MODULE 4

Historic Controversies: “One past but many histories”: Controversies and

Conflicting views in Philippine history.

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of this module, students must be able to:

1. Identify conflicting controversies, and different issues pertaining to relevant

events in Philippine history.
2. Describe the rich historical events.
3. Participate in the formulation of sensible and academic arguments in favor or
against a particular event in the past using the primary and secondary sources.
4. To analyze and evaluate the social, political, economic impact of these events
to the present situation of the Philippines.

Introduction

This module aims to expose the students the evolution of Philippine history as it
unfolds involving the different significant events and period of time. The surrounding
controversies, conflicting at that, still it aims to introduce Filipino students of its rich
historical background. After different periods, after numerous attempts of gaining
independence, the students must be able to have a clear grasp of the struggles and
victories of our freedom fighters. Studying these period of events, although conflicting
and controversial, it is expected that the students of history could create an analytical
and critical mind that will guide them to love the nation, to display a sense of pride and
be involved in shaping the future of our beloved nation.

Lesson I- The site of the first mass

The chronicler of the Magellan expedition, Antonio Pigafetta, wrote in his

account that on Easter Sunday, March 31, 1521, Ferdinand Magellan and his
crew celebrated a mass, believed by many as the first recorded Catholic Mass in
the country. And even if the first baptism would happen in Cebu later, this
particular celebration of the Eucharist, being the most important of Catholic
sacraments and because we are a predominantly Catholic country, became such
a big issue for it is the supposed starting point of Christianity in the Philippines.
Especially because the place name that Pigafetta mentioned, Mazzawa, had two
possible candidate places in the nearby area.

Following the account of Father Francisco Colin, S.J. in 1659, the traditional
place of that mass was believed to be Butuan. In present-day Butuan City there’s a
beach called Masao (sounds like Mazzawa, right?), but also, in nearby Baug Island,
Magallanes, Agusan del Norte, an old obelisk commemorating the event can be found
with an inscription in Spanish: “To the immortal Magallanes, the village of Butuan with
its parish priest and the Spaniards residing here to commemorate the arrival and the
celebration of the first mass on this spot on 8 April 1521. Erected in 1872 when the
governor of the district was Jose Maria Carvallo.” (Note that the date was converted to
Gregorian already.)

But in 1900, in an annotated edition of Colin, Jesuit scholar Pablo Patells, SJ

said that the early chroniclers were wrong and that the place was really Limasawa
island in Leyte. Since then, all major scholars agreed with him, from Trinidad H. Pardo
de Tavera, James Alexander Robertson, Marcelino Foronda, John Schumacher, SJ,
Samuel K. Tan, and Isagani Medina. Those interested in the merits of Limasawa’s claim
may consult the easy to read “Butuan or Limasawa: The Site of the First Mass in the
Philippines: A re-examination of the evidence by Father Jose
Bernad(https://journals.ateneo.edu/ojs/index.php/budhi/article/view/582/579). Furthermore, the
National Historical Institute live-in workshop in 1980, the Emilio Gancayco Panel in 1996
and the Benito Legarda Panel in 2009 all ruled out in favor of Limasawa.

So, what important change will it bring if we ever determined where that Mass
was held?

Activities:

Read the official statement containing the final position of the National Historical
Commission of the Philippines which discuss the findings and conclusions of Mojares
panel. Read the link: https://nhcp.gov.ph/official-position-of-the-national-historical-
commission-of-the-philippines-on-the-site-of-the-1521-easter-sunday-mass-2/

Read the findings and conclusions made by the Mojares panel on the controversy
surrounding the location of the 1521 First Easter Sunday Mass in the Philippines
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1287Hgn99grWCdH2MaL2defFx6Ssq7QUH/view

Assessment:

After reading the official position and the final report of the Mojares Panel, list-
down the primary sources and secondary sources used by the panel to come up with
their final conclusion on the site of the First Easter Mass in 1521.
 Primary Sources Secondary Sources

Reflection:

1. What is the effect of the Mojares Panel final report regarding the controversy on
the area or geographical position of the First Easter Mass in 1521?

Assignment:

Before the NHCP issued its official position putting into rest the issue on the area
where the First Easter Mass of 1521 were conducted, there were different or conflicting
claims and versions of the location. Write a summary essay of the conflicting
versions/claims of the different groups regarding the geographical area of the First
Easter Mass in 1521 and the final decision/position of the Philippines resolving the
issue.
Essay Rubric
Scale Description
Facts are consistently detailed/precise and relevant. Uses correct
spelling and grammar effectively almost all the time. Addresses the
5 points question thoroughly.
4 points Most facts are detailed/precise and relevant. Uses spelling and
grammar with considerable accuracy and effectiveness. Addresses
the question but left out few details.
3 points Lacks a few substantial details and examples to support ideas.
Spelling and grammar require moderate editing. Addresses the
question, but provided few details.
2 -1 point More specific details and examples are needed to support
opinions. Spelling and grammar require considerable editing.
Addresses the question, but in very few features.

References:

Bernad, M. (2013). Butuan or Limasawa: The Site of the First Mass in the
Philippines: A Reexaminationof the Evidence. Budhi: A Journal Of Ideas And Culture,
5(3 6.1), 133-166. Retrieved
from https://journals.ateneo.edu/ojs/index.php/budhi/article/view/582/579

https://nhcp.gov.ph/official-position-of-the-national-historical-commission-of-the-
philippines-on-the-site-of-the-1521-easter-sunday-mass-2/

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1287Hgn99grWCdH2MaL2defFx6Ssq7QUH/view

Lesson II – The Cavite Mutiny

Mutiny is a revolt among a group of people to oppose, change, or overthrow an

organization to which they were previously loyal to. The term is commonly used for a
rebellion among members of the military against an internal force, but it can also
sometimes mean any type of rebellion against any force.

 The entire Filipino community considers the 12th of June of every year since
1898 to be a significant affair. This specific day, Filipinos around the world converge to
celebrate the Countries Independence day. Indeed, 1898 is considered to be very
important year for every filipino— correspondingly important as 1896—the year when
Filipinos at that time finally responded to the call for freedom from the abuses of the
Spanish colonial regime, hence, Philippine Revolution broke out. However, we should
not forget that another year is as significant as the two—1872.
       Two leading episode happened in 1872, we witnessed the Cavite Mutiny and
another episode, the martyrdom of the three martyr priests namely, Fathers Mariano
Gomes, Jose Burgos and Jacinto Zamora (GOMBURZA).  Though many Filipinos are
ignorant of the real events that transpired in 1872,  all of us must endeavor to discover
the different sides of the story—after all, it must be stressed that this painful and
deplorable event—the execution of GOMBURZA aroused the spirit of nationalism
among the Filipinos.

One thing is clear though, there are different perspective leading to unraveling
the truth about this bloody and painful part of the Philippine history.

In quest for the truth, consider the following issues:

1. What are the two versions of the Cavite Mutiny?
2. What really happened in Cavite Mutiny?
3. Do you think the Cavite Mutiny could have been avoided if the reports were
more truthful and factual?
4. What was the cause of the Cavite Mutiny?
5. What were the effects of the Cavite mutiny?
(https://nhcp.gov.ph/the-two-faces-of-the-1872-cavite-mutiny/)
(http://malacanang.gov.ph/7695-the-martyrdom-of-the-gomburza/)

Activity:
Watch the following documentary videos/presentations:
1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5CwmcUCwuv8

2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GruhpddknXY

Assessment:
Make an essay about the impact of the Cavite Mutiny on the Philippine Revolution of
1896.
Reflection:
Do you think the Cavite Mutiny could have been avoided if the reports were more
truthful and factual? Discuss the danger of spreading fake news or information.
Assignment:
1. What are the two versions of the Cavite Mutiny?
 2. What really happened in Cavite Mutiny?
3. What was the cause of the Cavite Mutiny?
4. What were the effects of the Cavite mutiny?

References:
Schumacher, SJ, J. (2012). The Cavite Mutiny Toward a Definitive History. Philippine
Studies: Historical And Ethnographic Viewpoints, 59(1), 55–81. Retrieved
from https://journals.ateneo.edu/ojs/index.php/PS/article/view/195
Antonio Pigafetta. First Voyage Around the World, (pp. 23-32)
Trinidad Pardo de Tavera, Filipino Version of the Cavite Mutiny of 1872,(Zaide 7,pp.274-280)
Jose Montero y Vidal, Spanish Version of the Cavite Munity of 1872 (Zaide 7, pp. 269-273)
Rafael Izquirdo, Official Report on the Cavite Mutiny, (Zaide 7, pp. 281-286)

Lesson III- Cry of Balintawak/Pugadlawin

The Cry for a Countrywide Transformation
Journalists of the nineteenth century coined the term “el grito de rebelion” or “the
Cry of Rebellion” illustrating the crucial events taking place in Spanish colonies; a
momentous event took place in Mexico named as “Cry of Dolores” (16 September
1810), “City of Ypiraga” took place in Brazil (7 September 1822), and the “Cry of
Matanza” that happened in Cuba (24 February 1895). Coincided with those events, In
August 1896, Filipinos in Manila announced their rebellion against the regime of Spain.

The Controversy

(Agoncillo, 1990) as the Katipunan in Manila and the outskirts is now being
exposed, Bonifacio clandestinely dispatched his runners to call and mobilize all the
society’s leader for a general assembly to be held on August 24. The group is set to
meet at Balintawak in order to deliberate on the steps to be taken to resolve the
situation.

On the night of August 19, Bonifacio accompanied by other members of the

society were able to evade through the cordon placed by the Spanish sentries and
arrived at Balintawak just before midnight. On the 21 st, because the katipunan code has
already been decoded, Bonifacio need to change them.

Finally, after being gathered together at the yard of Juan A. Ramos, the son of
Melchora Aquino, who would later on be called as “Mother of the KAtipunan”, Bonifacio
dared his men, he inquired upon them if they are ready and willing to fight and risk their
lives to the very end. The assembly concurred with Bonifacio, “that being the case”
Bonifacio pronounced “Bring out your cedulas and tear them to pieces to symbolize our
determination to take arms!” the assembly without a doubt, took out their cédulas
tearing them up while shouting “Long live the Philippines”.

This historic event signal the so-called “cry of Balintawak”, which actually
happened in Pugadlawin (Agoncillo, 1990)

There were inconsistent accounts covering the following issues, consider the following
points to ponder:

1. When did the event happened?

2. Where did the cry of Balintawak/Pugad lawin really took place?
3. What can we conclude from all the claims and accounts as to the date and
place of the event?

Activity

Videos to watch:

1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dtc9q_V8_hs
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bSY72wDSOw0 The State
Documentary on Andres Bonifacio ("Maypagasa" with extended
interviews)

Document to read:

https://docs.google.com/document/preview?
hgd=1&id=1FgVicButwUlb4xnwx0tIkK5MFk7LnwTdYJmqEs2j_8w

Assessment:

Conduct an interview (5 respondents) about the importance of maintaining our

sovereignty. Write down their opinion and thoughts why it is important to be free from
any foreign control.

Reflection:
 Make a reaction/position paper: The impact of the cry of Balintawak/Pugadlawin
in our quest for political, economic and social equality.

Assignment:

Make a timeline of the events that led to the Cry of Balintawak.

Reference:

Teodoro, Agoncillo A. (1990). History of the Filipino People; eight edition;

178-179.
(https://ncca.gov.ph/about-culture-and-arts/in-focus/balintawak-the-cry-for-
a-nationwide-revolution/)

Lesson IV- Tenejeros Convention/Execution of Bonifacio

The formation of two competing contingent of the Katipunan, was a result of a

small sangguniang balangay (councils). In fact, it was Andres Bonifacio who presided
over these two councils when they were formed. The Magdiwang faction was
established and formed in Noveleta, Cavite on April 2, 1896; while the Magdalo faction,
was established and formed in Kawit, Cavite, on April 3, 1896. The fast increase of the
number of membership for both faction resulted to their ascent in the Kataastaasang
Sanggunian (Katipunan Supreme Council) to the position of sangguniang bayan
(provincial councils), as a consequence thereafter, the two factions were allowed and
recognized to create balangays under their control and to increase their sphere of
reputation and dominance. The gap involving these two faction become evident and
expand when Spanish enforcers invaded Cavite in the final part of 1896; the division
widen after the liberation of Cavite.
 With the present status of the two rivaling factions, they agreed to set and
establish their own regional government with separate leaderships, a separate military
entity, and “mutually agreed territories.” However, the strife was confined only to the
province of Cavite and portions of Batangas because these areas were already
liberated, wherein members of the revolutionary group could roam around and
congregate.

Despite the seemingly unending contentions as can be observed in the events

during the tenejeros convention, it was undeniably a crucial mark in Philippine
revolutionary history. As some suggest that the convention at Tejeros revealed how the
Caviteño upper class had lay sieged the revolt of the lower class or common people.
Some further suggest of a shift from a revolution of mystical and masonically organized
aims to one adhering to 18th and 19th century rationalist and deist lines, imbued with
the characteristics of principalia used to command. http://malacanang.gov.ph/tejeros-
convention/

Activity:

Clip to watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=em6xi5937hI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFTbCivjn30 (KATIPUNAN by GMA7)

Assessment:

Prepare a position paper/essay regarding the proposal that “A candidate for

President must possess a particular educational qualification”.

Essay Rubric

Scale Description
Facts are consistently detailed/precise and relevant. Uses correct
spelling and grammar effectively almost all the time. Addresses the
5 points question thoroughly.
4 points Most facts are detailed/precise and relevant. Uses spelling and
grammar with considerable accuracy and effectiveness. Addresses
the question but left out few details.
3 points Lacks a few substantial details and examples to support ideas.
Spelling and grammar require moderate editing. Addresses the
question, but provided few details.
2 -1 point More specific details and examples are needed to support
opinions. Spelling and grammar require considerable editing.
Addresses the question, but in very few features.

Reflection:

Make a reflection/reaction paper on the influence of wealthy family and business

groups in our election. Are you convinced that indeed they really play major role in our
election?
Assignment:

Make a research on the advantage and disadvantage of the use of

Electronic/automated ballot voting system in our election. List down on the box below:

Advantages and Disadvantages of Automated Election System

ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES

https://www.comelec.gov.ph/?
r=References/RelatedLaws/ElectionLaws/AutomatedElection/RA9369#sec1

https://www.filipinaslibrary.org.ph/articles/a-history-of-automated-elections-in-the-
philippines/

Reference:

1. History of the Filipino People, (Teodora A. Agoncillo 8, pp. 184-193)

2. https://nhcp.gov.ph/andres-bonifacio-and-the-katipunan/
3. The Katipunan and the Revolution: Memoirs of a General with the Original
Tagalog Text. By Santiago V. Alvarez. Translated by Paula Carolina S.
Malay. Introduction by Ruby R. Paredes. Manila: Ateneo de Manila University
Press, 1992. Pp. xx, 476. Maps, Diagram, Index.

Lesson V: Filipino Collaborators

The Collaboration Issue:

 (Agoncillo, 1990) although President Osmeña took a nonpartisan stand on the
issue of filipino collaborator, he must nonetheless be guided by the statement made by
President Roosevelt stating on June 29, 1944 that those conspirators should be
dislodged “from authority and influence over the political and economic life of the
country.”

Thereupon, during the special session of Congress on August 14, two legislative
measures were put on the floor all for the purpose of the creation of a court to try the so-
called collaborators. Sensing that the measures presented were not good enough,
President Osmeña presented an administration measure providing for a court whose
judges were impartial with the alleged collaborators. The Roxas faction in Congress
maneuvered to have the Osmeña bill toned down.

On September 11, with a warning that America would withdraw its aid if it could
find that the Philippine government neglects to eagerly and soundly convict those guilty
of collaboration, American Secretary of the Interior Harold Ickes reminded Osmeña, in a
cablegram, of the late President Roosevelt’s policy regarding collaboration in his
statement of June 29, 1944. Obviously, the United States government demands from
Osmeña to deal with the collaborators firmly. It was thus that the Osmeña bill, with
some modifications, was passed.

As a result, in September 1945, the American agency, the Counter-Intelligence

Corps (CIC), relinquished over to the Commonwealth Government all the apprehended
political prisoners. Some of them, popular names in political scene before the war, were
set free upon suggestions of both Osmeña and Roxas. Meanwhile, the People’s Court
which handles all cases of collaboration, tried the various cases brought before it. As
the trial progress, the people being exposed to the facts surrounding the collaboration,
who were at first swayed by passion in their judgment of the issue, now calmly realized
that the “collaboration” of many of the officials in the Laurel Government was chiefly
made to lessen and mitigate the impact of the Japanese military occupation.

Together with the publication of Senator Claro M. Recto brilliant book, Three
Years of Enemy Occupation, in 1946, and the message of the then newly elected
President Manuel Roxas, the cause of those who wanted all collaborators jailed was
weakened.

Read the message of President Roxas asking the concurrence of the Congress to the
Amnesty proclamation and the eventual passage of Proclamation 51 date January 28,
1948. https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/1948/01/29/message-of-president-roxas-
asking-the-concurrence-of-congress-to-the-amnesty-proclamation/

Activity
 Links to read:

1. https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/1948/01/29/message-of-president-roxas-
asking-the-concurrence-of-congress-to-the-amnesty-proclamation/
2. https://www.cia.gov/library/readingroom/docs/DOC_0000258331.pdf
3. https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/1948/01/28/proclamation-no-51-s-1948/

Assessment

Make a position paper on the issue: The Filipino collaborators does not deserve
amnesty.

Essay Rubric

Scale Description
Facts are consistently detailed/precise and relevant. Uses correct
spelling and grammar effectively almost all the time. Addresses the
5 points question thoroughly.
4 points Most facts are detailed/precise and relevant. Uses spelling and
grammar with considerable accuracy and effectiveness. Addresses
the question but left out few details.
3 points Lacks a few substantial details and examples to support ideas.
Spelling and grammar require moderate editing. Addresses the
question, but provided few details.
2 -1 point More specific details and examples are needed to support
opinions. Spelling and grammar require considerable editing.
Addresses the question, but in very few features.

Reflection

Do you consider the Filipino Collaborators traitor? Write down your observation
and analysis taking into consideration the present status of the Philippines that time.

Assignment
 1. What are the reasons why the Filipino collaborated to the Military Imperial
Army?
2. What are the benefits the Filipino gained through the puppet government
created during the Japanese period?

Reference:

1. https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/1948/01/29/message-of-president-roxas-
asking-the-concurrence-of-congress-to-the-amnesty-proclamation/
2. https://www.cia.gov/library/readingroom/docs/DOC_0000258331.pdf
3. https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/1948/01/28/proclamation-no-51-s-1948/

Lesson VI: Martial Law

(Juan Ponce Enrile, 2012) In his memoir, as incumbent Secretary of Justice, he

recalled that late afternoon in December 1969, President Marcos as the commander in
chief at that time issued a directive for him of the make a research and review the
powers of the President as Commander-in-Chief under the provisions of the 1935
Constitution. Marcos made this instruction as he “[foresaw] an escalation of violence
and disorder in the country and [wanted] to know the extent of his powers as
commander-in-chief.” The President also put emphasis that “the study must be done
discreetly and confidentially.”

Marcos made the same instruction to Executive Secretary Alejandro Melchor

and Jose Almonte to study how Martial Law is being enforced in various parts of the
world, and what are its consequences.

Marcos announced that he had placed the entire country under Martial Law as of
9 p.m. on September 22, 1972 via a proclamation which, he claimed, he’d signed on
September 21, 1972.

Points to Ponder:

What is the basis of Proclamation 1081?

Compare and contrast the Martial Law powers under the 1935, 1973 and 1987
Philippine Constitution.

Activity:

Clip to watch:
 1. https://www.youtube.com/user/DyorTV
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=14iz1eZlNuU&feature=youtu.be (video of the declaration
of Martial Law)

Assessment:

Direction: Conduct an interview with a member of your family who has

experienced the period of Martial Law (2-3 respondent) write down their response.
Ask the following questions:

1. What is the political and economic condition/situation of the Philippines before

and during the Martial Law years?
2. What is his/her experience on the peace and order during and after the Martial
Law years, is it really more peaceful and orderly during the Martial Law years?
What about after the lifting of the Martial Law years?
3. What do they like about the Martial Law declared by Marcos?
4. What are their fears during the Martial Law years?

Reflection:

What are the benefits that our Country gained during the Martial Law?

What are the negative effect/s of the declared Martial Law of 1972?

Assignment:

What are the safeguards embodied under the 1987 Philippine Constitution on the
Martial Law powers of the President?

Reference

1. https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/featured/declaration-of-martial-law/
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWu46IyLKwI
3. https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/1972/09/21/proclamation-no-1081/
4. https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/constitutions/1987-constitution/
5. https://martiallawmuseum.ph/magaral/martial-law-in-the-new-constitution/
Enrile, Juan Ponce, Juan Ponce Enrile: A Memoir. Quezon City, ABS-CBN Publishing
Inc., 2012.

Lesson VII: Federalism

On July 9, with the instruction from President Duterte, a consultative committee

was formed which was tasked to make a draft of a constitution for a federal system of
government,

From the draft proposed federal Constitution, one of its distinct feature is its
emphasis on the autonomy of local government units, as well as the awareness of the
paramount importance of information and communication technology in nation-building.
It also provides social and economic rights, which entitle every citizen to food,
healthcare, decent housing and livelihood. Notably, immediate relief from violations of
the right to a clean environment is also provided.

The draft also includes administrative provisions, there will be sixteen federated
regions and the Bangsamoro and Federal Region of the Cordilleras. Except for these
two special regions, these federated regions will have their own: regional legislature,
which will be called a Regional Assembly; a regional executive of the Regional
Governor; and, a regional judiciary or Regional Supreme Court.

Under the federal system, the national or federal government will still exercise
national security, foreign affairs, international trade, customs and tariffs, immigration,
economic and monetary powers. The federated regions on the other hand will have
exclusive power on the creation of sources of revenue, financial administration and
management, tourism, land use, public utilities, culture and language development, as
well as sports development, parks and recreation and the issuance of business permits
and licenses.

What are the benefits and challenges under the Federal form of Government?

Activities

Links to read:
These links provide for information on the proposed federal form of
government as envisioned by the Duterte administration.
1. https://www.up.edu.ph/promoting-an-awareness-of-federalism/
2. https://www.dilg.gov.ph/PDF_File/reports_resources/dilg-reports-
resources-2017323_186ace8e39.pdf
Assessment

Make a comparison between a Presidential Republican form/system of

government and a Federal Parliamentary form of government. A written report to
be submitted.

Reflection

Direction:
1. Make a position paper on the proposed Federal form of Government. Do you
agree or against the Federal Form of Government? Is our present form of
government not effective anymore?

Assignment

1. Group assignment- Make a power point presentation (ppt) on the salient

features/characteristics of a Federal form of government and the Presidential
form of government.

References

1. https://www.up.edu.ph/promoting-an-awareness-of-federalism/
2. https://www.dilg.gov.ph/PDF_File/reports_resources/dilg-reports-
resources-2017323_186ace8e39.pdf