12

PHILIPPINE
POLITICS AND
GOVERNANCE
The Ancient Filipinos and Their Government

1st Quarter: Module 7

Mary Ann C. Doctor

Module Writer

Pol.Gov.Q1-Wk.7 MARY ANN C. DOCTOR 1

Content Standard:

The learners demonstrate understanding of the historical background of Philippine

Democratic Politics.

Performance Standard:

Demonstrate an understanding of the historical background of Philippine democratic politics.

Most Essential Learning (Week 7)

Analyze the Evolution of Philippine politics and governance.

Learning Competencies:

 Describe Philippine politics and governance from the pre-colonial period to Spanish
period.
 Identify similarities and differences between today’s politics and processes of politics in
the past.

EXPECTATIONS

This module will help you to compare the development Philippine government of pre-

history to Spanish rule. Furthermore, it will educate you learners how Filipinos fought for their

independence under Spanish colonization.

PRE-TEST

Multiple Choice: Read the questions carefully. Write the letter of your correct answer on the
space provided.

_____1. During the Pre-Hispanic period, he was acted as the legislative authority.
a. Babaylan b. Umalokohan c. Datu d. Maginoos
_____2. He was a Portuguese that first landed in Limasawa and ordered a mass and planted a
giant cross on the top of the hill.
a. Ferdinand Magelan b. Miguel Lopez de Legaspi
c. Ruy Lopez de Villalobos d. Martin de Goiti
_____3. The Spaniards established a highly centralized form of government in the Philippines.
This government was ruled by;
a. Datu b. Governor c. Governor General d. Cabeza
_____4. He was the leader of the barangay during Spanish period. His tasked was to maintain
peace and order in his locality and collect taxes within his constituents.
a. Datu b. Governor c. Governor General d. Cabeza
Pol.Gov.Q1-Wk.7 MARY ANN C. DOCTOR 2
_____5. He was one of the outstanding Governor Generals during Spanish period. He
established the “Economic Society of the Friends of the Country”, that helped the Philippines
agricultural sector and made the country to be financially independent from Mexico.
a. Carlos Dela Torre b. Miguel Lopez de Legaspi
c. Jose Basco y Vargas d. Ruy Villalobos
____6. On the account of the abuses of the Spanish government in their administration, many
revolts and reform movements was executed by Filipinos, which of the following reform
movement did not exist during Spanish colonization;
a. Hukbalahap b. Propaganda Movement c. La Liga Filipina d. KKK
____7. He was the founder of the Propaganda Movement.
a. Jose Rizal b. Andres Bonifacio c. Emilio Aguinaldo d. Emilio Jacinto
____8. They were considered as middle class who composed the majority of the barangay. They
could acquire property, acquire any job they want, pick their own wives, and acquire an Alipin.
a. Datu b. Maginoos
c. Saguigilid d. Timawa
___9. The name barangay originated from Balangay, which means a “sailboat”. In what country
in Asia originated this term?
a. Indonesia b. Vietnam c. Malaysia d. Cambodia
a. First Republic b. Fourth Republic c. Second Republic d. Third Republic
___10. This Governor-general was his liberal policies included the abolition of press censorship
and the encouragement of liberal discussions.
a. Jose Basco Y Vargas b. Miguel Lopez de Legaspi
c. Carlos Ma De La Torre d. Martin de Goiti

LOOKING BACK

Multiple Choice: Read the questions carefully. Write the letter of your correct answer on
the space provided.

1. Refers to a community of persons more or less numerous, permanently occupying a

definite portion of territory, independent from external control and possessing a
government to which the great body of inhabitants render habitual obedience.
a. Nation b. State c. Sovereignty d. Territory

2. The capacity of one to impose his/her will on others by reliance on effective sanctions
in case of non-compliance.
a. Reward b. Power c. Threat d. Force

3. It is a process of interaction and integration among the people, companies, and

government of different nations, a process driven by international trade and investment
and aided by information technology.
a. Computerization b. Economic Trade
c. International Market d. Globalization

4. It is a comprehensive set of normative beliefs, conscious and unconscious ideas that

an individual, group or society has.
a. Beliefs b. Ideology c. Cult d. Faith

5. A large body of people united by common descent, history, culture, or language,

inhabiting a particular country or territory.
a. State b. Government c. Civilization d. Nation

Pol.Gov.Q1-Wk.7 MARY ANN C. DOCTOR 3

 INTRODUCTION OF THE LESSON
Lesson 1- The Ancient Filipinos and Their Government
The Ancient Filipinos: Pre Colonial Period

(https://www.google.com/search?q=ancient+filipino+barangay+system&safe=active&rlz=1C1RLNS)

Can you notice this picture? Can you tell some stories that your parents, grandparents or
teachers told you about this?
Before the arrival of the Spanish conquerors in the Philippines in the 16th century,
“Barangay” is used to be their form of government. It was the dominant pattern of
organization of the indigenous communities.
The name barangay originated from Balangay, a Malay word for “sailboat”. Balangay was
use by our Malayans ancestors, for transportation when they came in our islands. The
“barangay” were well- organized and independent villages, which were not unlike the Greek
City states. It is usually consisted of 30 to 100 families. Some were quite large having a
population of more than 2,000 already by the time of the arrival of the Spaniards. Some of
them were Sugbu (Cebu), Bigan (Vigan), and Mactan (Mactan). Approximately, Maynilad
(Manila) at that time has already having 4.000 population. These barangays made wars,
peace, traded and had good relations with each other.
When Miguel Lopez de Legaspi came to conquer, Manila was already a center for trade,
Islamic sultanes in Mindanao such as the Sultanate of Sulu and Maguindanao, also
prospered.
The Barangay system of our country during Pre-colonial period was not a
central government like what the political system in other parts of Asia.
Just like other government we had also a social structure and it was divided into three
namely;
1. Maharlika (nobles), 2. Timawa (freemen), 3. Alipin (slaves).
Maharlika consists of the affluent families most commonly known as datu, raja, or lakan.
The Maharlika exercised all the powers of government. He was the chief executive,
lawmaker, and the judge. He obtained his position either by inheritance, strength, bravery
or wisdom. The Datu promulgated laws with the help of the elders or advisers consisting of
former datus (chieftain) which they called as “maginoos”.
Once a law was made, a town crier called “Umalokoan”, would go around the village and
announce to the people the new law, whoever violated the law, they will be punished by
fires, swimming for long hours, exposure to ants, death or slavery depending on their
violations. The Timawa consisted the middle class who composed the majority of the
barangay. They could acquire property, acquire any job they want, pick their own wives,
and acquire an Alipin. They were however expected to pay taxes, and support the Maginoo
class. They are the only class to pay taxes, and hence they are very mportant in the
community. The lowest class was the “Alipin” which was consisted two types:
a. the “namamahay”, who enjoy some rights like owning properties and;
b. “saguguilid’, who lived in their master’s house and could be sold anytime.

Pol.Gov.Q1-Wk.7 MARY ANN C. DOCTOR 4

 Activity 1- Check your Wit
Fill out the graphic organizer the necessary information needed and answer the guide
questions.

Social Structure
During Pre-
Spanish Period and
their roles and
functions.

Guide questions:

1. Describe the political system that we had during Pre-colonial period.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

2. If you were the datu or chieftain during the pre-colonial period and you experienced the
pandemic Covid-19, what laws would you pass to solve the problem?

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Pol.Gov.Q1-Wk.7 MARY ANN C. DOCTOR 5

Lesson 2: Philippines Under Colonial Period
A. Spanish Colonization

(https://www.google.com/search?q=spanish+colonization&tbm=isch&ved)
(Link: Watch this video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GE9tVKMdM7k)
The first recorded finding of the Philippines by Europeans was on March 16, 1521,
during Ferdinand Magellan's circumnavigation of the globe. Magellan landed on Cebu,
claimed the land for Charles I of Spain, and was killed one month later by a local chief.
The Spanish crown sent several expeditions to the archipelago during the next decades.
Permanent Spanish settlement was finally established in 1565 when Miguel López de
Legazpi, the first royal governor, arrived in Cebu from New Spain (Mexico). The Legazpi
expedition was the most successful as it resulted in the discovery of the tornaviaje or
return trip to Mexico across the Pacific by Andrés de Urdaneta. This discovery started
the Manila galleon trade, which lasted two and a half centuries.
In 1570, Martín de Goiti having been dispatched by Legazpi to Luzon conquered the
Kingdom of Maynila (now Manila). Legazpi then made Maynila the capital of the
Philippines and simplified its spelling to Manila. Legazpi became the country's first
governor-general. Manila is the center of Spanish civil, military, religious, and
commercial activity in the islands.
Spain had three objectives in its policy toward the Philippines, its only colony in Asia:
(1).to acquire a share in the spice trade, (2).to develop contacts with China and Japan in
order to promote Christian missionary efforts and (3).to convert the Filipinos to
Christianity. Only the third objective was eventually realized, and this not completely
attain because of the active resistance of both the Muslims in the south and the Igorot,
the upland tribal peoples in the north.

The governor-general was the chief executive of the Philippines. He was the little king’s
official representative to the colony. He has tremendous powers like;
1. He handles the executive and judicial branch. As chief executive he enforced the
Spanish laws and royal decrees in the Philippines. For his judicial power, he was the
president or presiding officer of the “Royal Audencia”, the supreme court of the
Philippines during Spanish rule.
2. He also had the power to implement a royal decree or order of the king of Spain and
right to refuse if in his judgement that the implementation of the order or decree would
not be beneficial to the administration of the country.
3. He has also the power to appoint all his subordinate officials including the “alcade
mayor” and parish priests.
4. He was also the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

Pol.Gov.Q1-Wk.7 MARY ANN C. DOCTOR 6

From 1565-1898 a total of 122 governor generals served in the Philippines. There were
undesirable governors who exploited Filipinos rather than to serve them. However, there
are few good governors who truly served well and remembered by the Filipinos. Some of
which were Miguel Lopez de Legaspi (1565-1572), he was remembered because of his
diplomacy with the natives. He was also remembered for founding the cities of Manila and
Cebu. The second governor-general was Jose Basco Y Vargas (1778-1787), noted for his
agricultural contributions and economic programs that made Philippines financially
independent from Mexico. He also established the “Economic Society of the Friends of the
Country” that help in the development of our agriculture and in 1782, he established the
tobacco monopoly. The third governor general was Carlos Ma De La Torre (1869-1871),
his liberal policies included the abolition of press censorship and the encouragement of
liberal discussions. He encouraged reform movements and sympathized the Filipino
calling for a change and aspirations for freedom.

Miguel Lopez de Legaspi Jose Basco Y Vargas Carlos Ma De La Torre

(https://www.google.com/search?q=spanish+governor&tbm=isch&ved)
Aside from governor-general who was the head of the centralized government of
Spaniards, they assigned local officials who would also implement the royal decrees or
orders, as well as the superior decrees. These are;
a. Provincial Government- headed by a governor or alcalde mayor who was appointed by
the Governor General.
b. Municipal Government- headed by the gobernadorcillo or captain municipal who was
chosen by thirteen electors. The selection for this position should be approved by the
Spanish friar curate.
c. Barrio o Barangay- headed by a cabeza, who has the tasked to collect taxes and
maintain peace and order in the barangay. It was the smallest unit of the government.

WHAT IS IT

B. The Propaganda and KKK Movement

The imposition of the polo, tribune, and other abuse policies of the Spanish government
led to the different revolts all over the islands of the Philippines. Some of the revolts are
Cagayan Revolt of 1596 (Magalat), Samar Revolt of 1649 (Francisco Sumuroy).
85 years of Boholano Revolt 1744-1829 (Dagohoy)-longest revolt, Ilocos Revolt of 1762
(Diego and Gabriela Silang) and Tagalog Religious Revolt of 1840 (Hermano Pule) but in
the end, the Spanish government prevailed.
The Cavite mutiny which cause of the death of the three Filipino priests Gomez, Burgos
and Zamora (GOMBURZA) and loss of Philippine representation to the Cortes led to
another form of revolution which was headed by the Illustrados, the learned native middle
class in which they started the Propaganda Movement.
The Propaganda Movement (1872-1892) was the first Filipino nationalist movement, led
by a Filipino elite and inspired by the proto-nationalist activism of figures such as José
Burgos. Propagandists were largely young men, often mestizos. They were students with a
good education, an “ideal examples of Filipino manhood” – with patriotic minds and brave
souls.
The most influential members of the Propaganda Movement consisted of José Rizal,
Graciano Lopez Jaena, Marcelo H. del Pilar of Bulacan and many more. They encountered
the tumult of 19th century political movements inspired by Enlightenment thought,
individual rights, constitutionalism, and anti-clericalism. Some of their objectives are;
1. Representation in the Philippines in the Cortes.
2. Secularization of the clergy
3. Legalization of Spanish and Filipino equality

Pol.Gov.Q1-Wk.7 MARY ANN C. DOCTOR 7

4. Creation of a public school system independent of the friars;
5. Abolition of the polo (labor service) and vandala (forced sale of local products to the
government);
6. Guarantee of basic freedoms of speech and association; and equal opportunity for
Filipinos and Spanish to enter government service.
7.Recognition of the Philippines as a province of Spain
(https://sszym001.wixsite.com/philippinespr/propaganda-movement)
The goals of Propaganda Movement failed because of the following reasons; First Spain
was busy with their own problems to consider the problems expressed by the
propagandists’
movement. Second, the Filipinos lacked financial means to support their cause, Third,
the Reformists were not united, and Fourth, the friars were very influential and
received support from Spain who opposed the introduction of reforms in the
Philippines
The arrest and execution of Rizal on December 10, 1896 as well as the fall down of the
Liga Filipina began the weakening process of the Propaganda Movement. In 1895, La
Solidaridad stopped to be published and Lopez Jaena died. Moreover, even though
some people tried to reestablish Liga Filipina, their actions ended in failure.
After the failure of Propaganda Movement, Andres Bonifacio founded the
“Kataastaasan, Kagalanggalangan Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan” (KKK). The
Katipunan was initiated a radical platform to secure the independence and freedom of
the country from Spain by force of arms.
The KKK members agreed on the following objectives:
1.Completely separation of the Philippines from Spain after declaring the country’s
independence.
2.Teach the Filipinos good manners, cleanliness, hygiene, fine morals, and how to
guard themselves against religious fanaticism.

https://www.google.com/sear
ch?q=propaganda+movement
&safe=active&rlz=1C1RLNS

3. Encourage Filipinos to help themselves and to defend the poor oppressed.

The word "katipunan" (literally means association) came from the root word "tipon", an
indigenous Tagalog word, meaning: "society" or "gather together". Most of the
Katipunan's founders were freemasons.
The Leaders of the Katipunan were Deodato Arellano –Supremo, Ladislao Diwa –Fiscal,
Teodora Plata –Secretary, Valentine Diaz –treasurer, Andres Bonifacio –controller.
Unsatisfied with Arellano’s performance as Supremo, Bonifacio later had him deposed,
and supported the election of Roman Basa as Supremo on February 1, 1893.
Bonifacio only become Supremo on January 5, 1894, with Santiago (Secretary), Emilio
Jacinto (Fiscal), and Molina (Treasurer). Further reorganization in 1896 led to Jacinto
becoming Secretary, and Pio Valenzuela becoming Fiscal.
It was also in 1894 when Emilio Jacinto, a nephew of Dizon who was studying law at
the University of Santo Tomas, joined the Katipunan. He intellectualized the society's
aims and formulated the principles of the society as embodied in its primer, called
Kartilla. It was written in Tagalog and all recruits were required to commit it to heart
before they were initiated. Jacinto would later be called the “Brains of the Katipunan”.
Kalayaan” (Liberty/Freedom) was the official organ and newspaper of the Katipunan.
It was first published March 1896 and has never been followed.
Revolutionary ideals and works flourished within the society, and Philippine literature
were expanded by its some prominent members.
The towns which supported the Katipunan cause were given symbolic names, such as
Magdiwang (To celebrate) for Noveleta; Magdalo (To come) for Kawit; Magwagi (To win)
for Naic; Magtagumpay (To succeed) for Maragondon; Walangtinag (Never-diminished)
for Indang and Haligue (Aggregate) for Imus–all are in the province of Cavite.
Pol.Gov.Q1-Wk.7 MARY ANN C. DOCTOR 8
And so, the Katipunan spread out from Manila to its suburbs and other provinces in
Luzon, as far north as the Ilocos region and south as Bicol, and reaching even Panay
in the Visayas.
“The discovery of the Katipunan by the Spanish authorities on August 19, 1896
marked the outbreak of the 1896 revolution. The revolution spread to provinces in
Luzon.
The first eight provinces which revolted were Cavite, Laguna, Manila, Batangas,
Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac and Nueva Ecija.
Filipinos who was suspected as member of Katipunan were captured, tortured, and
persecuted without trial and some of the innocent people in other place were
massacred by the Spaniards.
Andres Bonifacio took his nation’s future into his own hands and made his fellow
Filipinos see that freedom from hunger, poverty, and injustice was a reality that was
not beyond their grasp.
On May 10, 1897, Bonifacio and his brother Procopio were executed upon the order of
Emilio Aguinaldo who by then was the head of the Katipunan.(Magdalo).
Even then politics had already leached into the Filipino psyche. The Aguinaldo group
saw Bonifacio and his brother as a threat to their cause so they have to be eliminated.

Guide Questions:

1. Are there similarities in the goals of Propaganda and Katipunan? Provide specific
examples of such similarities.
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
2. Which of the two reform movements do you think shows the true spirit of
nationalism? and why?
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

What’s More

Activity 2- Fill of the Venn diagram the necessary information needed. Compare the role
of datu during Pre-colonial period to the role of governor-general during Spanish period.
Fill at least 3 statements.

Text Support All statemet are 3

suppoted by the
text.
Placement All the 4
statements in
the circle are
not similar
within the two
outside circle.
No.of Quality Make at least 3- 3
(https://www.template.net/design-
Statement 5 statements for
templates/print/blank-venn-diagram) comparison in
each circle.
Total 10pts.

Pol.Gov.Q1-Wk.7 MARY ANN C. DOCTOR 9

Guide Questions:

1. Are you in favor of the roles and responsibilities given to governor general during Spanish
colonization? Why?
________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________
2. Among the three good Spanish governor-generals, whom do you think truly served well the
Filipinos? Why?
________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

What I Have Learned.

Activity 3: Fill out the chart the necessary information needed.

Revolutionary Founder Member Objectives

Movement

CHECKING YOUR UNDERSTANDING

What I Can Do
A. Definition of Terms. Provide a simple definition of the following terms/concepts.
1.Brangay___________________________________________________________________________
2. Datu______________________________________________________________________________
3. Propaganda_______________________________________________________________________
4. Katipunan________________________________________________________________________
5. Hukbalahap_______________________________________________________________________
6. Maginoos__________________________________________________________________________
7. Umalookan________________________________________________________________________
8. Cabeza de Barangay_______________________________________________________________
9. Governor-General__________________________________________________________________
10.Kalayaan__________________________________________________________________________

Pol.Gov.Q1-Wk.7 MARY ANN C. DOCTOR 10

 POST TEST

B. Modified True of False. Write TRUE if the given statement is correct. If incorrect, replaced
the underline words to make the statement correct.

_______1. The datu served as chieftain, legislator and judge in his barangay.
_______2. Maginoos was the town crier or announcer during barangay period.
_______3. Spain was the first European country to send expedition to Asia.
_______4. Miguel Lopez Legaspi established the first Spanish settlement in Cebu.
_______5. Ruy Villalobos was the first Portuguese to came to the Philippines.
_______6. Manila and Cebu was the first founded by the Americans.
_______7. Andres Bonifacio and brother Procorpio was executed through the order of
Aguinaldo.
_______8. Emilio Jacinto was the “Brain of Katipunan.”
_______9. Kalayaan was the official newspaper of Propaganda Movement.
_______10. Royal Audencia was the supreme court of the Philippines during Spanish rule.

ENRICHMENT

Answer the following questions:

1. In what situations in your life that you are experiencing right now you might relate to
Rizal’s quotes, “On this battlefield man has no better weapons than his intelligence,
no other force, but his heart”.
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________

2. Are the historians correct in stating that prior to the coming of the colonizer, Filipinos had
already a civilization and a form of government? State your answer.
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________

Pol.Gov.Q1-Wk.7 MARY ANN C. DOCTOR 11