Evolution of Philippine Politics and Governance

Philippine Politics and
Governance 12
Evolution of Philippine Politics and Governance
3rd
Quarter
Week 7-8
Development and Quality Assurance Team
Developer: Cherie ville M. Magsalay

Evaluator: Celsa A. Casa
Learning Area Supervisor: Camela G. Lerio
Illustration Credits:
Title Page: Marieto Cleben V. Lozada
Visual Cues: Ivin Mae M. Ambos
Disclaimer: This Learning Activity Sheet (LAS) is based from the Learner’s Materials, Textbooks and Teaching Guides released by DepEd Central
Office. Furthermore, utilization of duly acknowledged external resources is purely of non-profit, for educational use and constitutes fair use. All
Rights Reserved.
Competency: Analyze the evolution of Philippine politics and governance
Objectives: At the end of the week, you shall have

 analyze the evolution of Philippine Politics and Governance.
 distinguish various types of Government in the Philippines
 reflect on the importance of Philippine Politics and governance
Learner’s Tasks
Lesson Overview
Spanish to Japanese Colonial Period
Pre-Spanish Government
The Philippines was occupied by people from nearby islands and form themselves into barangay. The
barangay was the local government unit headed by a Rajah or Datu. Maginoos who act as the Council
of Elders assisted the Datu in implementing rules pass judgment and penalties to maintain peace and
order.
The Spanish Government until the Japanese Military Administration
• The Spanish Government
The actual work of colonization began in 1565, when Miguel Lopez de Legazpi concluded treaties of
friendship with the native chiefs. Spain established a centralized colonial government in the Philippines
that was composed of a national government and the local governments that administered provinces,
cities, towns and municipalities. On the setting of local government, the Spaniards created local
government units to facilitate the country’s administration.
• The Katipunan Government
The Katipunan was a secret society that led the revolution on August 26, 1896. It was organized by
Andres Bonifacio with a structure that has a central government vested in a Supreme Council. It operated
as an alternative Filipino government complete with a president and cabinet.
• Biak-na-Bato Republic
On November 1, 1897, a republic was established by Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo in Biak-na-Bato (now San
Miguel de Mayumo, Bulacan) through the Biak-na-Bato Constitution. Biak-na-Bato Republic declared
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that the aim of the revolution was the “separation of the Philippines from the Spanish monarchy and their
formation into an independent state”. It also outlined certain basic human rights, such as freedom of
religion, freedom of the press, and the right to education.
• Emilio Aguinaldo’s Dictatorial Government
Aguinaldo formed the Dictatorial Government on May 24, 1898. The most important achievements of
Dictatorial Government were the Proclamation of the Philippine Independence in Kawit, Cavite on
June 12, 1898 and the reorganizations of local governments.
First Philippine Republic
The American Colonial Period
• American Military Government
Began on April 4, 1898. Under this setting, the President of the United States had the power to establish
a military government in the Philippines, as Commander-in-Chief of all Armed Forces of the United
States. His authority was delegated to the military governor who exercised all powers of the government
as long as the war lasted
• Civil Government
Pursuant to the so-called Spooner Amendment (on the Army appropriation act passed in the US Congress
on March 3, 1901) which ended the military regime in the Philippines, the Civil Government was
inaugurated in Manila on July 4, 1901. The position of the Civil Governor exercised Legislative powers.
From 1907 to 1916, the Philippine Commission acted as the upper house of the Legislative branch with
the Philippine Assembly serving as the lower house. After the passage of the Spooner Law in 1916, these
two bodies gave way to the Philippine Legislature. The Philippines was represented in the United States
by two Resident Commissioners who were elected the Philippine Legislature
• The Commonwealth Government
In pursuant to an act of United States Congress on March 24, 1934, commonly known was the Tydings
Mc Duffie Law, the law provided for a transition period of ten years during which the Philippine
Commonwealth would operate and at the expiration of the said period on July 4, 1946, the independence
of the Philippines would be proclaimed and established. The Commonwealth Government of the
Philippines was inaugurated on November 15, 1935, following the first national election held on
September 12, 1935 under the 1935 Constitution. Manuel L. Quezon and Sergio Osmeńa, won as
President and Vice President respectively.
The Japanese Military Administration
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It was established in Manila on January 3, 1942, one day after its occupation by the Japanese forces.
Under a proclamation issued by the Japanese High Command, the sovereignty of the United States over
the Philippines was declared terminated. Civil government known as the Philippine Executive
Commission composed of Filipinos was organized by the Japanese with Jorge B. Vargas as chairman of
the said commission. The Commission exercised both the executive and legislative powers. The laws
enacted, however, subject to the approval of the Commander-in-Chief of the Japanese Forces. The
Judiciary continued in the same form as it was under the Commonwealth although it functioned without
the independence which it had traditionally enjoyed. In this government, Jose P. Laurel became the
President of the second Philippine Republic on October 14, 1943.
The Third to Fifth Republic of the Philippines
Third Republic
Manuel Acuña Roxas (May 28, 1946 – April 15, 1948)
President Manuel Roxas, became the first president of the independent Republic of the Philippines. In an
effort to solve the massive socio-economic problems of the period, President Roxas reorganized the
government, and proposed a wide-sweeping legislative program. His administration was marred by graft
and corruption; moreover, the abuses of the provincial military police contributed to the rise of the left-
wing Hukbalahap (Huk) movement in the countryside. His heavy-handed attempts to crush the Huks led
to widespread peasant disaffection.
Elpidio Rivera Quirino (April 17, 1948 – December 30, 1953)
President Elpidio Quirino’s goal as chief executive, as stated in his first State of the Nation Address,
revolved around strengthening the people’s confidence in the government and the restoration of peace. In
order to achieve these, the Chief Executive travelled around the country to inspect first-hand the condition
of the nation.
President Quirino’s six years’ administration were marked by notable post-war reconstruction, general
economic gains, and increased economic aid from the United States. Basic social problems, however,
particularly in the rural areas, remained unsolved; Quirino’s administration was tainted by widespread
graft and corruption.
Ramon del Fierro Magsaysay Sr. (December 30, 1953 – March 17, 1957)
To help the rural masses was the focal point of the populist administration of President Ramon
Magsaysay. In his first Executive Order, he established the Presidential Complaint and Action
Commission, which investigated various citizen complaints and recommended remedial actions through
different government agencies. The Commission served to boost the nation’s confidence with its
government; it was seen as a fulfilment of President Magsaysay’s promise, to become a President for the
people. The principles of the Magsaysay administration were codified in the Magsaysay Credo, and
became the theme of leadership and public service.
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Carlos P. Garcia (March 18, 1957 – December 30, 1961)
Carlos P. Garcia’s administration promoted the “Filipino First” policy, whose focal point was to regain
economic independence; a national effort by Filipinos to “obtain major and dominant participation in
their economy.”] The administration campaigned for the citizens’ support in patronizing Filipino products
and services, and implemented import and currency controls favourable for Filipino industries. In
connection with the government’s goal of self-sufficiency was the “Austerity Program,” which President
Garcia described in his first State of the Nation Address as “more work, more thrift, more productive
investment, and more efficiency” that aimed to mobilize national savings. The Anti-Graft and Corrupt
Practices Act, through Republic Act No. 301, aimed to prevent corruption, and promote honesty and
public trust.
Diosdado Macapagal (December 30, 1961- December 30, 1965)
President Diosdado Macapagal, during his inaugural address on December 30, 1961, emphasized the
responsibilities and goals to be attained in the “new era” that was the Macapagal administration. He
reiterated his resolve to eradicate corruption, and assured the public that honesty would prevail in his
presidency. President Macapagal, too, aimed at self-sufficiency and the promotion of every citizen’s
welfare, through the
partnership of the government and private sector, and to alleviate poverty by providing solutions for
unemployment. In the field of foreign relations, the Philippines became a founding member of
Maphilindo, through the Manila Accord of 1963. The regional organization of Malay states strove for
“Asian solutions by Asian nations for Asian problems,” and aimed to solve national and regional
problems through regional diplomacy.
Fourth Republic
Ferdinand E. Marcos (December 30, 1965 – February 25, 1986)
The last president of the Third Republic of the Philippines and was the first president to be re-elected in
1969. Significant protests, such as the First Quarter Storm, the communist and Moro insurgencies, and
civil unrest, heightened because of the allegations that he used the treasury to fund his campaign. This
made Marcos in 1972 declare martial law and suspend the constitution. However, opposition groups,
whose leaders mostly had already left in exile, boycotted the election, and Marcos still allowed martial
law to continue. Marcos did end martial law in 1981, but opposition groups still boycotted the 1981
presidential election, which Marcos easily won. To counter growing opposition, Marcos called a snap
election in 1986, the opposition nominated Benigno's widow Corazon as their candidate. Marcos was
declared the winner, but the opposition refused to accept the result, alleging that the election was rigged.
The People Power Revolution drove Marcos from power, and Aquino became president.
Fifth Republic (1986–Present Time)
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Maria Corazon Cojuangco Aquino (February 25, 1986 – June 30, 1992)
President Corazon Cojuangco-Aquino-the 11th president of the Philippines and the first woman to
become president of the country. The political landscape of the country at that time did not look any
better. To resolve this, Aquino commissioned a referendum that would be the framework for the new
government. Released in February 1987, the new charter easily won the approval of the public. Cory
Aquino can be praised for a notable political reform made during her tenure that aimed to decentralize
political power in the government.
Fidel Valdez Ramos (June 30, 1992 – June 30, 1998)
Fidel V. Ramos took office in 1992 and immediately worked on the country’s recovery and initiated the
Social Reform Agenda or SRA that was oriented towards alleviating poverty. He also led the
implementation of BuildOperate-Transfer (BOT) law which resulted into improved public infrastructure
and deregulated several industries that liberalized the economy. Under his term, the country also had
improvements in its relations to secessionist Moro Islamic Liberation Front or MNLF. He was the first
Asian recipient of UNESCO Peace Award this effort. He also came to be known as the ‘Centennial’
President for his successful supervision of the 100th anniversary of the country’s independence from the
Spanish rule celebrated in June 12, 1998.
Joseph Ejercito Estrada (June 30, 1998 – January 20, 2001)
Joseph Ejercito Estrada became the 13th president in 1998 after Ramos finished his term. Estrada was the
previous mayor in the municipality of San Juan, Metro Manila and vice president of Ramos. He gained
support in the election for his promise to begin a pro-poor administration that his predecessors failed to
promote in their respective platforms and won with a wide margin. This support spiralled down as his
administration was accused with corruption. Critics branded him of failing to live up to his promises due
to the resurfacing of cronyism in the government.
Maria Gloria Macaraeg Macapagal Arroyo (January 20, 2001 – June 30, 2010)
Gloria Macapagal Arroyo became the president after Estrada was ousted thru People Power 2 uprising. In
the 2004 Philippine National Elections, Arroyo run and won the presidential race - she was seated into
office for the second time. Because of this, she became the second longest sitting president in the country.
Arroyo pushed for a “Stronger Republic” geared toward vigorous economic reforms under her
administration. However, her administration was bombarded with several controversies and impeachment
attempts in the last five years. Discontentment lead to frequent protesters expressing their disappointment
and had their rallies at the streets.
Benigno Simeon Cojuangco Aquino III (June 30, 2010 – June 30, 2016)
Also known as Noynoy and PNoy, was proclaimed as the 15th president of the republic on June 30, 2010.
Aquino's 6-year term is remembered for both positive and negative events: he has been criticized for his
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government's slow response to help the victims of Super Typhoon Yolanda, the Mamasapano massacre
and other crisis. In spite of these negative impressions, Aquino left the presidency with a stable
democracy and a higher credit rating. Fighting corruption was a major objective in his administration to
realize his election campaign slogan “Daang Matuwid” or “Straight Path” .
Rodrigo Roa Duterte (June 30, 2016 – present)
Also known as Digong and Rody, is a lawyer and politician; he is the former mayor and former 1st
district congressman of Davao City in Mindanao -an island in the southern Philippines where Muslim
insurgents are based, takes oath as the 16th president of the Philippines at Malacanang Palace in Manila at
12 noon, June 30, 2016. Duterte won the presidential race as an outspoken, strong-willed crime fighter.
Duterte. He is the first president to come from Mindanao. Duterte is clamouring for a change in the
constitution from a presidential to a federal form of government. He is however criticized for his alleged
support of vigilante groups involved in extra-judicial killings to fight crime. Frequently described as
a populist and a nationalist, Duterte's political success has been aided by his vocal support for
the extrajudicial killing of drug users and other criminals. Duterte's political career has also received
scrutiny. Various human rights groups documented over 1,400 killings allegedly by death
squads operating in Davao between 1998 and 2016; the victims were mainly drug users, petty criminals,
and street children. A 2009 report by the Philippine Commission on Human Rights confirmed the
"systematic practice of extrajudicial killings" by the Davao Death Squad. The Office of the
Ombudsman closed an investigation in January 2016 stating that citing no evidence, but the case has since
been reopened[23] and reports of Duterte repeatedly confirmed that he personally killed criminal suspects
as during his term as mayor of Davao surfaced. His domestic policy has focused on combating the illegal
drug trade by initiating the controversial War on Drugs, fighting crime and corruption, and launching
a massive infrastructure plan. He has declared his intention to pursue an "independent foreign policy",
[32] and sought to distance the Philippines from the United States and European Union and pursue closer
ties with China and Russia.
ACTIVITY 1.
What are the significant contributions of the Spaniards, Americans and Japanese in the development of
Philippine politics and governance?
ACTIVITY 2.
Complete the concept map below. Write descriptions or related concepts around the topic government.
Write your answer on a separate sheet of paper.
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Activity 3
Make your own personal quotation about your understanding on the history of
Philippine politics and government. Provide an explanation.
Formative Test
1. He was inaugurated as the President of the Japanese-sponsored Republic of the

Philippines.
A. Jose P. Laurel C. Jose P. Rizal
B. Elpidio R. Quirino D. Manuel A. Roxas
2. It operated as an alternative Filipino government complete with a president and cabinet.

A. Biak-na-Bato Republic C. The Katipunan Government
B. Emilio Aguinaldo’s Dictatorial Government D. The Spanish Government
3. His administration promoted the “Filipino First” Policy

A. Rodrigo R. Duterte C. Carlo P. Garcia
B. Joseph E. Estrada D. Ferdinand E. Marcos
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4. He came to be known as the ‘Centennial’ President for his successful supervision of the 100th
anniversary of the country’s independence from the Spanish rule celebrated in June 12, 1998.
A. Digong C. FVR
B. Erap D. Pinoy
5. The 1st independent Republic of the Philippines.

A. First Republic C. Third Republic
B. Second Republic D.
Answer Key
Activity 1 - Answers may vary

References
Philippine Politics and Governance – Senior High School Alternative Delivery Mode
First Edition, 2020
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_presidents_of_the_Philippines
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Evolution of Philippine Politics and Governance

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Philippine Politics and

Development and Quality Assurance Team

Developer: Cherie ville M. Magsalay

Objectives: At the end of the week, you shall have

Spanish to Japanese Colonial Period

The Spanish Government until the Japanese Military Administration

• The Spanish Government

• The Katipunan Government

• Emilio Aguinaldo’s Dictatorial Government

First Philippine Republic

The American Colonial Period

• American Military Government

• The Commonwealth Government

The Japanese Military Administration

The Third to Fifth Republic of the Philippines

Manuel Acuña Roxas (May 28, 1946 – April 15, 1948)

Elpidio Rivera Quirino (April 17, 1948 – December 30, 1953)

Diosdado Macapagal (December 30, 1961- December 30, 1965)

Ferdinand E. Marcos (December 30, 1965 – February 25, 1986)

Fifth Republic (1986–Present Time)

Fidel Valdez Ramos (June 30, 1992 – June 30, 1998)

Joseph Ejercito Estrada (June 30, 1998 – January 20, 2001)

Rodrigo Roa Duterte (June 30, 2016 – present)

1. He was inaugurated as the President of the Japanese-sponsored Republic of the

2. It operated as an alternative Filipino government complete with a president and cabinet.

3. His administration promoted the “Filipino First” Policy

5. The 1st independent Republic of the Philippines.

Activity 1 - Answers may vary

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