\

Chapter 2

Content and Contextual

Analysis of Select�d Primary
Sources in Philippine History

Learning Objectives:
• To familiarize oneself with the primary documents in different
historical periods of the Philippines.
• To learn history through primary sources.
·• To properly interpret primary sources through looking at the
content and context of the document.
• To qnderstand the context behind each selected document.
In the preceding chapter, we have discussed the importance of
familiarizing oneself about the different kinds of historical sources. The
historian's primary tool of understanding and interpreting the past is the
historical sources. Historical sources ascertain historical facts. Such facts
are then analyzed and interpreted by the historian to weave historical
narrative. Specifically, historians who study certain historical subjects and
events need to make use of various primary sources in order to weave the
narrative. Primary sources, as discussed in the preceding chapter, consist
of documents, memoir, accounts, and other materials that were produced at
the period of the event or subject being studied.

11
 Using primary sources in historical research entails two kinds of Examining the document reveals several insights not just in the
critici,sm. The first one· is the external criticism, and the second one is the character of the Philippines during the pre-colonial period but also on
internal criticism. External criticism examines the authenticity of the how the fresh eyes of the Europeans regard a deeply unfamiliar terrain,
document or the evid �used. This is important in e ll§Yfi:!1£.th� t!lle environmei:it, people, and culture. Locating Pigafetta's account .in the
en
primary_i;;�
_ is no� The second is the internal criticism. This
_ context of its writing warrants a familiarity on the dominant frame of
type of criticism. exl\inineEI the truthfulness ofthe content• of the eviden_ce. mind in the·age of exploration which pervaded Europe in the 15th and 16th
However, this criticism requires not just the JiCt establishing truthfulness century. Students of history need to realize that primary .sources used in
and/or 11/l�uracy... bµj; .also..J;h.e e!qJP.J1*B.QP_Qf-the..l}rimaJ:¥."SOll�fl in terms the subsequent written histories depart from certain perspectives. Thus,
of the context of its_ pJ31.dw;.tion. For example, a historian would have to Pigafetta's account is also written from the perspective of Pigafetta himself,
situate the document in the period of its production, or in the background and was a product of the .context of its production. The First Voyage Around
of its authors. In other words, it should be recognized that facts are n,either the World by Magellan was published after Pigafetta returned to Italy. For
existing in a vacuumnQl'.,Jlm!ll!£.�_fr9ID...a.bJ.ank.el.ate. These are products of this chapter, we.will focus on the chronicles of Antonio Pigafetta as he wrote
the time and of the people. his firsthand observation and general impression of the Far East, including
their experiences in Visayas.
In this chapter, we are going to l�ok at a number of primary sources
from different. historical periods and evaluate these documents' content in In Pigafetta's account, their fleet reached what he called the Ladrone
terms of historical value, and examine the context of their production. The Island or the Island of the Thieves. He recounted:
· primary sources that we a� going to examine are Antonio Pigafetja'scF'irst "Th!c!se people have no arms, but use sticks, which have a
Voyage Aroµ n,d the World/Emilio Jacinto ',-Kartilya ng Katipunar;(the 1898 fish bone at the end. They.are poor, but ingenious, and great
_ of
Declaration . Philippine Independence,J,olitical
_ Cartoon's Alfred McCoy's thieves, and for the sake of that we called these three islands
Philippine Cartoons: Pqli-tical Caricatur� ofJhf!.A._"!_erjc_a<71, Era (1900-1941)/ the Ladrone Islands."
and Corazon Aquino's Speech Before the US Congress.ll'hese primary sources
range from chronicle�, official documents, speeches, and cartoons to visual The Ladrone Islands is presently known as the Marianas Islands. These
arts. Needless to say, different types of sources necessitate different kinds of islands are located south-southeast of Japan, west�southwest of "Hawaii;
analysis and contain different levels of importance. We are going to explore north of New Guinea, and east of Philippines. Ten days after they reached
Ladrone Island, Pigafetta reported that they reached what Pigafetta called
that in this chapter.
the isle of Zamal, now Samar but Magellan decided to land in another
uninhabited island for greater security where they can rest for a few days.
A Brief Summary of the First Voyag� Around Pigafetta recounted that after two days, March 18, nine men came tfrthem
the World by M(Jgellan by Antonio Pigafetta and showed joy and eagerness in seeing them. Magellan .realized that the
men are reasonable and welcomed them with food, drinks, and gifts. In turn,
This book was taken from the chronicles of contemporary voyagers the natives gave them fish, palm wine (uraca), figs, and two cochos. The
and navigators of the 16th century. One of them was Italian nobleman natives also gave them rice (umai), cocos, and other food supplies. Pigafetta
Antonio Pigafetta, who accompanied Ferdinand Magellan in his fateful detailed in amazement and fascination the palm tree which bore fruits
circumnavigf!,tion of the world. Pigafetta's.work instantly became a classic called cocho, and wine. He also described what seemed like a 'coconut. His
that prominent literary men in the West like William Shakespeare, description reads:
Michel de Montaigne, and Giambattista Vico referred to the book in their
interpretation of the new world. Pigafetta's travelogue is one of the most "This palm produces a fruit named cocho, which is as large
important primary source in the study oithe pre-colonial-Philippines. His as the head, or thereabouts: its first husk is green, and two
account was also a major referent to the events leading to Magellan's arrival fingers in thickness, in it they find certain threads, with which
in the Philippines, his encounter with local leaders, his death in the hands of they make the cords for fastening their boats. Under this hu_sk
Lapulapu's forces in the Battle of Mactan, and in the departure of what was there is another very hard, and thicker than that of a walnut.
They burn this second rind, and make with it a powder which
left of Magellan's fleet from the islands.
is useful to them. Under this rind there is a white marrow of a
12 Readings in Philippine History Chapter 2 I Content and Contextual Analysis of Selected Primary Sources in Philippine History 13
 " ... when the offertory of the mass came, the two kings, went
finger's thickness, which they eat fresh with l)leat and fish, as to kiss the cross like us, but they offered nothing, and at the
we do bread, and it has the taste of an almond, and if anyone elevation of the body of our Lord they were kpseeling like us,
dried it he might make bread of it (p. 72)." and ad()recl our Lord wi_ thjoinedhands."
Pigafetta characterized the people as "very familiar and friendly" and After the mass, Magellan ordered that the cross be brought, with nails
willingly showed them ,different islands , and the names of these islands. and crown in place. Magellan explained that t�e cross, the nail, and the
The fleet went to Hurn,µnu isla�d (Homonhon) and there they found what crown were the signs of his emperor and that he was ordered to plant it in
Pigafetta referred to as th� Wateting,Pl�c:e of good signs. It is in this place the Places that he will reach. Magellan further explained that the cross will
where Pigafetta wrote that they found the first s�s of gold in the island. be beneficial for their people because once other Spaniards saw this cross,
They named the island with the nearby islands as· the a��_at. then they would, know that they have been in this land and would not cause
1Ji?.arus. They left the island, then on March 25th Pigafetta recounted that them troubles, and any person who might be held captives by them will be
they saw two Bq[Jg��(balangay), a long boat full.of peop�e i_n, :fY!azzava/ released. The king concurred and allowed for the cross to be planted. This
M,a.:zaua. The lead.er, who Pigafetta referred to as the king of the Ballanghai mass .will go down in history as the first mass in the Philippines, and the
(balangay), sent his men to the ship of Magellan. The Europeans entertained cross will be the famed Magellan's cross still preserved at present day.
these men and gave them gifts. When the king of the balangay offered to give After seven days, Magellan and his men decided to move and l k for oo

Magellan a bar of gold and a chest of ginger, Magellan declined. Magellan islands where they can ac,9..�k,�more SJlpplies and provisions: They learned
sent the interpreter to the king and asked for money for the needs of his of the islanq�_ o(��ylon {Leyte); �phol,'and Zzubu (Ceb-u) and intended to
ships and expressed that he came into the islands as a friend and not as an go there. Raia Calambu offered to pilot the�in going to Cebu, the largest
enemy. The king responded by giving Mage!la_n the needed p;ro_visi�_11s of food and the richest of the islands. By April 7th of the same year, Magellan and
iri chinaware. Magellan exchanged gifts.of robes in Tm:kish fashl.11n, red cap, his men reached the port of Cebu. The king of Cebu, through. Magellan's
and gave the people knives and mirrors. The two then expressed their desire interpreter, demanded that they pay tribute as. it was customary, but ,
tp become brothers. Magellan also boasted of his men in a;rmor who cannot be Magellan refused. Magellan said that he was a captain of a king himself and
struck with swords and daggers. The king was fascinated and remarked that thus would not pay tribute to· other kings. Magellan's interpreter explained
men in such armor can be worth one hundred of his men. Magellan further to the king of Cebu that Magellan's king was the emperor of a great empire
showed the king his other weapons, helmets, and artilleries. Magellan also and that it would do them better to make friends with theiµ than to forge
shared with the king his charts and maps and shared how they found the enmity; The king of Cebu consulted his council. By the next day, Magellan's
islands. men and the· king of Cebu, together with other principal men of Cebu, met in
an open space. There, the king offered a bit of his blood and demanded that
After a few days, Magellan was introduced to the king's brother who
Magellan do the same. Pigafetta recounts:
was also a king of another island. They went to this island and Pigafetta
reported that they saw mines of gold. The gold was ab.undant that parts of ''Then the king said that he was content, and as a greater sign
the ship and of the ho��e of the second king were made of gold. Pigafetta of affection he sent him a little of his blood from his right arm,
described thi(l king as the most handsome of all the men that he saw in and wished he should do the like. Our peop le answered that
this place. He was also adorned with silk,a_Qd ,go).d..m!C€ssorie:dilte a go� he would do it. Besides that, he said that all the captains who
came to his country had been accustomed to make a present
dagge�biclt��:r::ties witM,:im.in a \\"9Clden polisheg,sheath. This king is
to him, and he to them, and therefore they should ask their
named\Raia Calamb� kin&_,g"{ �l:t:'.1!1 and Q,ala,.gl!.n (Butuan and Caragua), captain if he would observe the custom. Our· people answered
and thefir'stk:iiig'was �aia Siagu. Ori March 31st, which happened to be
Easter Sunday, Magellan... orcterecl
tl}echaplain to·say: a mass by the shore.
- that he would; but as the king wished to keep up the custom,
let him begin and make a present, and then the captain would
The king heard of th;;;-plan and sent tw;· dead pigs and attended the mass do his duty."
with the other king. Pigafett'a reported that both king'l participated in the
mass. He wrote:
Chapter 21 Content and Contextual Analysis of Selected Primary Sources in Philippine History 15
14 Readings in Philippine History
 The following day, Magellan spoke before the people of Cebu about peace On the 26th of April,� a principaLman from the island .ot:. Matan
ahd God. Pigafetta reported that the people �k pleasure in Magellan's (Mactan) went .to see �agellan an.d asked him for a'boat fiilfQf men so th�t
speech. Magellan then asked the people who would succeed the king after he would be able to f:i�ht the chief named Silapulapu,(Lapulapu). Such chief,
hi; reign and the people responded that the eldest child of the king, who according to Zula, refused to obey the king and was also preventing him from
doing so. Magellan offered three boats i.l!J>!el!_d and .exJ!ressed his d,esire to go
happened to be a daughter, would be the next in line. Pigafetta also related
to Mactan himself to fight t�idchief. Magella�'s forces arrived in Mactan
how th'e people talked about, how at old age, parents are no longer taken
in daylight. They numbercll_!9 in total and the islanders ofMactan were
into account and had to follow the orders of their children as th� new leadets estimated to number 1,500. The battle began. P1gafettiirecounioo:- ..
of the land. Magellan responded to this by saying that his faith entails
children to render honor and obedience to their mother and father. Magellan ''When we reached land we found the islanders fifteen hundred
preached about their faith further and people were reportedly convinced. in number, drawn up in three squadrons; they came down
upon us with terrible shouts, two squadrons attacking us on
Pigafetta wrote that their men were overjoyed seeing that the people wished
th� flanks, and the third in front. The captain then «Uvided his
to become Christians through their free will aad not because they were
men in two bands. Our musketeers and crossbow-men fired
forced or intimidated. for half an hour from a distance, but did nothing, since the
On the ,14th of April, the people gathered with the king and other bullets and arrows, though they passed through their shields
principal men of the islands. Magellan spoke to the king and encouraged made of thin wood, and perhaps wounded their arms, yet did
him to be a good Christian by burning all of the idols and worship the cross not stop them. The captain shouted not to fire,. but he was
instead. The king of Cebu was then baptized as a Christian. Pigafetta wrote: not listened to. The islanders seeing that the shots of our
guns did them little or no harm would not retire, but shouted
"To that the king and all his people answered that thy would more loudly, and springing from one side to the other to avoid
obey the command!l of the captain and do all that he told them. our shots, they at the same time drew nearer to us, throwing
The captain took the king by the hand, and they walked about arrows, javelins, spears hardened in fire, stones, and even
on the scaffolding, and when he was baptized he said that mad, so that we could hardly defend ourselves. Some of them
· he would name him Don Charles (Carlos), as the emperor his cast lances pointed with iron at the captain-general."
sovereign was named; and he named the prince Don Fernand
(Fernando), after the brother of the emperor, and the King of Magellan died in that battle. The natives, perceiving that the bodies
Mazavva, Jehan: to the Moor he gave the name of Christopher, of the enemies were protected with:.aonors._aimed for their. leg� instead.
and to the others each a name of his fancy." Magellan was pierced with_11poisone(arrow in his right leg. A few of their
men charged at the natives and tried to intimidat,e them by burning an entire
After �ight days, Pigafetta counted that all of the island's inhabitant village but this' only enraged the natives further; Magellan was specifically
were already baptized. He admitted that they burned a village down for targeted because the natives knew that he was the captain gene!'al Magellan
obeying. neither the king nor Magellan: The mass started to be conducted was hit with � lance in the face. Magellan retaliated and pi�rced the same
by the shore everyday. When the qu!,len came to mass one day, Magellan native with his lance in the breast and tried to draw his sword but could
gave her an image of the Infant Jesus made by Pigafetta himself. The king not lift it because of his wounded arni. Seeing that the captain has already
of Cebu swore that he would always be faithful to Magellan. When Magellan deteriorated, more natives came to attack him. One native with a great
reiterated that all of the newly baptized Christians need to burn their idols, sword delivered a blow in Magellan's left leg, brought him face down and the
but 'the natives gave excuses telling Magellan that they needed the idols to natives ceaselessly attacked Magellan with lances, swords, and even with
heal a sick man who was a relative to the ki�g. Magellan insisted that they their bare hands. Pigafetta recounted the last moments of Magellan:
should i.nstead put their faith in Jesus·Christ. They went to the sick man ''Whilst the Indians w.ere thus overpowering him, several
and baptized him. After the baptismal, J>igafetta recorded that the man was times he turned round towards us to see if we were all in
able to speak again. He called this a miracle. safety, as though his obstinate fight had no other object than
to give an opportunity for the retreat of his men."

16 Readings in Philippine History Chapter 2 I Content and Contextual Analysis of Selected Primary Sources in Philippine History 17
 included in the text, his characterizat,ion of the people and of the species that
Pigafetta also said that the king of Cebu who was baptized could have
he encountered, and hl!i:inter.Pr!ltation and retelling ofthe events. Being a
sent help but Magellan instructed him not to join the battle and stay in the
scholar �f eartogrEJ.phy an� geography, Pigafetta was able to give details on
balangay so that he would see how they fight. The king offered the people of
g �ae�i]ij<!_ �limate of the place!:! that their voyage ha_s reached.
Mactan gifts of any value an<l amount in exchange of Magellan's body but _
the chief refused. They wanted to keep Magellan's body as a memento of }J1 reading Pigafetta's description of the people, one has to keep in
their victory. mind that he was e<>minglrolll a;f6thceiitury'Eur�ean 'pe:r�pectiv'el Hence,
the reader Dlight notice how Pigafetta, whether 1mplfoitly ot eiPlicitly,
Magellan's men �lected Duarte Barbosa as the new captain. Pigafetta
regarded the indigenous belief systems and way of life as inferior to that
also told how Magellan's slave and interpreter name<l Henry betrayed them
of Christianity and of the Europeans. He would always remark ·on the
and told the king of Cebu that they intend to leave as quickly as possible.
nakedness of the natives or how he was fascinated by their exotic culture,
Pigafetta alleged that the slave told the king that if he followed the slave's
Pigafetta also noticeably emphasized the ruitives' amazement aQd illiteracy
advice, then the king could acquire the ships and', the goods of Magellan's
to the European artillery, merchandise, and other goods, in the-�a�� way
fleet. The two conspired and betrayed what was left of Magellan's men. The
that Pigafetta repeatedly mention the abundance of spices like ginger,
king invited these men to a gathering where he said he would present the
o and of precious metals like gold. His observations and assessments of the
jewels that he would send for the King of Spaio. Pigafetta was n'ot able,·t
attende d because he was nursing his batt ! e indigenous cultures employed the European standards. Hence, ;hen they
join the twenty-four men who
when they heard[cries and lam.entat i<> ns .­ saw the in�enous attires of the nativ�s, Pigafetta saw them as bein���·�
wounds. It was only a short time
men except the interpre ter and Juan Serrano because from the European· standpoint, they were wearing fewer clothes ,,
The natives had slain all of the
indeed. Pigaf.etta's perspective w'as"fuo nartow to realize that such attire was �.
who was a�iJrn _ ;l_gd. Serrano was presented and shouted at the men
only aperopnate to the tropical·cli:rnate of the islands: The same was true
in the ship asking them to pay ransom so he would be spared. However, they
1

for. materials that the natives used for their houses like palm and bamboo.
· refused and woiil.d ppt allo.w anyone to go to the shore. The fleet depa,!t�d t
These materials would let mo�e air come through the house and compensate 1
and abandoned Serra�o·: They left Cebu and continued their Jciurriey around
for the hot climate in the islands. -�
the world.
It should be understood that such observations rooted from the context
Anarsis ofPijafetta's chronicle of Pigafetta and of his era)�,¢, for example, was dominated by the· \;
lioly Roman Empire, whose loyalty a;nd purpose was the domination of the
The chronicle of Pigafetta was one of the most cited documents by ''catholic Church all over the world. Hence, other belief systems different
historians who wished to study the pre-colonial Philippines. As one of the from �at of ci'irlstiartity were percewoo.. to b� iiiasphem.ous and barbaric
earliest written accounts, Pigaf:tta was seen as a credible source for. a eve���- Aside :from this, the ±tith �nt�;y European economy wa�
period, which was prior unehronicled and undocumented. Moreover, being mercantilist. Such system measures the wealth of kingdoms based on their
the earliest detailed documentation, itwa:s nelievedthat Pigafetta's writings accumulation of bullions or precious metals like gold and silver. It was not
account .for the "purest" pre-colonial society. Indeed, Pigafetta's work is of surprising therefore that Pigafetta would always . mention the abundance
great importance in the study and writing of Philippine history. Nevertheless, of gold in the islands as shown in his description of leaders wearing gold
there needs to have a more nuanced reading of the source within a contextual rings and golden daggers, and of the rich gold mines. An empire like that of
backdrop. A student of history should recognize certain biases accompanying the Spain would indeed search for new lands where they can acquire more
the author and his ident�ty, loyal��es, and the circumstances that_he was in; gold an(i wealth to be on top of all the European nations. The obsession
and how it affected the text th�t he produced. In the case of Pigafetta, the wit.h.-�.(lices might be odd for Filipinos because of its ..el'clin�ine�
in the
reader ne.eds t� understand that he was a chronicler commissioned by the Jlli.i�Pid ��� ;Jl� t understanding the context would rev�t'that �pices were
King 9f Spain to accom11any and document a voyage intended to expand the scarce �ur�ji) an<l hence were seen as prestige goods. 11). th�t,.�a. Spain
Spanish empire. He was also of noble descent who came from a ric� !iiJ:!1ilY in and Portug'arcovet the control of spice islands becaµse.it wouldhava _ leallto
It;ly. These attributes influenced his narrativei his selection of details to be
Chapter 2 I Content and Contextual Analysis of Selected Primary Sources in Philippine History 19
18 Readings in Philippine History
a cert�in inci:�ase in wealth,)nfluence; al\�J>_()�;r.'Th�se contex.ts.sppu�ctkEi __ The Kartilya can be treated as the Katipunan's code of conduct. It
used and understo'od"in order to have a more qualified reading of Pigafetta's contained fourteen ruleii that instruct the way a Katipunero should behave,
account. and which specific values should he uphold. Generally, the rules that are
con�ained in the Kartilya can be classified into two. The first group contains
The KKK and the "Kartilya ng Katipunan· the rules that will make the member an upright individual and the second
group contains the rules that will guide the way he treats his fellow men.
The Kataastaasan, Kagalanggalangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Below is the translated version of the rules in Kartilya:
Bayan (KKK) or Katipunan is arguably the most important organization
formed in Philippine history. While anti-colonial movements, efforts, and I. The life that is not consecrated to a lofty and reasonable
organizations have already been done centuries prior to the foundation of the purpose is a tree without a shade, if not a poiso�ous weed.
Katipunan, itwas only this organization that envisioned (1) a united Filipino II. To do good for personal gain and not for its own sake is not
nation that will revolt against the Spaniards for (2) the total independence of virtue.
the country from Spain. Previous·armed revolts had already occurred before
the foundation of the Katipunan, but none of �hem envisioned a unified III. It is rational to be charitable and l�ve o�e's fellow creature,
Filipino nation revolting against the colonizers. For example, Diego Silang and to adjust one's conduct, acts and words to what is in itself
was known as an Ilocano who took up his arms and led one of the longest reasonable.
running revolts in -the country. Silang, however, was mainly concerned IV. Whether. our skin be black or white, we are all born equal:
about his locality and referred to himself as El Rey de !locos (The King of superiority in knowledge, wealth and beauty are to be
Ilocos). The imagination of the nation was largely absent in the aspirations understood, but not superiority by nature.
of the local revolts before Katipunan. On the other hand, the propaganda
V. The honorable man prefers honor to personal gain; the
movements led by the ilustrados like Marc"elo H. del Pilar, Graciano Lopez
scoundrel, gain to honor.
Jaena, and Jose Rizal did not envision a total' separation of the Philippines
from Spain, but only demanded equal rights, representation, and protection VI. To the honorable man, his word is sacred. ,
from the abuses of the friars. VII. Do not waste thy time: wealth can be recovered but not time
In the conduct of their struggle, Katipunan �reated a complex structure lost.
and a defined value system that will guide the organization as a collective VIII. Defend the oppressed a�d fight the oppressor before the law
aspiring for a single goal. One of the most important Katipunan document or in the field.
was the Kartilya ng Katipunan. The original title of the document was
Manga [sic] Aral Nang [sic] Katipunan ng mga A.N.B. or "Lessons of the IX. The prudent man is sparing in words and faithful in keeping
Organization of the Sons of Country." The document was written by Emilio secrets.
Jacinto in the year 1896. Jacinto was only 18 years old when he joined the X. On the thorny path of life, man is the guide of woman and the
movement. He was a law student in the University of Santo Tomas. Despite children, and if the guide leads to the precipice, those whom
his youth, Bonifacio recognized the value and intellect of Jacinto that upon he guides will also go there.
seeing Jacinto's Kartilya was much better than the Decalogue he wrote, he
XI. Thou must not look Upon woman as a mere plaything, but as
willingly favored that the Kartilya be distributed to their fellow Katipuneros.
a faithful companion who will share with thee the penalties
Jacinto became the secretary of the organization and took charge of the
of life; her (physical) weakness will increase thy interest in
short�lived printing press of the Katipunan. On 15 April 1897, Bonifacio
her and she will remind thee of the mother who bore thee and
appointed Jacinto as a commander of the Katipunan in Northern Luzon.
reared thee.
Jacinto was 22 years old. Jacinto died of Malaria at young age of 24 in the
town of Magdalena, Laguna.
20 Readings in Philippine History Chapter 2 I Content and Contextual Analysis of Selected Primary Sources in Philippine History 21
 Moreover, one can analyze the values upheld in the document as
XII. What thou dost not desire done unto thy wife, children,
consistent with the burgeoning rational and liberal ideals in the 18th and
brothers and sisters, that do not unto the wife, children,
19th century. Equality, tolerance, freedom, and liberty were values that first
brothers and sisters' of thy neighbor.
emerged in the 18th century Fnmch Revolution, which spread throughout
XIII. Man is not worth more because he is a king, because his nose Europe and reached the educated class of the colonies. Jacinto, an ilustrado
is aquiline, and his color white, not because he is a priest, himself, certainly got an understanding of these values. Aside from the
a servant of God, nor because of the high prerogative that liberal values that can be dissected in the document, we can also decipher
he enjoys upon earth, but he is worth most who is a man of certain Victorian and chivalrous values in the text. For example, various
proven and real value, who does good, keeps his words, is provisions in the Kartilya repeatedly emphasized the importance of honor
worthy and honest; he who· does not oppress nor consent to in words and in action. The teaching of the Katipunan on how women
being oppressed, he who loves and cherishes his fatherland, should be treated with honor and respect, while positive in many respects
though he be born in the wilderness and know no tongue but and certainly a significant stride from the practice of raping and physically
his own. abusing women, can still be a telling of the Katipunan's secondary regard
for women in relation to men. For example, in the tenth rule, the document
XIV. When these rules of conduct shall be known to all, the �onged­ · specifically stated that men should be the guide of women and children, and
for sun of Liberty shall rise brilltant over this most unhappy that .he should set a good examJ)le, otherwise the woman and the children
portion of the globe and its rays shall diffuse everlasting joy would be guided in the path of evil. Nevertheless, the same document stated
among the confederated brethren of the same rays, the lives that women should be treated as companions by men and not as playthings
of those who have gone before, the fatigues and the well-paid that can be exp_loited for his pleasure.
sufferings will remain. If he who desires to enter has informed
In the contemporary eyes, the Katipunan can be criticized because
himself of all this and believes he will be able to perform what
of these provisions. However, one must not forget the context where the
will be his duties, he may fill out the application for admission.
organization was born. 'Not even in Europe or in the whole of the West at
As the primary governing document, which determines the rules of that juncture recognized the problem of gender inequality. Indeed, it can
conduct in the Katipunan, properly understanding the Kartilya will thus be argued that Katipunan's recognition of women as important partners in
help in understanding the values, ideals, aspirations, and even the ideology the struggle, as reflected not just in Kartilya but also in the organizational
of the organization. structure of the fraternity where a women's unit was established, is an
endeavor advanced for its time. Asi'de from Rizal's known Letter to the
Women of Malolos, no same effort by the supposed cosmopolitan Propaganda
Analysis ofthe "Karli/ya 113 Katipunan"
Movement was achieved until the movement's eventual disintegration in the
Similar to what we have done to the accounts of Pigafetta, this primary latter part of the 1890s.
�ource also needs to be analyzed in terms of content and context. As a Aside from this, the Kartilya was instructive not just of the Katipunan's
document written for a fraternity whose main purpose is to overthrow a conduct toward other people, but also for the members' development as
colonial regime, we can explain the content and provisions of the Kartilya as individuals in their own rights. Generally speaking, the rules in the Kartilya
a reaction and response to certain value systems that they found despicable can be classified as either directed to how one should treat his neighbor or
in the present state of things that they struggle against with. For example, to how one should develop and conduct one's self. Both are essential to the
the fourth and the thirteenth rule in the Kartilya is an invocation of the success and fulfillment of the Katipunan's ideals. For example, the Kartilya's
inherent equality between and among men regardless of race, occupation, teachings on honoring one's word and on not wasting time are teachings
or status. In the context of the Spanish colonial era where the indios were directed toward self-development, while the rules on treating the neighbor's
treated as the inferior of the white Europeans, the Katipunan saw to it that wife, children, and brothers the way that you want yours to be treated is an
the alternative order that they wish to promulgate through their revolution instruction on how Katipuneros should treat and regard their neighbors.
necessarily destroys this kind of unjust hierarchy.
Chapter 2 J Content and Contextual Analysis of Selected Primary Sources in Philippine History 23
22 Readings in Philippine History
 All in all, proper reading of the Kartilya will reveal a more thorough The abov� passage demonstrates the justifications behind the revolution
understanding of the Katipunan and the significant role that it played in against-Spain. Specifically cited are the abuse by the Civil Guards and the
the revolution and in the unfolding of the Philippine history, as we know it. unlawful shooting of prisoners whom they alleged as attempting to escape.
The passage also condemned the unequal protection of the law between the
Reading the "Proclamation of the Philippine Independence· Filipino people and the "eminent personages." Moreover, the line mentioned
the avarice and greed of the clergy like the friars and the Archbishop himself.
Every year, the country commemorates the anniversary of the Philippine Lastly, the passage also condemned what they see as the unjust deportation
Independence proclaimed on 12 June 1898 in the province of Cavite: Indeed,
such event is a significant turning point in the history of the country because and rendering of other decision without proper hearing, expected of any
it signaled the end of the 333 years of Spanish colonization. There have been civilized nation.
numerous studies done on the events leading to the independence of the From here,· the proclamation proceeded with a brief historical overview
country b�t very few students had the chance to read the actual document of
the declaration. This is in spite of the historical importance of the document of the Spanish occupation since Magellan's arrival in Visayas until the
and the details"that the documents reveal on the rationale and circumstances Philippine revolution, with specific details about the Jatter, especially after
of that historical day in Cavite. Interestingly, reading the details of the said the Pact ofBiak-na-Bato has collapsed. The document narrated the spread of
document in hindsight is telling the kind of goTernment that was created t�e movement "like an electric spark" through different towns and provinces
under Aguinaldo, and the forthcoming hand of the United States of America like Bataan, Pampanga, Batangas, Bulacan, Laguna, and Morong, and the
in the next few years of the newly created republic. The declaration was quick decline of Spanish forces in the same provinces. The revolt also reached
a short 2,000-word- document, which summarized the reason behind the
revolution against Spain, the war for independence, and the future of the Visayas thus the independence of the country was ensured. The document
new republic under Emilio Aguinaldo. also made mention of Rizal's execution, calling it unjust. The execution, as
written in the document, was done to "please the greedy body of friars in
The proclamation commenced with a characterization of the conditions
in the Philippines during the Spanish colonial period.· The document their insatiable desire to seek revenge upon and exterminate all those who
specifically mentioned abuses and inequalities in the colony. The declaration are opposed to their Machiavellian purposes, which tramples upon the penal
says: code prescribed for these islands." The document also narrated the Cavite
"...taking into consideration, that their ihhabitants being Mutiny of January 1872 that caused the infamous execution of the martyred
already weary of bearing the ominous yoke of Spanish native priests Jose Burgos, M!lria�o Gomez, and Jacinto Zamora, "whose
domination, on account of the arbitrary arrests and harsh innocent blood was shed through the intrigues of those so-called religious
treatment practiced by the Civil Guard to the extent of caQsing orders" that incited the three secular priests in the said mutiny.
death with the connivance and even with the express orders
of their commanders, who sometimes went to the extreme of The proclamation of independence also invoked that the established
ordering the shooting of prisoners under the pretext that they republic would be led under the dictatorship of Emilio A guinaldo. The first
were attempting to escape, in violation.of the provisions of the mention was at the very beginning of the proclamation. It stated:
Regulations of their Corps, which abuses were unpunished
and on account of the unjust deportations, especially those "In the town of Cavite Viejo, in this province of Cavite, on the
decreed by General Blanco, of eminent personages and of twelfth day of June eighteen hundred and ninety-eight, before
high social position, at the instigation of the Archbishop and me, Don Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista, Auditor of War and
friars interested in keeping them out of the way for their own Special Commissioner appointed to proclaim and solemnize
selfish and avaricious purpose, deportations which are quickly this act by the Dictatorial Government of these Philippine
brought about by a method of procedure more execrable than
Islands, for the purposes and by virtue of the circular
that of the Inquisition and which every civilized nation rejects
on account of a decision being rendered without a hearing of addressed by the Eminent Dictator of the same Don Emilio
the persons accused" Aguinaldo y Famy."

24 Readings in Philippine History Chapter 21 Content and Contextual Analysis of Selected Primary Sources in Philippine History 25
 The same was repeated toward the last part of the proclamation. It from the symbol of the Katipunan. The red and blue colors of the flag are
states: often associated with courage and peace respectively. Our basic education
''We acknowledge, approve and confirm together with the omits the fact that those colors were taken from the flag of the United Stai;;s.
orders that have beeri issued therefrom, the Dictatorship While it can· always be argued that symbolic meaning can always change
established by Don Emilio Aguinaldo, whom we honor as the and be reinterpreted, the original symbolic meaning of something presents
Supreme Chief of this Nation, which this day commences to us several historical truths that can explain the subsequent events, which
have a life of its own, in the belief that he is the instrument· unfolded after the declaration of independence on the 12th day of June 1898.
. selected by God, iii spite of his humble origin, to effect the·
r�demption of this unfortunate people, as foretold by Doctor
Jose Rizal i!l the magnificent verses which he composed when Analysis "fthe ''pyqc/amation ofthe Philippine /11JepenJe11ce"
he was· preparing to be shot, liberating them from the yoke
of Spanish domination in punishment of the impunity with As mentioned earlier, a re-examination of the document on the
which their Government allowed the commission of abuses by declaration of independence can reveal some often overlooked historical
its subordinates." truths about this important event in Philippine history. Aside from this,
the document reflects the general revolutionary sentiment of that period.
Another detail in the proclamation that, is worth looking at is its For example, the abuses specifically mentioned in the proclamation like
explanation on the Philippine flag that was first waved on the same day. friar abuse, racial discrimination, and inequality before the law reflect the
The document explained: most compelling sentiments represented by .the revolutionary leadership.
"And finally, it was unanimously resolved that this Nation, However, no mention was made about the more serious problem that affects
independent from this day, must use the same flag used the masses more profoundly (i.e., the land and agrarian crisis felt by the
heretofore, whose design · and colors and described in the numerous Filipino peasants in the 19th century). This is ironic especially
accompanying drawing, with design representing in natural when renowned Philippine revolution historian, Teodoro Agoncillo, i;;tated
colors the three arms referred to. The white triangle represents
the distinctive emblem of the famous Katipunart Society, that the Philippine Revolution was an agrarian revolution. The common
which by means of its compact of blood urged on the masses of revolutionary soldiers fought in the revolution for the hope of owning the
the people to insurrection; the three stars represent the three lands that they were tilling once the friar estates in different provinces like
principal Islands of this Archipelago, Luzon, Mindanao and Batangas and Laguna dissolve, if and when the revolution succeeded. Such
Panay, in which this insurrectionary movement broke out; the aspects and realities of the revolutim;iary struggle were either unfamiliar
sun represents the gigantic strides that have been made by to the middle class revolutionary leaders like Emilio Aguinaldo, Ambrosio
the sons of this land on the road of progress and civilization, Rianzares-Bautista, and Felipe Buencamino, or were intentionally left out
its eight rays symbolizing the eight provinces of Manila, because they were landholders themselves.
Cavite, Bulacan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Bataan, Laguna
and Batangas, which were declared in a state of war almost The proclamation also gives us the impression on how the victorious
as soon as the first insurrectionary movement was initiated; revolutionary government of Aguinaldo historicized the struggle for
and the colors blue, red and white, commemorate those of the independence. There were mentions · of past events that were seen as
flag of the United States of North America, in manifestation important turning points of the movement against Spain. The execution
of our profound gratitude towards that Great Nation for of the GOMBURZA for example and the failed Cavite Mutiny of 1872 was
the disinterested protection she is extending to us and will
narrated in detail. This shows that they saw this event as a significant
continue to extend to us."
awakening of the Filipinos in the real conditions of the nation under Spain.
This often overlooked detail reveals much about the historically accurate Jose Rizal's legacy and martyrdom was also mentioned in the document.
meaning behind the most widely known national symbol in the Philippines. However, the Katipunan as the pioneer of the revolutionary movement was
It is not known by many for example, that the white triangle was derived only mentioned once toward the end of the document. There was no mention

26 Chapter 2 I Content and Contextual Analysis of Selected Primary Sources in Philippine History
Readings in Philippine History
27
,. · •.,,,.

of the Katipunan's foundation. Bonifacio and his co-founders were alsoleft

9ut. It can be argued thus, that the way of historical narration found in
the document also reflects the politics of the victors. The enmity between
Aguinaldo's Magdalo and Bonifacio's Magdiwang in the Katipunan is no
secret in the pages of our history. On the contrary, the war led by Aguinaldo's
men with the forces of the United States were discussed in detail.
The point is, even official records and documents like the proclamation
of independence, while truthful most of the time, still exude the politics
and biases of whoever is in power. This manifests in the selectiveness of
information that can be found in these records. It is the task of the historian
thus, to analyze the content of these documents in relation to the dominant The fir�t example shown above was published in The Independent on
politics and the contexts of people and institutions surrounding it. This tells May 20, 1916. The cartoon shows a politician from Tondo, named Dr. Santos,
us a lesson on taking primary sources like official government records within passing his crown to his brother-in-law, Dr. Barcelona. A Filipino guy (as
the circumstance of this production. 'Studying one historical subject thus depicted wearing salakot and barong ta,galog) was trying to stop Santos,
entails looking at multiple primary sources and pieces of historical evidences telling the latter to stop giving Barcelona the crown because it is not his to
in order to have a more nuanced and contextual analysis of our past. begin with.
The second cartoon was also published by The Independent on 16
A Glance at Selected Philippil'Je Political Caricature in Alfred June 1917. This was drawn by Fernando Amorsolo and was aimed as a
McCoy's Philippine Cartoons: Political Caricature of the commentary to the workings of Manila Police at that period. Here we see
American Era (1900-1941) a Filipino child who stole a skinny chicken because he had nothing to eat.
The policeman was relentlessly pursuing the said child. A man wearing a
Political cartoons and caricature is a rather recent art form which
salakot, labeled Juan de la Cruz was grabbing the officer, telling him to
veered away from the classical art by exaggerating human features and
leave the small time pickpockets and thieves and to turn at the great thieves
poking fun at its subjects. Such art genre and technique became a part of
instead. He was pointing to huge warehouses containing bulks of rice, milk,
the print media as a form of social and political commentary, which usually
and grocery products.
targets persons of power and authority. Cartoons became an effective tool
of publicizing opinions through heavy use of symbolism, which is different
from a verbose written editorial and opinion pieces. The uniqu� way that
a caricature represents opinion and captures the audience's imagination
is rei;l.son enough for historians to examine these political cartoons.
Commentaries in mass media inevitably shape public opinion and such kind
of opinion is worthy of historical examination.
In his book Philippine Cartoons: Political Caricature of the American
Era (1900-1941), Alfred McCoy, together with Alfredo Roces, compiled
political cartoons published in newspaper dailies and periodicals in the
aforementioned time period. For this part, we are going to look at selected
cartoons and explain the context of each one.

28 Readings in Philippine History Chapter 2 I Content and Contextual Analysis of Selected Primary Sources in Philippine History 29
 The third cartoon �as a commentary on the unprecedented cases of
colorum automobiles in the city streets. The Philippine Free Press published The next cartoon was published by The Independent on 27 November
this commentary when fatal accidents involving colorum vehicles and taxis 1915. Here we see the caricature of Uncle Sam riding a chariot pulled
occurred too often already. by Filipinos wearing school uniforms. The Filipino boys were carrying
American objects like baseball bats, whiskey, and boxing gloves. McCoy, in
his caption to the said cart<_>On, says that this cartoon was based on an event
in 1907 when William Howard Taft was brought to the Manila pier riding a
chariot pulled by students of Liceo de Manila. Such was condemned by the
nationalists at that time.

This fourth cartoon depicts a cinema. A blown up policeman was at

the screen saying that couples are not allowed to neck and make love in
the theater. Two youngsters looked horrified while an older couple seemed
amused. The last cartoon was published by Lipang Kalabaw on 24 August 1907.
In the picture we can see Uncle Sam rationing porridge to the politicians
and members of the Progresista Party (sometimes known as the Federalista
Party) while members of the NacionaUsta Part;y look on and wait for their
turn. This cartoon depicts the patronage of the US being coveted by politicians
frqm either of the party.

30 Readings in Philippine History

Chapter 2 j Content and Contextual Analysis of Selected Primary Sources in Philippine History 31
 drastic urbanization of, the Philippine society. Another example is what
Analysis ofthe Polt'tical Caricatures durinj the American Period
McCoy called the "sexual revolution" that occurred in the 1930s. Young
The transition from the Spanish Colonial period to the American people, as early as that period, disturbed the conservative Filipino mindset by
Occupation period demonstrated different strands of changes and shifts engaging in daring and sexual activities in public spaces like cinemas. Here
in culture, society, and politics. The Americans drastically introduced we can see how that period was the meeting point between the conservative ·
democracy to the nascent nation and the consequences were. far from ideal. past and the liberated future of the Philippines.
Aside from this, it was also during the American period that Filipinos were Lastly, the cartoons also illustrated the conditions of poor Filipinos
introduced to different manifestations of modernity like health care, modern in the Philippines now governed by the United States. From the looks of
transportation, and media. This ushered in a more open and.freer press. The it, nothing much has changed. For example, a cartoon depicted how police
post-independence and the post Filipino-American period in the' Philippines authorities oppress petty Filipino criminals while turning a blind eye on
were experienced differently by Filipinos coming from different classes. The hoarders who monopolize goods in their huge warehouses (presumably
upper principalia class experienced economic prosperity with the opening Chinese merchants). The other cartoon was depicting how Americans control
up of the Philippine economy to the US but the majority of the poor Filipino Filipinos through seemingly harmless American objects. By controlling
remained poor, desperate, and victims of state repression. their consciousness and mentality, Americans got· to control and subjugate
Filipinos.
The selected cartoons illustrate not just the opinion of certain media
outfits about the Philippine society during the American period but also paint
a broad image of society and politics under the United States. In the arena of Revisiting "Corazon Aquino's Speech Before the US Congress·
politics; for example, we see the price that Filipinos paid for the democracy
modeled after the Americans. First, it seemed that the Filipino politicians at Corazon "Cory" Cojuangco Aquino functioned as the symbol of the
that time did not understand well enough the essence of democracy and the restoration of democracy and the overthrow of the Marcos Dictatorship in
accompanying democratic institutions and procefses. This can be seen with 1986. The EDSA People Power, which installed Cory Aquino in the presidency,
the rising dynastic politics in Tondo as depicted in the cartoon published by put the Philippines in the international spotlight for overthrowing a dictator
The Independent. Patronage also became influential and powerful, not only through peaceful means. Cory was easily a figure of the said revolution, �s the
between clients and, patrons but also between the newly formed political widow of the slain Marcos oppositionist and former Senator Benigno "Ninoy''
parties composed of the elite and the United States. This was depicted in Aquino Jr. Cory was hoisted as the antithesis of the dictator. Her image
the cartoon w.here the US,.represented by Uncle Sam, provided dole outs as a mourning, widowed housewife who has always been in the shadow of
for members of the Federalista while the Nacionalista politicians looked on her husband and relatives and had no experience in politics was juxtaposed
and waited for their turn. Thus, the essenc::e of competing political parties to against Marcos' 'statesmanship, eloquence, charisma, and cunning political
enforce choices among the voters was cancelled out. The problem continues
skills. Nevertheless, Cory was able to capture the imagination of the people
up to the present where politicians transfer from one party to another
whose rights and freedom had long been compromised throughout the Marcos
depending on which party was powerful in specific periods of time.
regime. This is despite the fact that Cory came from a rich haciendero family
The transition from a Catholic-centered, Spanish-Filipino society to an in Tarlac and has owned vast estates of sugar plantation and whose relatives
imperial American-assimilated one, and its complications, were also depicted occupy local and national government positions.
in the cartoons. One example is the unprecedented increase of motorized
vehicles in the city. Automobiles became a popular mode of transportation On 18 September 1986, seven months since Cory became president,
in the city and led to the emergence of taxis. However, �he laws and policy she went to the United States and spoke before the joint session of the US
implementation was mediocre. This resulted to the increasing colorum and Congress. Cory was welcomed with long applause as she took the podium and
unlicensed vehicles transporting people around the city. The rules governing addressed the United States about her presidency and the challenges faced
the issuance of driver's license was loose and traffic police cannot be bothered by the new republic. She began her speech with the story of her leaving the
by rampant violations of traffic rules. This is a direct consequence of the United States three years prior as a newly widowed wife of Ninoy Aquino.

32 Readings in Philippine History Chapter 21 Content and Contextual Analysis of Selected Primary Sources in Philippine History 33
She then told of Ninoy's character, conviction, and l'.esolve in opposing the Cory attributes the peaceful EDSA revolution to the martyrdom of
authoritarianism of Marcos. She talked of the three timet; that they lost Ninoy. She stated that the death of Ninoy sparked the revolution and the
Ninoy including his demise on 23 August 1983.•The first time was when the responsibility of"offering the democratic alternative" had "fallen on (her)
dictatorship detained Ninoy with other dissenters. Cory related: shoulders." Cory's address introduced us to her democratic philosophy,
which she claims she also acquired from Ninoy. She argued:
"The government sought to break him by indignities and
terror. They locked him up in a tiny, nearly airless cell in a "I he!d fast to Ninoy's conviction that it must be by the ways
military camp in the north. They stripped him naked and of democracy. I held out for participation in the 1984 election
held a threat ofa sudden midnight execution over his head. the dictatorship called, even if I knew it would be rigged. I
Ninoy held up manfully under all of it. I barely did as well. was warned by the lawyers of the opposition, that I ran the
For forty-three days, the authorities would not tell me what grave risk of legitimizing the foregone results of elections that
had happened to him. This was the first time my children and were clearly going to be fraudulent. But I was not fig:hting for
lawyers but for the people in whose intelligence, I had implicit
I felt we had lost him."
faith. By the exercise of democracy even in a dictatorship,
Cory continued that when Ninoy survived that first detention, he was theY: would be prepared for democracy when it came. And then
also, it was the only way I knew by which we could measure
then charged of subversion, murder, and other crimes. He was tried for
our power even in the terms dictated by the dictatorship. The
buying a military court, whose legitimacy Ninoy adamantly questioned. To people vindicated me in an election shamefully marked by
solidify his protest, Ninoy decided to do a hunger strike and fasted for 40 government thuggery and fraud. The oppositi�n swept the
days. Cory treated this event as the second time that their family lost Ninoy. elections, garnering a clear majority of the votes even if they
She said: ended up (thanks to a corrupt Commission on Elections) with
''When that didn't work, they put him on trial for subversion, barely a third of the seats in Parliament. Now, I knew our
murder and a host of other crimes before a military commission. power."
Ninoy challenged its authority and went on a fast. If he
survived it, then he felt God intended him for another fate. We Cory talked about her miraculous victory through the people's struggle
had lost him again. For nothing would hold him back from his and continued talking about her earliest initiatives as the president of
determination to see his fast through to the end. He stopped a restored democracy. She stated that she intended to forge and draw
only when it dawned on him that the government would keep reconciliation after a bloody and polarizing dictatorship. Cory emphasized
his body alive after the fast had-destroyed his brain. And so, the importance of the EDSA revolution in terms of being a "limited revolution
with barely any life in his body, he called off the fast on the that respected the life and freedom of every 'Filipino." She also boasted of
40th day." the restoration of a fully constitutional government whose constitution gave
utmost respect to the Bill of Rights. She reported to the US congress:
Ninoy's death was the third and the last time that Cory and their
children lost Ninoy. She continued: "Again as we restore democracy by the ways �f democracy,
so are we completing the constitutional structures of our new
"And then, we lost him irrevocably and more painfully than in democracy under a constitution that already gives full respect
the past. The news came to us in Boston. It had to be after the to the Bill of Rights. A jealously independent constitutional
three happiest years of our lives together. But his death was commission is completing its draft which will be submitted
my country's resurrection and the courage and faith by which later this year to a popular referendum. When it is approved,
alone they could be free again. The dictator had called him a there will be elections for both national and local positions.
nobody. Yet, two million people threw aside their passivity So, within about a year from a peaceful but national upheaval
and fear and escorted him to his grave." that overturned a dictatorship, we shall have returned to full
constitutional government."

34 Readings in Philippine History Chapter 2 I Content and Contextual Analysis of Selected Primary Sources in Philippine History 35
 Cory then proceeded on her peace agenda with the existing communist Cory related to the US legislators that wherever she went, she met
insurgency, aggravated by the dictatorial and authoritarian measure of poor and unemployed Filipinos willingto offer their lives to democracy. She
Ferdinand Marcos. She asserted: stated:
"My predecessor set aside democracy to save it from a "Wherever I went in the campaign, slum area or impoverished
communist insurgency that numbered less than five hundred. village. They came to me with one cry, democracy. Not food
Unhampered by respect for p.uman rights he went at it with although they clearly needed it but democracy. Not work,
hammer and tongs. By the time he fled, that insl).rgency had although they surely wanted it but democracy. Not money, for
grown to more than sixteen thousand. I think there is a lesson they gave what little they had to my campaign. They didn't
here to be learned about trying to stifle a thing with a means expect me to work a miracle that .would instantly put food into,
by which it grows." their mouthl;l, clothes on their back, education in their children
and give them work that will put dignity in their lives. But I
Cory's peace agenda involves political initiatives and re-integration feel the pressing obligation to respond quickly as the leader of
program to persuade insurgents to leave the countryside and return to the people so. deserving of all these things."
the mainstream: society to participate in the restoration of democracy. She
invoked the path of peace because she believed that it was the moral path Cory proceeded in enumerating the challenges of the Filipino people as
that a moral government must take. Nevertheless, Cory took a step back they try building the new democracy. These are the persisting communist
when she said that while peace is the priority of her presidency, she "will insurgency and the economic deterioration. Cory further lamented that
not waiver" when the freedom and democracy are threatened. She said that, these problems worsened by the crippling debt because half of the country's
similar to Abraham Lincoln, she understands that "force may be necessary export earnj.ngs amounting to $2 billion will "go to pay just the interest on
before mercy" and while she did not relish the idea, she "will do whatever it a debt whose benefit the Filipino people never received." Cory then asked a
takes to defend the integrity and freedom of (her) country." rather compelling question to the lJS:
Cory then turned to the controversial topic of the Philippine foreign debt "Has there been a greater test of national co�mitinent to the
amounting to $26 billion at the time of her speech. This debt has ballooned ideals you hold dear than that my people have gone through?
during the Marcos regime. Cory expressed her intention to honor those debts You have spent many lives and much treasure to bring freedom
despite mentioning that the people did not benefit from such debts. Thus she to many lands that-were reluctant to receive it. And here, you
mentioned her protestations about the way the Philippines was deprived have a people who want it by themselves and need only the
of choices to pay those debts within the capacity of the Filipino people. She help to preserve it."
lamented:
"Finally may I turn to that other slavery, our twenty-six billion Cory ended her speech by thanking America for serving as home to
dollar foreign debt. I have said that we shall honor it. Yet, the her family for what she referred to as the "three happiest years of our lives
means by which we shall be able to do so are kept from us. together." She enjoined America in building the Philippines as a new home
Many of the conditions imposed on the previous government for democracy and in turning the country as a "shining testament of our two
that stole this debt, continue to be imposed on us who never nations' commitment to freedom."
benefited from it."

She continued that while the country has experienced the calamities
brought about by the corrupt dictatorship of Marcos, no commensurate Cory Aquino's speech was an important event in the political and
assistance was yet to bE) extended to the Philippines. She even remarked that diplomatic history of the country because it has arguably cemented the
given the peaceful character of EDSA People Power Revolution, "ours must
have been the cheapest revolution ever." She demonstrated that the Filipino legitimacy of the EDSA government in the international arena. The speech
people fulfilled the "most difficult condition of the debt the negotiation," talks of her family background, especially her relationship with her late
which was the "restoration of democracy and responsible government." husband, Ninoy Aquino. It is well known that it was Ninoy who served
as the real leading figure of the opposition at that time. Indeed, Ninoy's
eloquence and charisma can very well compete with that of Marcos. In her

36 Readings in Philippine History Chapter 2 I Content and Contextual Analysis of Selected Primary Sources in Philippine History 37
speech, Cory talked at length about Ninoy's toil and suffering at the hands
of the didatorship that he resisted. Even when she proceeded talking about
her new government, she still goes back to Ninoy's legacies and lessons.
Moreover, her attribution of the revolution_ to Ninoy's death demonstrates
not only Cory's personal perception on the revolution, but since she was the
president, it also represents what the dominant discourse was at that point A True or False. Write true if the statement is true. Otherwise, write
in our history. false.
The ideology or the principles of the new democratic government 1. Non-written documents are not useful as primary sources
can also be seen in the same speech. -Aquino was able to draw the sharp
in conducting historical research.
contrast between her government and of her predecessor by expressing
her commitment to a democratic constitution drafted by an independent 2. The assassination of Ninoy · Aquino was an important
commission. She claims that such constitution upholds and adheres to the historical event that fueled people's anger and condemnation
rights and liberty of the Filipino people. Cory also hoisted herself as the of the dictator Ferdinand Marcos.
reconciliatory agent after more than two decades of a polarizing authoritarian 3. Apolinario Mabini penned the Kartilya ng Katipunan.
politics. For example, Cory sees the blown up communist insurgency as
a product of a repressive and corrupt government. Her response to this 4. Magellan and his fleet received a warm welcome from all of
insurgency roots from her diametric opposition of the dictator (i.e., initiating the chieftains and local leaders in the Philippine Islands.
reintegration of communist rebels to the mainstream Philippine society). 5. The Americans radically altered the social structure in
Cory claims that her main approach to 'this problem is through peace and the Philippines after they took over from Spain in terms of
not through the sword of war. socio-economic equality.
Despite Cory's efforts to hoist herself as the exact opposite of Marcos, 6. The Proclamation of Independence reflected the social and
her speech still revealed certain parallelisms between her and the Marcos'
economic discontent of the masses about land ownership
government. This is seen in terms of continuing the alliance between the
and other agrarian issues.
Philippines and the US, despite the known affinity between the said world
super power and Marcos. The Aquino regime, as seen in·Cory's acceptance of 7. The enmity between Aguinaldo and Bonifacio did not
the invitation to address the US Congress and to the content of the speech, affect how the farmer's revolutionary government credited
decided to build and continue with the alliance between the Philippines and Bonifacio to the beginnings of the Philippine Revolution.
the US and effectively implemented an essentially similar foreign policy to 8. Corazon Aquino did not want to forge alliance with the
that of the dictatorship, For example, Cory recognized that the large sum of
United States because the latter was a known important
foreign debts incurred by the Marcos regime never benefitted the Filipino
ally of Marcos.
people. Nevertheless, Cory expressed her intention to pay off those debts.
Unknownto many Filipinos was the fact that there was a choice of waiving 9. The conservative attitude of the youth toward sexuality did
the said debt because those were the debt of the dictator and not of the not change since the Spanish period until the 1930s.
country. Cory's decision is' an indicator of her government's intention to __ 10. The for;ces of Magellan were successful in defeating and
carry on a debt-driven economy. conquering Lapulapu.
Reading through Aquino's speech, we can already take cues, not just on
Cory's individual ideas and aspirations, but also the guiding principles and
framework of the government that she represents.

38 Readings in Philipp ine History Chapter 21 Content and Contextual Analysis of Selected Primary Sources in Philippine History 39
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