P. Laurel as the
President was inaugurated.

Post – World war II Era

●Was founded on the 1935 constitution. The president of the third republic was Manuel Roxas, followed by Elpidio
Quirino, Ramon Magsaysay, Carlos Garcia, Diosdado Macapagal and the first term of Ferdinand Marcos.

●Marcos second term saw changes in the governmental structure and the ratification of a new constitution in 1973. In
this term, his administration was characterized by: Increased agricultural productivity; massive infrastructure
development; and Defining diplomatic policy.

●Under Marcos administration, a new constitution was adopted in 1973. The 1973 constitution provided that the
Philippines will have a modified parliamentary form of government.

●During Martial law, political rights and civil liberties of the people as well as their human rights were suppressed and
violated.

●Marcos lifted martial law by 1981. Calls to end his regime brought Filipinos to take to the streets to participate in a
popular nonviolent uprising called the EDSA PEOPLE POWER which ousted Marcos and ended his rule.

Post – Edsa Period

●The period from 1986 onward is the restoration of democracy. This marked the shift toward “re-democratization” and
return to constitutionalism.

●A revolutionary government was created following Corazon Aquino’s ascent to presidency.

●When the new Philippine Constitution was ratified in 1987, a democratic and republican government was established.
The POST-EDSA era also known as the FIFTH REPUBLIC.

●Corazon Aquino was followed by Fidel Ramos, Joseph Estrada after being depose by the so called “EDSA People Power
II”. Estrada was succeeded by his vice President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, followed by Benigno C. Aquino III, then
followed by Rodrigo Duterte, the first president to have hailed from Mindanao. Today, The Philippines is headed by
Bongbong Marcos the son of Ferdinand Marcos.
 The Presidents of the Philippines
●Since independence in 1898 and the ratification of the Philippines
Constitution in the First Republic, there have been 17 presidents. Starting with
General Emilio Aguinaldo all the way to current president Bongbong Marcus.

General Emilio Aguinaldo

On way to remember the first president of the Philippines First Republic is to look at the five
peso coin. Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo’s face used to grace the five peso bill (which is not anymore). The back of the
bill shows him holding the Philippine flag at the celebration of the Philippine Independence Day. He led the
Filipinos in fighting against the Spaniards and the Americans.

Contributions and Achievements:

●First (and only) president of the First Republic (Malolos Republic).

●Signed the Pact of Biak-na-bato, creating a truce between the Spanish and Philippine revolutionaries.

●Known as the President of the Revolutionary Government.

●Led the Philippines in the Spanish-Philippine War and the American-Philippine War.

●The youngest, taking office at age 28.

●Longest-lived president, passing away at 94.

Manuel L. Quezon
After 34 years of Insular Government under American rule, Philippine voters elected Manuel Luis
Quezon first president of the Commonwealth of the Philippines. He is known as the “Father of National Language” (Ama
ng Wikang Pambansa). He died of tuberculosis in Saranac Lake, New York.

Contributions and Achievements:

●First Senate president elected as President of the Philippines.

●First president elected through a national election.

●First president under the Commonwealth.

●Created a National Council of Education.

●Initiated women’s suffrage in the Philippines during the Commonwealth.

●Approved Tagalog/Filipino as the National Language of the Philippines.

●Appears on the twenty-peso bill.

●A province, a city, a bridge and a university in Manila are named after him.

●His body lies within the special monument on Quezon Memorial Circle.

Jose P. Laurel
Jose P. Laurel’s presidency is controversial. He was officially the government’s caretaker during the Japanese
occupatipn of War II. Criticized as a proclamation in 1948.

Contributions and achievements:

●Since the early 1960s, Laurel considered a legitimate president of the Philippines.

●Organized KALIBAPI (Kapisanan sa Paglilingkod sa Bagong Pilipinas, or Association for Service to the New Philippines), a
provisional government during Japanese occupation.

●Declared Martial Law and war between the philippines an the U.S/United Kingdom in 1944.

With his family, established the Lyceum of the Philippines.

Sergio Osmeña
Sergio Osmeña was the second president of the Commonwealth. During his presidency, the Philippines
joined the International Monetary Fund.

Contributions and Achievements:

●Became president at 65, making him the oldest person to hold office.

●First Visayan to become president.

●Joined with U.S Gen. Douglas McArthur in Leyte on October 20, 1944 to begin restoration of Philippine freedom after
Japanese occupation.

●Philippine national Bank was rehabilitated and the country joined the International Monetary Fund during his
Presidency.

●Bill Trade Act was approved by the U.S. Congress during his presidency.

●Appears on the 50-peso bill.

Manuel Roxas
Manuel Roxas was the fifth president of the Philippines; the third (and last) president under the
Commonwealth and the first president of the Third Republic of the Philippines. He held office for only 10 months and 18
da. He held office for only 10 months and 18 days.

Contribution and achievements:

●Inaugurated as the first president of the new Republic after World War II.

●Reconstruction form war damage and life without foreign rule began during his presidency.
●Under his term, the Philippine Rehabilitation Act and Philippine Trade Act laws were accepted by Congress.

●Appears on the 100-peso bill.

Elpidio Quirino
Elpidio Quirino served as vice president under Manuel Roxas. When Roxas died in 1948, Quirino became
president.

Contributions and Achievements:

●Hukbalahap guerilla movement active during his presidency.

●Created Social Security Commission.

●Created Integrety Board to monitor gfraft and corruption.

●Quezon City became capital of the Philippines in 1948.

Ramon Magsaysay
Ramon Magsaysay was born in Iba, Zambales. He was a military governor and an engineer. He died in an
aircraft disaster while boarding the presidential plane.

Contributions and Achievements:

●Hukbalahap movement quelled during his presidency.

●Chairman of the Committee on Guerrilla Affairs.

●First president sworn into office wearing Barong Tagalog during inauguration.

●Presidency referred to as the Philippines “Golden Years” for its lack of corruption.

●Philippines was ranked second in Asia’s clean and well-governed countries during his presidency.

●Established National Resettlement and Rehabilitation Administration (NARRA) among other agrarian reforms

Carlos P. Garcia
A lawyer, poet, and teacher, Carlos P. Garcia also served as a guerilla leader during the Pacific War. Born in
Bohol, Garcia serviced as a vice president under Ramon Magsaysay and as secretary of Foreign Affairs for four years. He
became president when Magsaysay died in 1957.

Contributions and achievements:

●Known for “Filipino First Policy”, which favored Filipino businesses over foreign investors.

●Established the Austerity Program focusing on Filipino trade and commerce.

●Known as the “Prince of Visayan Poets” and the “Bard from Bohol”.

●Cultural arts was revived during his term.

●He was the first president to have his remains buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.

Diosdado Macapagal
Born in Lubao, Pampanga, Diosdado Macapagal was a lawyer and professor. His daughter Gloria Macapagal
Arroyo was the 14th and second female president of the Philippines.

Contributions and Achievements:

●Established the first Land Reform Law, allowing for the purchase of private farmland to be distributed in inexpensive,
small lots to the landless.

●Placed the Philippine peso on the currency exchange market.

●Declared June 12, 1898 to be Philippine’s Independence Day.

●Signed the Minimum Wage Law.

●Created the Philippine Veteran’s Bank.

Ferdinand Marcos
Born in Sarrat, Ilocos Norte. Ferdinand Edralin Marcos was a lawyer and Senate President for three years.
He was president for 21 years. He ruled under martial law and his dictatorship was known for its corruption and
brutality. Marcos was removed from office after the People Power Revolution.

Contributions and Achievements:

●First president to win a second term.

●Declared Martial Law on Sept. 22, 1972.

●Increased the size of Philippine armed forces.

●By 1980 the Philippine GNP was four times greater than 1972.

●By 1986 the Philippines was one of the most indebted countries in Asia.

●Built more schools, roads, bridges, hospitals, and other infrastructure that all former presidents combined.

●The only president whose remains are interred a refrigerated crypt.

Corazon Aquino
The first woman president of the Philippines and the first woman to become president of an Asian
country. Corazon Aquino was born in Paniqui, Tarlac. She was a prominent figure in the People Power Revolution that
brought down Ferdinand Marcos dictatorship. Her husband , Benigno Aquino Jr, was a senator during the Marcos regime
and its strongest critic. He was assassinated while Marcos was still in power.

Contributions and Achievements:

●First woman to be president of the Philippines or any Asian country.

●Abolished the 1973 Marcos Constitution and ushered in the new Constitution of the Philippines.

●Signed the Family Code of 1987, a major civil law reform, and 1191 Local Government Code, which reorganized the
structure of the executive branch of government.

●Initiate charitable and social activities helping the poor and the needy.

●Named “Woman of the Year” in 1986 by Time magazine.

●On the new 500-peso bill together with her husband Benigno Aquino

Fidel V. Ramos
Fidel V. Ramos was the chief-of-staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines before he became president.
He was also a civil engineer. As president, he restored economic growth and stability in the country, even during the
Asian Financial Crisis in 1997. He is the first, and so far the only, non-Catholic president of the Philippines.

Contributions and achievements:

●Oversaw Philippine economic growth.

●Received British Knighthood from the United Kingdom by Queen Elizabeth II (Knight Grand Cross of the Order of
St. Michael and St. George)

●Hosted the fourth Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Leader’s Summit in the Philippines in 1996.

●Philippine Stock Exchange became an international favorite during his presidency.

●Death penalty reinstated while he was in office.

●Signed peace agreement with the rebel Moro National Liberation Front.

Joseph Estrada
Known as Erap, Joseph Estrada was the first president who had been a famous film actor. His presidency
was controversial. During his years in office economic growth was slow and he faced impeachment proceedings. He was
ousted from the presidency in 2001. He was pardoned. He ran unsuccessfully for president in 2010.

Contributions and Achievements:

●During his presidency Moro Islamic Liberation Front headquarters and camps were captured.

●Joined other leaders and politicians to try to amend the 1987 Constitution.

●Cited as one of the Three Outstanding Senators in 1989.

●Among the “ Magnificent 12” who voted to terminate the agreement that allows for U.S control of Clark Airbase and
Subic Naval Base.

Gloria Macapagal Arroyo

Gloria Macapagal was the 14th president of the Philippines (and the second female president).
The Oakwood Mutiny occurred during her term. Arroyo oversaw road and infrastructure improvements and higher
economic growth that presidents before her, but there were also controversy. The so-called “Hello Garci” controversy
involved recordings that allegedly captured Arroyo ordering the rigging of the election that put her in office. In 2005
Arroyo faced impeachment proceedings related to the recordings but the impeachment failed. After she had left office
Arroyo faced additional changes of election fraud and misuse of state funds.

Contributions and achievements:

●Second female president of the country.

●First and only female vice-president of the Philippines so far.

●First president to take oath outside Luzon.

●Former Economics professor at the Ateneo de Manila University, where current president Benigno Aquino III was one
of her students.

●E-classmate of former U.S. President Bill Cliton at Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service, where she
maintained Dean’s list status.

●Oversaw higher economic growth than the past three presidents before her.

●Peso became the best-performing currency of the year in Asia in 2007.

●E-VAT Law was implemented under her term.

Benigno Aquino III

Benigno Aquino III joined the House of Representatives and the Senate before his presidency. He is the

first president who is bachelor; he is unmarried and has no children.

Contributions and achievements:

●Created the no “ wang-wang “ (street siren) policy.

●Appointed statesman Jesse Robredo to serve as secretary of interior and Local initiated K-12 education in the
Philippines.

●Renamed the Office of the Press Secretary to Presidential Communications Operations Office and appointed new
officers.

●Suspended allowances and bonuses to Government Owed and Controlled Corporation and Government Financial
Institution board members.

●Oversaw 7.1% growth of the Philippine economy.

Rodrigo R. Duterte
Rodrigo Roa Duterte born March 28, 1945, also known as Digong and Rody, is a Filipino politician who is
th
the 16 and incumbent President of the Philippines and the first from Mindanao to hold the office. He is the Chairperson
of PDP -Laban, the ruling political party in the Philippines. Duterte took office at age of 71 on June 30, 2016, making him
the oldest person to assume the Philippine presidency, the record was previously held by Sergio Osmeña at the age of
65. Born in Maasin , Southern Leyte, Duterte studied political science at the Lyceum of the Philippines University,
graduating in 1968, before obtaining a law degree from San Beda College of Law in 1972. He then worked as a lawyer
and was a prosecutor for Davao City, before becoming vice mayor and, subsequently, mayto of the city in the wake of
the Philippine Revolution of 1986. Duterte won seven terms and served as mayor of Davao for over 22 years.

Contributions and achievements:

● Tax reform, under Finance Secretary Sonny Dominguez, which made the Philippines one of the fastest-growing
economies in Asia.

●Build, Build, Build, under Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Mark Villar who raised infra
spending to an average of 5.14 percent of GDP, from Fidel Ramos 1.7 percent; Joseph Estrada 1.62 percent; Gloria
Arroyo 1.5 percent; and Benigno Aquino III 2.7 percent. Duterte poured more money into infrastructure — over P6
trillion in six years — than any president before him, In the last five years alone, the DPWH under Villar built 145,000
classrooms, 2,000 school buildings, 5,555 bridges, and 26,500 kms. of roads, access roads, expressways, and tollways.

●Transportation modernization under Department of Transportation Secretary Art Tugade who made mass
transportation safe, reliable, and available.

●Free college education for all with 1.6 million enjoying it by 2020, up 36 percent from 2019.

●An independent foreign policy

●Duterte reduced red tape for the masses and made oligarchs toe the line.

●Universal health care. Insurance coverage expanded from 90 percent of the population to 100 percent.

BongboBongbong Marcos
Ferdinand "Bongbong" Romualdez Marcos Jr ( born September 13, 1957), commonly referred to
by the initials PBBM or BBM, is a Filipino politician who is the 17th and current president of the Philippines.[8][9][10] He
previously served as a senator from 2010 to 2016. He is the second child and only son of 10th president and dictator
Ferdinand Marcos Sr. and former first lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos. In 1980, Marcos became Vice Governor of Ilocos
Norte, running unopposed with the Kilusang Bagong Lipunan party of his father, who was ruling the Philippines under
martial law at the time. He then became Governor of Ilocos Norte in 1983, holding that office until his family was ousted
from power by the People Power Revolution and fled into exile in Hawaii in February 1986. After the death of his father
in 1989, President Corazon Aquino eventually allowed his family to return to the Philippines to face various charges.