SPANISH COLONIAL GOVERNMENT

> An important feature of the Spanish Colonial Government was the union of church and state, wherein the
clergy worked side by side and exerted great influence with and in the government. As a result of this
partnership during the Spanish time, the Catholic faith became the official religion of the country, and no
other religion is allowed.
> The Archbishop of Manila was the head of the church in those days. The Spanish Archbishop could act as
temporary governor-generals of the country.
> The parish priest or friar assisted the local officials in the administration of the province or town. He
consulted on all matters related to the community and church and he was so powerful that all officials and
townsfolk feared him.
> The Philippines was not ruled directly by the King of Spain. Like its other colonies, our country was first
ruled by the Council of the Indies, established by King Charles V in 1524. However, in 1863, it was replaced
by the Minister of the Colonies who then took the charge of colonial affairs. Our country was ruled by Spain
from its Mexican colony. our laws were issued by the Mexican Viceroy. Even our government officials, as
well as the additional soldiers who arrived in the country were from Mexico. This arrangement was broken
only after the Mexican Revolution, when Mexico won its independence from Spain in 1821.

* CENTRALIZED GOVERNMENT UNDER SPAIN *
> Our system of government then was characterized as a centralized monarchy, with the King of Spain as the
supreme authority.
> Governor General-highest official of the government who represented the King of Spain.
-he had vast powers.
- He possessed executive, legislative,military,judicial,and religious powers.
~ EXECUTIVE POWER
= he enforced the royal decrees and laws coming from Spain. He had a power not to implement this laws
if it will not fit and benefit him and for the colony. This was called the pwer of cumplase.
~ LEGISLATIVE POWER
= he had the authority to issue executive decrees and ordinances which had the force of law.
~ MILITARY POWER
= He was usually the military officer in the Spanish Army or Navy.
= He stood as the commander in chief of the colonial armed in those days.
~ JUDICIAL POWER
= he had the authority to jude the accused
= he stood as the president of the Royal Audiencia, the highest court in the country during the spanish
times.
~ RELIGIOUS POWER
= He held the power to appoint and remove government and church officials.
= He had ecclesiastical authority over church officials and missions. This was his duty as the Vice Royal
Patron.

* PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT
> During the period of Spanish colonization, the Philippines was divided into encomiendas. In tome, this was
replaced by the provincial government.
> The provincial government was did=vided into two:
1.Alcaldia- referred to the peaceful provinces
- the highest official in the alcaldia was called thwe alcalde mayor, appointed by the governor
general. He enforced oall the laws issued fron Manila. He also acted as tax collector and judge.
He had the priviledge to engage in a trade called Indulto De Commercio.
2. Corregimiento- were the provinces which were not yet peaceful.
- governed by the corregidor

* CITY GOVERNMENT
> Ayuntamiento- a city government established by Legazpi
- governed by 12 councilors called cabildo, headed by the alcalde mayor.

* MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT
> Pueblos or Towns were also called local governments.
> Provinces were divided into townsand these towns were headed by a gobernadorcillo. This is the highest
position that can be held by a Filipino during the Spanish era.

* BARANGAY GOVERNMENT
> The town was further divided into different barangays or barrios of about 50 families.
> A barangay was also called the local government and it was headed by a cabesa de barangay.
> The town or barangay officials were not given salary, but they were given a privileges such as exemption
from polo and tribute. Thier main duty was to collect taxes.