Module 4: Social, Political, Economic and Cultural o RA No. 1199: Secured tenancy rights.

Issues in Philippine History

 Marcos Era:
1. Agrarian Reform Policies
o Presidential Decree No. 27 (1972):
Pre-Spanish Period Limited land ownership to 7 hectares
for rice and corn lands.
 Filipinos lived in barangays led by a datu.
Aquino Administration (1986–1992)
 Land was communal; everyone had access to
resources.  Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program
(CARP) under RA No. 6657 (1988):
 Social classes included the maharlika
(freemen), aliping namamahay (serfs), and o Covered all agricultural lands.
aliping saguiguilid (slaves).
o Established mechanisms for land
 Rice was the medium of exchange. distribution and farmer benefits.
Spanish Period
 Introduced the encomienda system (land 2. The Philippine Constitution
grants to Spanish officials).
Malolos Constitution (1899)
 Encomenderos exploited Filipinos, collecting
excessive tribute and turning them into tenant  First constitution of the Philippines;
farmers. established the First Philippine Republic.

American Period  Aimed for independence from foreign powers.

 Philippine Bill of 1902: Limited land 1935 Constitution

ownership (16 hectares for individuals, 1,024  Modeled after the US Constitution.
for corporations).
 Created a presidential system with checks and
 Public Land Act (1903): Introduced the balances.
homestead system.
 Became operative after independence in
 Tenancy Act of 1933: Regulated landowner- 1946.
tenant relationships.
1973 Constitution
Commonwealth Period
 Drafted under Marcos during martial law.
 President Manuel Quezon launched social
justice programs.  Transitioned from presidential to
parliamentary government.
 Key Laws:
 Allowed Marcos to consolidate power.
o Commonwealth Act No. 178:
Controlled landlord-tenant relations. 1987 Constitution

o Rural Program Administration (1939):  Drafted after the EDSA Revolution.

Allowed haciendas to be sold to
 Restored democracy.
tenants.
 Features:
Post-War Era (1946–1986)
o Bill of Rights: Ensures fundamental
 Manuel Roxas:
freedoms.
o RA No. 34: 70-30 sharing arrangement
o Three Branches:
between landlords and tenants.
 Executive (President with a 6-
 Ramon Magsaysay:
year term).
o RA No. 1160: Established NARRA
 Legislative (Senate and House
(National Resettlement and
of Representatives).
Rehabilitation Administration) to
resettle landless farmers.
  Judicial (headed by the Government Evolution
Supreme Court).
 Transition from barangay rule to colonial
o Limits on martial law: systems and democratic governance under
the 1987 Constitution.
 Must not exceed 60 days.
 Requires Congressional
approval. 6. Biographies
Jose Rizal
3. Taxation  National hero; wrote Noli Me Tangere and El
Filibusterismo.
Historical Tax Systems
 Advocated peaceful reform during Spanish
 Spanish Period: Tribute and forced labor (polo rule.
y servicios).
Emilio Aguinaldo
 American Period: Introduced income tax.
 Led the revolution against Spain.
Modern Tax Laws
 First President of the Philippines.
 TRAIN Law (2018): Lowered income tax for
most workers but increased taxes on fuel and Corazon Aquino
sugary drinks.
 First female president; restored democracy
Comparative Analysis post-Marcos.
 Older systems were exploitative (tribute).  Championed the 1987 Constitution.
 Modern systems aim for equity and economic
development.

4. Cultural Heritage
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
 Baroque Churches: Examples include San
Agustin Church in Manila.
 Banaue Rice Terraces: Testament to ancient
engineering skills.
Cultural Practices
 Festivals like Sinulog and Ati-Atihan reflect rich
traditions.
 Influence of Spanish, American, and
indigenous cultures.

5. Institutional History
Education
 University of the Philippines founded during
the American era.
 Philippine Normal University established to
train teachers.