The Impact of Spanish Colonial Rule

Chapter 6

Purpose of Spanish Colonization

3G - God, Gold and Glory. God the desire to propagate Christianity and convert the natives to Catholicism. Glory Legazpis conquest of the archipelago and his settlement in Manila. Gold desire for economic wealth. demand for Oriental products and monopoly of spice trade. Mercantilism - accumulation of bullion (silver and gold)

 1565 1821 dependency of the Viceroyalty of Mexico. All Spanish territories, including the Philippines was governed by the Royal and Supreme Council of Indies. When Mexico got its independence in 1821, the administration of the colony was transferred to Spain.

Bureaucracy in the Political Institutions

Governor-General has power with the centralized form of government. Ministro de Ultramar (Minister of Colony) superseded the Royal and Supreme Council of the Indies in 1863.

Governor-General
The head of the Spanish colonial government in the Philippines. Appointed by the King of Spain. His powers are absolute. Chief Executive and Commander in Chief of the Army. Responsible in issuing and implementing royal decrees. He also has the power to disregard some decrees not suitable for the colony (Cumplase).

Governor-General
He has the right to dismiss some public officials except those appointed by the King. He handled the administration and review of the justice system being the President of the Royal Audencia. He also has the power to make laws, which would facilitate the implementation of decrees.

Governor-General
He was given the power to appoint priests to ecclesiastical position called Royal Patron. Residencia a special judicial court that was created to review the performance of an outgoing Governor-General. The finding investigation will then be submitted to the King.

Governor-General
Visita sent to the colony by the King to observe the conditions of the colony. The visitador could visit the colony in no specific time and he reports directly to the King.

Royal Audencia
The highest court during the Spanish colonial period. It was established in 1583 by virtue of a royal decree. It is the adviser of the Governor-General but at the same time checks and reports the abuses committed by the position. Audited the expenditures of the colonial government. Has the power to enact joint laws with the Governor-General known as Autos Acordados.

Local Government
It served as an arm to facilitate the administration of the country at the same time, to represent the King and the GovernorGeneral to the provinces.

Provincial and City Government

Alcaldias pacified provinces whose inhabitants accepted the Spanish rule and owed their loyalty to the King of Spain. Headed by Alcaldes Mayores and Alcaldes En Ordinario. Corregimientos led by a military officer called Corregidor or Corregidores. The regions were still in conflict with Spain and were not fully subjugated.

Alcalde Mayor
Appointed by the Governor-General. Tasked to implement the laws and to collect taxes. Also performed judicial functions in the provinces. Received very small salary but was given a trading privilege called indulto de comercio. But it was abused so it was removed. Ayuntamiento the city government headed by an Alcalde Mayor.