Spanish Colonial Influence in the Philippines

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Questions and Answers

What was the role of the Gobernadorcillo in the local government structure?

The chief executive and highest judge of the pueblo. (correct)

The leader of the barangays in a city.

A representative of the central government.

A council member in the provincial government.

What was a significant feature of the Alcaldias in the political system of Spanish Philippines?

They were led by the alcalde mayors. (correct)

They were responsible for local tax collection.

They represented the highest level of judicial power.

They were directly managed by the Governor General.

Which power did the Governor General possess as Vice-Royal Patron?

Creating new laws without decrees.

Imposing taxes on local populations.

Nominating priests to ecclesiastical positions. (correct)

Managing trade regulations in the colony.

How did the Moret Decree of 1870 impact education in the Philippines?

It introduced a system of secular higher education. Signup and view all the answers

What were barangays in the context of the local government structure?

Local government units managed by Cabeza de Barangay. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary purpose of the Ministro de Ultramar in the Spanish Philippines?

To manage the affairs of the colonies. Signup and view all the answers

What was the hierarchical system within the political structure next to the central government called?

Alcaldías. Signup and view all the answers

What was the main function of the Lieutenant Governor in the Spanish political system?

To assist the Governor General in various administrative duties. Signup and view all the answers

What was one significant principle established by the Cadiz Constitution of 1812?

Rational Sovereignty Signup and view all the answers

What economic change did Charles III implement through the Decree of Free Trade?

Permitted trade among Spanish American ports Signup and view all the answers

What was a major impact of the Bourbon Reform on the Spanish state's administration?

It sought to enhance the power of the Spanish state Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following leaders was associated with initiating the Bourbon Reform?

Philip V Signup and view all the answers

What exemption was included in the Cadiz Constitution for the native population?

Exemption from paying tributes Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary function of the Royal Audencia in the Spanish Philippines?

Acted as an auditor of the government's finances and a high council Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following laws was not enacted by the Spanish monarch and applied to the Philippines?

The Encomienda System Signup and view all the answers

What was the 'tributo' during the Spanish colonial period?

A tribute or tax paid by the pacified Indians Signup and view all the answers

What was the meaning of the term 'encomienda'?

To entrust or assign responsibility Signup and view all the answers

Who ordered the initial collection of tribute in the Visayas and Luzon?

Miguel Lopez de Legazpi Signup and view all the answers

In what form was the tribute or tax predominantly collected from the natives?

Both in specie and in kind Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the types of taxes included in the tribute known as 'buwis'?

Direct taxes, including personal tribute and income tax Signup and view all the answers

What did 'bandala' refer to during the Spanish colonial period?

The requirement for annual sale or requisitioning of goods Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Infieles and Indio Sangleye

Infieles were pagans who resisted Spanish control, maintaining their own culture, religion, and way of life.
Indio Sangleye were pure-blooded Chinese or Japanese who came to the Philippines to trade and escape the rule of their respective countries.

Education Under Spanish Rule

The Educational Decree of 1863 introduced teacher training schools and government oversight of the public-school system.
The Moret Decree of 1870 aimed to secularize higher education in the Philippines.

19th Century Political System

The 19th century was tumultuous for Spain, marked by Napoleon Bonaparte’s occupation in 1808 and Ferdinand VII regaining the throne in 1814.
The "inteligencia" (intellectuals) embraced the French Revolution's ideals of Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity.

The Ministro de Ultramar (Ministry of Colonies)

Managed the affairs of the Spanish colonies, wielding executive, judicial, legislative, and religious power.
The Governor General was the King's representative, with authority over government affairs.
The Governor General also held the title of Vice-Royal Patron, enabling him to appoint priests to ecclesiastical positions and control mission finances.
The Governor General held executive and legislative power, including the right to refuse to implement laws or decrees ("Cumplase").
The Governor General was assisted by the Lieutenant Governor (General Segundo Cabo).

Provincial and Local Government

Provincial government was structured hierarchically through "alcaldias" headed by "alcalde mayors".
City government was known as "cabildo" or "ayuntamiento", administered by two "alcaldes en ordinario".
"Pueblo" (town) was composed of "barangays", which served as local government units.
The "Gobernadorcillo" (captain) was the chief executive and judge of the "pueblo".
The "Barangay" or "Barrio" was the smallest unit of government, led by the "cabeza de barangay".
The Governor General Dela Torre was known for his liberal governance.

Bourbon Reform

This series of economic and political changes initiated by the Bourbon dynasty aimed to revitalize Spain's waning global influence.
Philip V of Spain, the first Bourbon King, implemented reforms to strengthen the Spanish state.
Charles III's “Decree of Free Trade" allowed Spanish American ports to trade directly with each other and with most ports in Spain.
The decree revoked the trade monopoly previously held by four colonial ports: Veracruz, Cartagena, Lima, and Panama.

Spanish Cortes 1812 and the Cadiz Constitution

Pedro Perez de Tagle and Jose Manuel Coretto, the first Filipino delegates, took their oaths of office in Madrid in 1812.
The Cadiz Constitution established principles such as universal male suffrage, rational sovereignty, constitutional monarchy, freedom of the press, land reform, and free enterprise.
It also included a clause on equality, which exempted natives from paying tributes and performing public services.
This constitution allocated 2% of tax proceeds and 4% of "sanctorum" (church taxes) to the Philippines.

Guardia Civil

The Guardia Civil was established in the Philippines in 1867, serving as the provincial police force.
Native Filipinos were integrated into its ranks.
"Cuadrilleros" formed the pueblo police, acting as night sentries and guards.

Royal Audencia

The highest judicial body in the Philippines.
Served as a high council and audited government finances.
The Governor General and Royal Audencia jointly issued laws known as "autos accordados."

Legislative Power

Royal decrees issued by the Spanish monarch were known as "Decreto Royal".
Some Spanish laws were applied to the Philippines, including "Las Siete Partides," "Las Leyes de Toro," "Codigo Civil," and "Codigo de Commercio."

Colonial Institutions and Inequality

Spanish colonial institutions, including the "encomienda," "polo" (forced labor), and "tributo" (tribute), contributed to widespread dissatisfaction among the indigenous Filipino population.

Tribute System

King Charles V decreed in 1523 that pacified indigenous populations should pay a "moderate amount" as tribute, recognizing their status as vassals.
The tribute was meant to cover the costs of colonization, but it also served to solidify Spanish control.
Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, the first Spanish governor-general, implemented the tribute collection in boththe Visayas and Luzon.
Types of tribute included:
- Direct taxes: personal tribute and income tax
- Indirect taxes: customs duties, "bandala" (annual forced sale of goods, particularly rice or coconut oil), and monopolies on certain crops (spirituous liquor, betel nut, tobacco, explosives, opium).
Tribute could be paid in specie (gold or money) or in kind (rice, cloth, chicken, coconut oil, abaca fibers).
In the 1570s, tribute was set at eight reales, later increased to fifteen reales.
By the mid-19th century, Filipinos were required to pay a tribute of ten reales, a one real "diezmos prediales" (tithe), a one real town community chest, and three reales for church support.

Encomienda System

The term "encomienda" comes from the Spanish word "encomendar," meaning "to entrust."
The "encomienda" system granted Spanish colonizers control over a defined area and its indigenous inhabitants.
Encomenderos (beneficiaries of encomiendas) were obligated to pacify and Christianize the native population in exchange for tribute and labor services.
The system often led to exploitation and abuses.

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Description

This quiz explores the significant impacts of Spanish colonial rule in the Philippines, including the cultural resistance of the Infieles, the role of Indio Sangleye in trade, and key educational reforms. It also covers the political dynamics of the 19th century and the functions of the Ministry of Colonies. Test your knowledge of this critical period in Philippine history!