Historical Development of Philippine Democratic Politics

The 1987 Philippine Constitution serves as the bedrock of the country’s current governmental structure. Article II, Section 1 explicitly states: “The Philippines is a democratic and republican state. Sovereignty resides in the people and all government authority emanates from them.” Understanding our current system requires a deep dive into the past. The evolution of Philippine politics is a journey through colonization, revolution, world war, and the struggle for democracy. Here is a comprehensive overview of the historical development of Philippine governance.

Timeline of Philippine Government Evolution

The history of Philippine politics is generally divided into eight distinct periods:

1. 1. Precolonial Period (Before 1565)

   2. Spanish Period (1565–1898)

   3. Revolutionary Period (1868–1898)

   4. American Period (1898–1941)

   5. Japanese Occupation (1941–1945)

   6. Postwar Era / Third Republic (1946–1971)

   7. Martial Law Era / Fourth Republic (1972–1986)

   8. Post-EDSA / Fifth Republic (1986–Present)

1. Precolonial Period (Before 1565)

Long before Spanish contact, the archipelago was organized into independent, self-sufficient political units called barangays.

• Leadership: Each barangay was headed by a chief known as a Datu (or Rajah, Sultan, or Hadji in other regions). The Datu held absolute power, encompassing executive, legislative, and judicial functions, while also serving as the military commander.

• Legal System: Laws were largely unwritten, based on customs and oral traditions. Justice was often administered through “trial by ordeal,” mediation, and compromise.

• Social Stratification: Society was divided into the Maharlika (nobility/Datu class), Timawa (freemen), Aliping Namamahay (serfs), and Aliping Sagigilid (slaves).

Women held high status and influential roles, and the archipelago maintained active foreign relations with neighboring Asian powers.

2. Spanish Period (1565–1898)

Formal colonization began with Miguel Lopez de Legazpi in 1565. The Spanish Crown transformed the fragmented barangays into a centralized unitary government.

• Central Administration: The Philippines was ruled by the King of Spain (indirectly through Mexico until 1821). The Governor-General in Manila held supreme authority over executive, legislative, judicial, and military matters.

• Local Government: Barangays were consolidated into Pueblos (towns) led by a Gobernadorcillo, and towns into Provinces. Provinces were classified as Alcaldia (fully pacified, led by an Alcalde Mayor) or Corregimiento (unpacified, led by a Corregidor).

• Judiciary: The Royal Audiencia was established as a high court to solve legal cases, serving as a precursor to the modern Supreme Court.

3. Revolutionary Period (1868–1898)

Nationalist sentiments gave rise to the Propaganda Movement and later the Katipunan (KKK), founded by Andres Bonifacio in 1892.

• The Katipunan: Established a government with a Supreme Council (Kataastaasang Sanggunian), Provincial Councils, and Popular Councils.

• The First Republic: Following the Tejeros Convention and the Biak-na-Bato Republic, Emilio Aguinaldo declared Philippine Independence on June 12, 1898. This led to the Malolos Congress and the inauguration of the First Philippine Republic on January 23, 1899.

4. American Period (1898–1941)

Following the Treaty of Paris, the US occupied the Philippines. This era introduced modern democratic institutions.

• Government Shifts: Transitioned from a Military Government to a Civil Government (led by William H. Taft).

• Legislative Milestones:

  • Philippine Bill of 1902: Created the Philippine Assembly.

  • Jones Law of 1916: Created a fully elected Filipino bicameral legislature (Senate and House).

  • Tydings-McDuffie Act (1934): Established the Philippine Commonwealth, a 10-year transition period toward independence.

• Legacy: The Americans introduced the secret ballot, party politics, and the presidential system.

5. Japanese Occupation (1941–1945)

World War II interrupted American rule. The Japanese established the Philippine Executive Commission (PEC) and later the Second Republic under Jose P. Laurel.

Often called a “Puppet Government,” the Second Republic was largely controlled by the Japanese military until the liberation of the Philippines by Allied forces in 1945.

6. Postwar Era: The Third Republic (1946–1971)

On July 4, 1946, the Philippines gained full independence. The government operated under the 1935 Constitution, featuring:

• A Presidential system (4-year terms, 2-term limit).

• A Bicameral Legislature.

• An Independent Judiciary.

Presidents during this era included Manuel Roxas, Elpidio Quirino, Ramon Magsaysay, Carlos P. Garcia, Diosdado Macapagal, and Ferdinand Marcos.

7. Martial Law and the Fourth Republic (1972–1986)

Citing communist insurgency and social unrest, Ferdinand Marcos signed Proclamation 1081 in 1972, placing the country under Martial Law.

• 1973 Constitution: Shifted the country to a modified parliamentary system.

• Concentrated Power: Amendments in 1976 allowed Marcos to hold the roles of President and Prime Minister simultaneously, while also exercising legislative powers to issue decrees.

• Human Rights: This era was marked by the suppression of press freedom, the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus, and widespread human rights violations.

8. Post-EDSA Period: The Fifth Republic (1986–Present)

The non-violent EDSA People Power Revolution in 1986 ousted Marcos and installed Corazon Aquino.

• Restoration of Democracy: The 1987 Constitution was ratified, re-establishing a democratic and republican state with a system of checks and balances.

• Key Features: Rebirth of a bicameral legislature, independent judiciary, and limited presidential terms (six years, no reelection).

Since 1986, the Fifth Republic has seen a succession of leaders: Corazon Aquino, Fidel Ramos, Joseph Estrada, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Benigno Aquino III, Rodrigo Duterte, and currently, Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

The history of Philippine politics is a testament to the people’s enduring desire for self-governance and democratic ideals. From the independent barangays of the precolonial past to the vibrant Fifth Republic, the journey of the Philippine government continues to evolve.