SPANISH REGIME
19th Century Philippines
SOCIAL HIERARCHY
Peninsulares Insulares
At the apex were the Below them were the Insulares,
Peninsulares, Spaniards born in Spaniards born in the
Spain. They held the highest Philippines. Despite their
Spanish heritage, they often
social status and occupied the
faced discrimination from the
most influential political and
Peninsulares and had
ecclesiastical positions in the
comparatively limited access to
colony.
top positions.
SOCIAL HIERARCHY
Principalias Ilustrados Mestizos
This class consisted of the local Emerging in the late 19th Individuals of mixed
nobility, including the indigenous Filipino and foreign
century, the Ilustrados were an
Gobernadorcillo (town mayors), ancestry (such as Spanish or
educated Filipino middle class,
Cabezas de Barangay (barangay
often exposed to European Chinese) formed this group.
heads), and other local officials.
liberal and nationalist ideals. They often engaged in
They were typically exempt from
They played a pivotal role in commerce and agriculture,
tribute and enjoyed privileges
such as the use of the honorific
advocating for reforms and with some achieving
titles "Don" or "Doña". eventual independence. significant economic influence.
SOCIAL HIERARCHY
Indios
At the base of the hierarchy
were the Indios, the
indigenous Filipino populace.
They were primarily laborers,
farmers, and artisans, bearing
the brunt of colonial
exploitation and tribute
obligations.
POLITICAL STRUCTURE
King of Spain
The ultimate ruler of the
Spanish Empire, including
the Philippines. Had
absolute power and issued
laws and decrees
governing the colony.
POLITICAL STRUCTURE
Governor-General Courts
This branch was responsible for
The highest Spanish official in the
administering justice. The Royal
Philippines, representing the King.
Audencia was the highest court of
Enforced Spanish laws, collected
appeal. The "Residencia" was a
taxes, and controlled the military.
special court that investigated the
Had the power to appoint and
conduct of the Governor-General at
dismiss officials, including
the end of his term. It's notable that
Alcaldes Mayores and the Governor-General also had
Gobernadorcillos. influence within the Judicial Branch.
POLITICAL STRUCTURE
Alcalde Mayor Gobernadorcillo Cabezas de Barangay
Governed the provinces, Managed the pueblos (towns or Led the barangays (smallest
administrative unit). Collected
which were called municipalities). Came from the
tributes and taxes from residents for
Alcaldías. Responsible for Principalía (local elite) and
the Spanish government. Served as a
served for two years. Oversaw
tax collection, public order, mediator between the indigenous
tax collection, infrastructure, people and Spanish authorities.
and local governance. Had and the implementation of Came from the local Principalía class
both civil and judicial Spanish laws. Acted as a judge and were often exempted from
authority. in minor legal cases. paying taxes.
POLITICAL STRUCTURE
Corregidor
These were officials appointed by the
Spanish crown or higher-ranking
officers to oversee municipal areas
that were still being pacified or were
located in more remote or unstable
regions. The Corregidor served as the
local administrator, with the authority
to enforce laws, collect taxes, and
maintain order.
POLITICAL STRUCTURE
Alcalde Regidores Aguacil Mayor Escribano
He was responsible for The Regidores were elected This individual was The Escribano was the
members of the Cabildo, essentially city’s official clerk or
overseeing the responsible for enforcing
serving as councilors. They were
the laws within the city, notary. His role was
enforcement of laws, responsible for advising the Alcalde
and participating in decision- maintaining peace, and primarily administrative,
maintaining public order,
making regarding matters like the including the recording of
and managing finances city’s budget, infrastructure, and
ensuring the city's
legal documents,
and city services. public order. security.
contracts, and decrees.