Midterms L2: Rizal's Context

Instability of the Colonial Administration

• Instability of Spanish politics marked the beginning of political chaos in Spain.

• This, of course, affected the Philippines since we were a colony of Spain.

• The frequent changes hampered political and economic development.

Corrupt Officials

Most colonial officials in the Philippines were either relatives or proteges of those already in power.

• Rafael de Izquierdo

• Jose Malcampo

• Primo de Rivera

• Valeriano Weyler

• Camilo de Polavieja

Rafael de Izquierdo

The person behind the unjust execution of GomBurZa.

Jose Malcampo

A good Moro fighter but a weak and inept administrator.

Primo De Rivera

Enriched himself by taking bribes.

Valeriano Weyler

Arrived in Manila poor, returned to Spain a millionaire.

Camilo de Polavieja

Good militarist but heartless governor. He ordered the execution of Jose Rizal.

Philippine Representation in the Spanish Cortes

The Philippines was granted representation in the Spanish Cortes. This was done in order to win support of the overseas colonies during the Napoleonic Invasion.

• 1810 – 1813 was the Philippines first period of representation.

Ventura de los Reyes

The first Philippine delegate. He took active part in the framing of the Cadiz Constitution

Denied Human Rights to Filipinos

Since the adoption of the Cadiz Constitution and other succeeding constitutions, the people of Spain enjoyed the following:

• Freedom of Speech

• Freedom of the Press

• Freedom of association

• And other human rights

Strangely, rights enjoyed by Spanish citizens were denied to the Filipinos. This inconsistency was lamented by Sinibaldo de Mas, a Spanish diplomat and economist.

No Equality Before the Law

The Spaniards, who introduced Christianity to the Philippines in the 16th century, taught that all men, regardless of color and race, are all children of God.

• In practice however, the Christian Spanish authorities did not implement this especially during the last decade of Spanish rule.

• They regarded the brown-skinned Filipinos as inferior, not their Christian brothers. They may be equal to God, but not before the law and in practice.

Maladministration of Justice

The courts of justice during this time were notoriously corrupt. Justice was costly, partial, and slow.

• To the Filipino masses, a litigations was a calamity.

• “Justice delayed is justice denied.”

Frailorcracy

Spanish political philosophy of union of the church and state.

• Controlled religious and educational life, and later acquired tremendous political power, influence, and riches.

Forced Labor

Known as the polo, this is the compulsory labor imposed on all adult males in the construction of churches, schools, hospitals; building and repair of bridges; building of ships; and other public works.

Haciendas Owned by Friars

The religious orders owned the best agricultural lands in the Philippines.

• The friar haciendas became hotbed of agrarian rebellion.

• The Filipino tenants saw the friars as usurpers of their land.

The Guardia Civil

One of the most hated symbol of Spanish tyranny.

• They became infamous for their rampant abuses such as maltreatment of innocents, looting livestock, and raping.