FILIPINOS seem to be forever in search of evolutionary social ordering, including the desire for fundamental laws of self-government. Its initial wellsprings could be traced to the Cadiz Constitution of 1812. It declared Spain's dominions overseas (including the Philippines) as part of the Spanish nation and their subjects as citizens of Spain. With a seat in the legislative body, we sent Ventura de los Reyes of Vigan as our representative to the Spanish Cortes. But Spain suffered difficulties and by 1837 decided to govern the islands through special laws. Our right of representation in accord with constitutional governance vanished.
From 1800 to 1872, we made our conquerors hear our complaints in 11 open revolts - to no avail.
Continue reading with one of these options:
Ad-free access
P 80 per month
(billed annually at P 960)
- Unlimited ad-free access to website articles
- Limited offer: Subscribe today and get digital edition access for free (accessible with up to 3 devices)