Module-10-Commonwealth-Period-2

Understand the events leading to the creation of the Commonwealth government in the Philippines.
Explore the purpose of establishing the Philippine Commonwealth.
Analyze the Moro reactions regarding Philippine independence.
Examine Quezon’s policies towards Mindanao and their impacts on Moros and Lumads.

Show documentary on Manuel L. Quezon.
Read Chapter 5 of Salah Jubair’s "Bangsamoro: A Nation Under Endless Tyranny" (pp. 98-111).
Explore "Evolution of the Maranao Bangsa in the Statements of Maranao Leaders, 1903-1935" from Langkit Vol. 2, No. 2.

The U.S. justified its colonization with a promise of benevolence, articulated in President McKinley’s Benevolent Assimilation Proclamation.
The U.S. claimed it would develop and educate Filipinos towards self-governance.
Philippine Bill of 1902: Promised eventual independence as soon as a stable government was established.
Filipinos initially hopeful, but disillusioned after over a decade without action.
Increased pressure from Filipino politicians resulted in the Jones Law of 1916, reiterating independence promises.
Two independence missions sent to the U.S. led by Osmeña/Roxas (1931) and Quezon (1933).
The Tydings-McDuffie Act was the result of Quezon’s successful lobbying.

Aimed to fulfill the American mandate of educating Filipinos for self-governance.
Intended as a transition period to prepare Filipinos for absolute independence (originally set for 1935-1945).
World War II delayed independence until 1946.

Varied responses among Moros regarding independence:
- Some favored independence with Christian Filipinos, influenced by political association and economic benefits.
- Others sought separate independence or lifelong American protection.
- Voices for unity, like Datu Auraya Dianalan, opposed divisive attitudes, emphasizing brotherhood among Filipinos.
Critics of the Commonwealth voiced concerns of discrimination, exemplified by the Dansalan Declaration.
Several Moro leaders expressed desires to remain under U.S. control due to perceived fairness compared to potential domination by Christians.

Quezon identified three priorities:
1. Economic development of Mindanao.
2. Strengthened national security in Mindanao.
3. Advancement and integration of the Moro population.
Economic motivations primarily aimed at exploiting Mindanao for the national economy, not necessarily for its indigenous populations.
Addressing perceived threats included encouraging Christian migration to Mindanao, worsening socio-political dynamics for Moros.
Quezon’s approach to integration ignored cultural sensitivities, promoting uniform laws that alienated Moros and Lumads.
Abolishment of traditional governance structures alienated native populations, complicating their social cohesion and identity.

The Commonwealth was initially intended to prepare Filipino leaders for independence but marginalized the Moros and Lumads politically.
Quezon’s policies tended towards a centralized government, often at the expense of recognizing diverse cultural traditions.
Understanding and including diverse stakeholder voices in governance could prevent historical grievances from escalating into conflict.