Political Caricature and Filipino Grievances Against Governor Wood Study Notes
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PHILIPPINE CARTOONS:
POLITICAL CARICATURE DURING THE AMERICAN ERA
WEEK 6 GROUP 2
Canva
Definition of Caricature
Etymology: The word "Caricature" comes from the Italian words "Carico" and "Caricare" which means ‘to load’ or to exaggerate.
What is Caricature?
A caricature is defined as:
A picture, description, or imitation of a person in which certain striking characteristics are exaggerated to create a comic or grotesque effect.
Examples of Political Caricature
Sources include:
Appreciation Post for Old Editorial Cartoons: r/Philippines
Cartoons and Philippine Politics (@renanortizmonochrome) on Facebook
Author’s Background: Alfred W. McCoy
Name: Alfred W. McCoy
Age: 81
Birthdate: June 8, 1945
Birthplace: Massachusetts, U.S.A
Occupation: Educator (Harrington Professor of History) at the University of Wisconsin - Madison
Citizenship: American
Known for: Political Caricatures of the American Era
Image source: Professor Alfred McCoy Publishes Opinion Piece on Drug Prohibition – Department of History – UW
Author’s Background: Alfredo Reyes-Roces
Name: Alfredo Reyes-Roces
Age: 93
Birthdate: April 29, 1932
Birthplace: Sta. Cruz, Manila
Occupation: Artist (painter, photographer, potter), writer, editor, and columnist.
Citizenship: Moved to Australia in 1977.
Known for: Authored books on major artists such as:
Amorsolo (1975)
Sanso (1976)
Legaspi: The Making of a National Artist (1993)
Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo and the Generation of 1872 (1998)
Kiukok: Deconstructing Despair (2000)
Image source: Alfredo Roces: Man of Arts and Letters (Second of Two Parts) - Artes De Las Filipinas
Author’s Background: Alfredo Roces
Alfredo Roces is a scion of a prominent publishing clan owning T-V-T, Manila Times, and Daily Mirror newspaper chains.
A bon vivant and renaissance man, dabbling in writing, illustrating, photography, and advertising.
Co-founder of the Saturday Group, a collective of artists holding regular coffee shop gatherings.
Image source: Alfredo Roces: Man of Arts and Letters (Second of Two Parts) - Artes De Las Filipinas
Recent News on Alfredo Roces
Recently auctioned his collection of Philippine art with his wife, Irene Pineda Roces.
Titled “Alfredo and Irene Roces: A Collection of 85 Years of Philippine Art,” held in Makati City in March 2025.
Image source: Alfredo Roces: Man of Arts and Letters (Second of Two Parts) - Artes De Las Filipinas
Philippine Cartoons: Political Caricature during the American Era
A modern art form that diverged from classical art, characterized by exaggeration of human features and satirical subject matter.
Also known as Editorial Cartoon, expressing artist opinions on specific issues.
It became part of print media offering political and social commentary, pinpointing power and authority.
Serves as a unique medium to present ideas and capture audience or readers’ imagination.
Compilation Book Details
Title: Philippine Cartoons: Political Caricature during the American Era
A book by Alfred McCoy and Alfred Roces.
Contains some political cartoons published in newspapers showcasing the transition from the Spanish colonial period to the American Occupation Period.
Demonstrates various strands of changes and shifts in Philippine culture, society, and politics.
Awards and Recognition
Philippine National Book Award for History (1986)
Philippine Catholic Mass Award for Best Book of the Year (1985)
Gintong Aklat Award (MANILA) Special Citation for History (1987)
Image source: Book Development Association of the Philippines recognizes 20th Gintong Aklat winners at the 44th
Image source: Trese: Trese 4 wins 2011 National Book Award
Image source: Catholic mass media awards | Makati
Historical Background of Political Caricature during the American Era (Editorial Cartoons)
During the American era, Philippine political cartoons fully expressed Filipino artists' national attitudes toward the American influence and societal changes during that critical period.
The 377 cartoons compiled illustrate sentiments and thoughts while historian Alfred McCoy's comprehensive research provides a broader context of the era's challenges.
Content and Presentation Analysis
Characters are usually depicted in a manner where "good sides" are shown with normal features, while the "bad sides" are caricatured as emaciated, laughing, or animal-like.
For example, the cartoons like “Is the Police Force Bribed?” illustrate not only the artists' opinions but also capture the overarching condition of the Philippines.
Cultural and Political Changes
The transition from Spanish Colonial rule to American Occupation introduced drastic changes in culture, society, and politics.
The introduction of democratic principles to a populace lacking proper orientation resulted in adverse outcomes and initiated press freedom in the Philippines.
The wealthy remained affluent and powerful, whereas the poor continued to face poverty and repression.
Historical Information on Political Cartoons
Image #1
Depicts the initial police scandals during the American Era created by Fernando Amorsolo who often caricatured Chinese men as corruptors.
Image #2
Caption “New Bird of Prey” reflects the famous libel case that resulted from an editorial attacking a high-ranking official, leading to the paper's closure.
Image #3
Urges government confiscation of large priest's residence while common people are congested in public squares.
Image #4
Concept of the “Mosquito Brigade”: An initiative tackling public health risks with respect to mosquitoes.
Image #5
Mocking the authorization of officials bearing firearms led to outrage from the Manila Press.
Image #6
The Free Press criticized the rise of illegal taxis (Colorum) leading to anticipated fatal accidents due to mismanagement.
Image #7
Illustrates corruption and mismanagement, highlighting political thuggery as gangsters hold greater influence than honest citizens.
Agrarian Issues in the Philippines
Image #8
Deals with the worsening agrarian issues depicting thievery in land management and farmers' conditions.
Image #9
Discusses the collapse of the Philippine National Bank affecting sugar planters.
Image #10
Highlights workers' protests such as tenant farmers' strikes in Pangasinan as reflections of discontent within the socioeconomic realm.
Contribution / Relevance of Editorial Cartoons
Editorial cartoons are significant in understanding Filipino emotions and sentiments surrounding governance transitions.
They serve as relevant historical commentary reflecting the realities of Philippine society during the American era, influencing public opinion and critique.
Filipino Grievances Against Governor Wood
Background of Gregorio F. Zaide
Born on May 25, 1907, passed on October 31, 1988.
Hailing from Pagsanjan, Laguna, he received his M.A. from the University of the Philippines and a PhD in Philosophy from the University of Santo Tomas.
Served as Mayor of Pagsanjan and is revered as “Dean of Philippine Historians.”
Document Significance
"Filipino Grievances against Governor Wood" encapsulates protests particularly against Executive Order No. 37 approved by the Commission on Independence on November 17, 1926.
Governor Leonard Wood
Leonard Wood (October 9, 1860 – August 7, 1927) was a major general, physician, and public official with significant roles during and after the American occupation.
Policies Impacting Filipinos
Under his administration, expectations of cooperation turned to disappointment as he allegedly abused authority, complicating the Filipino pursuit of governance and autonomy.