READINGS IN PHILIPPINES HISTORY

EXPLANATION

The cruel and abusive tax strategies of the Spanish colonial government caused widespread poverty and
hardship among the Filipino people. The Filipino people were forced to pay high taxes, which were
frequently collected with ruthless efficiency, to support the Spanish government. Filipinos’ essentials
were neglected, which resulted in widespread disease, hunger, and poverty. Filipinos were also forced
to sell their land and property in order to pay taxes, which resulted in their losing their ability to provide
of livelihood and turning to abusive labor conditions.

The slogan "ABUSIVE, GREEDY, INHUMAN” is an accurate reflection of the Spanish colonial
government’s taxation policies. The policies of Spanish rulers are a major source of suffering for the
Filipino people.