COLONIAL PERIOD: SPANISH COLONIAL RULE (1521 - 1898)

*Spain’s Colonial Motives

The Papal Bull Inter Caetera, issued by Pope Alexander VI on May 4, 1493, and the
Treaty of Tordesillas, signed on June 7, 1494, played pivotal roles in the division of
the newly discovered lands of the Americas between Spain and Portugal. These
agreements established territorial boundaries and granted exclusive rights to these two
colonial powers, shaping the geopolitical landscape of the New World and influencing
the colonization of indigenous peoples. The Bull Inter Caetera was primarily issued to
grant Spain the authority to explore and claim newly discovered lands west of a
demarcation line, which was set at 100 leagues west of the Azores and Cape Verde
Islands. Spain was given exclusive rights to the territories west of this line, while all
others were forbidden to trade or claim land without Spain’s permission.

The Bull was issued in the context of Christopher Columbus' 1492 voyage and served
both a political and religious purpose. It urged Spain’s monarchs, Ferdinand and
Isabella, to spread the Catholic faith to the indigenous peoples of the New World,
whom the document described as non-Christian and “barbarous.” This religious
justification allowed Spain to claim these territories under the "Doctrine of
Discovery," laying the groundwork for the European colonization of the Americas
and the subjugation of indigenous populations.

Although Inter Caetera granted Spain broad rights, Portugal, a competing naval power
with a history of maritime exploration, disputed the demarcation line. To resolve this
conflict and prevent war between the two Catholic powers, Spain and Portugal
negotiated the Treaty of Tordesillas in 1494. The Treaty moved the original line
established by Inter Caetera further west of the Cape Verde Islands. This new
boundary effectively divided the world between Spain and Portugal. The treaty not
only allowed Spain to dominate much of the Americas but also ensured Portugal’s
colonial foothold in both the Old and New Worlds.

Both the Papal Bull and the Treaty of Tordesillas facilitated European imperial
expansion, resulting in the dispossession of indigenous lands and the exploitation of
their peoples. By asserting that non-Christian lands could be claimed and governed by
Christian rulers, these agreements reinforced the legal and moral justifications for
colonization. Indigenous populations had no say in these negotiations, and their rights
were reduced to mere occupancy, which could be revoked by the colonial powers at
any time.

As a result, the consequences for indigenous peoples were severe. The Spanish and
Portuguese conquests led to the forced conversion, displacement, and often brutal
exploitation of native populations. The Bull’s directive to convert indigenous peoples
to Christianity also led to the imposition of European culture and religion on these
societies. The principles established in the Papal Bull Inter Caetera and the Treaty of
Tordesillas continued to influence the legal frameworks of European and American
colonial powers for centuries. In the United States, the Johnson v. McIntosh (1823)
Supreme Court decision relied on the “Doctrine of Discovery” to assert that
indigenous land rights were subordinate to those of European colonial powers, with
American Indians possessing only a right of occupancy.
In the modern era, both the Papal Bull and the Treaty of Tordesillas have come under
renewed scrutiny. Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, indigenous rights advocates
and Catholic groups called for the formal revocation of Inter Caetera by the Vatican.
These groups argued that the Bull had perpetuated the injustices of colonialism and
violated the human rights of indigenous peoples. The Treaty of Tordesillas, while
historically significant, is also seen today as a symbol of European imperialism and
the marginalization of native cultures.

*Armada De Maluco - Magellan Expedition

Spain's most significant venture was led by Ferdinand Magellan in which we can also
refer to as Fernando de Magallanes. He is a seaman and a navigator and thus became
the first European to reach the Philippines
Spice Island . In 1513, together with Enrique, a Malay slave, they returned to Lisbon,
Portugal. Because of the Portugese campaign against Moors in Africa, he was pierced
by the enemy's lance thus, allowing him to limp for the rest of his life. Some time, he
proposed to King Manuel about his desire to navigate spice island via the westward
route however, he was just ignored by the King. Thus, the only person who believed
in him was Ruy Faleiro, a learned astronomer. After, Magellan renounced his
Portugese citizenship and went to Spain and he met Diego de Barbosa, a portuguese
and befriended his son Duarte. Through Barbosa'd influence, Magellan approached
the royal court of King Charles I , and thus presenting a proposal to Find a New Route
to the Mollucas.

Magellan used a world map created by Pierre Regnel and letters from Francisco
Serrao in the Moluccas to convince the King of Spain's validity and viability claim to
the Spice Island. Aside from the knowledge gained through maps and globes, he
could also state his practical experience in Southeast Asia from his voyages to the
trading port of Malacca in 1508 and the Moluccan Spice Island in 1511- 1512 under
the command of Alfonso de Albuquerque, thus, the spanish king approved
Magellan's confidence to accomplish his objective.

There was then an authorization letter from the King and Queen of Spain's command
by Francisco delos Covos, Secretary of the Queen, allowing Ferdinand Magellan and
Ruy Faleiro to do their expedition comfortably. Thus, Magellan completed the
preparation for the said expedition, which consisted of five ships; Trinidad, Victoria,
Conception, Santiago, San Antonio. 270 men spaniards and the rest foreigners. In his
expedition, Enrique of Malacca acts as interpreter, Father Pedro de Valderrama ad the
fleet chaplain, Antonio Pigafetta as the Venetian Knight and chronicler of the
expedition, and Duarte de Barbosa as Magellan's brother in law.
* Pigafetta’s Primio Viaggio
Antonio Pigafetta was an Italian scholar and explorer. He joined the expedition to the
Spice Islands led by explorer Ferdinand Magellan under the flag of the emperor
Charles V and after Magellan's death in the Philippine Islands, the subsequent voyage
around the world. Pigafetta's Primo Viaggio is a significant document in Philippine
history, not because it was written by a Filipino, but because it provides one of the
earliest and most detailed accounts of the archipelago from a European perspective.

The Filipino version is from Unang Paglalayag Paikot ng Daigdig ni Antonio

Pigafetta, salin ni Phillip Yerro Kimpo. Manila, Komisyon ng Wikang Filipino,and
the National Commission for Culture and the Arts of the Republic of the Philippines,
2017. The translation was itself based on First voyage around the world. Manila,
Filipiniana Book Guild, 1969. As for the first hand importance Antonio Pigafetta was
a chronicler on Ferdinand Magellan's expedition, which landed in the Philippines in
1521. His Primo Viaggio is a firsthand account of their encounters with the
indigenous people, their culture, and the geography of the islands.
Pigafetta provides vivid descriptions of the islands, their inhabitants, their customs,
their trade, and even their languages. He mentions specific locations like Limasawa,
where the first mass in the Philippines was held, and the islands of Cebu and Mactan.
In Early European perspective hiis account offers a unique insight into the interactions
between the Europeans and the Filipinos, highlighting the initial encounters, trade,
and conflicts. It also provides valuable information about the political structures,
social hierarchy, and religious practices of the Filipinos at that time.

Significance for Philippine History:

- Foundation of European knowledge: Primo Viaggio became a primary source of

information about the Philippines for Europeans for centuries. It helped shape
European understanding of the archipelago and its people.
- Historical context: Pigafetta's account provides a crucial historical context for
understanding the Spanish colonization of the Philippines, which began shortly after
Magellan's voyage. It highlights the pre-colonial state of the islands and the cultural
and social structures that existed before the arrival of the Spanish.
- Cultural and linguistic insights: Pigafetta's descriptions of the Filipinos' way of life,
their language, and their customs offer valuable insights into the diverse cultures that
existed in the archipelago before colonization.

Limitations

- European perspective: Pigafetta's account is naturally biased towards the viewpoint

of the European explorers. It reflects European perceptions and interpretations of the
Filipinos and their culture.
- Limited scope: Pigafetta's account only covers a specific period and region of the
Philippines. It does not offer a comprehensive view of the entire archipelago or its
diverse cultures.

Overall, Pigafetta's Primo Viaggio is a valuable historical document that provides a

unique glimpse into the Philippine’s history and its early encounter with the West.
While it's essential to recognize its limitations and biases, it remains a crucial source
of information for understanding the pre-colonial Philippines and the impact of
European arrival on the archipelago.

*Moluccas Issue
The Moluccas issue arose after Magellan's expedition and the arrival of the ship
Victoria in Spain on September 6, 1522, highlighting a dispute between Spain and
Portugal over the Spice Islands. Following the Treaty of Tordesillas, which divided
newly discovered lands between the two nations, the Junta de Bajadoz-Elvas was
convened in 1524 to establish the exact location of the Tordesillas line. However, this
effort failed due to insufficient knowledge of longitude. To address ongoing tensions,
political marriages strengthened ties between the kingdoms, with Catherine of Aragon
marrying John of Austria in 1525 and Charles V marrying Isabella of Portugal in 1526.
The Treaty of Zaragoza, signed on April 22, 1529, resolved the Moluccas issue by
allowing Portugal to purchase rights to the islands for 350,000 ducats, establishing a
new demarcation line 17° east of the Moluccas. This treaty clarified territorial claims,
granting Portugal control over lands west of the line while Spain claimed most of the
Pacific Ocean, including the Philippines—an area that would later lead to further
conflict. Ultimately, the Treaty of Zaragoza not only settled immediate disputes but
also laid the groundwork for future tensions in the region, illustrating the complex
interplay of diplomacy and exploration during the Age of Discovery.

*Legazpi Expedition
After the abdication of King Charles I (Emperor Charles V) in 1556, his son Philip II
became King of Spain and commissioned an expedition to conquer and colonize the
Philippines. Although the preparations were initiated by Viceroy Luis de Velasco
before his death, the expedition was led by Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, who was
accompanied by key figures including Fr. Andres de Urdaneta (chief pilot), Captain
Felipe de Salcedo (Legazpi's grandson), and five Augustinian missionaries. The Royal
Audiencia of New Spain instructed Legazpi to search for the Western Islands near the
Moluccas without entering them, to discover the Philippines and neighboring islands
rumored to contain spices, to evangelize the natives, and to find a return route to New
Spain. The expedition encountered several significant events from 1565 to 1571: they
faced hostility upon arriving in Cebu, established a blood compact with local chiefs,
and ultimately established the first Spanish settlement, named "Villa del Santisimo
Nombre de Jesus." After signing a treaty with Rajah Tupas recognizing Spanish
sovereignty, the expedition relocated to Panay due to food shortages. Legazpi later
dispatched Martin de Goiti to explore Luzon, where Goiti successfully captured
Maynilad after defeating local resistance led by Raja Soliman. By June 1571, Legazpi
proclaimed Maynilad the capital of the Spanish East Indies, despite facing some local
defiance. The expedition ultimately laid the groundwork for Spanish colonization in
the Philippines, leading to Manila being designated by King Philip II in 1574 as
"Insigne y Siempre Leal Ciudad" (Distinguished and Ever Loyal City), underscoring
its importance in Spanish governance and trade.
*Spanish Colonial System in the Philippines
It was Spain who became the first European country to rise as a great colonizing
power in modern times. Because of its zenith of gloryand grandeur during the 16th
century , its Siglo de Oro (Golden Century) established many colonies in Africa and
in the New World (Latin America) and Asia. King Philip II was the first monarch to
justly boast that the sun never set on his realm. Spain created and complied their
enacted laws into a convenient code called "Recopilacion de los Reynos de las Indias"
(Law of the Indies). This is composed of many decrees issued over the centuries to
regulate their colonial territories' social, economic and political life.

Pattern of Colonization

Despite the minimal number of Spaniards, they still managed to achieve the
colonization of most of the Philippines because of the native allies, missionaries' zeal
and the superiority of the Spanish arms.

Spaniards did not entirely developed their own initiated pacification method in the
island but only complied with the Royal Ordinance on Pacification issued in 1573.
They gathered the natives' culture, language , division of the natives in provinces, and
also the leader they obeyed , thus wanting to seek friendship with these leaders
through trade and barter. Because of the Spanish explorers practice of befriending the
local chieftain, it led to their colonization success. The Spaniards were willing to do
native practices just to achietthe native leaders' goodwill through sandugo or blood
compact to seal the friendship. To ensure the loyalty of the Datu Class, the Spaniards
exempted them and their descendants from payment of taxes .
Later, the Spaniards used the divide and rule method by using one group against
another. The incentive gained from this is titles, exemption from tribute, and
attraction of booty. This prospect of booty is called repartimiento system, which came
from the Spanish term repartir , which means to allot. This was the system of
assigning quotas of exploitable goods, services, and persons. Thus, this system allows
the Spaniards to seive the wealth and food of the natives.
Because the country was divided into thousands of barangay, it is needed to gather the
population in places where colonial and officials could conveniently administer them.
Reduccion is a process responsible for forming the nucleus of many towns and
pueblos. The native was brought to the reducciones either by force or persuasion and
were converted to Christianity. The colonizers called the baptized natives Indios and
separated from the infieles or the unpacified natives.

*Political Changes - Centralized Government

The Spanish authorities established a highly centralized government in the Philippines,
drawing on their experiences in Mexico and South America. From 1565 to 1821, the
Philippines was governed indirectly through the Viceroy of New Spain, with the
Council of Indies overseeing the colony. The King of Spain served as the supreme
lawmaker, guided by the Recopilacion de los Leyes de las Indias. In 1863, the
Council was replaced by the Ministry of Overseas Colonies. The Governor-General,
holding the title of Captain-General, led the executive branch and possessed
significant power, including the right of cumplase to veto royal decrees deemed
detrimental to the colony. The Audiencia, established in 1583, acted as the highest
court and audited government finances. The provincial government was structured
with alcaldias and corregimientos, overseen by local officials.

Additionally, the intertwining of church and state was prominent, with various
religious orders deployed across the islands for evangelization. The early Spanish
Kings, closely aligned with the Catholic Church, reinforced this union, allowing the
Governor-General to appoint priests and granting the clergy significant political
power. Friar-curates held various administrative roles, enhancing their influence
within local governance.

Centralized Government:
- Modeled on Spanish experiences in Mexico and South America.
- Governed indirectly through the Viceroy of New Spain (1565-1821).
- Oversight by the Council of Indies; the King as supreme lawmaker.
- Transitioned to the Ministry of Overseas Colonies in 1863.
- Governor-General:

Headed the executive branch with the title of Captain-General.

Held powers as President of Audiencia, Vice-Royal Patron, and Commander-in-Chief.
Had the right of cumplase to veto harmful royal decrees.

- Judicial Power:
The Audiencia was established in 1583 as the highest court. Audiencia exercised
political and administrative powers in the Governor-General's absence. Government
finances audited; outgoing governors reviewed by a residencia.

- Provincial and Local Government:

Comprised alcaldias (pacified) and corregimientos (military districts). Alcaldias led
by alcaldo mayor; corregimientos by corregidores. Municipalities headed by
gobernadorcillo; barrios overseen by Cabeza de barangay.

- Union of Church and State:

Various religious orders (Augustinians, Franciscans, Jesuits, Dominicans, Recollects,
and Benedictines) engaged in conversion efforts. Spanish Kings supported the
Catholic Church, leading to a close relationship. Governor-General could appoint
priests; clergy held substantial political power. Friar-curates performed multiple
administrative roles within local governance.

*Spain’s Economic Policy

The Spanish colonial era in the Philippines, extending from 1565 to 1898, was a
pivotal period that saw the archipelago undergo significant transformations. This era
set the stage for the emergence of Filipino nationalism and the eventual struggle for
independence.

February 13, 1565. Spanish explorer Miguel López de Legazpi arrived in the
Philippines with four ships and around 380 men. He was sent to establish a permanent
Spanish presence in the region. April 27, 1565. Spanish forces engaged the native
ruler Rajah Tupas, who was the son of Rajah Humabon (known from the earlier
encounter with Ferdinand Magellan in 1521). After being defeated by the Spanish, He
was forced to negotiate peace and sign an agreement that effectively placed Cebu
under Spanish control. May 8, 1565 After the defeat, Rajah Tupas surrendered the
island of Cebu to Legazpi, who established the first permanent Spanish settlement on
the island. Legazpi was later appointed the first Spanish Governor-General of the
Philippines.

Economic Effects

The Spanish colonial era in the Philippines, extending from 1565 to 1898, was a
pivotal period that saw the archipelago undergo significant transformations. This era
set the stage for the emergence of Filipino nationalism and the eventual struggle for
independence.

February 13, 1565. Spanish explorer Miguel López de Legazpi arrived in the
Philippines with four ships and around 380 men. He was sent to establish a permanent
Spanish presence in the region. April 27, 1565. Spanish forces engaged the native
ruler Rajah Tupas, who was the son of Rajah Humabon (known from the earlier
encounter with Ferdinand Magellan in 1521). After being defeated by the Spanish, He
was forced to negotiate peace and sign an agreement that effectively placed Cebu
under Spanish control. May 8, 1565 After the defeat, Rajah Tupas surrendered the
island of Cebu to Legazpi, who established the first permanent Spanish settlement on
the island. Legazpi was later appointed the first Spanish Governor-General of the
Philippines.

Economic Effects

• Government Monopolies: The tobacco monopoly. Seeing the advantages of the

monopoly of the agricultural crop, Governor Basco recommended the King for the
establishment in 1780.

• Galleon Trade:
During Spanish Colonial the Philippine economy was dependent on the galleon trade
which was inaugurated in 1565. The Manila Galleon Trade Route was an
economically powerful system of linking Spain with the commodities of Asia via
Mexico. It consisted of two separate routes – westward from Acapulco to Manila and
eastward on the return, following two separate belts of trade winds across the Pacific
(Guampedia, 2024). This allows the exchange of goods and ideas between Asia and
the Americas. This trade network helped to make Manila one of the wealthiest city in
the region. During Spanish Colonial the Philippine economy was dependent on the
galleon trade which was inaugurated in 1565.

Encomienda:
Was an administrative duty, favor from the King and was not a piece of a land.
Encomendero, those who received the favor was given the right to collect tributes or
taxes from the natives of an area assigned to him. But, instead of doing the duties of
the encomenderos to teach the natives about Christian doctrine and protect them, they
abused their authority and maltreated the Philippines.

There were 3 kinds of encomienda:

Royal - belonged to the King
Ecclesiastical - belonged to the church
Private - belonged to private individual

Forced Labor (Polo y servicios):

Polo y servicio is the force labor of men from 16 to 60 years of age who were
obligated togive personal services to community projects, constructing churches,
roads, bridges, ships, hauling and cutting timber industries for 40 days.

Tributo:
It was a form of recognition of their loyalty to the King of Spain. In 1570 when it was
Introduced, the amount was eight reales (one real = 12.5 centavos). Those who paid
were persons above 16 years old up to 60 years old. In 1589, the tribute was raised, of
which a small portion was given to the church. This was called the Sanctorum.
The King abolished it in 1884 because of The opposition to the tribute and abuse
committed and the cedula personal was Introduced. The present equivalent of the
residence certificate class A.

Sociedad Economica de Los Amigos del Pais ( Economic society of friends of the
country)

Real Compania de Filipinas (The Royal Company of the Philippines)

*Philippine Society During Spanish Rule

Social Hierarchy: Spanish colonization intensified the class system in Filipino society.
At the top were the peninsulares (Spaniards born in Spain) and insulares (Spaniards
born in the colonies). These people were called “Filipinos Insulares”.
Spaniards born in America were called Criollos and Creoles. Below them were the
mestizos (mixed-race individuals), and at the bottom were the indios (native Filipinos
who were Christianized). Lastly, at the bottom of the society were the Sangleys
(Chinese Immigrants). This system institutionalized inequality.
Hispanization: Spanish colonization introduced many elements of Hispanic culture,
including language, food, dress, and architecture. While the Filipino language
remained dominant, many Spanish words were integrated into local languages.
Education: Formal education was established, though it was mainly accessible to the
elites in the early years. Spanish was taught, and educational institutions were often
run by religious orders.
According to Villamor, during the Spanish rule in the Philippines, education was
primarily managed by the Catholic Church, focusing heavily on religious instruction
and teaching Christianity in local dialects. The curriculum included subjects such as
Christian doctrine, Spanish, mathematics, and agriculture. The 1863 Educational
Decree mandated free primary schools for boys and girls in every town, aiming to
improve literacy among Filipinos. However, access to education was limited,
primarily benefiting the elite, and challenges such as a lack of trained teachers and
resources persisted.
Urbanization and Infrastructure: The Spaniards built towns and cities in the
Philippines. Moreover, Sembrano (2021) mentioned, that the Spaniards built a variety
of structures in the Philippines, including churches, fortifications, bridges, lighthouses,
irrigation systems, and government buildings, which reflect their architectural and
cultural influence. Many of these infrastructures, such as the Campana Dam and
various colonial churches, still exist today and serve as important historical landmarks.
Women's Roles: Under Spanish influence, women’s roles in society began to change.
While women had significant power in pre-colonial societies, under Spanish rule, they
were often confined to domestic roles due to the prevailing Catholic ideals of
womanhood. According to Saldua (2012), The ideal woman for the Spaniards is
overly religious, submissive, and obedient. Yes, the typical “Maria Clara”. That
“mahinhing dalaga” stereo type was brought to us by the Spaniards.

Members: GROUP 2
Baynosa, Fernne Nicole
Belgica, Phonebe Janelle
Betito, John Patrick
Caliao, Gazzle
Cerdana, Sandra Key
Contaoi, Junivic
Dagandangan, Sophia