Readings in the Philippine History

HIS101

Agrarian Reform Policies

Agrarian reform is a complex and often controversial program which usually meets with opposition
especially from those with vested interests. The problems are known to be deeply rooted in history. It
is, therefore, a centuries-old problem. In the last eight or nine decades, the Philippine government had
legislated programs of agrarian reform. However, there has been a wide gap between the declared
objectives of such legislation and the actual realization. The implementation of agrarian reforms
proceeded at a very slow pace. This was due to many factors like the lack of political will. While it is
true that thousands of hectares have already been redistributed to small farmers and until recently
through President Duterte’s aggressive desire to implement the CARP, in general, the redistribution of
land is still very slow.

Philippines remains an agricultural country. Agriculture is the main source of livelihood of the
Filipinos. In so many years, the agrarian system of Philippines was being controlled by the large
landlords. The small farmers in the Philippines were struggling for their rights to land and other natural
resources.

Agrarian Reform
1. essentially the rectification of the whole system of agriculture
2. centered on relationship between production and the distribution of land among farmers
3. also focused on political and economic class character of the relations of production and distribution
in farming and related enterprises .

Agrarian Reform History

16th-19th Century Landownership System
Dispersed communities were organized into Pueblo agriculture
  King of Spain owned the land
  Filipinos paid tributes
  Law of the Indies awarded tracts of land to
 - Religious orders
 - Encomenderos
 - Repartamiento
  Hacienda system developed in 19th century and as new form of ownership
 In 1860s, landholders were required to register landholdings
  Lands claimed and registered in other people’s names forced peasants out of the land
  This is the primary reason of Philippine revolts
  Phil. Revolutionary government of Aguinaldo declared landed estates including friars as
government property to redistribute them but did not happen

Landownership under Americans

 Phil. Commission Act No. 496 introduced Torrens system to address absence of titles and
accurate land survey
 Public Land Act of 1903 established homestead program that allows tenant to enter into agri-
business with 16 hectares farmland (Luzon and Mindanao)
 More lands were placed under tenancy that led to peasant uprisings
 Pres. Quezon bought haciendas, created National Rice and Corn Corp.(NARIC) assign public
defenders for peasants’ right to the land in Court of Industrial Relations

Agrarian Reform After WWII

Pres. Roxas signed into law R.A. 34 established 70-30 sharing arrangements, regulating share
tenancy contracts
Pres. Magsaysay’s R.A. 1199 Agricultural Tenancy Act protects tenurial rights
and enforced tenancy practices
Pres. Macapagal Agrarian Reform - Prescribed a program to convert tenant-farmers to lessees and
later ownercultivators
Pres. Marcos Agrarian Reform Shall apply to tenant farmers of private agricultural lands devoted to
rice/corn under sharecrop or lease-tenancy system

Pres Corazon C. Aquino Republic Act No. 6657, June 10, 1988 (Comprehensive Agrarian Reform
Law) – An act which became effective June 15, 1988 and instituted a comprehensive
agrarian reform program to promote social justice and industrialization. This law is still the one being
implemented at present.

Pres Ramos Republic Act No. 7881, 1995 – Amended certain provisions of RA 6657 and
exempted fishponds and prawns from the coverage of CARP.

Pres Estrada launched the Magkabalikat Para sa Kaunlarang Agraryo or MAGKASAKA. The
DAR forged into joint ventures with private investors into agrarian sector to make FBs competitive.

Pres Macapagal Arroyo The agrarian reform program anchored on the vision “To make the
countryside economically viable for the Filipino family by building partnership and promoting social
equity and new economic opportunities towards lasting peace and sustainable rural development.
Pres Benigno Aquino III Under his administration, the Agrarian Reform Community Connectivity and
Economic Support Services (ARCCESS) project was created to contribute to the overall goal of rural
poverty reduction especially in agrarian reform areas.

Pres Duterte Under his leadership, the President wants to pursue an “aggressive” land reform program
that would help alleviate the life of poor Filipino farmers by prioritizing the
provision of support services alongside land distribution.
The President also placed 400 hectares of agricultural lands in Boracay under CARP.

CARP, or the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program, is simply the redistribution of public and
private agricultural lands to farmers and farm workers who are landless regardless of tenurial
arrangements.

The 1998 Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law (CARL) broadened the scope of rural land reform
by including private agricultural lands irrespective of crops and tenure arrangements. It also provides
for support services to agrarian reform beneficiaries like infrastructure, capability-building and
credit/marketing assistance.

Philippine Constitution

Emilio Aguinaldo - leader of the Philippine Revolution on December 15,1897, together with the Spanish
colonial Governor-General Fernando Primo de Rivera agreed to a truce that would put an end to the uprising.
According to him Biak-na-Bato was considered as the True Version of the Philippine Constitution

1897: Constitution of Biak-na-Bato

- The Constitution of Biak-na-Bato was never fully implemented, since a truce, the Pact of Biak-na-Bato, was
signed between the Spanish and the Philippine Revolutionary Army.

- established to overthrow the Spanish colonial government in the Philippines but were unable to win
recognition from other countries.

1899: Malolos Constitution

- First Philippine Constitution and the first Republican constitution in Asia was drafted and adopted by the
First Philippine Republic
-The Constitution has 39 articles, divided into 14 titles, with eight articles of transitory provisions, and
a final article.
1935: The Commonwealth Constitution
First was the Philippine Organic Act of 1902, the first organic law for the Philippine Islands that provided
for the creation of a popularly elected Philippine Assembly. It was passed by the United States Congress that
refers to a fundamental piece of legislation for the Insular Government.

Rigid Constitution - when it is difficult to amend or change

Flexible Constitution - when it is more easily amended.

PREAMBLE
- The term “preamble” is derived from the Latin word “preambulare” which means, “to walk before”. It is the
prologue of the Constitution and it introduces the main subject. It is considered a source of light and not a
source of rights or obligations.

Philippine Constitution
- Written
- Conventional
- Rigid

Qualities of good written constitution

Brief – because if it is too detailed, it would lose the advantage of a fundamental law
Broad – should be as comprehensive as possible
Definite – because otherwise of its provisions to concrete situations may prove unduly difficult if not
impossible.

Essential part of good written constitution

- Constitution of Liberty
-Constitution of Government
-Constitution of Sovereignty

Taxation

Taxes - A tax is a mandatory payment or charge collected by local, state, and national governments from
individuals or businesses to cover the costs of general government services, goods, and activities. It refers to
the source of funds that allows our government to function well to improve the country and its governance.

Taxation - Taxation refers to the fees and financial obligations imposed by a government on its residents.
Income taxes are paid in almost all countries around the world. However, taxation applies to all payments of
mandatory levies, including on income, corporate, property, capital gains, sales, and inheritance.

Subsistence Economy - Taxation in the Philippines developed and evolved through time. Before the spanish
era, we are known to have a kind of taxes that has no monetary agreement and is based in terms of natural
resources that provided the basic needs of the citizens

Precolonial Era
Buwis/Handug variant of Handog - came in forms of crops or goods, which the people living under the datu
share a portion of their harvest or property, in exchange for security and protection.

Spanish Era
In 19th century, taxation was characterized by the heavy burden on the Filipinos and the corruption of the
principals where the disparity between the less taxed principales and the heavily taxed peasants were
representation of the rich becoming richer and poor poorer.

Tributo – Other forms of taxes from the Spanish Era is the tributo, which was originally between 8 to 10
reales.

Exemption : principales, alcaldes, gobernadores, cabeza de barangay, soldier, member of civil guard,
government officials.

● 16th century: the Manila-Acapulco trade (The Galleon Trade) was established.
● 1884: the payment of tribute was halted and replaced by a poll tax collected through a certificate of
identification called the cedula personal.

Polo y Servicio' or forced labor is a forty (40) day compulsory work (reduced to 15 days in 1884) imposed by
the Spanish colonial government on adult Filipino males ranging from the age sixteen (16) to sixty (60) years
old.
Encomienderos - those who were under the encomienda system. They were granted the right to compel
indigenous people to work their land and to pay tribute.

American Era
1898 to 1903: the Americans followed the Spanish system of taxation with some
modifications
- The urbana was replaced by a real estate tax called a land tax.

The industria tax was levied on the business community and became a highly complex system that assigned
a particular tax to an industrial or commercial activity according to its profitability.

Commonwealth Era
1936: Income tax rates were increased.
1937: cedula tax was abolished
1939: the Commonwealth government drafted the National Internal Revenue Code
1940: Residence tax was imposed on every citizen aged 18 years old above and on every corporation

Fiscal Policy from 1946 to Present.

Roxas Regime (1946 - 1948) - He rejected the advised of the United States in tax collection and removed
any alliances to them.

Quirino Regime (1948 - 1953) - Tax revenue in 1953 increased twofold compared to 1948.

Ramon Magsaysay, Carlos Garcia, & Diosdado Macapagal Regime (1953 - 1965) - Promised to study the
tax structure and policy of the country (through the creation of a Tax Commission in 1959 means of republic
Act No. 2211) - The period of the post-war republic also saw a rise in corruption.

Marcos Authoritarian Regime (1965 - 1986)- During 1981 - 1985, the tax system was still heavily
dependent on indirect taxes, which made up 70% of total collection.

Aquino Regime (1986 - 1992) - Reformed the tax system through the 1986 Tax Reform Program
- A major reform in the tax system introduced under the term Aquino was the introduction of the Value Added
Tax (VAT).

Ramos Regime (1992 - 1998) - A government enjoyed more political stability and whose administration
carried out the tax reform program with the Comprehensive Tax Reform Program

- The VAT base was also broadened in 1997 to include services, through Repulic Act 7716
Arroyo Regime (2000 - 2010) - In 2005, the Expanded Value added Tax (E-VAT) was signed into law as
Republic Act 9337.
- VAT of selling energy products like coal, petroleum and electricity generation and transmission.
Aquino Regime (2010 - 2016) - Ventured into the adjustment of excise tax on liquor and cigarette or the SIN
TAX REFORM made law by Republic Act 1035

Duterte Regime (2016 - 2023) - Supported the implementation of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and
Inclusion Law (TRAIN Law)

The Filipino Cultural Heritage

Oral and Local History

Oral History - may be used together with other primary sources as well as secondary sources to gain
understanding and insight into history
Local History - focuses on the history of a specific geographic area, such as a city, region, or neighborhood.

- Cultural Heritage, according to Republic Act 10066, or the National Cultural Heritage Act Of 2009,
referred to "the totality of cultural property preserved and developed through time and passed on to posterity."
- an expression of the ways of living developed by a community and passed on from generation to generation,
including customs, practices, places, objects, artistic values

- The World Heritage Commission explains that "heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live with
today, and what we pass on to future generations."

- Cultural heritage protects our sense of who we really are.

National Historical Commission of the Philippines - the government agency tasked with preserving,
conserving, and promoting sites and objects of historical and cultural significance, has marked and identified
numerous sites and structures that are accessible to us to visit, learn and engage.

The Oral History Association - encourages individuals and institutions involved with the creation and
preservation of oral histories to uphold certain principles,professional and technical standards, and obligations
Oral History in the Digital Age - his relates to the go-to place for the latest information on digital
technologies pertaining to all phases of the oral history process.

Two types of Cultural Heritage

1. Tangible Heritage
• Environment (natural landscapes and coastal and inland water sources)
• Flora and fauna
• Man-made structures

2. Intangible Heritage
• Culture (traditions, customs, values, trades, and skills)

The World Heritage List includes six Philippine Properties:

1. Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, Palawan
- The Park is a wide known natural wonder

2. Banaue Rice Terraces — Ifugao Province, Cordillera

- complex method of farming employed by the native Ifugao

3. Historic City of Vigan, Ilocos Sur

- established in the 16th century this place is the best-preserved, the town is a testament to the Spanish
colonization, a place that exerts a strong cultural influence on the modern Philippine nation.

4. Baroque Churches of The Philippines

Examples:
- San Agustin Church, Paoay, Ilocos Norte
- Church of Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion, Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur
- Church of the Immaculate Conception of San Agustín, Intramuros, Manila
- Miagao Church in Iloilo

5. Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park

- a home for nesting sites for marine turtles and various species of birds. Meanwhile, it is best known for its
pristine coral reef system.

6. Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary

- There are also several endangered and endemic species found within the sanctuary
- This provides a sanctuary to a host of globally threatened and endemic flora and fauna species.

Philippine Folk Dances

Francisca Reyes Aquino - Mother of Philippine Dancing

Tinikling - is often hailed as the national dance of the Philippines. It is a dynamic and energetic Philippine folk
dance characterized by the rhythmic clashing of bamboo poles. it has been an audience favorite for Philippine
dance companies touring the world that illustrates the complexity and rhythmic challenge of expressive

Pandanggo sa Ilaw - is a graceful philippine folk dance that originated in the province of Lubang, Mindoro.
Performers balance oil lamps on their hands and heads while gracefully executing intricate footwork.
Singkil - is often accompanied by the mesmerizing sounds of kulintang, a traditional Muslim musical
ensemble. Its name from the bells worn on the ankles of the Muslim princess

Maglalatik - is a dance originating from the province of Rizal and is often performed during the town’s fiestas.
This lively Philippine folk dance depicts a mock battle between two groups: the Moros (Muslims) and the
Christians.

Religions and Muslim Filipino

Monotheistic Religions - is belief in a single god such as Christianity and Islam.

Polytheistic Religions - the belief in many gods.

“The historical backdrop of the Philippine Muslims is a piece of the foundation of the verifiable advancement
of the entire nation. Filipino history specialists like Dr. Renato Constantino declared that no Philippine
history can be finished without an investigation of Muslim advancement (1990:29). “

Be that as it may, the primary grouping of the Philippine Muslim populace is bound generally toward the
western side of Mindanao down to the Sulu Archipelago. In the Sulu Archipelago, the Muslims are for the
most part predominant in three island regions of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.”

“The Muslims in the south are additionally socially connected to Muslim nations in Southeast Asia, for
example, Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei and the Patani of southern Thailand. They are made out of eleven
ethnic gatherings. Each gathering has its own particular dialect yet just a couple of controls a political unit
like a region or regions.

The Maranao-“Actually, Maranao implies individuals of the lake. Their country is called Lanao which implies
lake. “Maranao society is a shut society. The whole regions of Lanao Del Sur, especially at the region of the
lake are untouchable to outcasts. The way of life of the general population are in their conventional clothing,
the malong and the abaya.

Badjao - Known for the clans that dwell in the islands of Sulu, one of the islands in Mindanao, who are
ocean faring individuals and are known for their imaginatively woven, beautiful sails.

Lumad - he clans containing the eastern parts of Mindanao and are known for inborn music that influences
utilization of special instruments they too have developed.

Mangyans - is the most well-known in the area, aside from having the largest population, the Philippines
perfected animalist and outdated chasing techniques.

Tumadok - people who were isolated from the Spanish rule, thus preserving their culture and beliefs. Known
as fierce warriors and brave people, the colonizers made little efforts to invade the group.