REVIEW GUIDE FOR RPH
I. The Revolutionary Period & the Katipunan
• Organizational Structure: Identification of the governing bodies of the Katipunan (Supreme,
Provincial, and Judicial Councils).
• Key Figures:
o Andres Bonifacio: Known as the "Heart and Soul" of the Katipunan; his loss in the
Tejeros Convention presidency to Aguinaldo; the challenge to his qualifications by Daniel
Tirona.
o Emilio Jacinto: Recognized as the "Brain of the Katipunan."
o Apolinario Mabini: Known as the "Sublime Paralytic" and the "Dark Chamber of the
President."
o Deodato Arellano: The first president of the Supreme Council.
• Secret Operations: The "Triangular System" used for recruitment and the "Secret Chamber"
(Cámara Reina) for difficult internal cases.
• Pact of Biak-na-Bato: Terms of the pact (Aguinaldo’s exile to Hong Kong), the signing date
(December 14, 1897), and why the revolution continued despite the truce (failure of Spain to
fulfill promises and internal defiance by leaders like Isabelo Artacho).
• Philippine Independence: The symbolism of the red, blue, and white colors of the flag as a sign
of gratitude; the role of Barasoain Church as the "Cradle of Freedom."
II. American Colonization & Japanese Occupation
• Spanish-American War: The explosion of the USS Maine in Havana; the Battle of Manila Bay and
the disparity between the US and Spanish fleets.
• The Philippine-American War: The impact of the San Juan River Bridge incident; the capture of
Emilio Aguinaldo; the "Luna Defense Line."
• Early American Legislation: The Civil Service Act (allowing Filipinos/Americans to serve in
government) and the Treaty of Paris (ceding the Philippines for $20 million).
• Japanese Occupation: Education policy emphasizing Nihongo and Asian culture (the "Asia for
Asians" concept and the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere); the role of Jose P. Laurel in
mitigating harsh Japanese policies.
III. The Third Republic (Post-War Era)
• Manuel Roxas: First president of the independent Third Republic; focused on postwar
rehabilitation; the Parity Amendment (equal rights for US citizens in natural resources); his death
due to a heart attack.
• Elpidio Quirino: Strengthened international relations through diplomatic engagements; the $200
million loan recommendation under the Quirino-Foster Agreement.
• Ramon Magsaysay: His populist leadership style ("The House of the People"); opening
Malacañang to ordinary citizens; agrarian reforms to reduce rural inequality and address the
Hukbalahap insurgency.
• Carlos P. Garcia: The "Filipino First" Policy (prioritizing Filipino entrepreneurs over foreign
competitors); the Austerity Program for fiscal discipline.
• Diosdado Macapagal: The Agricultural Land Reform Code (designed to abolish share tenancy).
IV. Contemporary Administrations & Policy
• Corazon Aquino: The primary purpose of the 1987 Constitution (restoring democratic
institutions after authoritarian rule).
• Fidel V. Ramos: Economic success driven by the liberalization of key industries and investor-
friendly reforms.
• Joseph Estrada: Issues with political stability that weakened economic development.
• Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo: Implementation of expansionary fiscal management and debt
stabilization during global financial crises.
• Benigno Aquino III: Strengthening accountability and public trust systems as a primary anti-
corruption reform.
• Rodrigo Duterte: Focus on the "Build, Build, Build" program to address poor transportation and
infrastructure.
• Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.: Economic direction focused on a continuation of
infrastructure-led recovery strategies.
V. Comparative Historical Analysis
• Presidential Successions: Understanding the order of vice presidents who succeeded to the
presidency (e.g., Osmeña, Quirino, Garcia).
• Political Styles: Comparing democracy/education-focused periods (American rule) versus
periods of strict military control (Spanish or Japanese rule).
• Economic Assessments: Evaluating the effectiveness of governance from Aquino III to Duterte
(mixed outcomes regarding infrastructure vs. inequality).