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.
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