Spain and the Philippines in Rizal’s Time

OBJECTIVE
 Describe what was the political, economic and social system of the Philippines in
Rizal’s time.
 Give the importance and relevance of how nationalism was molded in the heart
and mind of our national hero.

I N T R O DU C T I O N

Welcome to this lesson. Now, as what you have known, Rizal lived during the
Spanish colonization. Can you imagine what would it felt like to be living during
those times? Well, if not, go through this lesson and discover what is it like to be in
the Philippines during Rizal’s time.

ABSTRACTION

POLITICAL SYSTEM
The King and the other officials issued royal decrees governing the Philippines
through the Ministry of Colonies (Ministro de Ultra Mar).

a.GOVERNOR GENERAL
 He is appointed by the Spanish King making him the King’s representative in
governmental matters, with that, he issues executive orders and proclamations.
He also exercises the legislative powers. He is the Commander-in-Chief of the
military. He has judicial powers as an ex-officio president of the Royal Audencia.
 He is the Vice-Royal Patron over religious matters and he is the one who
nominate priests to ecclesiastical positions and control the finances of the
missions.

b.PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT (Alcaldias)

 Run by civil governors who represented the authority of the crown in
Newfoundland and Labrador and upheld the colony's constitution.

c.CITY GOVERNMENT (Cabildo or Ayuntamiento)

 This is administered by a mayor or a vice mayor. They act as both chief
executives and chief judicial magistrate. The above positions are occupied by
Spaniards.

d.LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNIT

 This is composed of barangays headed by gobernadorcillo later called capitan. To
be selected, one must be under principalia or noble class who are usually the
educated upper class in the towns of Spanish Philippines, comprising the
gobernadorcillo (who had functions similar to a town mayor), and the cabezas de
barangay (heads of the barangays) who governed the districts.
 This is the highest position in the government to which a native Filipino could be
appointed.
e.BARANGAY or BARRIO
 This is headed by the cabeza de barangay. He collects taxes and tributes from the
families. He receives 2% of the tax proceeds, 4% of the sanctorum (tax paid to
the Church each year to cover the costs of three fiestas, namely; All Saints Day,
Holy Thursday and Corpus Cristi)
 To ensure that the revenues collected will be submitted, the cabeza’s properties
were deemed mortgaged to the state for the entire duration of his term (3 years).

Political Structure during the Spanish Colonization

SOCIAL STRUCTURE

The Filipinos in the 19th century had suffered from feudalistic and master slave
relationship by the Spaniards. Their social structure is ranked into three groups:
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND THE RISE OF FILIPINO
NATIONALISM

The country was opened to foreign trade at the end of the 18th century which resulted
in the rapid rise of foreign firms in Manila. This stimulated agricultural production
and export of sugar, rice hemp and tobacco. The number of families which prospered
from foreign commerce and trade were able to send their sons for an education in
Europe. Filipinos who were educated abroad were able to absorb the intellectual
development in Europe.

Factors Contributed to the Development of Filipino Nationalism:

Opening of the Philippines to International Trade and the Rise of the Middle
Class
 Manila was opened to foreign trade which brought prosperity to the Filipinos and
Chinese mestizo resulting to the existence of middle class.

Influx of European Liberalism

 Ideas of the enlightened philosophers like John Locke and Jean Jacques Rosseau,
masonry and the French Revolution reached the Philippines. Liberty, religious
freedom, democracy, human rights such as suffrage, freedom of speech, press and
form associations and assemblies.

Opening of the Suez Canal on November 17, 1869

 Connects Mediterranean and red sea; shortened distance between Europe and
Orient. Results:
(a)Philippines became closer to Europe and Spain
(b)encouraged European travelers to come to our country
(c)exodus of literal ideas from Europe to the Philippines
(d)more educated and young Filipinos were able to study abroad

Spanish Revolution of 1868 and the Liberal Regime of Carlos Maria Dela Torre
(1869-1871)
Glorious September Revolution of 1868: Queen Isabela II was overthrown resulting
to the rise of liberalism in Spain. Generals Juan Prim and Francisco Serrano appointed
dela Torre as the governor-general in the Philippines (true democrat). Most liberal
governor-general walked the streets in civilian clothes and dismissed his alabaderos
(halberdiers) – the governor’s security guards – and went unescorted.

Accomplishment
 abolished censorship of the press and allowed unlimited discussions of political
problems and proclaimed freedom of speech
 abolished flogging as a punishment
 curtailed abuses particularly the tribute and the polo
 allowed secular priests to be assigned to vacant parishes or seminaries and
created an office which would prevent abuses by members of the regular religious
orders
 reformed the Royal Audiencia to bring about speedier administration of justice
 decreed educational reforms, ordered the setting up of medical, pharmacy, and
vocational schools
 created the Council of the Philippines on December 4, 1870 which was a
consultative body to study Philippine problems and propose solutions to them.

Rafael de Izquierdo (1871-1873), the Cavite Mutiny of 1872 and the Execution of
GomBurZa (February 17, 1872)

April 4, 1871: Isquierdo became the governor-general; “with crucifix in one hand and
a sword in the other” restored press censorship (b) prohibited all talk on political
matters and secularization of the parishes (c) disapproved the establishment of arts
and trades in Manila (d) dismissed natives and mestizos in the civil and military
service.

Cavite Mutiny (January 20, 1872). About 200 Filipino soldiers and workers in Fort
San Felipe mutinied, under the leadership of Sgt La Madrid; caused by Izquierdo’s
abolition of the exemption of the Filipino workers from polo and paying tributes;
mutineers were able to kill the fort commander and some soldiers; mutiny leaders and
participants were arrested and shot to death

GomBurZa (fought for the Filipinization of parishes and champions of liberalism and
humanitarianism). They were charged of sedition and rebellion due to the false
testimony of Francisco Zaldua (former Bicolano soldier and was bribed by the
Spanish prosecutors to implicate them as the masterminds of the mutiny). Military
Court: three priests guilty and sentenced them to die by garrote.

Originally, Rizal’s plan was to take up priesthood and become a Jesuit father. When
he heard of the martyrdom of GomBurZa, he changed his mind and swore to dedicate
his life to vindicate the victims of Spanish oppression.