READINGS IN

PHILIPPINE HISTORY
CHAPTER 2:
CONTENT AND CONTEXTUAL ANALYSIS OF SELECTED
PRIMARY SOURCES IN PHILIPPINE HISTORY
Learning Objectives:
• To familiarize oneself with the primary documents in different
historical periods of the Philippines.

• To learn history through primary sources.

• To properly interpret primary sources through examining the

content and context of the document.

• To understand the context behind each selected document.

I. A Brief
Summary of the
First Voyage
Around the
World by
Magellan by
Antonio Pigafetta
The Portuguese navigator
Ferdinand Magellan…
• …led the first voyage around the
world, beginning in 1519. Sailing
southward along the coast of South
America, Magellan discovered the
strait that today bears his name
became the first European to enter
the Pacific Ocean from the east.
• Magellan died while exploring the
Philippines, but his ships continued
west to complete the
circumnavigation of the globe.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=ylwiOLab5AA
First Voyage Around the
World by Antonio Pigafetta
• This book was taken from the chronicles of
contemporary voyagers and navigators of the
16th century
• Pigafetta was an Italian nobleman
accompanied Ferdinand Magellan in his
fateful circumnavigation of the world.
• Pigafetta’s account was also a major referent
to the events leading to Magellan’s arrival in
the Philippines, his encounter with local
leaders, his death in the hands of Lapulapu’s
forces in the Battle of Mactan, and in the
departure of what was left of Magellan’s fleet
from the islands.
 • The chronicle of Pigafetta was one of the most cited documents by
historians who wished to study the precolonial Philippines.
• Pigafetta was seen as a credible source for a period, which was prior
unchronicled society.
• A student of history should recognize certain biases accompanying
the author and his identity, loyalties, and the circumstances that
Pigafetta was in; and how it affected the text that he produced.
Analysis of • In reading his account of the people, one has to keep in mind that he
Pigafetta’s was coming from a sixteenth century European perspective,
whether implicitly or explicitly, regarded the indigenous belief
systems and way of life as inferior to that of Christianity and of the
Chronicle Europeans.
• He would always remark on the nakedness of the natives or how he
was fascinated by their exotic culture.
• Pigafetta also noticeably emphasized the natives’ amazement and
illiteracy to the European artillery, merchandise, and other goods, in
the same way that Pigafetta repeatedly mentioned the abundance of
spices like ginger and of precious metals like gold.
• Pigafetta’s perspective was too narrow to realize that such
attire was only appropriate to the tropical climate of the
islands.
• The same was true for materials that the natives used for
their houses like palm and bamboo. These materials would
let more air come through the house and compensate for the
hot climate in the islands.
• It should be understood that such observations were rooted
from the context of Pigafetta and of his era.
• Belief systems different from that of Christianity were
perceived to be blasphemous and barbaric, even demonic.
• The obsession with spices might be odd for Filipinos
because of its ordinariness in the Philippines, but,
understanding the context would reveal that spices were
scarce in Europe and hence were seen as prestige goods.
II. The KKK and
the “Kartilya ng
Katipunan”
The Kataastaasan, Kagalanggalangan Katipunan ng mga Anak
ng Bayan (KKK) or Katipunan is ostensibly the most
imperative association that shaped Philippine history.
Vision of the KKK
• A united Filipino nation that would
revolt against the Spaniards for the
total independence ofå the country
from Spain.
• The total independence of the
country from Spain because
previous armed revolts had already
occurred before foundation of the
Katipunan, but none of them
envisioned a unified Filipino nation
revolting against colonizers.
• The Katipunan patterned its initiation rites
after the Freemasonry, which Bonifacio was a
Freemason.
• The organization had its own structure, law
system and system of government.
• Symbols, crypto logic languages, clandestine
rituals marked the Katipunan’s operations.
• From the society’s inception, Bonifacio was
one of the Chief Officers and in 1895, he
became the Presidente Supremo.
• One of the most important Katipunan documents was the Kartilya ng Katipunan.
• Despite his youth, Bonifacio recognized the value and intellect of Jacinto that upon seeing that
Jacinto’s Kartilya was much better than the Decalogue he wrote, he willingly favored that the
Kartilya be distributed to their fellow Katipuneros.
• Jacinto became the secretary of the organization and took charge of the short-lived printing
press of the Katipunan.
• The original title of the document was “Manga Aral Nang Katipunan.” The document was
written by Emilio Jacinto in the 1896.
• Jacinto was only 18 years old when he joined the movement. He was a law student at the
Universidad de Santo Tomas.
• The Kartilya was longer, more literary and philosophical.
• It presented its concept of virtuous living as lessons for self reflection, rather than as direct
prescriptions.
• It asserted that it was the internal, not the external qualifications that make human greatness.
In the third statement, Jacinto defined true piety (kabanalan) as charity, love for one another,
and actions, deeds and speech guided by judicious reasons (“talagang katuiran”, literally, true
reason).
• Written more than a hundred years ago at a time when the idea of nationhood was still a
dream, the Kartilya reflected a vision, “bright sun of freedom in the islands, spreading its
light upon brothers and a race united.”
• The Kartilya can be better appreciated in its original Tagalog form because its essence was
expressed using Tagalog syntax. It should also be appreciated within the context of the social
and political environment of that colonial era, amid local traditions, spiritual beliefs, family
concepts and ethnic diversity.
 1. The content and provisions of the Kartlya as a reaction
and response to certain value systems that they found
despicable in the present state of things that they
struggled againts with.
2. The valued upheld in the document as consistent with
the burgeoning rational and liberal ideals in the 18th
and 19th century. Equality, tolerance, freedom, and
liberty were values that first emerged in the 18th

Analysis of the century French Revolution, which spread throughout

Europe and reached the educated class of the colonies.

“Kartilya ng 3. Various provisions in the Kartilya repeatedly

emphasized the importance of honor in words and in
action.
Katipunan” 4. The teaching of the Katipunan on how women should
be treated with honor and respect, while positive in
many aspects and certainly a significant stride from
the practice of raping and physicaly abusing women,
can still be telling of the Katipunan’s secondary regard
for women in relation to men.
5. The Kartilya can be classified as either directed to how
one should treat his neighbor or to how one should
develop and conduct one’s self.
 III. Reading the “Proclamation
of the Philippine Independence
• Independence was declared on June 12, 1898
around four and five in the evening in
Cavite at the ancestral home of General
Emilio Aguinaldo somewhere in the range
of 30 kilometers South of Manila.
• The occasion saw the spreading out of the
National Flag of the Philippines, made in
Hong Kong by Marcela Agoncillo, Lorenza
Agoncillo, and Delfina Herboza, and the
execution of the Marcha Filipina Magdalo, as
the national song of praise, now known as
Lupang Hinirang, which was formed by
Julián Felipe and played by the San
Francisco de Malabon marching band.
• The statement introduced with a portrayals of the conditions in the
Philippines amid the Spanish frontier time frame. The report
particularly said misuse and disparities in the province. The
affirmation says:
• “...taking into consideration, that their inhabitants being already weary of
bearing the ominous yoke of Spanish domination, on account of the arbitrary
arrests and harsh treatment practiced by the Civil Guard to the extent of
causing death with the connivance and even with the express orders of their
commanders, who sometimes went to the extreme of ordering the shooting of
prisoners under the pretext that they were attempting to escape, in violation of
the provisions of the Regulations of their Corps, which abuses were
unpunished and on account of the unjust deportations, especially those
decreed by General Blanco, of eminent personages and of high social position,
at the instigation of the of the Archbishop and friars interested in keeping
them out of the way for their own selfish and avaricious purpose, deportations
which are quickly brought about by a method of procedure more execrable than
that of the Inquisition and which every civilized nation rejects on account of a
decision being rendered without a hearing of the personal accused .”
• The above passage demonstrates the justifications behind the
revolution against Spain.
 The statement of the autonomy likewise summons that the built up republic would be driven under the oppression of Emilio Aguinaldo. The primary specify was at the absolute starting point of the statement. It stated:

• “In the town of Cavite Viejo, in this

province of Cavite, on the twelfth day of
June eighteen hundred and ninety-eight,
before me, Don Ambrosio Rainzares
Bautista, Auditor of war and Special
Commissioner appointed to proclaim and
solemnize this act by the Dictatorial
Government of these Philippine Islands, for
the purpose and by virtue of the circular
addressed by the Eminent Dictator of the
same Don Emilio Aguinaldo y Famy.”
“We acknowledge, approve and confirm together with the
orders that have been issued therefrom, the Dictatorship
established by Don Emilio Aguinaldo, whom we honor as
the Supreme Chief of this Nation, which this day
commences to have a life of its own, in the belief that he is
the instrument selected by God, in spite of his humble
origin, to effect the redemption of this unfortunate people,
as foretold by Doctor Jose Rizal in the magnificent verses
which he composed when he was preparing to be shot,
liberating them from the yoke of Spanish domination”
• And finally, it was unanimously resolved that this Nation, independent from this day,
must use the same flag used heretofore, whose design and colors and described in the
accompanying drawing, with design representing in natural colors the three arms
referred to. The white triangle represents the distinctive emblem of the famous Katipunan
Society, which by means of its compact of blood urged on the masses of the people to
insurrection; the three stars represent the three principal Islands of this Archipelago,
Luzon, Mindanao and Panay, in which this insurrectionary movement broke out; the sun
represents the gigantic strides that have been made by the sons of this land on the road of
progress and civilization, its eight rays symbolizing the eight provinces of Manila, Cavite,
Bulacan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Bataan, Laguna and Batangas, which were declared in
a state of war almost as soon as the first insurrectionary movement was initiated; and the
colors blue, red and white, commemorate those of the flag of the United States of North
America, in manifestation of our profound gratitude towards that Great Nation for the
disinterested protection she is extending to us and will continue to extend to us.
 • The document reflects the general revolutionary sentiment of
the that period.
• The abuses specifically mentioned in the proclamation such as
friar abuse, racial discrimination, and inequality before the law
reflect the most compelling sentiments represented by the
revolutionary leadership.
Analysis of the • However, no mention was made about the more serious
problem that affected the masses more profoundly (land and
“Proclamation agrarian crisis felt by the numerous Filipino peasants in the 19th
of the century)
• Teodoro Agoncillo stated that the Philippine revolution was an
Philippine agrarian revolution because the common revolutionary soldiers
fought valiantly for the hope of owning the ands that they were
Independence” tilling once the friar estates in different provinces like Batangas
and Laguna dissolved.
• Such aspects and realities of the revolutionary struggle were
unfamiliar to the middle class revolutionary leaders like
Aguinaldo, Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista and Felipe
Buencamino, or were intentionally left out because they were
landholders as well.
Mentioned past events such as the execution of the GOMBURZA and the
failed Cavite Mutiny of 1872 which shows a significant awakening of the
Filipinos in the real conditions of the nation under Spain.

However, the Katipuan as the pioneer of the revolutionary movement was

only mentioned once toward the end of the end of the document.

There was no mention of the Katipunan’s foundation. Bonifacio and his

co-founders were also left out.

Thus, the way of the historical narration found in the document also
reflects the politics f the victors.

The enmity between Aguinaldo’s Magdalo and Bonifacio’s Magdiwang in

the Katipunan is felt.
• Ergo, even official records and documents like the proclamation of independence, while truthful most of
the time, still exude the politics and biases of whoever is in power.
 IV. A Glance at Selected
Philippine Political
Caricature of the American
Era
Political Caricature/ Cartoon

• Modern art form that turned away from classical

art by exaggerating human features and
prodding fun at its subjects.
• It is also known as Editorial Cartoon that contain
a commentary that express the artist opinion
toward certain issues.
• This art became part of the print media as a form
of political and social commentary that usually
pin point the person’s power and authority. It is
a unique way to present ideas and capture the
audience or readers’ imagination.
• In Alfred McCoy’s book
Philippine Cartoons:
Political Caricature of the
American Era (1900- 1941),
with the help of Alfredo
Roces, they complied some
political cartoons that is
published in newspaper
dailies and periodical in
the aforementioned time
period.
• The example presents a politician
from Tondo, as shown above it is
Dr. Santos, passing his crown to
his brother-in-law, Dr. Barcelona.

• As you can see there is a Filipino

guy who is wearing a salakot and
barong tagalog who’s trying to
stop Santos.
• Drawn by Fernando Amorsolo and it
aimed as a commentary to the
workings of Manila Police at that
period.

• As can you see there is a Filipino child

who is running because he stole a
skinny chicken for he had nothing to
eat.

• The police officers was running after

him then suddenly a man wearing a
salakot and barong tagalog, labeled as
Juan de la Cruz was grabbing or
stopping the officer, it seems like it
was telling him to leave the small-
time pickpockets and thieves and to
turn at the great thieves instead, he
was also pointing at his back where in
a huge warehouses containing bulk of
rice, milk, and some grocery product.
• illustration of commentary
about the unprecedented
cases of colorum
automobiles in some city
street.

• This illustration shows

fatal accidents involving
colorum automobiles such
as taxis and jeepneys that
occurred too often
already.
• cinema scenario

• There is a rigid police

officer that was flashed at
the screen who was
saying that couples are
not allowed to neck, make
love and do something
funny inside the cinema
but seemed the older
couple were amused and
the youngster couple
were horrified.
• exemplifying the caricature of
Uncle Sam who was riding a
chariot that was pulled by
Filipinos who’s wearing school
uniforms.

• As you can see in the illustration

the Filipino Boy who was
wearing school uniform is also
carrying American objects such
as baseball bats, whiskey, and
boxing gloves.

• According to McCoy’s caption to

the said cartoon, stated that this
cartoon was based on an event
where in William Howard Taft
was conveyed to manila pier
riding a chariot who was pulled
by Liceo de Manila’s students in
1907. It was condemned by the
Nationalist at that time.
• showing Uncle Sam
rationing Porridge to the
politicians and members
of the Progresista Party
also known as Federalista
Party while on the other
side was the Nacionalista
Party member who were
waiting and look on for
their turn.

• This cartoon portrays the

patronage of the United
States being coveted by
politician from either of
the party.
Analysis of the Political Caricatures during the
American Period

McCoy’s and Roces Book show the transition from the Spanish Colonial period to the
American Occupation period, it also demonstrated the different strands of changes and
shift in Philippine culture, society, and politics.
The Americans drastically introduced democracy to the nascent nations and the
consequences were far from ideal.

It was also during the American period that Filipinos were introduced to different
manifestation of modernity like healthcare, modern transportation, and media which
ushered a more open and freer press.
The post-independence and the post- Filipino-American period in the Philippines were
experienced differently by Filipinos coming from different classes.
Analysis of the Political
Caricatures during the
American Period contd.
• The upper principalia class
experienced economic prosperity
with the opening of the Philippine
economy to the United States but the
majority of the poor Filipino
remained poor, desperate and
victims of repression.
Analysis of the Political Caricatures during the American Period contd.

The selected cartoons illustrate not only the opinion of

certain media outfits about the Philippine society
during the American period but also pain a broad
image of society and politics under the United States.
In the arena of politics, we see the price that Filipinos
paid for the democracy modeled after the Americans.
• Firstly, it seemed that the
Filipino politicians at that
time did not understand
well enough the essence of
democracy and the
accompanying democratic
institutions and processes.

• This can be seen in the rising

dynastic politics in Tondo as
depicted in the cartoon
published in The
Independent.
.

• Secondly, Patronage also

became influential and powerful,
not only between clients and
patrons but also between the
newly-formed political parties
composed of the elite and the
United States.

• Dole-outs from US while politicians

from different parties looked and
waited for their turns.

• Thus, the essence of competing

political parties to enforce
choices among the voters were
cancelled out.

• The problem continues up to the

present where politicians
transfer from one party to
another depending on which
party was powerful in specific
periods of time.
• Thirdly, the transition from
a Catholic-centered, Spanish-
Filipino society to an
imperial American –
assimilated one, and its
complications, were also
depicted in the cartoons –
the unprecedented increase
in motorized vehicles.

• This is a direct consequence

of the drastic urbanization of
the Philippine society.
• Fourthly, McCoy called the
1930s Philippines as the
sexual revolution that
occurred.

• Young people as early as

that period, disturbed the
conservative Filipino
mindset by engaging in
daring sexual activities in
public spaces like cinemas.

• We can see how that period

was the meeting point
between the conservative
past and the liberated future
of the Philippines.
• Lastly, the cartoons also illustrated the conditions
of poor Filipinos in the Philippines now governed
by the United States.

• Seems like nothing has changed but, the cartoons

show how police authorities oppress petty
Filipino criminals while turning a blind eye on
hoarders who monopolize good in their
warehouses (presumably Chinese merchants.)

• The other cartoon depicts how Americans

controlled Filipinos through seemingly harmless
American objects.

• By controlling their consciousness and mentality,

Americans got to control and subjugated the
Filipinos.
V. Revisiting Corazon Aquino’s Speech Before the U.S. Congress

1. SNAP ELECTIONS 1986

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQn_Xmbvrrc
2. PEOPLE POWER EDSA REVOLUTION 1986

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdcuiX0ytPo

3. CORY’S SPEECH IN THE US CONGRESS

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bavnuT4RlU
What happened before?

• Corazon “Cory” Cojuanco Aquino functioned as the symbol of the restoration of democracy and the
overthrow of the Marcos Dictatorship in 1986.
• The EDSA People Power, which installed Cory Aquino in the presidency, through peaceful means.
• Cory was easily a figure of the said revolution, as the widow of the slain Marcos oppositionist and
former Senator Benigno “Ninoy”Aquino, Jr.
• Cory was hoisted as the antithesis of the dictator.
• Her image as a mourning, widowed housewife who had always been in the shadow of her husband
and relatives and had no experience in politics was juxtaposed against Marcos statesmanship,
eloquence, charisma, and cunning political skills.
• Nevertheless, Cory was able to capture the imagination of the people whose rights and freedom had
long been compromised throughout the Marcos regime.
Analysis of Cory Aquino’s Speech
• The speech was an important event in the political and diplomatic history of the country because it has
arguably cemented the legitimacy of the EDSA government in the international arena.
• The speech talks of her family background, especially with her late husband.
• Cory talked about Ninoy’s toil and suffering at the hands of the dictatorship that that he resisted.
• The ideology or the principles of the new democratic government can also be seen in the same speech.
• Cory was able to draw the sharp contrast between her government and of her predecessor by expressing
her commitment to a democratic constitution drafted by an independent commission.
• She claimed that such constitution upholds and adheres to the rights and liberty of the Filipino people.
• Cory saw the blown-up communist insurgency as a product of a repressive and corrupt government.
• Marcos and Aquino government is parallel in the sense that they both adhered to continue with the
alliance with the United States.
• She also expressed her intention to pay the debts incurred during the Marcos Disctatorship.
Sources:
• Candelaria, John Lee & Alphora, Veronica. Readings in
Philippine History. Rex Bookstore. Manila, Philippines
• Documentary Sources of Philippine History, Zaide vol. 11,7
& 8 1990
• CHED Readings in Philippine History Syllabus
• https://www.lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra1988/
ra_6657_1988.html
• Photo Source: https://www.google.com/search?