Spanish Colonization of the Philippines: Governance and Status as a State
The Philippines, during the period of Spanish colonization, was not a fully self-governing territory. The Spanish crown maintained significant control over the governance of the colony, often delegating the day-to-day administration to local leaders while larger national questions were decided in Madrid.
Feudal Period/Pre-Liberal Era
The early governance of the Philippines during the Spanish colonization was marked by a feudal system intertwined with military alliances. In 1570, the Capitania General de Islas Filipinas was established, with Manila as its capital, claiming lands including Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, Borneo, Guam, the Mariana and Caroline islands. The Philippines was initially part of the Viceroyalty of New Spain, now Mexico, and the Governor-General of the Philippines reported to the Viceroy of New Spain.
It is important to note that the claim made in 1570 was more of a territorial claim than an actual conquest. Manila was taken through a treaty with Rajah Matanda, who remained a ruler in the region under a form of encomienda. The nobility in Manila was initially divided between pro-Spanish and anti-Spanish factions. Beyond Manila, the encomienda system was used to govern other regions, with kings and nobles acting as encomenderos and providing troops in times of war. This system often led to abuse, particularly in the revolt of the Lakans or the Tondo Conspiracy, led by Agustin de Legaspi, who was the grandson of Miguel Lopez de Legaspi.
As the system was refined, towns were reorganized under a gobernadorcillo, who was often chosen from pre-Hispanic nobility, leading to a more modern system known as the principalia. The gobernadorcillo's authority was further divided among cabezas de barangay, who were responsible for tax collection. The governor's authority was vested in a Teniente Mayor, usually a Peninsular Spaniard, who reported to the Governor-General.
Industrial Revolution/Age of Liberalism
In the early 19th century, significant changes came with the Cadiz Constitution of 1812, drafted by liberals during the Napoleonic invasions in Spain. This constitution granted representation to the colonies in the Spanish Cortes, including three seats for the Philippines. This marked a significant shift towards modern governance and the establishment of a more centralized national government.
A national army was organized, with exemptions from military service and polla (forced labor). The modern Spanish colonial police, the Guardia Civil, was also established in places like Cavite. Municipalities were formed, and the gobernadorcillo was renamed capitán municipal, reflecting the modernity of the new system. The mayors now required only a small arsenal of muskets for municipal law and order.
Despite these reforms, in 1872, these liberal reforms were revoked by the reactionary Governor-General Izquierdo with the blessing of the new reactionary Queen. This backlash led to the Cavite Mutiny and furthered a series of events including the establishment of the GomBurZa, the works of Rizal, and eventually the push for independence.
Historically, the governance of the Philippines under Spanish colonization was characterized by a mixture of feudal and modern practices, reflecting the complexities and conflicts of early colonialism. While the Philippines became part of the Spanish Empire as a state, its status and governance evolved significantly over the 333 years of Spanish rule.