The sporadic but persistent agitation for reform which ultimately
evolved into the organized movement for independence since 1892,
began soon after the discovery of the Islands. In the beginning,
dissatisfaction manifested itself in more or less unimportant and
localized uprisings against the oppressive measures which the Spanish
rulers sought to impose upon the inhabitants.
Some of these uprisings, in outline form, were the following:
[Uprisings against Spain]
1574.--The first governor in Manila ordered the residents to supply his
troops food, and took two of the leading Filipinos as hostages. After a
time the Filipinos refused to submit any longer to the imposition. The
governor ordered the hostages to be shot. The Filipinos revolted.
1585.--The Province of Pampanga was a center of revolts.
1588.--A conspiracy against Legaspi and against the principal officials
of the city. The idea in this revolt was to expel the Spaniards from
the Philippine Islands.
1589.--Popular revolt in the Provinces of Cagayan and Ilocos Norte.
1622.--Like Pampanga, Bohol became a center of revolts. This year
saw a strange revolt which had a religious cause but later gained
national importance. It also developed leadership in the person of
one Tamblot. He was executed but his memory lived to inspire another
rebellion.
This same year saw an uprising in the Province of Leyte.
1643.--Ladia led a revolt in Bulacan. His plan was easily discovered
and he was put to death.
1645.--An uprising against the tax system in the Province of Pampanga,
the second revolt in that province.
1649.--The most widespread revolt the Spanish government had yet
seen against the system of conscripting labor whenever a Spaniard
needed it. Starting in Leyte the uprising spread from one province
to another and would not have been suppressed had not the governor
incited Filipinos against Filipinos.
1660.--Miniago led a rebellion in Pampanga against the system of
forced labor. At this time the Filipinos had already learned the
Spanish way of making promises which were never fulfilled, thus
instilling hatred in the Filipinos.
This same year witnessed another revolt in Pangasinan following the
Miniago revolt. The leader by the name of Malong gave the Spanish
government an almost unbearable trouble. He proclaimed his province,
Pangasinan, independent and started to set up a government of its
own. His army swept everything before it, but at last suffered defeat
by the hands of Spaniards. The Filipinos were gradually developing
military men, and at this time, one General Pedro Gumapus had been
recognized. He was arrested, however, and put to death with many of
his comrades.
1661.--A revolt in Ilocos, an aftermath of the Malong rebellion.
1686.--A conspiracy in Manila, but soon suppressed.
1719.--The riot in which Governor Bustamante and his son were
killed. This was the result of the long discord between the government
and the church.
1744.--Another rebellion in Bohol. This time the leader was Dagohoy
and under his leadership his army was able to drive the Spanish troops
away. Dagohoy set up a government in Bohol.
1762.--Pangasinan revolted again, but again unsuccessful.
1762.--A revolt occurred during the war with Great Britain. Silan
offered his services to raise troops against the British. In reply
the government sent him to prison for a spy. The Filipinos revolted
and broke jail, letting the prisoner out. Silan was later murdered
by an assassin whom the Spaniards hired. His widow who continued the
revolt was arrested and hanged.
1762.--The Provinces of Cagayan, Laguna, and Batangas revolted against
the tax system.
1785.--Nueva Ecija revolted.
1807.--A rebellion in Ilocos in which the Filipinos demanded
constitutional rights. The rebels captured the town of Piddig and
overcame the Spanish forces.
1811.--The Igorots plotted to annihilate all the Spaniards. The plan
was betrayed to the authorities and was nipped in the bud.
1812.--For the first time in the history of Spain the demand for
reforms was met with constitutional concession. The Filipinos were
to have representation in the Cortes of Spain. The constitution
was later discarded by King Ferdinand VII and upon hearing this the
Filipinos revolted.
1814.--A rebellion against the oppressive tax system.
1820.--An uprising during a cholera epidemic, as the people believed
that the government had been neglecting its duty. It was quelled,
and a frightful massacre followed.
1823.--A mutiny at Novales led by a mestizo army officer.
1827.--This year the rebels of Bohol were temporarily subjugated
after an independence of about eight years.
1840.--An extensive revolt in southern Luzon led by Apolinario de
la Cruz, a student in theology. Cruz organized a Brotherhood of San
Juan and asked for the coöperation of the church. In reply, De la
Cruz was arrested for working seditiously. Revolt followed in which
the leader was arrested and shot.
1843.--An uprising in Manila as a resentment against the treatment
of De la Cruz.
1872.--This revolt was different from any other previous revolt as it
was no longer a protest against specific injustice but a revolt based
upon idealistic basis. The leaders came from the educated class. The
victims included such harmless men as Father Burgos, Father Zamora,
and Father Gomez who were executed.
1883, 1888.--These years saw various revolts against oppressive
treatments.
1892.--This year marked the beginning of the long and constructive
struggle which changed the history of the Filipino people. It was
characterized by a systematic campaign for freedom, culminating in
the execution of Jose Rizal and the successful Revolution of 1896.
THE ORGANIZED MOVEMENT.--The leadership and the national ideals which
these uprisings developed, became apparent in the Revolution of 1896
when the masses rose in arms against Spain and demanded separation
and freedom. General MacArthur said of this Revolution:
"When I first started in against these rebels, I believed that
Aguinaldo's troops represented only a faction. I did not like to
believe that the whole population of Luzon--the native population,
that is--were opposed to us and our offers of good government. But
after having come this far, after having occupied several towns and
cities in succession, and having been brought much in contact with
both insurrectos and amigos, I have been reluctantly compelled
to believe that the Filipino masses were loyal and devoted to
Aguinaldo and the government which he heads."
Upon the cessation of hostilities and after the organization of
the civil government in the Islands under the American régime, the
Philippine Commission passed an act which virtually prohibited all
agitations for Philippine independence. Under these circumstances, the
movement had to go on in an unorganized manner against the opposition
of the Federal Party which indorsed annexation of the Philippines
to the United States. The party, however, never had any substantial
support, and soon lost the little it had. Another party had appeared
on the scene, having immediate independence for its slogan and the
multitude rallied around its standard.
As an organized and systematic movement, the agitation began with
the institution of the Philippine Assembly in 1907. The Philippine
Assembly was then the popular branch of the Philippine Legislature,
the upper house being the Commission of which the majority were
Americans. The issue in the general elections was independence for
the Islands, and the Nacionalista Party, which championed the cause,
gained an overwhelming majority in the Assembly over the Federal
Party. At the close of the first session of this representative body,
the Speaker, Hon. Sergio Osmeña, declared:
"Permit me, gentlemen of the chamber, to declare solemnly before
God and before the world, upon my conscience as a deputy and
representative of my compatriots, and under my responsibility
as president of this chamber, that we believe the people desire
independence, and that we believe ourselves capable of leading
an orderly existence, efficient both in internal and external
affairs, as a member of the free and civilized nations."
The cause of Philippine independence has been paramount in Philippine
affairs since then, but the Filipino people have been striving for
that national objective in the most peaceful manner. After the war
the movement was resumed, and since 1919 two delegations have been
sent to the United States to present pleas for independence to the
President and Congress. The first went in 1919, the second in 1921.
AMERICA'S POLICY AND PROMISE TO THE FILIPINO PEOPLE.--The plea for
freedom is based on two contentions. First, that it is the right of
all nations to be free; second, that independence has been promised
by the United States. Both of which premises are admitted. The only
question is when independence will be granted.
The Filipino people are one in their appeal for independence. All
political parties have this as a common objective. There is not one
discordant note in the age-long desire. The people are willing to
stake their all--take all the chances attendant upon an independent
existence. They want their freedom now.
On the other hand, America's policy toward the Islands has been
consistent. The pronouncements of her executive officials as well as
Congressional legislations all point to one conclusion: It has never
been the intention to make of the Philippines a perpetual possession;
independence is to be granted as soon as a stable government "can
be established."
PRONOUNCEMENTS OF AMERICAN PRESIDENTS.--In January 30, 1899, eight
months after the battle of Manila Bay, President McKinley dispatched
the First Philippine Commission to the Islands with the assurance
that the Commission would bring "the richest blessings of a liberating
rather than a conquering nation." Later on he added: "The Philippines
are ours, not to exploit but to develop, to civilize, to educate,
to train in the science of self-government."
In 1903 Mr. Taft, as Civil Governor of the Philippine Islands,
eloquently expressed himself thus:
"From the beginning to the end, the state papers which were
circulated in these Islands as authoritative expressions of the
Executive had for their motto that 'the Philippines are for the
Filipinos,' and that the government of the United States are here
for the purpose of preserving the 'Philippines for the Filipinos'
for their benefit, for their elevation, for their civilization,
again and again appears."
And again, in 1907, he said:
"The policy looks to the improvement of the people, both
industrially and in self-governing capacity. As the policy
of extending control continues, it must logically reduce and
finally end the sovereignty of the United States in the Islands,
unless it shall deem wise to the American and Filipino peoples,
on account of mutually beneficial trade relations and possible
advantages to the Islands in their foreign relations, that the
bond shall not be completely severed."
In his message in 1908 President Roosevelt said:
"I trust that within a generation the time will arrive when the
Filipinos can decide for themselves whether it is well for them
to become independent or to continue under protection of a strong
and disinterested power, able to guarantee to the Islands order
at home and protection from foreign invasion."
And in his autobiography Mr. Roosevelt remarked:
"As regards the Philippines my belief was that we should train
them for self-government as rapidly as possible and leave them
free to decide their own fate."
On October 6, 1913, President Wilson, in a message for the Filipino
people, formulated America's policy thus:
"We regard ourselves as trustees not for the advantage of
the United States, but for the benefit of the people of the
Philippine Islands. Every step we take will be taken with a view
to ultimate independence of the Islands and as a preparation for
that independence."
THE JONES LAW.--All these official declarations at last found
Congressional sanction and expression in the Jones Law passed in 1916
which in the opinion of the author, Congressman William Atkinson Jones,
is "the everlasting covenant of a great and generous people speaking
through their accredited representatives that they (the Filipinos)
shall in due time enjoy the incomparable blessings of liberty and
freedom." The preamble of the Law reads:
"Whereas it was never the intention of the people of the United
States in the incipiency of the War with Spain to make it a war
of conquest or territorial aggrandizement; and
"Whereas it is, as it has always been, the purpose of the people
of the United States to withdraw their sovereignty over the
Philippine Islands and to recognize their independence as soon
as a stable government can be established therein; and
"Whereas, for the speedy accomplishment of the purpose, it is
desirable to place in the hands of the people of the Philippines
as large a control of their domestic affairs as can be given them
without in the meantime impairing the exercise of the right of
sovereignty by the people of the United States in order that by
the use and exercise of popular franchise and government powers
they may be better prepared to fully assume the responsibilities
and enjoy all the privileges of complete independence;
"Therefore...."
This law is the first formal pronouncement of the American people,
through their accredited representatives, on the purpose of the United
States as regards the Philippine Islands. It is the formal pledge
that Independence will be granted. The only condition required is
that a stable government be first established in the Islands.
Executive recommendation for the fulfillment of America's
promise.--That there is now such a stable government in the Islands
is the claim of the Filipinos, and America is being asked to perform
her part of the covenant. In this claim of theirs, the Filipinos
are supported by the official representatives of the American people
themselves.
In his last message to Congress, December 2, 1920, President Wilson
made this recommendation:
"Allow me to call your attention to the fact that the people of
the Philippine Islands have succeeded in maintaining a stable
government since the last action of the Congress in their behalf,
and have thus fulfilled the condition set by the Congress as
precedent to a consideration of granting independence to the
Islands.
"I respectfully submit that this condition having been fulfilled,
it is our liberty and our duty to keep our promise to the people
of those islands by granting them the independence which they so
honorably covet."
Governor-General Harrison also testified before the Joint Committee of
Congress in 1919 that a stable government had already been established
in the Philippine Islands, to wit, "a government elected by the
suffrages of the people, which is supported by the people, which
is capable of maintaining order and of fulfilling its international
obligations."
MISSIONS TO UNITED STATES.--Soon after the termination of the world
war, it was decided to push the campaign for freedom with greater
vigor than ever before.
There was need, besides, of centralizing the campaign if it was to be
more effective. Accordingly, the Philippine Legislature, on November 1,
1918, created a "Commission of Independence," composed of the presiding
officers and members of both houses of the Legislature. The Commission
was for the purpose of considering and reporting to the Legislature:
(a) Ways and means of negotiating immediately for the granting and
recognition of the Independence of the Philippines.
(b) External guarantees of the stability and permanence of said
independence as well as of territorial integrity.
(c) Ways and means of organizing in a speedy, effectual and orderly
manner a constitutional and democratic internal government.
The First Mission.--One of the first actions of the Commission was
to recommend the sending of a special mission to the United States
to present the plea for freedom in a formal manner. The Legislature
approved this recommendation, and in May, 1919, a delegation arrived
at Washington, composed of forty prominent Filipinos representing the
two houses of the Legislature as well as the commercial, industrial,
agricultural, and labor interests of the Islands.
About the time it sailed, the Legislature adopted a "Declaration of
Purposes" for the guidance of the Commission of Independence and the
Philippine Mission. This declaration recited, among other things:
Declaration of Purposes.--* * * "In applying the principles enunciated
in documents and utterances on the Philippines to the conditions now
existing in the Islands, the Commission of Independence will find
the following facts:
"That there exist likewise in the Philippines all the conditions
of stability and guarantees for law and order that Cuba had to
establish to the satisfaction of America in order to obtain her
independence, or to preserve it, during the military occupation of
1898-1902 and during the intervention of 1906-1909, respectively.
"That the 'preparation for independence' and the 'stable
government' required by President Wilson and the Congress of the
United States, respectively, contain no new requisite not included
in any of the cases above cited.
"That these prerequisites for Philippine Independence are the
same as those virtually or expressly established by the Republican
administration that preceded President Wilson's administration.
"That during the entire time that the Filipino people have been
with America, they have been living in the confidence that the
American occupation was only temporary and that its final aim
was not aggrandizement or conquest, but the peace, welfare,
and liberty of the Filipino people.
"That this faith in the promises of America was a cardinal factor
not only in the coöperation between Americans and Filipinos during
the years of peace, but also in the coöperation between Americans
and Filipinos during the late war.
"That the condition of thorough development of the internal
affairs of the country and the present international atmosphere
of justice, liberty, and security for all peoples, are the most
propitious for the fulfillment by America of her promises and
for her redemption of the pledges she has made before the world.
"Therefore, so far as it is humanly possible to judge
and say, we can see only one aim for the Commission of
Independence--independence; and we can give only one
instruction--to get it. * * *"
The Mission proceeded to Washington to confer with President Wilson and
to make known their desires. It happened, however, that the President
was in Paris, at the Peace Conference, and could not receive the
mission in person. He delegated Secretary of War Baker to represent
him and to read for him to the Mission a letter in which he expressed
sentiments of sympathy and good will. In that letter, the President
said in part:
"I am sorry that I cannot look into the faces of the gentlemen
of this Mission from the Philippine Islands and tell them all
that I have in mind and heart as I think of the patient labor,
with the end almost in sight, undertaken by the American and
Filipino people for their permanent benefit. I know, however,
that your sentiments are mine in this regard and that you will
translate truly to them my own feelings."
And Secretary Baker, on his part, said:
"I know that I express the feeling of the President--I certainly
express my own feeling; I think I express the prevailing feeling
in the United States--when I say that we believe the time has
substantially come, if not quite come, when the Philippine Islands
can be allowed to sever the mere formal political tie remaining
and become an independent people."
Hearing Before Congressional Committee.--Because of the absence of
President Wilson, the mission had to return to the Islands with its
object unattained. The members, however, had visited many cities of the
United States and delivered speeches pleading for independence. They
also succeeded in getting a hearing before a joint-committee
of Congress, presided over by the then Senator Harding. But the
committee was adverse to any action being taken at the time on the
issue of Philippine independence and so stated. The Mission then
presented a memorial "to the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States," wherein it submitted the case of the Filipinos
in substance thus:
1. That as defined and established in the Act of Congress of August
29, 1916, the purpose of the Government of the United States is
to withdraw its sovereignty over the Philippine Islands as soon
as a stable government can be established therein.
2. That in accordance with the terms and provisions of said law,
the people of the Philippines have organized a government that
has been in operation for nearly three years and which has
offered complete evidence that conditions are ripe for the
establishment of an independent government that will be fully
capable of maintaining law and order, administer justice, promote
the welfare of all the inhabitants of the islands, and discharge
as well its international obligations.
3. That the Filipino people desire their independence at this time,
and along with that independence, they confidently hope to
preserve the bonds of good understanding and friendship which bind
them to the United States, and to foster the free development of
commercial relations between the two countries.
The Second Mission.--The first Mission failing to get independence,
a second one was dispatched in 1922, with identically the same
purpose--to negotiate for independence. It was designated a
Parliamentary Mission, presided over by the Speaker of the House and
the President of the Senate, and was composed of 14 members. Arriving
at Washington, it presented a memorial to President Harding, which, in
point of logic, force, earnestness, and diction, must stand unique in
the annals of peoples aspiring to be free through peaceful methods. It
is the case of the Filipinos in a nutshell. It recites in part: