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Overview of Filipino Nationalism and Government Suppression

  • Introduction to American Colonization (1902)

    • July 4 designated as the end of Philippine insurrection

    • Symbolically significant to the United States

  • First Philippine Commission (Schurman Commission, 1899)

    • Tasked by President McKinley to assess the situation and establish civil governance.

    • Recommendations made included:

      • Abolishing military administration for a civil government.

      • Establishment of a bicameral legislature (lower house of Filipinos, upper house of Americans).

      • Improvement of sanitation and public education systems.

  • Second Philippine Commission (Taft Commission)

    • Followed the recommendations of the Schurman Commission and executed them.

    • Established a civil government under the Insular Government on July 4, 1901, with Taft as governor-general.

Periods of Philippine History

  • Era of Suppressed Nationalism

    • Characterized by the enactment of laws to stifle nationalist movements.

  • Era of Filipinization

    • Increased Filipino participation in governance leading to eventual independence.

Laws Suppressing Nationalism

  • Libel Law (Act No. 277, 1901)

    • Aimed to prevent negative representations of Americans.

    • Prohibited malicious defamation and regulated media activities.

  • Sedition Law (Act No. 292, 1901)

    • Criminalized advocacy for Philippine independence through various mediums.

    • Severe penalties, including death or imprisonment, for those found guilty.

  • Brigandage Law (Act No. 518, 1902)

    • Defined brigandage to involve armed robbery, contributing to a repressive environment against revolutionaries.

  • Flag Law (Act No. 1696, 1907)

    • Prohibited the display of symbols related to the Philippine Revolution, particularly Katipunan flags.

Key Figures in Philippine History

  • William Howard Taft

    • Influential in establishing the Insular Government and promoting Filipinization.

  • Jacob Gould Schurman

    • Led the First Philippine Commission and advocated for civil governance.

  • Notable Political Leaders:

    • Manuel L. Quezon

      • A prominent political figure and future President of the Commonwealth.

    • Sergio Osmeña

      • Key player during the transition to self-governance.

Acts Leading to Independence

  • Philippine Organic Act (Cooper Act, 1902)

    • Established a bicameral legislature in the Philippines and the groundwork for governance.

  • Jones Law (1916)

    • Functioned as a constitution and pledged U.S. commitment to grant independence, contingent on stable governance.

  • Tydings-McDuffie Act (1934)

    • Set the framework for the transition to independence, including the establishment of a Constitution.

    • Specific timeline leading to complete independence on July 4, 1946.

Development of the Philippine Constitution (1935)

  • Constitutional Convention

    • Elected delegates drafted the constitution, signaling a step towards self-governance.

  • Key Features

    • Provisions on rights, territorial integrity, suffrage, and separation of powers established the framework for governance.

    • Affirms the commitment to independence and a democratic system of governance.

Conclusion

  • Legislation and Governance

    • U.S. laws created a dual approach: suppressing nationalism while gradually integrating Filipinos into the system of governance.

    • The gradual shift from colonial rule towards independence involved a complex interplay of repression and the push for self-determination.