RPH REVIEWER
READINGS IN PHILIPPINE HISTORY; BASIC & HISTORIOGRAPHY
HISTORIOGRAPHY- is the traditional practice of writing history by collecting documents from various libraries to build a body of evidence used to create descriptive or
analytical historical narratives.
SCHOOL OF THOUGHT
● POSITIVISM- genuine knowledge must be based on observable, empirical facts.
Key Principles; Empirical Evidence, Scientific Method, Rejection of Metaphysics, Universal laws, Inductive Reasoning
● POSTCOLONIALISM -idea of creating their identities and understanding their societies against the shadows of their colonial past.
Two things writing in the History: First, tell the history of their nation that will highlight the identity free from colonial discourse and knowledge. Second, is to
criticize the methods, effects and idea of colonialism.
● ANNALES SCHOOL OF HISTORY- Integration of sociology, geography, anthropology,and economics into historical analysis. Study of collective beliefs,
values, and psychological frameworks of past societies. A holistic approach that includes all aspects of society, peasants, elites, culture, and environment.
PHILIPPINE HISTOGRAPHY; TWO VIEWS
● Spanish Colonizers (Bipartite View): Viewed pre-colonial Philippines as a dark and uncivilized era, only enlightened by Western ideas and Christianity
brought by colonization.
● Nationalist ( Tripartite view); Considered pre-colonial society as a luminous and thriving period, which was overshadowed and darkened by colonization.
They believed that true light and freedom would return once the colonizers were expelled.
MAJOR PERIODS IN THE PHILIPPINE HISTORIOGRAPHY
1. Pre-Colonial- Oral traditions, epics, and indigenous writing systems (e.g. Baybayin);limited surviving texts
2. Spanish Colonial(1565-1898)- Dominated by missionary chronicles and colonial officials; religious and Eurocentric bias
3. American Colonial(1898-1946)- Shift to English-language sources; rise of secular Filipino historians; education reforms
4. Post-Independence (1946–1980s)- Emergence of nationalist historians like Teodoro Agoncillo and Renato Constantino
5. Contemporary (1980s–present)- Diverse approaches: critical, feminist, postcolonial, local, and Indigenous perspectives.
ZEUS SALAZAR
● Introduced pantayong pananaw , a history-writing approach that means "for us, from us."
● Emphasized the need for Filipinos to organize and discuss their own history internally.
● Advocated using Filipino language accessible to all, fostering a shared national identity and understanding.
HISTORY- Greek work historia which means learning by inquiry. Process of scientific investigation of past events.
TYPES OF HISTORY
● Limitation of Historical Knowledge- Historians can only understand the entire past (history-as-actuality) through surviving evidence (history-as-record),
which represents only a small fragment of the full historical reality.
● History as a Subjective Process of Re-creation - Historians strive for verisimilitude —truth, authenticity, and plausibility about the past. The process
is subjective because available documents and relics are incomplete and fragmented, requiring interpretation to reconstruct historical events.
● Historical Method and Historiography- The process of critically examining and analyzing the records and survival of the past is called the historical
method. The imaginative reconstruction of the past from the data derived by the process is called histography.
● Historical Analysis- It is the critical examination and interpretation of historical data and sources to reconstruct and understand past events accurately. This
process involves evaluating the authenticity, reliability, and context of evidence to create a coherent narrative or explanation.
● Historical Data- relics and remains testimonies of witnesses (oral or written).
WRITTEN SOURCES OF HISTORY; Narrative or Literature, Diplomatic Sources, Social Documents
NON-WRITTEN SOURCES; Material Evidence, Oral Evidence (historians)
PRIMARY SOURCES; firsthand account of an event or period that is actually SECONDARY SOURCES; materials made by the people long after the events
written or made during the close period. being described had taken place to provide valuable interpretations of historical
EX. Diaries, Journals, Letters,Newspaper, Magazines, Government records, Maps events.
Photographs EX. Biographies, Histories, Literary criticism, Books written by a third party (about
a historical event, art and theater reviews, newspaper or journals that interpret.
HISTORICAL CRITICISM- Analyzes the origins of early texts to understand the circumstances of their creation. Goals:
● Discover the original meaning of the text in its historical context (literal sense or sensus literalis historicus).
● Reconstruct the historical situation of the author and the intended recipients.
1. Source Criticism – which analyzes and studies the sources used by biblical authors
2. Form Criticism – which seeks to determine a unit’s original form and historical context of the literary tradition
3. Redaction Criticism- which regards the author of the text as editor of the source materials.
4. Tradition Criticism- which attempts to trace the developmental stages of the oral tradition from its historical emergence to its literacy presentation.
5. Canonical Criticism- which focuses its interpretation of the bible on the text of biblical canon and related methodologies.
TWO PARTS TO A HISTORICAL CRITICISM
1. External Criticism
● Focuses on verifying the authenticity of historical sources.
● Uses paleography to decipher and date manuscripts.
● Employs diplomatic criticism to analyze how the document was created, the information it conveys, and the connection between its claims and actual historical
reality.
2. Internal Criticism- determines the historicity of the facts contained in the document. In evaluating historical facts, historians must carefully assess the
nature of the sources, the author's expertise, and the historical context and influences at the time the sources were created.
TEST OF AUTHENTICITY
1. Anachronistic - an error in chronology. A person or a thing that is chronologically out of place
2. Isographies - (archaic) The imitation of another's handwriting.
3. Paleography - the study of ancient or antiquated writings and inscriptions : the deciphering and interpretation of historical writing systems and manuscripts.
4. Diplomatics -exactly reproducing the original. It is related with the art and practice of conducting negotiations between nations : of, relating to, or concerned
with diplomacy or diplomats
FIRST VOYAGE AROUND THE WORLD
PRE-EXPLORATION
● CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS (1492–1504)- Sailed westward under the Spanish crown to find a route to Asia. Instead, he encountered the Caribbean,
initiating European colonization of the Americas.
● VASCO DE GAMA(1497–1499)- Successfully sailed from Portugal to India around Africa. Opened direct maritime trade between Europe and Asia.
TREATY OF TORDESILLAS(1494)
● Agreement between Spain and Portugal, mediated by the Pope.
● Established an imaginary line 370 leagues west of the Cape Verde Islands.
● Lands west of the line assigned to Spain ; lands east to Portugal .
● Aimed to settle territorial disputes after Columbus's voyages.
MAGELLAN’S VOYAGE(1517)- Ferdinand Magellan's 1519 voyage was the “first full circumnavigation of the globe” . Unlike earlier explorers who reached Asia or the
Americas, his journey proved that the world could be circled by sea, fundamentally transforming global trade routes and geopolitics.
● Early Life: - Born circa 1480 in Sabrosa or Porto, Portugal.
● Son of minor nobility Rui de Magalhães and Alda de Mesquita.
● Educated at the Portuguese royal court; learned navigation and astronomy.
● Historic Voyage (1519–1522): - Commanded the Armada de Molucca, consisting of five ships.
● 1519: Departed Spain; sailed across the Atlantic and South America.
● 1520: Discovered the Strait of Magellan, a sea passage to the Pacific.
● Named the Pacific Ocean “Mar Pacífico” for its calm seas.
● 1521: Arrived in the Philippines; killed in the Battle of Mactan by Lapu-Lapu’s warriors.
ANTONIO PIGAFETTA(1519)- Joined Magellan’s expedition as assistant and official chronicler
● Served as a "supernumerary" crew member, earning a modest salary of 1,000 maravedís.
● Kept a detailed journal recording geography, cultures, languages, and key events, including the Battle of Mactan where Magellan died.
● His journal is the primary source for detailed knowledge about Magellan’s voyage.
● Recorded early Cebuano words , providing the first linguistic documentation of Philippine languages.
● Was among only 18 survivors out of about 240 crew members who completed the first global circumnavigation in 1522 .
● Returned to Venice and authored the Relazione del primo viaggio intorno al mondo (“Report on the First Voyage Around the World”), published in Italian and French
REFLECTION OF PIGAFETTA
● “Vocabuli de questi populi gentili” (“Words of those heathen people”): Showcases Pigafetta's fascination with Filipino languages but also reveals his Eurocentric
viewpoint.
● On executions in Cebu: Pigafetta recorded the king describing executed individuals as "malefactors and thieves."
● On the islands' wealth: He noted abundant resources including pigs, goats, rice, ginger, and especially gold.
● On the Battle of Mactan and Magellan’s death: Pigafetta depicted Magellan’s final moments, highlighting his order to retreat without turning backs after Magellan
was killed.
THE VOYAGE
THE MEETING IN VALLADOLID 1517-1518
● After Portugal rejected his plan to reach the Spice Islands by sailing west, Magellan arrived in Seville, Spain, in 1517.
● He was accompanied by Rui Faleiro , a cosmographer and fellow Portuguese defector.
● Their mission: persuade King Charles I (18 years old, newly crowned ruler of unified Castile and Aragon) to back their expedition.
● Charles I was inexperienced, spoke little Spanish, and faced advisors who were skeptical of Magellan, a Portuguese seeking Spanish wealth.
THE PITCH
● Magellan proposed a western route to the Moluccas (Spice Islands).
● Presented maps and charts showing the possible route.
● Highlighted his military experience in India, Malacca, and Morocco.
● Brought Enrique of Malacca, proving his knowledge of Southeast Asia.
● Argued that sailing west would not violate the Treaty of Tordesillas.
King Charles’ Reasons for Approval:
● Needed revenue to expand his empire.
● Wanted to rival Portugal’s dominance in Asian trade.
● Was impressed by Magellan’s detailed and confident proposal.
Outcome:
● Granted Magellan the title “Captain-General of the Armada de Molucca.”
● Signed the Capitulación de Valladolid.
● Gave him command of five ships.
● Authorized him to claim lands for Spain.
MAGELLAN’S FLEET 1519 THE FIVE SHIPS
● Total Crew- 270 men
● Departure; September 20 1519 from Seville Spain
SHIP NAME CAPTAIN VICE CAPTAIN ESTIMATED CREW
1. TRINIDAD Ferdinand Magellan Gonzalo Gornez de Espinosa 55
2. SAN ANTONIO Juan de Cartagena Alvaro de Mezquita 60
3. CONCEPCION Gaspar de Quesada Juan Sebastian Elcano 45
4. VICTORIA Luis Mendoza Antonio de Coca 45
5. SANTIAGO Joao Serrao Unknown Unknown
ARRIVAL March 16-17, 1521
● March 16, 1521: The expedition sighted land, identifying a high island called Zamal (Samar).
● March 17, 1521: They anchored near Humunu (Homonhon), a small uninhabited island.
● The crew was exhausted and low on supplies after crossing the Pacific Ocean.
● Friendly natives from nearby islands visited and brought food such as coconuts, bananas, palm wine, and chickens.
● Magellan went ashore, ordered a cross to be planted, and told local chiefs he came in peace under the authority of the King of Spain to spread Christianity.
FIRST MASS March 31, 1521
● Location: Limasawa Island, Southern Leyte (affirmed by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines).
● Celebrant: Father Pedro de Valderrama, chaplain of Magellan’s expedition.
● The Mass was held near the shore.
● Attendees included Magellan, his crew, and local rulers Rajah Siaiu and Rajah Kolambu.
● A wooden cross was planted on a hill after the Mass, symbolizing the Christian claim over the land.
ARRIVAL AT ZUBU April 7, 1521
● As the fleet reached Zubu at noon, Magellan ordered a ceremonial display.
● All banners were raised.
● Sails were lowered.
● The ships fired artillery as a thunderous salute. The cannon fire alarmed the locals, who thought it was an act of war.
● To calm tensions, Magellan sent his foster son and an interpreter as envoys to Rajah Humabon, ruler of Cebu.
BAPTISM
● April 14, 1521: Mass and baptism ceremony held in Zubu (Cebu).
● April 15, 1521: Continued baptisms; more than 800 natives converted to Christianity
Key Figures:
● Rajah Humabon – ruler of Cebu, baptized as Carlos.
● Hara Humamay – baptized as Juana, named after Queen Juana of Castile.
● Fr. Pedro de Valderrama – officiated the Mass and baptisms.
● Ferdinand Magellan – sponsor of the baptism, dressed in white to symbolize purity.
● Before her baptism, Queen Juana was shown a small image of the Child Jesus and a cross.
● She requested to keep the image instead of her idols.
● Magellan gave her the image, later known as the Santo Niño de Cebu.
BATTLE OF MACTAN APRIL 27, 1521
● Datu Zula, a chief of Mactan Island, welcomed Magellan, offered gifts, and pledged loyalty to the King of Spain.
● Datu Lapu-Lapu, the other chief of Mactan, refused to submit to Spanish rule or to Rajah Humabon of Cebu.
● Zula told Magellan he could defeat Lapu-Lapu if given a boatload of men.
● Magellan agreed, aiming to demonstrate Spanish dominance by helping Zula against Lapu-Lapu.
INDIGENOUS STRATEGY APRIL 27, 1521
● Lapu-Lapu’s warriors numbered around 1,500 and used strategic tactics.
● They targeted the legs of armored Spaniards, which were unprotected.
● Employed patibongs (traps), poisoned arrows, and ambushes.
● Burned houses to confuse and provoke the invaders.
● Magellan was wounded by a poisoned arrow and later killed by a cane lance and native swords.
CUSTOMS OF THE TAGALOGS - Written by Juan de Plasencia a Franciscan missionary in the Tagalog region since 1578 until 159.
JUAN DE PLASENCIA
● Arrived in the Philippines on July 2, 1578 as one of the first Franciscan missionaries.
● Authored several religious and linguistic works.
● Most notable work: Doctrina Cristiana (Christian Doctrine), the first book ever printed in the Philippines.
Early Life in the Philippines
● Worked with Fray Diego de Oropesa, preaching around Laguna de Bay and Tayabas, Quezon Province.
● Founded several towns in the region.
● Advocated for primary education, requesting official approval to establish schools where Filipinos could learn:
○ Christian doctrine
○ Reading and writing
○ Arts and crafts
● The initiative aimed to form good Christians and useful citizens.
● Approved by Domingo de Salazar, the first Bishop of Manila (1512–1594).
Plasencia wrote:
● The people had chiefs called “datus” who governed and led in wars.
● Datus were respected and revered by their subjects.
● Any offense against a datu, or even speaking to their wives and children without permission, was severely punished.
SOCIAL CLASSES;
● CHIEFTAIN - Datu
● NOBLES; Maharlika- Free-born, they do not pay tax.
● COMMONERS ; Aliping Namamahay - They live in their own houses and lords of their property and gold.
● SLAVES; Aliping Saguiguilir -They serve their master in his house and his cultivated lands and can be sold.
HOUSES- Made of wood, bamboo, and nipa palm
● Sibi: The roof, protecting people from rain.
● Sorihile: Small lamps placed on the posts of the house. A large central lamp was placed in the center, decorated with white palm leaves in intricate designs.
Families were united in worship, practicing rituals called nagaanitos.
MODE OF DRESSING
MALE ; Headgear - PUTONG(symbolize the number of persons the wearer had killed). UPPER - A jacket with short sleeves called KANGGAN. Lower- BAHAG
FEMALE; Upper- Baro or Camisa , Lower- Saya
ORNAMENTS- A decorative object thats add quality or distinction to person, place or thing.
GOVERNMENT- The unit of government is called BARANGAY ruled by chieftain and consist of 30-100 families together w/ relatives & slaves.
ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE-The chieftain’s executive functions included: Implementing laws, Enforcing orders, Providing protection to subjects. Disputes between
individuals were settled by a court composed of the chieftain and a council of elders.
PUNISHMENT
● Offenses were punished with fines of gold.
● If the fine was not paid promptly, the culprit was forced to serve the master.
● Half of the culprit’s cultivated land and all its produce belonged to the master.
● The master provided food and clothing, effectively enslaving the culprit and his children until the fine could be paid.
● Even if the father eventually paid the debt, the master could claim compensation for feeding and clothing the children.
ADULTERY
● A child born to a free married woman during her marriage had inheritance rights.
● If the husband punished the adulterer, it was considered a dowry
● The child’s inheritance share equaled what the father left, no more.
● If the child was the only son, the children and closest relatives inherited equally with him.
INHERITANCE - The first son inherits the father’s position. If the first son dies, the second son succeeds. If there are no male heirs, the eldest daughter becomes chieftain.
SLAVES - A person becomes a slave by: Captivity in war, Debt, Inheritance, Purchase, Committing a crime. Emancipation of slaves can occur through:
1. Forgiveness
2. Paying debt
3. Condonation
4. Bravery (a slave could become a Datu)
5. Marriage
MARRIAGE CUSTOMS- Men were generally monogamous; wives were called Asawa. Courtship: Begins with Paninilbihan (service by the suitor). Marriage across social
classes was uncommon.
Dowry requirements:
1. Bigay-kaya: Piece of land or gold
2. Panghihimuyat: Gift for the bride’s parents
3. Bigay-suso: Gift for the bride’s wet nurse
Grounds for divorce: Adultery by the husband, Abandonment, Cruelty, Insanity.
DOWRIES- Are given by the men to the women’s parents. dowry not consumed by death; it is divided like the of the estate. If the wife no parents and relatives. She enjoys
her dowry.
RELIGIOUS BELIEFS- Worshiped many gods and goddesses, including: Bathala – Supreme Being, Idayanale – God of agriculture, Sidarapa – God of death, Agni – God of
fire, Balangaw – God of the rainbow, Mandarangan – God of war, Lalahon – God of harvest, Siginarugan – God of hell. Also believed in sacred animals and trees.
CATALONAN - People worshipped idols by placing a piece of cloth, a chain, or a large gold ring over them, without seeing the devil.
● The devil could possess the Catolonan (priestess), causing her to: Appear to shoot flames from her eyes, Have hair that stood on end, Speak with arrogance and
superiority, frightening onlookers
SUPERSTITIOUS BELIEFS - Believed in aswang, duwende, kapre, tikbalang, tiyanak. Also believed in magical power of amulet & charms ( anting- anting, kulam and
gayuma or love potion).
BURYING THE DEAD- The deceased was buried beside his house, If he was a chief, he was placed beneath a small house or porch built for him. The community mourned
for four days. The body was laid in a boat used as a coffin or bier, placed under the porch. A slave kept guard over the body.
ECONOMIC LIFE;
● Agriculture (plains): rice, corn, banana, coconut, sugarcane, vegetables, and fruits.
● Hunting: practiced in highlands.
● Fishing: done in rivers and seas.
● Other industries: shipbuilding, weaving, poultry raising, mining, and lumbering.
● Domestic trade: conducted between barangays by boat.
● Foreign trade: with Borneo, China, Japan, Cambodia, Java, and Thailand.
LANGUAGE AND SYSTEM OF WRITING;
● Major languages: Tagalog, Ilocano, Pangasinan, Kapampangan, Sugbuhanon (Cebuano), Hiligaynon, Magindanaw, and Samarnon.
● These languages originated from the Malayo-Polynesian language family.
● Writing system: called Baybayin, consisting of 3 vowels and 14 consonants.
● Used tree sap as ink and a pointed stick as a writing tool.
● Wrote on large leaves, tree bark, and bamboo tubes.
KKK KATAASTAASAN , KAGALANGGALANGANG, KATIPUNAN NG MGA ANAK NG BAYAN
● Founded in 1892 by Filipino nationalists: Andrés Bonifacio, Deodato Arellano, Valentín Díaz, Ladislao Diwa, José Dizon, and Teodoro Plata.
● Official name: Kataastaasang Kagalanggalangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan (KKK) or Katipunan.
● Purpose: To gain independence from Spanish colonial rule through an armed revolution.
● The Katipunan was discovered on August 18, 1896.
● The discovery resulted from a wage dispute between Teodoro Patiño and Apolonio de la Cruz.
● Both worked at the Diario de Manila printing press.
● They argued over a two-peso salary increase.
● De la Cruz blamed Patiño for the loss of printing supplies used for Kalayaan, the newspaper of the Katipunan.
● Teodoro Patiño revealed the Katipunan’s secret to his sister Honoria Patiño, who reacted with shock.
● Sister Teresa de Jesus, the mother portress of the orphanage, noticed and advised Patiño to confess.
● Patiño confessed to Mariano Gil, the Augustinian parish curate of Tondo.
● Incriminating evidence was found at the printing office.
● Fr. Gil reported the discovery to Governor-General Ramón Blanco.
ANDRESS BONIFACIO- “Founder of Katipunan” and The Father of the Philippine Revolution“
● Born: November 30, 1863, in Tondo, Manila
● Died: May 10, 1897
● Parents: Catalina de Castro – Spanish mestiza, Santiago Bonifacio – Alcalde of Tondo, Chinese Hoklo mestizo
● Andrés Bonifacio worked as:
○ Maker of canes and paper fans
○ Mandatario (agent) for the British firm Fleming and Company
○ Corredor (broker) of tar, rattan, and other goods
○ Bodeguero (storehouse keeper)
○ Theater actor
● Wives: Monica (surname unknown), Gregoria de Jesus
LA LIGA FILIPINA - The Philippine League. Founded by José Rizal in 1892. Aims:
● Unite the entire archipelago into one strong and unified organization.
● Provide mutual protection in times of need.
● Defend against violence and injustice.
● Promote education, agriculture, and commerce.
● Study and pursue the application of reforms.
On July 7, 1892, José Rizal was exiled to Dapitan, Mindanao. That same night, Andrés Bonifacio, a member of La Liga Filipina, together with Teodoro Plata, Ladislao Diwa,
Valentin Diaz, Deodato Arellano, and Jose Dizon, founded the Katipunan. The society was established in a house on Azcarraga Street (now Recto Avenue) near Elcano Street,
San Nicolas, Manila.
Government Structure of the Katipunan
● Kataastaasang Sanggunian: Highest governing body, headed by the Supremo (President).
● Provincial Level: Each province had a Sangguaniang Bayan (Provincial Council).
● Town Level: Each town had a Sangguniang Balangay (Popular Council).
LEADERS;
● Deodato Arellano – Supremo
● Ladislao Diwa – Fiscal
● Teodoro Plata – Secretary
● Valentín Díaz – Treasurer
● Andrés Bonifacio – Controller
EMILIO JACINTO - “Brains of the Katipunan.” “Soul of the Revolution” “Eyes of the Katipunan.”
● Born: December 15, 1875, in Trozo, Manila
● Parents: Mariano Jacinto (father) and Josefa Dizon (mother)
● Joined the Katipunan: 1894 at age 19, the youngest member
● Roles in the Katipunan:Fiscal, Secretary, Editor of the newspaper Kalayaan, Director of the printing shop and library, General of the Katipunan.
● Died: April 16, 1899, at age 23, in Magdalena, Laguna due to malaria
Kartilya ng Katipunan (The Katipunan Code of Conduct) THE 14 PROVISION
1. Purposeful Life- Live for a noble and meaningful cause.
2. True Virtue – Do good sincerely, not for personal gain.
3. Rational Charity – Be charitable wisely and fairly.
4. Equality – Treat everyone with fairness.
5. Honor and Gain – Seek honor through virtue, not selfish gain.
6. Sacred Word – Keep promises and uphold one’s word.
7. Value of Time – Use time wisely and productively.
8. Defend the Oppressed – Protect those who are weak or mistreated.
9. Prudence – Act with wisdom and careful judgment.
10. Guidance – Follow good counsel and moral guidance.
11. Respect for Women – Honor and protect women.
12. Golden Rule – Treat others as you wish to be treated.
13. True Worth – Value character over wealth or status.
14. Liberty and Brotherhood – Uphold freedom and unity among people.
GOMBURZA - : Falsely accused of leading the 1872 Cavite Mutiny against Spanish rule. Outcome: Executed by garrote on February 17, 1872 in Manila. Significance: Their
martyrdom inspired Filipino nationalism and influenced reformists like José Rizal.
1. JACINTO ZAMORA
2. MARIANO GOMEZ
3. JOSE BUGOS
PROPAGANDA MOVEMENT
● Representation in the Spanish Cortes (Parliament)
● Equality between Filipinos and Spaniards under the law
● Secularization of parishes (Filipino priest over friars)
● Freedom of speech and press
● Access to secular education
● End to forced labor and tribute systems.
CAVITE MUTINY- Root Causes;Loss of Privileges (exemptions from tribute and forced, labor (polo y servicio) for workers at the Cavite arsenal).
TAXATION - Filipinos paid taxes to spain.
A. TRIBUTO- the filipino were compelled to pay tribute to the colonial gov. Tributo was imposed on the filipino loyalty to the king of spain. Individuals who are 16 -
60 yrs old are paying.
● 1571-1884 = 8 reales ( 1 pesos per year)
● Othr form of payment; Golds, Chicken, Textile, cotton & rice
B. CEDULA - Personal Identification Paper. 1884 tribute was replaced by CEDULA. Certificate identifying the tax payer. Recorded his; Name, age, birthplace, marital,
occupation, nationality, sex.
C. DIEZMOS PREDIALES OR TITHES - a tax consisting one-tenth 1/10 of the produce of one’s land.
POLO Y SERVICIO ( FORCED LABOR)
● Each man was required to work 40 days per year, later reduced to 15 days in 1884 due to complaints.
● Laborers were called polistas.
● Tasks included building roads, bridges, churches, shipyards, and other public works, often far from home.
● Exemption: Could pay a falla of 1½ reales to avoid labor.
Other Key Factors Behind the Cavite Mutiny
● Rising Filipino Consciousness: Ilustrados became aware of liberal ideas from Europe and Latin America.
● Social Inequality & Racial Hierarchy: Colonial caste system favored peninsulares over indios (native Filipinos).
● Secularization Conflict: Efforts to challenge Spanish friars’ dominance in the Church.
● Manipulation of the Narrative: Spanish authorities exaggerated the mutiny as a full-scale rebellion.
Spanish Perspective (Governor-General Izquierdo & Jose Montero y Vidal)
● Exaggerated the threat: claimed the mutiny aimed to install a native government led by Filipino clergy.
● Used superstition: alleged rebels convinced troops that a new “hari” (king) would come from the clergy.
● Twisted economic grievances: framed removal of exemptions from tribute and forced labor as a rebellion.
● Blamed liberal newspapers like El Eco Filipino and reformist influences.
● Framed as a seditious plot targeting Spanish officers and friars.
● Viewed educated leaders, mestizos, abogadillos, and native clergy as conspirators.
● Rising Filipino Consciousness: Ilustrados became aware of liberal ideas from Europe and Latin America.
● Social Inequality & Racial Hierarchy: Colonial caste system favored peninsulares over indios (native Filipinos).
● Secularization Conflict: Efforts to challenge Spanish friars’ dominance in the Church.
● Manipulation of the Narrative: Spanish authorities exaggerated the mutiny as a full-scale rebellion.
Filipino Perspective (Dr. Trinidad H. Pardo de Tavera & Edmund Plauchut)
● Root cause: economic injustice – removal of exemptions, direct deductions of taxes and forced labor from wages.
● Critique of Izquierdo’s policies: blocking schools of arts and trades, removing worker rights.
● Rejected conspiracy theory: no widespread plot among native clergy.
● Believed friars manipulated the mutiny to reassert control and eliminate reformist threats.
● Witnessed injustice: execution of GOMBURZA, falsely implicated priests.
Similarities / Overlap
● Both recognized the mutiny occurred on January 20, 1872, at the Fort of San Felipe in Cavite.
● Both acknowledge the involvement of native soldiers/workers.
● Both link the event to social unrest, though the causes and interpretation differ.