Philippine History During Spanish Colonization

Spanish Colonial Era

• Philippine foreign relations were shaped by Spain's governance over the Philippines from 1521 to 1898.
• Spanish colonization began in 1565 with the arrival of Miguel López de Legazpi.
• The Manila Galleons facilitated trade and communication between Spain and the Philippines.
• The introduction of Catholicism by Spanish missionaries transformed the spiritual landscape of the country.
• The Catholic Church played a central role in education, governance, and social customs.
• There was a spirit of resistance and calls for revolution against Spanish rule.

American Colonial Era

• The United States exercised colonial rule over the Philippines from 1899 to 1946.
• American economic and strategic interests in Asia and the Pacific influenced their policies towards the Philippines.
• The United States aimed to prepare the Philippines for eventual independence.
• Efforts were made to establish governance structures, promote education, and develop the economy.
• The American colonial administration introduced a system of governance, including the establishment of a bicameral legislative body.
• Filipino leaders played significant roles in the political landscape during this period.
• The United States maintained a military presence in the Philippines, using the islands as a strategic base in the Pacific.

Japanese Occupation

• The Japanese occupation period lasted from 1942 to 1945 during World War II.
• The Japanese invasion led to the establishment of a puppet government known as the Second Philippine Republic.
• The Japanese military controlled the country, leading to significant changes in governance and foreign relations.
• The Japanese occupation brought about cultural exchanges and influences in the Philippines.
• Resistance movements, such as the Hukbalahap and guerrilla forces, actively opposed Japanese rule.
• The Japanese occupation period was marked by human rights violations, including forced labor, massacres, and atrocities against civilians.

Japanese Period

• The allegiance of Filipinos is not suspended during enemy occupation.
• Sovereignty of the de jure government was not suspended nor severed during the Japanese occupation.
• A military occupant possesses the powers of a de facto government under International Law.
• Under International Law, the process of restoration of the legitimate government is through "jus postliminium".

Republican Period and the Contemporary Period

• The proclamation of Philippine Independence was on July 4, 1946.

• The Republican Period lasted from July 4, 1946, to September 21, 1972, when Martial Law was declared.### Philippine Presidents and Foreign Policy

• Manuel Roxas was the last Commonwealth President and the first President of the Republic of the Philippines, laying down the basis for the rehabilitation of the Philippines after World War II.

The Marcos Years and Post-EDSA Revolution: Shaping Philippine Foreign Relations

• The Marcos years (1965-1986) saw policy innovations and challenges due to the excesses of the martial law regime.
• President Ferdinand Marcos redefined foreign policy, emphasizing territorial integrity, national dignity, and increased regional cooperation.
• The Philippines launched a new initiative in 1967 to form a regional association with other Southeast Asian countries, leading to the establishment of ASEAN.
• President Marcos pursued a policy of constructive unity and co-existence with other Asian states, regardless of ideological persuasion.
• The Philippines normalized economic and diplomatic ties with China and the USSR, with President Marcos visiting both countries in 1975 and 1976, respectively.
• The Philippines also opened embassies in eastern bloc countries and established a separate mission to the European Common Market.

Post-EDSA Revolution (1986 onwards)

• The EDSA Revolution in 1986 led to the re-establishment of a democratic government under President Corazon Aquino.
• The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) pursued development diplomacy, actively seeking opportunities abroad in trade, investment, finance, technology, and aid.
• The Philippines became one of the founding members of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in 1989, contributing to regional economic integration.
• The DFA played an active role in regional efforts to establish the ASEAN Free Trade Area.
• In response to the growing needs of Overseas Filipino workers in the Middle East, the Philippines established more diplomatic missions in the region to improve ties with Arab states.
• In 1991, the Philippine Senate voted against the extension of the RP-U.S. Military Bases Agreement, leading to the closure of the U.S. military presence at Subic Bay and Clark Field.

Foreign Policy Highlights

• Under Fidel V. Ramos' administration (1992-1998):

  • Economic diplomacy focused on promoting trade and investment to boost the Philippine economy.
  • Strengthened ties with ASEAN countries, fostering regional cooperation and economic partnerships.
  • Successfully negotiated peace agreements with various rebel groups, aiming to resolve internal conflicts.

• Challenges during Ramos' administration:

  • The South China Sea dispute with China escalated, posing challenges to Philippine foreign policy.
  • Economic challenges and structural issues affected the administration's ability to focus on foreign policy.

• Under Joseph Estrada's administration (1998-2001):

  • Maintained regional engagement and cooperation with neighboring countries.
  • Enhanced cooperation in counterterrorism efforts with international partners.

• Challenges during Estrada's administration:

  • Political instability affected foreign policy decisions.
  • Economic downturn and corruption allegations impacted the administration's ability to focus on foreign policy.

• Under Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's administration (2001-2010):

  • Prioritized economic diplomacy, attracting foreign investments and fostering trade relations.
  • Continued cooperation in counterterrorism efforts with the United States and other allies.

• Challenges during Arroyo's administration:

  • Political controversies affected the administration's foreign policy agenda.
  • Allegations of corruption and governance issues impacted the administration's credibility in foreign relations.

• Under Benigno Aquino III's administration (2010-2016):

  • Focused on good governance, transparency, and anti-corruption measures, enhancing the Philippines' international reputation.
  • Took a strong stance on the South China Sea dispute, seeking international arbitration to resolve territorial conflicts.

• Challenges during Aquino's administration:

  • Tensions with China over territorial claims in the South China Sea posed challenges to foreign policy.
  • Dealing with internal security threats and insurgencies impacted the administration's focus on foreign relations.

• Under Rodrigo Duterte's administration (2016-2022):

  • Pursued closer ties with China, leading to increased economic cooperation and investments.
  • Continued efforts in counterterrorism cooperation with regional and international partners.

• Challenges during Duterte's administration:

  • Human rights concerns, including the controversial war on drugs, have drawn international criticism, affecting foreign relations.
  • Balancing relations with China and the United States amid the South China Sea dispute has posed challenges for Duterte's administration.