Secularization & Cavite Mutiny

Secularization Movement

A campaign for the recognition of the rights of Filipino priests to administer their own parishes, and be appointed to high offices in the Church organization

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Two Kinds of Priests (1770)

The two classifications of priests introduced in 1770, consisting of Regular Priests and Secular Priests

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Regular Priests

Spanish nationals educated and trained in Spain who belonged to religious orders (Augustinians, Franciscans, Recollects, Dominicans, and Jesuits)

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Secular Priests

Filipinos educated and trained in the Philippines who did not belong to any religious order

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Secularization

The appointment of Filipino priests (secular priests) to the parishes vacated by regular priests

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Nature of the Secularization Issue

An issue that began as a State-Church issue but later turned into a racial dispute

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Three Versions of the Cavite Mutiny of 1872

Historical perspectives on the mutiny authored by Jose Montero y Vidal, Dr. T.H. Pardo de Tavera, and Gov. Gen. Rafael De Izquierdo

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Jose Montero y Vidal's Argument

The argument that the Cavite Mutiny was a grand conspiracy

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Dr. T.H. Pardo de Tavera's Argument

The argument that the Cavite Mutiny was not a grand conspiracy but merely a labor issue

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Vidal's Account on Independence

The perspective that the Spanish revolution overthrowing a secular throne gave certain Filipinos the idea of attaining independence

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Influences on the Insurrection according to Vidal

Influences including the Spanish revolution, propaganda against monarchial principles, democratic and republican books and pamphlets, and speeches/preachings of new ideas

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Vidal's View on Native Clergy

The view that Filipinos sought independence with the powerful assistance of the native clergy

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Vidal's Account of Anonymous Communication

An anonymous communication predicting a great uprising involving the assassination of all Spaniards and friars

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Secret Meetings in Vidal's Account

Secret meetings held with utmost secrecy since the days of La Torre in the houses of D. Joaquin Pardo de Tavera, Jacinto Zamora, and D. Mariano Gomez

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Composition of Conspirators in Vidal's Account

A conspiracy that involved native soldiers as well as a multitude of civilians

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Instigators of Insurrection in Izquierdo's Account

Motivated and prepared by native clergy, mestizos, native lawyers, and abogadillos from Manila, Cavite, and nearby provinces

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Izquierdo's Criminal Project Inducement 1

Staged protests against government injustices regarding bandala, usury, polo, and tribute

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Izquierdo's Criminal Project Inducement 2

Seduced the native troops

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Izquierdo's Criminal Project Inducement 3

Offered wealth, employment, and rank

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Scope of Izquierdo's Uprising

Uprising rooted in infantry and artillery regiments, many civilians, mestizos, indios, and some ilustrados from the provinces

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Izquierdo's Account of Governance Plan

A plan to establish a monarchy or republic, placing priests at the head of government, specifically D. Jose Burgos or D. Jacinto Zamora

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Izquierdo's Account of Manila Junta

A junta in Manila that sought followers under the pretext of establishing a society for teaching arts and trades

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Inspirations of Mutiny Instigators according to Izquierdo

Influenced by advanced ideas from Madrid newspapers like El Eco Filipino and subscriptions

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Tavera's Cause of Dissatisfaction

Gov. Gen. Izquierdo's abolition of the exemption privileges from forced labor and tribute for arsenal workmen

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Spanish Government Policy according to Tavera

A policy of "Cross & Sword" which prohibited founding schools of arts and trades and targeted personas sospechosas

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Personas Sospechosas

Persons who refused to servilely obey the whims of Spanish authorities

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Tavera's View on the Mutiny's Historical Impact

An incident, though unimportant in itself, that became the origin of 30 years of political agitation culminating in the overthrow of Spanish sovereignty

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Tavera's View on Spanish Residents and Friars

The Cavite Mutiny was used as a powerful lever to maintain colonial modus vivendi by framing it as secession and a threat to Spanish sovereignty

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Tavera's Evaluation of Repressive Measures

Strict, sudden, unjust, and unnecessary punishments where no attempt was made to check if the innocent suffered with the guilty

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Tavera's View on Persecution Impact

Persecution served as a stimulus and educational force that nursed rebellion in secret and grew passive resistance

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Punishments in Tavera's Account

Persecuted and punished people without distinction by condemning them to death or life imprisonment to terrorize Filipinos