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THE INFLUX OF LIBERAL IDEAS

In the Philippines, Liberalism manifested itself as a trend to diminish the centralized


absolutism of the colonial regime (thus, the Maura Law gave greater autonomy to municipal
government, Moret's two decrees secularized education, etc.). The same may be said of the
pleas of the Propaganda movement for civil liberties, and representation in the Spanish Cortes.

Since Liberalism was based on rationalism, it gave little importance to faith, virtue, and
supernatural order. Further, it says that man could reach God through his reason and moral
sense alone; there was no need of the visible Church to interpret the truths of revelation to
guide him. Naturally, this is false; and the friars, as faithful ministers of the Church, upheld
Catholic teachings against wrong liberal principles, and opposed and fought the ideas of
Liberalism.

In opposing and fighting the heretical errors of Liberalism, they opposed also its political
program. Liberalism clashed with the political, social and cultural interests of the friars. Many
friars believed that the rights, privileges and liberties asked by the Filipino liberals could be
given only at the expense of their own privileges and authority over the people. They feared
that the reforms would make the Filipinos demand for more. They wanted to retain the old
Arcadian atmosphere of the colony with the Filipinos a simple contented people , having few
needs and blissfully living under the paternal guidance of their pastors. They ignored the
historical fact that the Filipinos were competent already to assume the functions that Spanish
civil and ecclesiastical officials had traditionally performed.

The Liberal Regime of Governor de la Torre. 7 In 1868, the Spanish army with the help of
the fleet, revolted against the absolute rule of Isabel II. A provisional government was formed
for the Republic. It issued declarations based on the fundamental principles embodied in the
constitution: universal suffrage. freedom of conscience , of the press, of association and of
public meeting. These reforms were extended to the colonies. To put in force the policies of the
new government, Governor Carlos Maria de la Torre was sent to the Philippines. In both his
personal and official acts, he showed his democratic spirit. He lifted the strict censorship of the
press. He allowed free and public discussion and encouraged petitions for reforms. Governor de
la Torre was loudly denounced by his political enemies, and as loudly praised by the Filipinos
and Spanish liberals. The conservatives feared that too many concessions would not do the
colony good. Their bitter opposition against de la Torre's radical and liberal measures widened
the gap between them and the rising group of Filipino reformers.

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