Comprehensive Study Guide for Philippine History and General Education

Philippine Executive Leadership and Presidential History

  • First Filipino President of the Commonwealth: Manuel L. Quezon. He is also honored as the "Father of the Philippine National Language."
  • First President of the Philippine Republic: Emilio Aguinaldo. He led the revolution against Spain and declared Philippine independence in 1898. He is characterized as the undisputed first president and was a member of the Magdalo faction.
  • President during the Japanese Occupation (1943-1945): Jose P. Laurel. He was the head of the Japanese-sponsored government and is often referred to as a "puppet president."
  • First Woman President of the Philippines: Corazon Aquino.
  • First Philippine President from Mindanao: Rodrigo Duterte.
  • First President of the Third Republic: Manuel Roxas.
  • First Ilocano President: Elpidio Quirino.
  • Most Significant Presidential Actions and Titles:
    • Declaration of Martial Law (September 1972): Ferdinand Marcos. He is also noted as the longest-serving president in Philippine history.
    • "Guy of the Masses": Ramon Magsaysay. Notably, he signed R.A. 1425 (The Rizal Law).
    • Independence Day Shift: Diosdado Macapagal moved the celebration of Philippine Independence Day from July 4 to June 12.
  • Other Key Figures in Leadership:
    • Sergio Osmeña: Served as the first Speaker of the Philippine Assembly.

Revolutionary Heroes and Significant Historical Figures

  • Andres Bonifacio: Known as the "Father of the Katipunan" and the "Supremo." He led the "Cry of Pugad Lawin" and founded the Katipunan. His works include the poem "Pag-ibig sa Tinubuang Lupa" and the essay "Ang Dapat Mabatid ng mga Tagalog."
  • Emilio Jacinto: Known as the "Brain of the Katipunan." He was the author of the Kartilya ng Katipunan, which served as the guidebook for new members of the organization.
  • Apolinario Mabini: Known as the "Sublime Paralytic" and the "Brain of the Revolution." He served as the primary adviser to Emilio Aguinaldo and wrote El Verdadero Decalogo.
  • Marcelo H. del Pilar: A Philippine hero who used the pen name "Plaridel." He served as the second editor of La Solidaridad and was a prominent political analyst.
  • Jose Rizal: The National Hero of the Philippines and an advocate for peaceful reform. He founded La Liga Filipina and authored various influential novels.
  • Military Leaders and Revolutionaries:
    • Gregorio del Pilar: Known as the "Hero of Tirad Pass" and the "Boy General." He was the youngest general in the revolutionary forces.
    • Antonio Luna: Regarded as the greatest general in the Philippine-American War and the founder of La Independencia. He used the pen name "Taga-ilog."
    • Artemio Ricarte: Known as the "Father of the Philippine Army."
    • Macario Sakay: Declared the "Tagalog Republic" (Republika ng Katagalugan) and continued the resistance against Americans after Aguinaldo's capture.
    • Luis Taruc: The leader of the Hukbalahap (Hukbo ng Bayan Laban sa Hapon).
  • Revolt Leaders:
    • Francisco Dagohoy: Led the longest revolt in Philippine history, known as the Dagohoy Revolt, which took place in Bohol and lasted for 85 years.
    • Diego Silang: Known as the "Father of Ilocano Revolt" for leading an uprising against Spanish rule.
    • Gabriela Silang: The wife of Diego Silang, who continued the Ilocano revolt after his death.
  • Female Figures in History:
    • Marcela Agoncillo: Known as the "Mother of the Philippine Flag" because she sewed the first Philippine flag.
    • Melchora Aquino: Known as "Tandang Sora" and the "Ina ng Katipunan" (Mother of the Katipunan). She supported the Katipuneros by providing food and shelter.
    • Teresa Magbanua: Dubbed the "Visayan Joan of Arc," she was a female warrior who led troops in the Visayas.
    • Agueda Kahabagan: Referred to as the "Tagalog Joan of Arc."

National Artists and Cultural Icons

  • Architecture:
    • Juan Nakpil: The first National Artist for Architecture.
  • Literature:
    • Nick Joaquin: Author of The Woman Who Had Two Navels. He used the pen name "Quijano De Manila."
  • Visual Arts:
    • Fernando Amorsolo: National Artist known for his mastery of light and idealized paintings of rural landscapes.
    • Juan Luna: A nationalist painter famous for the Spoliarium.
  • Sculpture:
    • Napoleon Abueva: Considered the "Father of Modern Philippine Sculpture" and was the youngest National Artist awardee.
    • Guillermo Tolentino: Creator of the Bonifacio Monument and the UP Oblation.
    • Eduardo Castrillo: Known for the sculpture of various landmarks.
  • Music and Composition:
    • Julian Felipe: Composed the music for the Philippine National Anthem.
    • Jose Palma: Wrote the lyrics for the Philippine National Anthem (Lupang Hinirang).
    • Lucio San Pedro: A master composer, teacher, and conductor who composed Sa Ugoy ng Duyan.
    • Levi Celerio: National Artist for Music from Tondo who wrote lyrics for over 4,000 songs, including the lyrics to Sa Ugoy ng Duyan. He is a record-holder for playing music with a leaf.
    • Cecile Licad: A world-renowned Filipina pianist famous for powerful and emotional performances.
    • Gilopez Kabayao: A notable Filipino violinist.
  • Performing Arts:
    • Lisa Macuja: Known as the "Prima Ballerina."
    • Alice Reyes: National Artist for Dance in the Philippines.
    • Lea Salonga: World-renowned Tony Award-winning Broadway star and Disney princess voice actress.
  • Theatre (MATERS Mnemonic):
    • Severino Montano: Proponent of Arena Theatre.
    • Rolando Tinio: Proponent of Experimental Theatre.
    • Rogers: Proponent of Sala Theatre.

Legal Remedies and Judicial Writs

  • Habeas Corpus: A legal action that challenges unlawful detention; the term literally means "Bring me the body."
  • Habeas Data: A writ protecting the privacy of data and information.
  • Writ of Amparo: A remedy for violations of or threats to the right to life, liberty, and security.
  • Writ of Kalikasan: A legal remedy for environmental protection, ensuring a balanced and healthful ecology.
  • Mandamus: A judicial remedy or court order that compels a public official or body to perform a specific official duty.

Taxation and State Powers

  • Inherent Powers of the State:
    • Taxation: The power that allows the state to collect financial contributions from citizens to fund government services.
    • Eminent Domain: The power of the state to expropriate or seize private land for public use, provided there is just compensation.
    • Police Power: The power to regulate behavior and enforce order for the general welfare of the public.
  • Types of Taxes:
    • Income Tax: A tax based on the earnings of individuals or corporations.
    • Community Tax (Cedula): A basic tax paid annually by all residents and corporations in a locality.
    • Import Tax: A tax charged on goods brought into the country.
    • Ad Valorem Tax: A tax based on the specific value of an item, often applied to luxurious imports.
    • Sin Tax: A tax applied to products like tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks to discourage harmful consumption.
    • Real Estate Tax: A tax based on properties such as land and buildings.
    • Value Added Tax (VAT): A tax applied to the sale of goods and services.
    • Capital Gains Tax: A tax on the profit made when selling an asset.

Governance, Trade, and Institutions

  • Branches of Government:
    • Legislative: The branch with the power to make laws (Senate and House of Representatives).
    • Executive: The branch that enforces laws, including the power to sign or veto legislation.
    • Judiciary: The branch that interprets laws.
    • Ombudsman: The office responsible for investigating public officials.
  • Types of Government:
    • Monarchy: Governance usually inherited or passed down through a family (Kings/Queens).
    • Democracy: A system where citizens vote to choose leaders and make decisions.
    • Republic: A government led by elected officials.
    • Theocracy: A government led by religious leaders.
    • Oligarchy: Rule by a few powerful people.
    • Aristocracy: Rule by the nobility or elite class.
    • Meritocracy: Leadership by the most talented or qualified individuals.
    • Anarchy: A state with no government at all.
  • Historical Trade Laws with the U.S.:
    • Underwood-Simmons Act: Provided full free trade by removing most tariffs between the U.S. and the Philippines.
    • Payne-Aldrich Act: Established limited tariffs.
    • Tydings-McDuffie Act: A law that promised Philippine independence.
  • Spanish Colonial Administration:
    • Miguel López de Legazpi: The first Spanish Governor-General.
    • Diego de los Ríos: The last Spanish Governor-General.
    • Jose Basco y Vargas: Known for economic and agricultural reforms, specifically the tobacco monopoly.
    • Narciso Claveria: Introduced the use of Spanish surnames for Filipinos.
    • Carlos Dela Torre: Historically regarded as the best or most loved Spanish governor-general.
  • Religious Institutions:
    • Gregorio Aglipay: An excommunicated priest who founded the Aglipayan Church (Philippine Independent Church).
    • Pedro Pelaez: A priest who led the secularization movement.
    • Isabelo delos Reyes: Founded the Union Obrera Democratica.