Philippines History (Notes)

Political Instability in Spain
- The 19th century was marked by significant political turbulence following the death of Ferdinand VII.
- By 1830, all of Spain’s American colonies were now independent, with the exceptions of Cuba and Puerto Rico.
- Frequent rises and falls of ministries and constitutions contributed to a politically unstable environment.
- The civil war between King Charles I and Queen Isabel II notably affected Spain's colonies, including the Philippines.
- To combat political disunity, the Spanish crown instituted the Canovite system, also known as rotativism (Source: Maguigad et al, 2000).

Source: Jose Montero y Vidal, "Spanish Version of the Cavite Mutiny of 1872," as documented in Gregorio Zaide and Sonia Zaide's Documentary Sources of Philippine History, Volume 7 (Manila: National Book Store, 1990), pp. 269-273.
The mutiny was fueled by several factors:
- Removal of privileges for Cavite arsenal workers, particularly those exempt from paying taxes.
- Influence from the Spanish Revolution which led to the overthrow of a long-standing monarchy.
- Spread of anti-monarchical sentiments through newspapers, democratic and republican books, and pamphlets.
- Public speeches promoting liberal political ideas heavily influenced by American writers and publicists advocating for democracy.
- Policies enacted by a progressive governor in the Philippines who supported liberal ideas.

Sources:
- Jose Montero y Vidal, Spanish Version of the Cavite Mutiny of 1872, Zaide & Zaide, Vol. 7, pp. 269–273.
- Governor Rafael Izquierdo, Official Report on the Cavite Mutiny, Zaide & Zaide, Vol. 7, pp. 251–268.
- Edmund Plauchut, The Cavite Mutiny of 1872 and the Martyrdom of GOMBURZA, Zaide & Zaide, Vol. 7, pp. 251–268.
- Trinidad Pardo de Tavera, Filipino Version of the Cavite Mutiny, Zaide & Zaide, Vol. 7, pp. 271–280.

The mutiny was allegedly orchestrated by various groups including:
- Native clergy.
- Mestizos.
- Filipino lawyers (abogadillos).
Grievances of the conspirators consisted of:
- Unfair compensation for tobacco crops.
- General usury and exploitation.
- Loss of tax exemptions and forced labor privileges for Cavite workers.
Encouraged by liberal and anti-monarchical ideas and publications, with some clergy resenting the Spanish friars.

Authorities received anonymous warnings suggesting the possibility of a revolt in early 1872.
The rebellion was planned to coincide with the departure of the Cavite fleet to the South.
Rumors indicated potential violence against Spaniards and friars.
The conspiracy was reportedly developing since the tenure of Governor De la Torre.
Key meetings took place at the homes of:
- Joaquin Pardo de Tavera.
- Jacinto Zamora.
Key leadership included a curate from Bacoor.

The exact nature of the proposed government was ambiguous, whether a monarchy or republic.
Potential leadership was speculated to be held by Filipino priests: Father Jose Burgos or Father Jacinto Zamora.

Notable individuals implicated included:
- Joaquin Pardo de Tavera.
- Antonio Maria Regidor.
- Jose Basa.
- Pio Basa.
Consequences for those involved:
- Suspension from legal practices.
- Arrests.
- Life imprisonment.
- Exile to the Mariana Islands.
Military changes:
- Native artillery regiments were abolished and replaced with Peninsulares.

On February 17, 1872, priests Mariano Gomez, Jose Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora were executed.
The executions served as a warning to the Filipino population, aimed at deterring uprisings and instilling fear in the populace.

The mutiny was perceived as a protest from workers and soldiers rather than a bid for independence.
Objectives included local reforms, educational improvements, and enhancing living conditions rather than seeking outright independence from Spain.
Spaniards reportedly exaggerated the threats of the mutiny to justify subsequent repressions and executions.

Change in tariff rates and collection methods at customs.
Removal of surcharges on foreign importations.
Reduction of export fees.
Granting permission for foreigners to reside, acquire property, practice religion, and operate transport commercially.
Establishment of an advisory council for reforms directed to the Minister of Overseas Affairs in Madrid.
Revisions in primary and secondary education.
Establishment of an Institute of Civil Administration in the Philippines to mitigate dependency on short-term officials from Spain.
Consideration of a direct-tax system.
Abolition of the tobacco monopoly.

The voyage is chronicled by Antonio Pigafetta, a 16th-century Italian nobleman who accompanied Ferdinand Magellan during his circumnavigation of the globe.
Pigafetta was a cartographer and geographer, appointed by the King of Spain to record Magellan’s journey to the Spice Islands.
Five ships were granted to Magellan by the King of Spain:
- Trinidad
- San Antonio
- Concepción
- Victoria
- Santiago
Magellan sailed on Trinidad, but only Victoria successfully completed the journey.
After Magellan's death, Juan Sebastian Elcano took command and led the remaining crew back to Spain.

The fleet reached the Ladrones Islands, described by Pigafetta as the "Islands of the Thieves" due to the locals' behaviors.
- Pigafetta notes: "These people have no arms but instead use sticks, with a fishbone at the end."
Following the Ladrones Islands, they approached an island Pigafetta called Isle of Zamal (modern-day Samar), but Magellan opted for another uninhabited island to stop for security.
The fleet settled on Humunu (Homonhon) where they observed an abundance of gold, dubbing it the “Watering Place of Good Signs.”
They later named another nearby island the archipelago of St. Lazarus.
On March 25, they encountered two balanghai (balangay) and were welcomed by local leaders, exchanging gifts.
Pigafetta detailed interactions with Raja Calabo and the king of Cebu, Raja Humabon who ultimately converted to Christianity on April 14.
The narrative continues with the tragic end of Magellan in the Battle of Mactan—the expedition's first military engagement—after a trade request from Zula to help against Silapulapu.
Post-incident, Duarte Barbosa assumed leadership of the remaining crew.

This chronicle is one of the most referenced sources regarding pre-colonial Philippine history.
Regarded for its credibility, it presents a view of a perceived "pure" pre-colonial society.
Pigafetta approached the account with a 16th-century European perspective, viewing Filipino belief systems as inferior to Christianity.
He juxtaposed the natives’ lifestyles with the natural abundance of gold on the islands, while commenting on their unfamiliarity with European technologies and trade.