19th Century Philippines
THE 19TH CENTURY PHILIPPINE POLITICAL SYSTEM
- political system back then was centralized.
- those in top priority are the only closest to power
- those who stray are often forgotten and neglected.
Political System of the 19th Century Philippines
· Central Government
- King of Spain
- Viceroy of Mexico
- Governor General of the Philippines
· National Government
· Local Government
CENTRAL GOVERNMENT
1. Spanich Monarch- King or Queen.
- Holds highest civil and spiritual authority
- Considered the top patron or supporter of evangelism.
- King Phillip II, the Spanish king when PH was colonized in 1565 by Legazpi.
- Whom the PH was named after when he was still known as Prince Philip of Asturias by Villalobos.
- Carlos IV also ruled the PH during 19th century
- Queen Isabela declared the 1863 Educational Decree.
- Alfonso XIII the ruler during the beginning of the PH fight for the independence from Spain.
2. Royal and Supreme Council of the Indies- Priests or Clerics (usual heads of the council)
- Indies (appointed territorial administrators outside of Spain)
- Established in 1524 by King Carlos V
- Consisted of 6 – 10 royal councilor appointed by the monarch and served as the Court of Appeals for the colonies.
- Council’s main role was to formalize decisions and laws concerning Spain’s territories known as Law of the Indies.
- Lasted until 1834 when ir was abolished by Maria Christina, the regent and mother of Queen Elizabeth II
3. Viceroy of Nueva España. – appointed ruler of the Kingdom of Nueva España
- Encompassed spanish territories in north america, south america, asia, and oceania acting on behalf of the King
- Established on August 18, 1521
- Viceroyalty was headquartered in Mexico.
- Viceroy oversaw the PH from 1565 until mexico and other central american territories gained independence in 1821.
- Francisco Ceinos served as the viceroy during the PH colonization in 1565
4. Ministerio de Ultramar – or Ministry for Overseas Territories
- Was the department responsible for governing spain's remaining territories after mexico and other regions gained independence.
- Before its establishment, these territories fell under the ministry of the navy.
- MOT was dissolved and its authority revoked on april 20 1899.
- Don Antonio Maura, a significant figure for Filipinos, was a key minister in this department.
- He introduced the maura law, which paved the way for restructing local governance to be more independent and efficient.
NATIONAL GOVERNMENT - this was the direct administrator of the colonies.
Government officials that comprise National Government:
1. Captain General/ Governor-General
- The Captain General/Governor-General oversaw threats to colonization and the pacification of established colonies.
- The Captaincy General of the Philippines was part of the Viceroyalty of Mexico, known as the Spanish East Indies.
- The Spanish East Indies included the Philippine islands and the Carolinas (now Palau, Gilbert Islands, and Marshall Islands).
- Appointed by the King through the Viceroy and advised by the Royal and Supreme Council of the Indies.
- The Captain General had executive, legislative, judicial, and ecclesiastical powers.
- Noteworthy Governor-Generals include El Adelantado Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, Rafael Maria de Aguilar y Ponce de Leon, Carlos Maria de la Torre, Narciso Claveria y Zaldua, Rafael de Izquierdo, Fernando Primo de Rivera, Emilio Terrero, Eulogio Despujol, Ramon Blanco, Camilo Garcia de Polavieja, and Basilio Augustin.
2. The Archbishop/ Bishop of Manila
- The Archbishop/Bishop of Manila ruled the Roman Catholic Diocese of Manila, which later became the Archdiocese of Manila in 1595.
- The bishop or archbishop held the highest authority in the diocese, answering only to the Pope.
- During the conquest, bishops were also under the authority of the King who appointed them.
- The Bishop had significant political influence beyond spiritual authority, serving as Vice General of the colony.
- At times, the Bishop/Archbishop had greater political influence than the Governor-General, as seen with Archbishop Bernardino Nozaleda y Villa overthrowing Governor-General Ramon Blanco.
- Notable instances of Bishops/Archbishops becoming acting Governor-General include Archbishop Francisco de la Cuesta, Bishop Miguel Lino de Ezpeleta, and Archbishop Manuel Rojo del Rio.
3. The Cabo Segundo
- The Cabo Segundo position was established in 1762 after Archbishop Manuel de Rojo del Rio surrendered Manila to the British Invaders.
- Simon de Anda y Salazar was later given the title Lieutenant Governor of Manila.
- The Cabo Segundo automatically assumed the Governor General position in case of the Governor’s death to avoid controversy.
4. The Intendant General
- Established in 1583
- The Intendant General office was established during the Bourbon Dynasty’s rule in Spain, following the Bourbon Reforms.
- Appointed directly by the King or Queen, the Intendant General’s main responsibility was to supervise the activities of officials.
5. The Real Audiencia de Manila.
- The Supreme Court of the colony also acted as an adviser to the Captain General.
- Initially, the Real Audiencia consisted of 4 Huwes kun Oidores, 1 Attorney-General or Fiscal, and 1 Constable.
- They served as defenders of the accused, protectors of the naturales or indigentia, and other officials.
- Over time, the number of Oidores and the fiscal system increased.
- The Audiencia temporarily took over the government in case of the governor or mayor's death until a replacement was found.
- The Governor-General was considered the highest judge.
- Officials from the Real Audiencia, like Cristobal Tellez de Almanza and Simon de Anda, also became Governor General.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
1. Provincia/ Alcaldia.
- Ruled by the Provincia Mayor or Alcalde Mayor, this was the political territory during peaceful times.
- The Provincia or Alcalde Mayor held executive and judiciary powers within the province.
- They also served as tax collectors and were granted "indulto para komersyo" until the mid-19th century.
2. Suffragan Dioceses
- These dioceses were established to assist the Archdiocese, like the Dioceses of Nueva Caceres, Nueva Segovia, and Cebu, alongside the Archdiocese of Manila.
- The bishops of these dioceses also wielded political influence.
3. Corregimiento
- These were provincial districts before colonization and during times of potential conflict.
- Ruled by the Corregidor, who acted as the administrator and judge under the Alcalde Mayor in these districts.
4. Junta Provincial
– The provincial council assisted the alcalde mayor as a public prosecutor and financial adviser.
5. Gobernadorcillo
– The city administrator position initially restricted to married principalia men, but opened to elections from 1768.
6. Captain Municipal
– Replaced the gobernadorcillo under the Maura Law with expanded authority to build infrastructure independently.
– Elected by a majority vote from a group of 13 voters comprising cabeza de barangay and former and current gobernadorcillo.
– Tasks included assisting the Provincia Mayor and Kura Paroko, advising and suspending officials, tax collection, and serving as the municipal tribunal ruler.
7. Tribunal Municipal
- Consisted of the captain municipal and assistants: Lieutenant Mayor, Teniente de Policia, Teniente de Sementeras, and Teniente de Ganados.
8. Alcaldes Ordinarios
– Included Alcalde de Primer Voto (Mayor) and Alcalde de Segundo Voto (Vice-Mayor), serving as judges and administrators of the Ayuntamiento or Cabildo (City Council).
9. Cabeza de Barangay
– Administrators of barangays, each comprising 40-50 families, responsible for tribute collection.
– Initially held by principalia members, later elective from 1786.
– Selected by gobernadorcillo and some cabezas, then appointed by the Governor General.
– After a 3-year term, eligible for Captain Municipal position.
These were the political officials comprised of 19th century Philippines. They imitated the Romans’ way of governing vast empires such as the establishment of viceroyalties and captaincies general.
THE 19TH CENTURY PHILIPPINE POLITICAL SYSTEM
- political system back then was centralized.
- those in top priority are the only closest to power
- those who stray are often forgotten and neglected.
Political System of the 19th Century Philippines
· Central Government
- King of Spain
- Viceroy of Mexico
- Governor General of the Philippines
· National Government
· Local Government
CENTRAL GOVERNMENT
1. Spanich Monarch- King or Queen.
- Holds highest civil and spiritual authority
- Considered the top patron or supporter of evangelism.
- King Phillip II, the Spanish king when PH was colonized in 1565 by Legazpi.
- Whom the PH was named after when he was still known as Prince Philip of Asturias by Villalobos.
- Carlos IV also ruled the PH during 19th century
- Queen Isabela declared the 1863 Educational Decree.
- Alfonso XIII the ruler during the beginning of the PH fight for the independence from Spain.
2. Royal and Supreme Council of the Indies- Priests or Clerics (usual heads of the council)
- Indies (appointed territorial administrators outside of Spain)
- Established in 1524 by King Carlos V
- Consisted of 6 – 10 royal councilor appointed by the monarch and served as the Court of Appeals for the colonies.
- Council’s main role was to formalize decisions and laws concerning Spain’s territories known as Law of the Indies.
- Lasted until 1834 when ir was abolished by Maria Christina, the regent and mother of Queen Elizabeth II
3. Viceroy of Nueva España. – appointed ruler of the Kingdom of Nueva España
- Encompassed spanish territories in north america, south america, asia, and oceania acting on behalf of the King
- Established on August 18, 1521
- Viceroyalty was headquartered in Mexico.
- Viceroy oversaw the PH from 1565 until mexico and other central american territories gained independence in 1821.
- Francisco Ceinos served as the viceroy during the PH colonization in 1565
4. Ministerio de Ultramar – or Ministry for Overseas Territories
- Was the department responsible for governing spain's remaining territories after mexico and other regions gained independence.
- Before its establishment, these territories fell under the ministry of the navy.
- MOT was dissolved and its authority revoked on april 20 1899.
- Don Antonio Maura, a significant figure for Filipinos, was a key minister in this department.
- He introduced the maura law, which paved the way for restructing local governance to be more independent and efficient.
NATIONAL GOVERNMENT - this was the direct administrator of the colonies.
Government officials that comprise National Government:
1. Captain General/ Governor-General
- The Captain General/Governor-General oversaw threats to colonization and the pacification of established colonies.
- The Captaincy General of the Philippines was part of the Viceroyalty of Mexico, known as the Spanish East Indies.
- The Spanish East Indies included the Philippine islands and the Carolinas (now Palau, Gilbert Islands, and Marshall Islands).
- Appointed by the King through the Viceroy and advised by the Royal and Supreme Council of the Indies.
- The Captain General had executive, legislative, judicial, and ecclesiastical powers.
- Noteworthy Governor-Generals include El Adelantado Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, Rafael Maria de Aguilar y Ponce de Leon, Carlos Maria de la Torre, Narciso Claveria y Zaldua, Rafael de Izquierdo, Fernando Primo de Rivera, Emilio Terrero, Eulogio Despujol, Ramon Blanco, Camilo Garcia de Polavieja, and Basilio Augustin.
2. The Archbishop/ Bishop of Manila
- The Archbishop/Bishop of Manila ruled the Roman Catholic Diocese of Manila, which later became the Archdiocese of Manila in 1595.
- The bishop or archbishop held the highest authority in the diocese, answering only to the Pope.
- During the conquest, bishops were also under the authority of the King who appointed them.
- The Bishop had significant political influence beyond spiritual authority, serving as Vice General of the colony.
- At times, the Bishop/Archbishop had greater political influence than the Governor-General, as seen with Archbishop Bernardino Nozaleda y Villa overthrowing Governor-General Ramon Blanco.
- Notable instances of Bishops/Archbishops becoming acting Governor-General include Archbishop Francisco de la Cuesta, Bishop Miguel Lino de Ezpeleta, and Archbishop Manuel Rojo del Rio.
3. The Cabo Segundo
- The Cabo Segundo position was established in 1762 after Archbishop Manuel de Rojo del Rio surrendered Manila to the British Invaders.
- Simon de Anda y Salazar was later given the title Lieutenant Governor of Manila.
- The Cabo Segundo automatically assumed the Governor General position in case of the Governor’s death to avoid controversy.
4. The Intendant General
- Established in 1583
- The Intendant General office was established during the Bourbon Dynasty’s rule in Spain, following the Bourbon Reforms.
- Appointed directly by the King or Queen, the Intendant General’s main responsibility was to supervise the activities of officials.
5. The Real Audiencia de Manila.
- The Supreme Court of the colony also acted as an adviser to the Captain General.
- Initially, the Real Audiencia consisted of 4 Huwes kun Oidores, 1 Attorney-General or Fiscal, and 1 Constable.
- They served as defenders of the accused, protectors of the naturales or indigentia, and other officials.
- Over time, the number of Oidores and the fiscal system increased.
- The Audiencia temporarily took over the government in case of the governor or mayor's death until a replacement was found.
- The Governor-General was considered the highest judge.
- Officials from the Real Audiencia, like Cristobal Tellez de Almanza and Simon de Anda, also became Governor General.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
1. Provincia/ Alcaldia.
- Ruled by the Provincia Mayor or Alcalde Mayor, this was the political territory during peaceful times.
- The Provincia or Alcalde Mayor held executive and judiciary powers within the province.
- They also served as tax collectors and were granted "indulto para komersyo" until the mid-19th century.
2. Suffragan Dioceses
- These dioceses were established to assist the Archdiocese, like the Dioceses of Nueva Caceres, Nueva Segovia, and Cebu, alongside the Archdiocese of Manila.
- The bishops of these dioceses also wielded political influence.
3. Corregimiento
- These were provincial districts before colonization and during times of potential conflict.
- Ruled by the Corregidor, who acted as the administrator and judge under the Alcalde Mayor in these districts.
4. Junta Provincial
– The provincial council assisted the alcalde mayor as a public prosecutor and financial adviser.
5. Gobernadorcillo
– The city administrator position initially restricted to married principalia men, but opened to elections from 1768.
6. Captain Municipal
– Replaced the gobernadorcillo under the Maura Law with expanded authority to build infrastructure independently.
– Elected by a majority vote from a group of 13 voters comprising cabeza de barangay and former and current gobernadorcillo.
– Tasks included assisting the Provincia Mayor and Kura Paroko, advising and suspending officials, tax collection, and serving as the municipal tribunal ruler.
7. Tribunal Municipal
- Consisted of the captain municipal and assistants: Lieutenant Mayor, Teniente de Policia, Teniente de Sementeras, and Teniente de Ganados.
8. Alcaldes Ordinarios
– Included Alcalde de Primer Voto (Mayor) and Alcalde de Segundo Voto (Vice-Mayor), serving as judges and administrators of the Ayuntamiento or Cabildo (City Council).
9. Cabeza de Barangay
– Administrators of barangays, each comprising 40-50 families, responsible for tribute collection.
– Initially held by principalia members, later elective from 1786.
– Selected by gobernadorcillo and some cabezas, then appointed by the Governor General.
– After a 3-year term, eligible for Captain Municipal position.
These were the political officials comprised of 19th century Philippines. They imitated the Romans’ way of governing vast empires such as the establishment of viceroyalties and captaincies general.
