G06 Social Studies: The Political Implications of the Commonwealth

 The Political Implications of the Commonwealth

The era of the Commonwealth of the Philippines, though almost a century old, still impacts Philippine politics today. It impacts Philippine politics in a profound way that, unless major developments occur, will continue for the foreseeable future. And its effects have largely been harmful. 

During the Commonwealth era, the Philippines was extremely dependent on the United States. Their help was good for the Philippines on paper, but it had another side. The Philippines was dragged into World War II. Had the Americans not occupied the Philippines, the Philippines would likely stay out of the war or join later on. By the end of the war, July 4, 1946 was approaching. The date was not any ordinary day - it was the date of independence set by the Tydings-McDuffie Act (1934). The Americans must be given credit for fulfilling their promise. However, they continued to influence the Philippines through ways that were colonial in nature. The United States kept its military bases in the Philippines, and Ramon Magsaysay’s presidential campaign was backed up by the United States Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). 

Although American influence initially seemed benevolent, its negative effects began to manifest with the Marcos era. Ferdinand E. Marcos served as President of the Philippines from 1965 to 1986, and 1972 through 1981 marked the Martial Law Era. Marcos ruled with an iron fist, and was obviously backed by the Americans. Marcos managed to frame his opposition (which was largely center-left) as “communist.” However, not everyone in the opposition was communist or adhered to the ideology. This is known as red-tagging (or red-baiting outside of the Philippines), which is associating the opposition, usually a center-leftist opposition, as communist. 

In 1981, Pope John Paul II visited the Philippines, but under the condition that martial law be abolished. Martial law was abolished on paper; however, the government was controlled by Marcos (and basically under authoritarian rule). In 1985, a snap election was declared for February 1986. Although the main opposition candidate, Cory Aquino, won by an extremely close margin, Marcos claimed victory. He likely rigged the election. 

After Marcos claimed victory, the opposition held a protest at Malacañang. Eventually, Marcos fled the country. It was known as the EDSA Revolution. Soon after, Americans withdrew from their bases. However, the United States continues to bully the Philippines in more subtle ways. They do it in a way that seems justified, but is harmful in the long run. 

In conclusion, the Commonwealth era still impacts Philippine politics today. It was a step to independence, but the Philippines is basically stuck in that step for now.

G06 MOH: The Final VVill and Testament of Sir Raphæll, the Honourable Mercado in the year 1348.

 The Final VVill and Testament of Sir Raphæll, the Honourable Mercado in the year 1348.

I, Sir Raphæll the Honourable, am dying of ye newe Blacke Plague.  As such, I shall grante my moste valuable possessiones to meye closest friends and allies. 

• My beste horse, Faire-and-Square, shall go to my nephew, Edvvard. 

• My sharpeste svvorde hath pleaseth me through ye years like my son Alfred, vvhom the svvorde shall go to. 

• My remaining itemes I vvould have sold as a merchant shall go to my daughter, Mary. 

• My estate shall be split up between Alfred (vvho shall inherit the VVest Side) and Mary (vvho shall inherit the East Side). 

• My slaves shall be emancipated, for I hath realised ye immorality of ye practice. 

• My butler shall be transferred to my brother, John. 

• My personal seal shall be passed on to my son, Alfred. 

• My favourite tunicke and hatte shall either go to my nephew Edvvard or my son Alfred. 

• My farm land shall be transferred to my neighbours, ye Seymour family and ye Flanders family.

• My merchant corporation in collaboration with Sir Charles Burns, Mercado & Burns, shall be fully owned by Sir Burns and be renamed to Burns & Company. 

• My shippe, Victoria, shall be inherited by my deer wife, Margaret. 

I hath lived a happie life on ye earth. I hath found many friends vvho I could trust through danger. But alas, my days are numbered, and I shall enter the after life. From Sir Raphælle, God be with ye. 

yehonorable

G06 Social Studies: The Sakdalista Movement (February VII, MMXXV)

 The Sakdalista Movement (February VII, MMXXV)

 

                  The Sakdalista movement was a peasant rebellion in 1935 just before the Commonwealth was formed. Through the course of history, such an uprising is natural when farmers are mistreated, and they might also happen during periods of occupation. Led by Benigno Ramos, they demanded more farmers’ rights, believing Manila was ignoring their voices. The Sakdalistas also opposed the Tydings-McDuffie Act, which stated that the Philippines would have a transitional, American-supervised government called the Commonwealth of the Philippines, and then gain independence on July 4, 1946. The Sakdalistas opposed it due to their wish for “complete independence.” The Sakdalistas were also likely inspired by the rise of the Left in the 1920s and 1930s (the Soviet Union was a rising power at the time). The term “Sakdal” comes from a Filipino word meaning “to accuse.” However, the Philippine Constabulary managed to defeat the Sakdalistas, and they were largely massacred. Ramos went on to support Japan’s puppet government during World War II. 

 

                  The Sakdalistas’ intentions were largely good. Farmers and peasants have long been oppressed. And I agree that full independence is valuable. Their aims were justified and, if successful, may have affected the history of the Philippines and its people in a major way. Due to the American occupation, as seen in World War II, the nation would have been dragged into conflicts we had no place fighting in. However, it is important to note that independence was already on the way. Quezon was doing whatever he could to make the country independent. But the farmer issue has no opposing principles. In conclusion, the Sakdalista movement was a fight for liberty and justice, and had a tragic ending. They would have benefited the history of the Philippines, but the Americans did not wish for that. It is a very interesting story, and is very thought-provoking.