Chapter 7. The American Rule

1. War of Philippine Independence from the United States

President Aguinaldo regarded the United States an ally in the Philippines towards independence.

August 1898 – Filipino-American relations deteriorated as the American authorities took over Manila. The mandatory evacuation of the Filipino troops in the captured districts of the city dismayed Aguinaldo, thinking that Americans were on their side.

The signing of treaty of Paris without consulting the Filipinos heightened the tension. Neither Spain nor the US gave Felipe Agoncillo, Aguinaldo’s envoy, a chance to join the Paris Peace TalksManifest Destiny – was a popular belief that the US had the God-given right to help oppressed countries and build democratic nations.

US President William Mckinley in his “Benevolent Assimilation Proclamation” on December 21. 1898, he expressly indicated American policy regarding the Philippines that the US shall exercise sovereignty over the entire archipelago. He argued that Americans must educate and uplift the condition of the Filipinos. (This ideology was used by Americans to rationalize their actions in the country)

On January 5, 1899, Aguinaldo issued a counter proclamation and specified that his forces were prepared to fight any American attempt to take over the country.

Still the Americans occupied the Philippines. On January 20, 1899, Pres. Mckinley appointed the First Philippine Commission to make recommendations in the administration of the country. This commission was headed by Dr. Jacob Schurman, issued a proclamation declaring the establishment of American sovereignty in the Philippines in the midst of Filipino-American war.

Private Robert Willie Grayson with two members of the US sentry shot and killed a man who happens to be a Filipino soldier. The man together with other Filipino soldiers were already entering into American lines on their way home. The Americans tried to stop them and shouted “halt” twice. Unfamiliar with the word Filipino shouted “halto”. Thinking that Filipino soldiers were making fun with them, The American soldiers fired on Filipino soldiers who were caught unprepared. The site of the first shot of the Philippine-American war, called Philippine Insurrection by the Americans, is in SIlencio corner Sociego Street in Sta. Mesa, Manila. News reached to the Americans that Filipinos started the hostilities. Americans viewed the fighting as an insurrection.

General MacArthur issued his order to advance against the Filipino troops without investigating the shooting incident. Aguinaldo tried to avoid the war. He sent an emissary to Gov. Gen. Elwell Otis that the firing on their side had been against in his order. But he replied that since the fighting had begun, it must go on to the grim end. On the same day, Aguinaldo issued informing Filipino people that they were now at war, This turned out to be the seven year Philippine – American war (1899 – 1906).

Because of advanced preparations and firearms, The American troops captured: Rizal Province La Loma Kalookan (now Caloocan City)

The Muslims remain neutral; they signified non-involvement in the Filipino-American War.Gen. John C. Bates tried to win the friendship of the Muslims by negotiating with them on the basis of equality.

August 20, 1899, John C. Bates and Sultan Jamalul Kiram II of Sulu with three datus signed the Bates Treaty. In this treaty provided that the rights and dignities of the sultan and datus shall be respected and Muslims shall not be interfered with their religion. Nevertheless, the Muslim province remained under American military rule.

Panglima Hasan led a rebellion against the american authorities, his fight for freedom ended on March 4, 1904.

In the suburbs of Manila, the american fleet started bombarding Filipino fort north of San Juan Del Monte. Major Jose Torres Bugallon, one of Gen. Antonio Luna’s gallant officers, fell mortally wounded. After capturing La Loma, gen MacArthur headed for Caloocan.

In Caloocan once again Americans were victorious. Undismayed by this defeat Gen Antonio Luna prepared a plan for the recapture of Manila by burning American occupied houses in Tondo and Binondo. This took place on February 22, Washington’s Birthday. American fire brigades rushed to the area and fought the flames. They repulsed Luna’s men with heavy losses. Luna then retreated to Polo where he established his headquarters.

Colonel Henry O. Egbert of the 22nd infantry died in action. Fighting as they retreated, the Filipinos burned Polo and Meycauayan in order to delay the enemy advance.

When the American army reached Malolos, Aguinaldo has already established headquarters in San Isidro, Nueva Ecija. Gen. Mac Arthur wanted to pursue Aguinlado but Gov. Gen. Elwell Otis ordered him to rest in Malolos. March 31, MacArthur captured Malolos.

In Quingua (now Plaridel) Major Bell suffered heavy losses under General Greagorio Del Pilar. In this battle Colonel John Stotsenburg was killed.

Gen. MacArthur continued his drive northward, The fierce battle of Bagbag river in Calumpit ensued for three days. On April 25, Calumpit fell into American hands. Gen. Gregorio Del Pilar and his troops were left to defend the Filipino lines since Gen. Luna and his men, had already left for Pampanga at the height of the battle to see what had happened to the reinforcement of troops being asked from Gen Tomas Mercado. When Luna returned to Calumpit , the Americans had already succeeded penetrating the Filipino defensive lines.

Apolinario Mabini as the head of the cabinet and minister of foreign affairs met with Schurman Comission and requested for a temporary cease fire but was refused. He issued manifesto in San

Isidro, Nueva Ecija urging his countrymen to continue struggle for independence. Unlike him the members of the Fili[ino assembly like Pedro Paterno, Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista and Felipe Buencamino wanted the American to offer of autonomy rather than independence. Mabini made another attempt on April 28 by seeking armistice but was again turned down.

So the Assembly knew that Mabini opposed to their views, they persuaded Aguinaldo to remove him from office. A resolution was passed by the Assembly asking Aguinaldo to reject Mabini’s stand and to remove him as President of the Cabinet, President Aguinaldo named Pedro Paterno the head of the new Cabinet. Mabini spent his last years writing articles against Americans.

The Paterno Cabinet / Peace Cabinet created a Committee headed by Felipe Buencamino to negotiate peace with the Americans. When Gen Antonio Luna heard this, he blocked the trip of the Committee to Manila and arrested the members. He strongly advocate to fight for independence.

June 5 – Gen. Luna went to convent in Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija, which served as Aguinaldo’s headquarters. He got mad when he did not find Aguinaldo who had already left for San Isidro, Nueva Ecija. After he had heard a rifle shot, Gen Luna run in the stairs and cursed the soldiers and then slapped one of them. Pedro Kastila, captain from Cavite, drew his bolo and hacked him. Seeing him wounded other soldiers stabbed him while others shot him. He received more than forty wounds. His aide-de-camp Colonel San Francisco Roman was also killed. The next day he was buried with full honors on Aguinaldo’s orders.

After Luna’s death, some demoralization set in. Many officers surrendered to the Americans.The capture of Aguinaldo was one of the priorities of the Americans. In order to elude the American forces, Aguinaldo with his troops proceeded to Cordillera mountain range. This passage way to Cordillera was Tirad Pass. Del Pilar saw the advantageous terrain of Tirad Pass. This could shield the Filipino troops and give Aguinaldo sufficient time to escape. Del Pilar with other 60 riflemen were given the mission defending the Tirad Pass.

Major Peyton G. March and 300 american troopers stormed the pass but were repulsed by Del PIlar’s men.

Januario Galut an Igorot, guide the Americans to the secret trail to the top from the rear was known. In the midst of the combat Gen Del Pilar was hit by a bullet passed through his neck.Cecilio Segismundo, Aguinaldo’s messenger fell into the hands of Gen Frederick Funston, stationed in Nueva Ecija.

With the approval of General MacArthur, Funston employed 80 Macabebe scouts, two former officers of Aguinaldo (Lazano Segovia and Hilario Tal Placido), three tagalog natives and four other American soldiers for the capture of Aguinaldo.

The Macabebe scouts were able to enter Aguinaldo’s camp because they pretend to be the reinforcement with five American prisoners. At a given signal Tal Placido, grab Aguinaldo from behind. Gen Funston and four other American officers entered the room and arrested him in the name of US.

April 19, 1901 – Aguinaldo took the oath of the allegiance to US and appealed to all Filipinos to accept the sovereignty of the uS

July 14, 1902 – President Theodore Roosevelt declared that the Philippine-American War was over.

2. Government under America

President McKinley appointed the second Philippine commission (Taft Commission). He gave the commission the legislative and executive authority to put up a civilian government.

Judge William Howard Taft – first civil governor. He exercised both legislative and executive functions because he was the head of Philippine Comission that served as the law making body. His policy, the Philippines for Filipinos, laid a foundation of democratic government. Subsequently the Second Philippine Commission passed a law establishing a highschool system in the country.

One of the achievement of the taft administration was the sale of huge tracts of friar lands. The US government paid 7.2 million dollars for these lands

Cooper Act a.k.a. Philippine Organic Act of 1902 – 1st congressional law, extension of the US bill of rights to the Filipinos.

March 2, 1903 – Census day, 1st official census in the Philippines during American period. It reports the total population of 7,635,426.

Filipino nationalist organzed political parties to counter act pro-American activities if the Partido Federal. Among these parties were:

Partido Nacionalista by Pascual Poblete Partido Independista by Dr. Pedro A. Paterno Partido Democrata by Alberto Baretto, Leon Ma. Guerrero, Justo Lukban and Joyce Dela

Vina*P. Nacionalista and P. Democrata advocates peaceful independence.

Partido Conservador composed of Spanish Community like MAcario Adriatico, Francisco Ortigas and Gregorio Singian advocates for autonomous representative government after peace and order have boon restored.

Gen. Vicente Lukban resorted to ambushing American soldiers

The brutality of war was best exemplified by the Balangiga Massacre

Gen. Jacob Smith order massacre of all men and children above ten years of age. He wanted Samar to turned into a “howling wilderness”. He was court martialed for cruelties inflicted by his troops.

Gen. Miguel Malvar continued the fight for Philippine IndependenceThe American Authorities were determine to assert sovereignty in the Philippines, as manifested by the anti-nationalist laws imposed on local inhabitants, These included:

Sedition Law – imposed death penalty or a long prison term on anyone who advocated separation from the US even by peaceful means.

o Juan Abad’s Tanikalang Guinto was closed after its Batangas performance, found guilty for sedition. He was sentenced to two years imprisonment and a fine of US $2,000

o Hindi Aco Patay by Juan Matapang Cruz was closed. The red sun on a Katipunan flag that rose behind the stage caused riot inside the theater. Later on Cruz was imprisoned, which he served in full.

o Kahapon, Ngayon at Bukas by Aurelio Tolentino was also regarded seditious. In uncensored version, Inangbayan’s children rise in arms against Malaynatin and Bagong Sibol. In Censored version, Bagong Sibol grants the children their freedom.. The uncensored version led to his arrest amd was given life imprisonment but was pardoned.

Brigandage Act or ley de Bandolerismo– by Gov. William Howard Taft, which punished with death or with a prison term of not less than 20 years for members of armed band. Persons aiding brigands were to be given prison not less than 10 years.

Reconcentration Act – gave the gov. gen.the power to authorize any provincial governoe to reconcentrate in the towns all residents of outlying barrios if ladrones or outlaws operated in these areas. This law was passed to facilitate arrest of guerillas who were protected by the people

Flag Law – prohibited the display of the Philippine Flag and other symbols used by the resistance against the US.

Tagalog Republic -by Macario Sakay, Julian Montalan and Cornelio Felizardo, organized their resistance forces in Rizal, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas. Sakay claimed that his republic was a continuation of Bonifacio’s Katipunan. Sakay was chosen as president together with Montalan and Francisco Carreon as vice president.

Sakay released a manifesto declaring that he and his men were real revolutionaries and not mere brigands. To obtain security of his followers, Sakay imposed sanctions to uncooperative Filipinos. They abducted the family of Mariano Trias, a former general of Aguinaldo.

In mid 1905, Gov. Gen. Henry C ide authorized Dominador Gomez to conduct negotiation for the surrender of Sakay, Sakay agreed to end his resistance on the condition that the genral amnesty be givem to them, that they permitted to caryy firearms and his men would be allowed to leave the country assured of personal safety.

Colonel Harry H. Bandholtz arrested and disarmed SAkay and principal officers. They were charged with ladronism,banditry and other crimes such as robbery, rape, kidnapping and murder.

Gen. Macario L. Sakay and Colonel Lucio De Vega were sentenced to die by public hanging.

Julian Montalan and Leon Villafuerte were given executive clemency.

Sakay’s resistance become the final cahper in the Philippine – American War

Gen. Simeon Ola last revolutionary general to surrender to Colonel Bandholtz, he surrender to save the people from hunger and brutality.

Artemio Ricarte refused to surrender and was exiled in Hong Kong

Phil. Assembly was inaugurated at the Grand Opera House, Sergio Osmena as the Speaker of the assembly while Manuel L. Quezon became the majority floor leader.

Gabaldon Law first law passed by the Phil. Assembly which appropriated one million pesosfor barrio school.

Jones Law provided a bicameral Philippine Legislature with an Upper house called Senate (with 24 members) and Lower house called the house representative (with 93 members). The law contained a preamble declaring the independence would be granted to Filipino people as soon as a stable government could be established in the Philippines.

3. The American Legacy

The Americans propagated the use of English language for better understanding with the Filipinos. English became the language instruction in all schools and became the official language of the government.

Bounding Pillow – first American newpaper appear in Philippines

American Soldier – first American daily newspaper to published in Manila

Philippine Herald first Filipino weekly paper in English by Senate President Manuel L. QuezonEl Renacimiento – attacked Secretary of the Interior Dean Worcester in the article Aves de rapina (Birds of Prey). Worcester immediately sued the newspaper. Teodoro M. Kalaw, editor of the newspaper was imprisoned but later pardoned by Gov. Gen Harrison.

Severino Reyes’ Walang Sugat was one of the famous tagalog zarzuela.

Two American Enterpreneur made a film about Jose Rizal’s execution. This made the Filipinos inspired to make Filipino film. Jose Nepomuceno, father of Philippine movies, made the first movie Dalagang bukid

George Pineda – who invented the immortal representation of Filipinos – the salakot wearing slippered Juan DE la Cruz, did political cartooning like Jose Perreira, chief cartoonist of the Philippine Free Press magazine from the 1920s to 1930s

Nicanor Abelardo – a bulakeno, prominent composer of kundiman, waltzes, marches and sonatas for piano and violin. Among his famous copmposition were; Mutya ng Pasig, Nasaan ka Irog and Bituing Marikit. Francisco Santiago became known for Anak DAlita and Madaliang Araw.Protestant Christianity was also introduced in the country. Mr. C B. Randall, a lay worker, distributed first bibles in Manila.

Bishop James M. Thoburn – delivered first Protestant sermon in the country.

Inglesia ni Cristo was established by Felix Manalo

Sevent-day Adventist – bears the old testament doctrine worshipping on the Sabbath day

Charles M. Swift established MERALCO (manila electric company), its original name Manila Electric railroad and Ligthing Company

Philippine Constabulary School was later on became Philippine Military Academy. From Intramuros it was moved to Baguio.

The American era also marked the improvement of infrastructure, transportation and communication facilities as well as community service.

4. Philippine Independent Church

In the second phase of revolution, which began with Aguinaldo’s return from Hong Kong. Gov. General Basilio Augustin and archbishop Bernardino Nozaleda commissioned Father Gregorio Aglipay to confer with the revolutionary soldiers to bring them back to Spainish side with a promise of autonomity with the Filipinos.

Aguinaldo issued decree appointing Aglipay as Military Vicar, making him religious leader revolutionary movement

Isabelo’s De los Reyes a newspaper man imprisoned for conspiracy against Spain.

5. The Colorums

During the American occupation, colorum refers to religious organization with mystical characteristic.

Colorum Organiization were active in 1920s. In Leyte and Samar, Sociedad de la Confianza was formed. The Caballeros de la Sagrada Familia in Pampanga, Pangasinan, Bulacan and Nueva EcijaIn Tarlac, the colorums worshipped Jose Rizal and Apo Ipe Salvador. They believe that the two leaders would resurrect and save them.

Gov. Gen. Leonard Wood prohibited the display of pictures of Filipino heroes in all public school in Mindanao.

In Nueva Ecija, Pedro Kabola founded a secret society called Kapisanan Makabola Makarinag. They intended to assault the municipal building of San Jose and execute all town officials.

Pedro Calosa an Ilokano organized a colorum in which they were armed with knives, bolos and few guns. They attacked the town of Tayug that would supposed to be the spark of that would ignite the Central Luzon Area in a peasant revolution. When a Constabulary detachment arrived, the colorum group retreat but Calosa managed to escaped and was captured a few days later.

6. Land Tenure System

During the American colonial rule, the Spanish feudal system was not dismantled. The hacienda system kept the peasants in bondage.

Tenants were either inquilinos or kasamas. The Inquilino paid yearly rent for using a piece of land. Aside from this he is required to give various of services for free. Refusal to work or contribute to expenses may dismissed them from the hacienda.

The kasama provided labor in the hacienda where he shared harvest on a 50-50 basis with his landlord or hacindero, after deducting the expenses incurred in planting and harvesting. He is also expected to give services for free to the landowner.

Free trade likewise reinforce the feudal agrarian system of the Spanish regime and twisted the normal development of local industries. Rich landowners and investment capitalist took control of the economy, laying the groundwork for limited capita per income, inflation and structural poverty.

Dependence upon duty free, American products increased the suffering of local producers.

7. The First Labor Groups

Isabelo De los Reyes organized the first labor group in the Philippines, the Union de Litografos e Impresores de Filipinas and ti was reorganized into Union Obrera Democratica (UOD) a federation of smaller unions of printer, lithographies, cigar makers, tailors which demanded for higher wages.

Lope K. Santos a newspaper man and printer was the last president of UOD. Under him the union became Union de trabajo de Filipinas.

May 1, 1913 – Labor day was first celebrated in the country. The labor leaders organized the Congreso Obrero de Filipinas (COF). This Congress approved resolutions demanding eight hour labor day, child labor, women labor laws and employer liability law.

Union of Magsasaka in Bulacan fight evil tenancy and usury

8. The Communist Party of the Philippines

The Congress of COF, the conservative members clashed with Crisanto Evangelista and his grouop over the proposals submitted by the latter.

With radicals in minority Evangelista and his followers walked and immediately launched the Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Pawis ng Pilipinas or KAP, Evangelista being the executive secretary while Manahan became the Vice president, in charge ofhe peasant movement.

On November 7, 1930, the Communist Party of the Philippines was formally established with all the officer of KAP except Hao and Hilario.

Communism is a concept of society in which the major resources and means of production are communally owned. There would be an equal sharing of the benefits of production. This ideology abolished the individual ownership property.

9. Sakdalism

Benigno Ramos leader of the popular movement Sakdal, used to be a senate clerk. SAkdal a weekly tabloid which became the vehicle for bitter denunciation of ruling oligarchy, this tabloid exposed the discontentment of the masses. Sakdal movement against maldistribution of property, excessive taxes and concentration of land ownership. Subsequently Ramos transformed the movement into Political party.

Governor Frank Murphy issued a ruling that any campaign against the plebiscite shall be branded as seditious. As a consequence, many Sakdalistas were arrested.