The document provides a summary of Renato Constantino's book "The Philippines: A Past Revisited" in 15 chapters. It discusses Constantino's analysis of the struggles of Filipinos under Spanish colonial rule from the 16th century to the late 19th century. It highlights the oppression of the Encomienda system, the influence of the Catholic church, the suppression of resistance movements, and the slow economic development under the Spanish. It also summarizes the growth of nationalist ideologies and propaganda movements in the late 19th century that ignited the Philippine Revolution against Spain and the subsequent war with the United States after it gained control of the Philippines.

1. A Critical View and Summary of Renato Constantino’s
The Philippines: A Past Revisited
by John Benedict C. Manaluz
Introduction
The Philippine history is always shaped by heroes and events that happened; answering
the question on how did we reach to this point. We celebrate and commemorate them as we
reminisce the past. Ideologies, progression, culture and society are the products of our past and
we must remember and learned from it to not just solidify our patriotism and nationalism, but
also to learn from our past mistake so that the history never repeats itself.
Philippine History is embedded within our education. History teachers are constantly
telling us the tales and facts about the individuals who rose up and bravely changed the country.
They kept repeating the same stories of heroes who impacted our history to make us
understand their vision, their purpose and their role within the past. They also kept repeating the
important events like the first war with the Spaniards, the Revolutionary wars against Spain and
America and the Second World War that paved the way for innovation, cultural development
and societal changes in the Philippines to remind us that the Philippine have been through so
much to gain the freedom and liberty we have these days.
We always look up among these important individuals like Rizal, Bonifacio and
Aguinaldo and we remember the most important events, but there is a shadow behind these
points of history: the struggles of the Filipino in obtaining independence. Historians always
wondered about the reasons, the meanings and the causes and impacts of history itself. History
is about everything and not just only about the exploits and struggles of the heroes who
dedicated their lives to improve society and to be known.
Renato Constantino crafted this book with great knowledge about what exactly
happened at the past. His goal is to make us understand that the entire history is shaped by
everything and by everyone. This book seeks to understand the struggles that the Filipinos went
throughout the colonization periods, the ideologies that affected the society and the driving
forces that push the masses forward though independence.
In this critical paper, the book will be summarized and reviewed chapter by chapter,
explaining the entire context of each.

2. Summarization and Review
Chapter 1 discusses the struggles of the Filipinos in the past to attain freedom and how
historians perceived it.
To understand the entire struggle of Filipinos in history, there are many things that
scholars and historians must record and discover. Historians focusing on popular individuals
who played important roles and had impact in the country is somewhat lacking when
discovering the essence of Filipinos’ struggles. One man alone cannot shape history. It requires
people.
It is true that we need individuals with certain ideals and sharp minds to enlighten and
push people through but it is not possible if others are not willing, not believing, against or just
do not care at all. This chapter pointed out that history is not shaped by just a single person or
individuals only. The struggles of the people in history are always collective and if most of
people in society shares one goal, it will lead into a movement that will affect others as well. The
struggles of Filipinos’ are shared. Strong nationality is impossible without the support of the
masses.
There are many hindrances and challenges faced by the Filipinos during the occupation
of foreign powers. There is a saying where “History is written by the victors.” (Winston
Churchill). Spaniards are trying to shape their history in the Philippines by asserting dominance
and misinforming the masses. But that has changed. Since late 18th
century, the society has
evolved and Filipinos are starting to be enlightened. As more and more people are being aware,
Spaniards are slowly showing their own true colors. Many individuals, like Jose Rizal, as
example, shared their ideals and many Filipinos opened their eyes and collectively agreeing
with him. This sparked the Katipunan revolution. They changed the perception of history where
it is not written by the victors, but by all.
But it is not by Rizal himself singlehandly changed the course of history. As what it was
stated above, with the help of undying spirit of Katipuneros and other popular figures, Filipinos’
nationalism strengthens and with that, their history is marked in the Philippines. The nationalism
and revolutionary movement of Filipinos can be compared to the French, American and Russian
revolutions. Revolution and nationalism proved that with the voices of many and with the
support of the masses, independence is possible and can overthrow oppression. Even with

3. defeats and setbacks, Filipinos’ resolves were never wavered and their ideal of nationalism will
continue on.
Chapters 2, 3 and 4 focus on Spain, the impact of war with the Moors and the
Reconquista, the age of exploration and colonization, and the systems and changes of society
throughout the years.
The influence of the Church was apparent during the Reconquista. Expelling of Moors
out of Spain was strongly supported by Christians and with this, their centuries-long campaign
has ended. Because of Reconquista, Spain became powerful and it is more apparent during the
Renaissance period.
New commodities, especially spices, were introduced in Europe from the Mediterranean
and this was the opportunity for Spain and Portugal to become richer and more powerful. But it
was hindered by the conquest of Ottoman Turks. The Ottomans banned trade deals and routes
leading from India through Europe. This is a major point in history where Portugal, Spain and
other European powers are forced to find another way to trade with India. This leads to the age
of exploration and colonization. With the Church’s influence and approval, the expedition and
conquest was permitted.
Before the Spanish occupation, there was a primitive feudalistic system that is based on
social status system where there are village chiefs or sultans, workers and slaves. Philippines
rely on traders to their neighbors, especially Malays and Chinese. There are societies that are
advanced but not as advanced as Europe.
When the Spaniards colonized, they seek to change it. Spanish view of Filipinos is that
they were not progressive and they are just working for what is necessary: where if they have
this thing or if they think it is enough, they will not look for more. Thus, Filipinos are lazy. This
prejudice marked Filipinos negatively.
Spain and Portugal’s rivalry was in all time high and they seek more influence to get
more power. With the help of Magellan and Legaspi, they established foothold in colonizing the
Philippines. The concept from Reconquista was adopted during the colonization, including the
Encomienda. It is a labor system which rewards the conquerors with labor from the people
whom they conquered. This labor system was abused. Forced labors, unequal treaty and unfair
tribute were prevalent. There were protests and petitions to the king of Spain to abolish. The
encomenderos did the same. The result is that the Encomienda system persisted but with

4. “some” regulations but the abuse was still there. Spanish abuse was intensified after the eighty-
year war. After Spain defended her own colony, they demand more tribute.
Changes within the society in the Philippines because of Spain were further discussed in
Chapter 5 and 6. They brought their culture and their system and integrated it within, especially
religion. Roman Catholic became the main religion of the Philippine up until now. The influence
of friars and their power was in full display. It is one of the most corruptible positions. They
brought their foods, both from their own country and from their colony, especially Mexico.
Chinese also took advantage of the economic changes and mutually benefitted from it. Yet
despite these changes they brought in the Philippines, the economics and society does not
improved much compared to other colonies. They see Philippines as nothing but a staging
ground for trade routes through Asia.
The slow development of economy and society in the Philippines during Spanish
occupation is due to several factors. There were lack of natural resources and expedition
expenses being greater than profit due to Philippines’ archipelagic land. Spanish profited much
from the Mexicans, Cubans and South America since they have rich resources. This prompted
the Spaniards to almost abandon the country. They see Philippines as just another colony and
they did not bother to further develop it. But there are still benefits that the Spaniards got from it.
Spanish trades to other Asian countries, especially China, brought them great economic value
that also contributed the economy of the Philippines.
The Church is one of the main driving forces during Spanish colonization. Reconquista
was only approved by the blessing of the Church and Pope and thus became the basis for the
colonization. It roots back to the medieval period where conquests and coronation were only
sanctioned by the Church and they need blessings from God to approve it. Kings said to be
destined by God to rule over mankind and it can never be opposed. This is true to all countries
in Europe. Thus, the influence of Roman Catholic in the Philippines is so strong.
The Christianization of the Philippines is one of the main goals of Spaniards. The first
mass was held in Leyte during Magellan’s expedition. The first baptism in the Philippines was
held in Cebu during Legazpi’s expedition. He used it to mask and establish colonization of
islands without causing skirmishes or combat. Later, Christianization spreads throughout the
country and became an integral part of the society.

5. There were five religious orders in the Philippines: Augustinians, Franciscans, Jesuits,
Dominicans and the Recolectos. They each have different areas that they were assigned to.
Even though they have the same goals and origin country, they became rivals and they are
trying to increase their own influences.
There were resistance shown during the Spanish colonization of the Philippines and it is
further documented in Chapter 7. During the early period of colonization, some tribes united
each other to resist Spanish influence. Some succeeded like Lapu-Lapu and Soliman, yet most
failed. During the colonization, there were rebellions and uprisings to resist and attempt to
abolish the Encomienda system due to being abusive and unjust for them. There are also
notable tribes that survived during the colonization resisted and formed alliances to defend their
culture and homeland. Their efforts, however, were vanquished and brutally suppressed by the
Spaniards. It is not just the Spaniards whom the Filipinos are trying to resist to. During the
Seven Years’ war, the British occupied Manila. Despite of failures, they showed defiance
against the alien power that added fuel for the upcoming revolutions.
As stated before, the economic progress of the Philippines was slow due to Spanish
neglect. But that has changed since the British entered the scene and there were major
changes in economy and society of the Philippines during 1700s. The changes in economy and
society in the Philippines were tackled in chapters 8 and 9 where87 focuses on the economy
while 9 discusses the liberalism and revolts.
There are some factors on how Philippine economy improved. 18th
century brought forth
the Industrial Age. With the influx of Chinese immigrants, it impacted the economy and soon,
they integrated themselves in Philippine society. England also improved the economy by
introducing them to international trade. New products and industrialization was introduced,
improving the economy even more.
Europe’s ideology began shifting towards capitalism, affecting Philippines as well. They
were included in world market and began exporting their own products as well. The old Spanish
system, especially Encomienda, began to decline with this period, paving way for Haciendas.
The British were becoming more involved in the Philippine economy as well as the Chinese.
Even other foreign powers took interest on Philippines, most likely the Americans. Business
began to boom in Manila since then. With these major economic changes, so do the society and
ideologies.

6. The French revolution and the Napoleonic war brought forth a new ideology: Liberalism.
Chapter 9 documents the progression of liberal thinking in the Philippines, starting with the
Cadiz Constitution which leads to mass movements, Sarrat revolt, the cry for abolishment of
racism leading to demand for equality, changes in collective consciousness and realization as a
result of educational reforms, and the ignition of more revolutions. Spaniards counteracted by
suppression of rebellions and ideas that might affect the thinking of the masses by banning
books and other scriptures.
The points that are stated from Chapters 8 and 9 paved the way to the points stated in
chapter 10. The Industrial age and the idea of liberalism brought forth the growing
consciousness of the Filipinos. The events of past revolts, the ever-growing Philippine economy,
the principalia and societal changes are the things that fueled for new way of thinking. The
concept of being “Filipino” is becoming more widespread as a result; most of them maintained
their Spanish lifestyle and beliefs.
The rise of different groups voicing out for liberalism became more evident in this
chapter. The propaganda movement became the main force of revolution during these times.
There are propaganda movements and popular figures mentioned in this chapter. Some of the
examples are La Solidaridad, Jose Rizal, La Liga Filipina , Andres Bonifacio, Marcelo H. Del
Pilar and Katipunan. These movements played the most vital parts in waking Filipinos’ minds
and became pioneers of nationalism in the Philippines. They were fueled by their long struggle
of being colonized for hundreds of years and realized that they are being exploited, abused and
outright being labeled as “Indios”.
Their methods and ways, however, are different despite having the same goals. Jose
Rizal insisted on peaceful way while Bonifacio preferred violent solution. Jose is advocated for
reforms and more Filipino representation while Bonifacio cried for Spaniards for them to stay
away. La Solidaridad insisted to stay in Europe while Rizal went home.
The Katipunan, also known as Kataas-taasang Kagalang-galang na Katipunan ng mga
Anak ng Bayan, rose since the divide within La Liga Filipina and the exile of Rizal to Katipunan.
Their preferred method of revolution is opposite to La Liga’s. They started out as a small
secretive society that eventually grew since their reveal in 1896. SInce then, they started to
spread their propaganda movement and ideology through their newspaper called “Kalayaan”.
More and more provinces joined the Katipunan and fought for their cause. But despite the rapid
growth and popularity of this movement, there are setbacks. Among the documented setbacks

7. are the numerous arrests of Filipinos, the executions of Francisco Roxas, Thirteen Martys of
Cavite, Bicol Martyrs and more, the leaking of their secrets, the failure of acquiring aid from
Japan, betrayals among their ranks, and the split of the Katipunan itself into two: The Magdalo
and Magdiwang. The split among Katipuneros led to the execution of Andres Bonifacio, the
person who founded the Katipunan, along with his brothers by the fellow Katipuneros
themselves. The struggles of Katipunan were further documented in chapter 11 and continued
at chapter 12 where the United States entered the scene.
The Spanish-American war paved the way for the United States to colonize the
Philippines. The Cuban Revolution brought interest to the Americans. Due to Cubans having the
same ideology of liberalism to the United States, the opinion to get involved in the war began to
spread but they can’t find a proper excuse to declare war with Spain. During February 1898, the
USS Maine, a ship that is stationed in the harbor of Havana, exploded and blamed it on Spain.
This was the final straw for the Americans and declared war on Spain with the slogan
“Remember the Maine, to hell with Spain!”
Commodore George Dewey was sent to the Philippines to destroy Spanish naval fleet
that is stationed in Manila Bay. Eventually, the Spaniards surrendered after their fleet was
utterly destroyed. Behind the scenes, Dewey transported Emilio Aguinaldo, who came from the
exile to Hong Kong. He was asked to rally his men and capture key provinces around Manila.
The Katipunans were successful and they laid siege in Manila.
Meanwhile, The Spaniards negotiated with the Americans secretly to take control of
Manila and of the Philippines. The Spaniards preferred to hand over the country to Americans
rather than the revolutionaries. So, the mock battle commenced, giving Americans an excuse to
take control of the country from the Spain. Despite of this event, Aguinaldo still trusted the
Americans up until the US established and installed their own government in this Philippines.
Chapter 12 documented Aguinaldo ‘attempts in establishing the first republic government and
the hindrances due to American supremacy and rule over Philippines stated in Treaty of Paris.
Chapters 12, 13, 14, and 15 further discuss the new struggles of the Filipinos under the
Americans. With the Malolos Congress, the First Philippine Republic was established, with
Emilio Aguinaldo appointed as the First President. Tensions were present between the
Americans and the Filipinos, reaching the point of war. Then it happened. On February 4, 1899,
with Americans firing their first shots, Aguinaldo declared war on the US, despite of him
attempting to avoid it. The Americans started to mobilize troops under the Schumann

8. Commission’s proclamation of establishing control over the entire country and under the Treaty
of Paris. The war started in Manila and it ended with the Filipino defeat. Despite some victories
and efforts of the revolutionaries, the losses that the Filipino took were greater and soon, they
lost the war. Aguinaldo was captured in 1901 and pledged allegiance to the Americans. But the
war was not over since there are few more Filipino revolutionaries remained and fought.
Antonio Luna was one of the popular figures during the war with the Americans and one
of most important generals of Aguinaldo. With his leadership among his troops, they showed
fearless resistance towards the Americans, considering him as a formidable foe. But the
Americans were not his only enemies. His personality of being short-tempered made him
controversial among the movement. Luna was popularly known in the revolutionary to be strict
and someone who does not hesitate to execute traitors and insubordinates. He is also adamant
against autonomy and valued loyalty towards being a Filipino. He disregarded the option for
peace. With that, many who are affected by Luna’s wrath and anger spread rumors about
Luna’s plot against Aguinaldo. Aguinaldo made a decision and with the Kawit Company, Luna
was assassinated. Because of this, the morale has taken a hit, especially to the ones who
supported Luna.
This showed the weakness within Aguinaldo’s cabinet and military. Some wished and
pursued for peace with the United States and accepting autonomy. Some who are appointed by
Aguinaldo are corrupt. The once former revolutionary society lead by Filipinos who have strong
spirit of Nationalism like Bonifacio became a hollow shell of its former self lead by the elites,
thus the support for revolution declined in favor of their “new ally”, the United States. The lack of
unity among the Filipinos became the cause of their demise and with this, Aguinaldo’s First
Philippine Republic and his revolutionary army failed. The pacification of the Filipinos under
American’s miseducation also contributed to these factors and is explained in chapter 16.
Same as the Spanish period, Americans brought major societal and economic changes
since they took control of the archipelago. Imperialism was in full effect in the Philippines during
these times as they control even the way of living of the Filipinos. New products from the
Americans changed the lifestyle of the Filipinos to the point where they prefer imports rather
than their own. Taft’s policy, which it was called “Philippines for the Filipinos”, of improving the
lives of the Filipinos has its own end. It is true that this benefits both Filipinos and Americans but
the end goal of it is to control what Filipinos are going to consume, thus controlling the market
overall.

9. There were many acts and legislations passed that benefitted the US. Imports and
exports are unjust and unfair since the Philippines sell raw materials and buy products from the
US at the same time. This produces more profits for the US than the Philippines since the
Filipinos buy the products more expensive than the raw materials. It is like reselling the candy
you made from a person that sold you sugar. Although Philippine exports grew, it is outweighed
by the share of imports coming in the country. American policies in the Philippines are always
on the side of the American manufacturers and business holders.
Chapters 16 and 17 discuss how Americans changed the way Filipino thinks about them
through Americanization, the slow progression towards independence and the introduction of
new ideologies. It details how Americans changed the view of the Filipinos towards US through
implementing public schools as part of Americanization. This is a part of US plan in pacifying the
Filipinos and restoring peace within the country through assimilation. Soldiers became teachers
and taught the children how to speak English. Americans gave more opportunities to the
Filipinos, some are trained to become teachers at the newly-introduced public school system,
some are being trained abroad. The Americans were successful in assimilation since Filipinos
are eager to learn and are willing to take opportunities to improve their lives. They viewed
Americans as friends instead of colonizers.
But even though the assimilation and pacification were somewhat successful, there are
some groups and oppositions who are against imperialism. When tracing back the American
history, the country was once a colony of an alien power which is the England. They formed a
revolutionary union to kick the English out of the country and formed the United States of
America with democracy (or Presidential) system. Then came another major point of American
history which is the civil war. The country was split into two: those who are opposed to slavery
(Union) and those who are pro-slavery (Confederate States of America). The Union won the war
and passed the 13th
amendment where the slavery is abolished. Their history molds the
democratic system and liberalism of America. Some say that it is ironic for the freedom-loving
country to annex the Philippines, a country that fought hard for their independence.
Filipino politicians slowly gained positions throughout the years as the restrictions in the
politics started to lift slowly but surely. With the help of the Jones Law, Filipinization of the
government became apparent. Elections were held and to the surprise of Americans, the
Filipino candidates in the Nacionalista party are actually winning and gaining more support. With
this, alongside Quezon, Osmena, Roxas, and the Tydings-McDuffie Law, it paved the way for

10. the Philippine Commonwealth. There were oppositions towards independence fearing that the
Philippines may not rely on the America anymore in economic terms. This is true with American
businessmen since they wish to keep their ventures in the country. Those who are in favor of
independence have multiple reasons, some for economic reasons, some for power, some for
investments and more. But there is no denying that the United States and the Philippines
needed to agree with the plan to establish the Commonwealth for mutual gains.
With the colonization of United States in the Philippines and with the societal changes
that occurred, there are multiple groups that rose with different ideologies and reasons to
protest and fight. There were groups that are against the elites, consisting of rural farmers.
There are also those who formed labor groups and unions. These groups even affected the
government, especially elections. Then, there was a rise of communism that is against the
imperialistic and capitalistic practices in the country. The situation worsened during the Great
Depression. Most of these groups, even though some conflicts with fellow Filipinos, they share a
common spirit of nationalism. These proved to be a challenge not just for the Americans but
also for the Philippine Commonwealth.
Conclusion
Chapter 18 is a fitting conclusion for the entire book. History really shaped the present
society. The ideologies and philosophies, our way of life, and the development of the society are
possible because of the struggles that our people went through. And even today, we still have
struggles and problems to face. We learn history not only to avoid the past mistakes that our
ancestors did but also to remind us the process of shaping the future we have today. Renato
Constantino succeeded in explaining the struggles that the Filipinos went through to achieve
independence.
History is not molded by few people only but as a nation. History is written, not by the
victors, but by everyone.