JPL Prelim Materials 01 PDF

# In His Time: The Historical Context of Dr. Jose P. Laurel ## Description - Dr. Jose Laurel is one of the most brilliant minds who helped shape up the Philippines. - He made significant contributions as a public servant and statesman. ## Table of Contents 1. American Rule in the Philippines 2....

# In His Time: The Historical Context of Dr. Jose P. Laurel ## Description - Dr. Jose Laurel is one of the most brilliant minds who helped shape up the Philippines. - He made significant contributions as a public servant and statesman. ## Table of Contents 1. American Rule in the Philippines 2. Japanese Occupation 3. Post War 4. Watch and learn! ## American Rule in the Philippines - There was a juxtaposition between US democracy and imperial rule over the Philippines. - The speed of self-government and the date when independence should be granted was a topic of debate between the two main political parties in the United States. - In 1899, President William McKinley's fact-finding commission reported that Filipinos wanted independence, but this had no immediate impact on policy. - In 1900, McKinley sent a second commission which established civil government. - In 1907, the Philippine Commission became the upper house of a bicameral body. - The first elective legislative body in Southeast Asia, the Philippine Assembly, was formed in 1907. - When Gov.- Gen. Francis B. Harrison appointed a Filipino majority to the commission in 1913, the American influence in the legislative process was further reduced. - Harrison was appointed by Woodrow Wilson with specific instructions to prepare the Philippines for ultimate independence. - In 1916, the Jones Act aimed to fix a definite date for granting independence but was prevented by the House of Representatives and ultimately only stated that the “purpose of the people of the United States" is to recognize Philippine independence "as soon as a stable government can be established therein". - The Jones Act abolished the commission and was replaced by a 24-member Senate, which was almost wholly elected; the electorate was expanded to include all literate males. - Some restrictions on Philippine autonomy remained, specifically in defense and foreign affairs. - American direction of Philippine domestic affairs was exercised primarily through the governor-general and the executive branch of insular government. - American influence in the civil service decreased from 51 percent in 1903 to 29 percent in 1913 and 6 percent in 1923. - By 1916, Filipino dominance in both legislative and judicial branches of government also served to restrict the U.S. executive and administrative roles. - By 1925 the only American left in the governor-general's cabinet was the secretary of public instruction. - The high priority given to education in U.S. policy is evident in the rapid increase of Filipino teachers by 1927, who made up nearly all of the 26,200 teachers in public schools. - Under the US administration, the school population expanded fivefold in one generation; education consumed half of governmental expenditures at all levels. - The Philippines had greater educational opportunity than any other colony in Asia. - During this period, an increase in literacy to nearly half in the 1930s occurred. - Educated Filipinos acquired a common language and a linguistic key to Western civilization. - In 1939, approximately one-fourth of the population could speak English, a larger proportion than for any of the native dialects. - Education offered a new avenue for upward social mobility. - U.S. attempts to create equality of economic opportunities were modest. - The trend toward greater concentration of landownership was established in the 19th century and continued during the American period. - Despite legal barriers, a majority of Filipinos continued to amass fortunes. - The percentage of farmers under share tenancy doubled between 1900 and 1935. - US trade policy was not conducive to diffusion of economic power. - Owners of mills and large plantations profited the most, further reinforcing the political dominance of the landed elite. - Inherent contradictions in handing governmental responsibility to those capable of undertaking it hampered building a social and economic base for political democracy. ## Japanese Occupation - On December 8, 1941, Japan invaded the Philippines, attacking Clark Air Base in Pampanga and Nichols Field outside Manila, followed by a landing at Lingayen Gulf on December 22. - On December 22, General Douglas MacArthur declared Manila an open city to avoid its destruction and Manila was occupied by the Japanese on January 2, 1942. - MacArthur retreated with his troops to Bataan and the commonwealth government withdrew to Corregidor island before proceeding to the United States, where they surrendered on April 9, 1942. - The 76,000 captured soldiers were forced to embark on the infamous "Death March" to a prison camp more than 100 kilometers north, an estimated 10,000 prisoners died due to thirst, hunger and exhaustion. - Farmers in Pampanga banded together and created local brigades for their protection, called "Hukbo ng Bayan Laban sa mga Hapon" or HUKBALAHAP, or simply “Huks!”. ## Post War - In 1946, the Bell Trade Act aimed to accept the Executive Agreement between the Philippines and the United States to provide for the trade relations between the United States and the Philippines and for other purposes. - The President of the Philippines was to formally execute the agreement on or after July 4, 1946. - The act also aimed to enact provisions of Part 2, 3, 4, and 5 of Title III of the said Act of Congress as laws of the Philippines during the effectiveness of the said Executive Agreement and was to implement the penal clauses of the said agreement in order to carry out Title I of the Philippine Rehabilitation Act of 1946. ## Watch and learn! - American Period in the Philippines - Japanese Propaganda in the Provinces - Philippines After War