Philippine History and Constitutions Notes

Jose Rizal argued pre-colonial Philippine society was civilized with flourishing indigenous civilization.
Early thinkers viewed native institutions as inadequate due to lack of distinction between public and private interests.
River-based settlements shaped early Philippine society and political systems.
Settlements near river mouths (e.g., Manila) were strategic for controlling trade.
Communities required social organization through kinship ties for protection.
The Datu's legitimacy was based on ability to protect the community and win wars.
Precolonial state-government was called the barangay, with the Datu as law maker and implementer.
The Datu's power varied; some had absolute authority, others were leaders among peers.
Punishments and sanctions varied depending on the crime, often involving heavy fines.
The Datu maintained the port, provided safety, and collected harbor fees.

The Philippines became a crown colony of Spain under Miguel Lopez de Legazpi in 1565.
Ruled through Mexico until 1821, under the Council of Indies.
Las Leyes de Indias (Laws of the Indies) were implemented.
In 1821, Spain directly ruled the Philippines after Mexico's independence.
In 1834, the Philippines was opened to world trade.
Revolts arose against oppression, maladministration, and injustice.

Cavite Mutiny (1872) led to the execution of Gomburza, pushing forward the Propaganda Movement.
The Propaganda Movement was a reform movement by the Filipino middle class ("Ilustrados") in Europe.
Jose Rizal's novel, Noli Me Tangere, was instrumental in launching the Philippine Revolution.
Rizal established Liga Filipina in 1892; after his arrest, it dissolved, leading to the Katipunan.

In August 1896, Andres Bonifacio started the Philippine Revolution for separation from Spain.
Tejeros Convention (1897) was the first presidential election, limited to Katipunan members.
Emilio Aguinaldo declared the Biak-na-Bato Republic on November 1, 1897.
The Biak-na-Bato Constitution was based on the Cuban constitution, aiming for a centralized government.
A truce and exile in Hong Kong occurred, sparking debate among historians regarding its intent and impact.

Historians have differing views on the Pact of Biak-na-Bato, some seeing it as strategic, others as opportunistic.
Nationalist historians viewed it negatively, seeing a betrayal by middle-class leaders.
Nick Joaquin focused on Aguinaldo's awareness of his intellectual deficiencies, leading him to defer decisions.
Officers of the Supreme Council of Biak-na-Bato included Emilio Aguinaldo, Mariano Trias, and others.

The U.S. and Spain did not recognize the legitimacy of Filipino revolutionaries' declaration of independence.
The U.S. purchased the Philippines from Spain for $20 million$ in December 1898.
Framers of the Malolos Constitution favored a republican government, drawing from European and South American constitutions.
It included a Bill of Rights, secularism, and a unicameral legislature, reflecting aspirations shaped by colonial oppression.
The right to vote was limited to men of high social standing and education.
Debate occurred over executive vs. legislative power; Mabini advocated for a strong president, but his proposals were rejected.

Americans emphasized limiting authority and dividing power when designing a political system.
A western-centric developmental approach was applied through commissions modernizing the political system.

Municipal elections began in 1901, followed by elections for provincial governors in 1902.
The Philippine Bill of 1902 legalized a bicameral legislature.
The electoral system gave rise to political bailiwicks and patronage networks.
Candidates relied on kinship networks and party affiliation for political support.
American officials acted as patrons, helping favored candidates.
The Philippine Assembly played a vital role in political socialization and nation-building, shaping a national elite.

In 1912, the Democrats' victory in the U.S. elections led to the expansion of Filipino political power.
The Jones Law (1916) aimed to give Filipinos more control over domestic affairs.
In the 1935 elections, Manuel Quezon rose to power, capitalizing on fear sparked by a revolt.
Quezon used heavy-handed tactics to ensure obedience, employing a "carrot and stick" approach.
He ensured loyalty of the Commonwealth Army and maintained patronage with local officials.

Aimed to break up landed estates, introduce social welfare measures, expand workers' rights, and create a resettlement program.

Written in 1934 and adopted by the Commonwealth of the Philippines (1935–1946).
Aimed to address the needs of the Filipino people and ensure U.S. commitment to independence.
Initially, established a unicameral National Assembly and a six-year presidential term.
Amended in 1940 to create a bicameral Congress and a four-year presidential term.

Japanese launched a surprise air raid in 1941, leading to their occupation of the Philippines.
In 1943, the Japanese granted independence and established the Second Republic.
The 1943 Constitution was drafted by the Preparatory Committee.
José P. Laurel was appointed president in 1943.

The Second Republic and collaboration with the Japanese generated controversy.
Some sought to bolster anti-colonial nationalism, while Laurel aimed to prevent abuses and open anti-imperialist sentiments.

Postwar Philippine presidents inherited a weak state recovering from WWII.
The U.S. had significant influence, with success dependent on patronage and containing Communism.

Roxas faced rebuilding the economy and U.S. pressure to ratify the Bell Trade Act of 1946.

Quirino inherited an economy in crisis and growing unrest, leading to the Huk uprising.