A Brief Political History Of The Philippines
Do you know that the Philippines has one of the richest political histories in the world? It is the only nation in Southeast Asia that was colonized by the West for more than 3 centuries.
Even before the foreign colonizers’ settlement in the country, politics already existed. Powerful datus (chiefs) ruled over the social groups. The domination of Spanish, American, and Japanese colonizers over the Philippines was not just tagged with oppression of freedom, but also societal transformation and proof of bravery.
Here’s a quick overview of the country’s interesting past, the attempts to shape its political culture, and the efforts to continuously evolve through the years since the Spanish colonization which started in 1521.
What Happened During the Spanish Colonization of the Philippines?
It is interesting to know that the presence of the Spaniards in the country was originally to spread Roman Catholicism, not to colonize the Filipinos. They helped transform Philippine education, architecture, and way of life. But, the Spanish government was later tarnished by abuse, slavery, and corruption.
The long history of colonization and imperialism in the Philippines by the Spanish colonists is significantly reflected in the country’s politics and culture. As Spanish leaders ended the treaty of friendship with the Filipino native chiefs in 1565, the entire archipelago was placed under Spain.
When was the American Colonization of the Philippines?
Did you know that Spain ceded the Philippines as a territory of the United States in 1898? It happened after their loss against the Americans in the Battle of Manila Bay (also called Mock Battle of Manila).
The U.S. and Spain commanders secretly planned to transfer the control over the Philippines from Spain to America through going into a mock battle. Then, the two parties signed the Treaty of Paris which placed the country under the power of the United States which lasted until 1946.
What Kind of Government Did the Japanese Establish in the Philippines?
Hours after the Pearl Harbor bombing on December 7, 1941, the Japanese imperialist army took over the Philippines. A puppet government was established in the Philippine Islands between 1942 and 1945.
Although Jose P. Laurel was appointed president, the country did not have sovereign control over its territory because decisions must be approved by the Japan government. It was until March 29, 1942 when Hukbalahap was organized. Hukbo ng Bayan Laban sa Hapon or Hukbalahap (people’s anti-Japanese army) is a military arm of the Communist Party of the Philippines that aimed to stop the abuses of the Japanese soldiers to the Filipinos.
With the bombing of Nagasaki and Hiroshima in 1945, the Japanese lost to Allied Powers (United States, Great Britain, China, and the Soviet Union) during World War II. The United States regained territorial ownership of the Philippines, and granted its full independence in 1946. At last, the Philippines was formally recognized as a republic.
What Happened During the EDSA People Power Revolution?
Politics in the Philippines struggled to get back to its feet after World War II. It can be remembered that from 1946 until 1965, Manuel A. Roxas, Elpidio R. Quirino, Ramon Magsaysay, Carlos P. Garcia, and Diosdado P. Macapagal Sr. served as the president of the republic.
In 1972, President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr. placed the country under Martial Law. Unfortunately, Senator Benigno S. Aquino Jr.’s assasination at Manila International Airport on August 21, 1983 inflamed the people’s desire to take their protests to the streets. Such a revolt resulted in the EDSA People Power Revolution on February 22 to 25, 1986.
Who is President Ferdinand “Bong Bong” Marcos Jr. of the Philippines?
Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (known as PBBM) is the current and 17th President of the Philippines. He is the son of the former President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr.
In the 2022 elections, PPBM received around 30 million votes, and became the first to be elected by the majority since 1986. His post-pandemic administration focuses on efficient delivery of healthcare, normalization of the country’s operations, poverty alleviation, tourism, trade and industry.
He also targets digitalization and standardization of government services. This guarantees responsive and accessible government transactions.
SUMMARY: A Brief Political History Of The Philippines
What can you say about Philippines politics then and now? Check out the 10 quick and interesting and fun facts about the Philippines. Dig in to the effects of its fascinating multicultural influence and rich history.