Overview
The lecture traces the early roots of Filipino resistance to Spanish colonization, the rise of the secularization movement, the story of Gomburza, and their pivotal role in igniting Filipino nationalism leading to the 1896 Revolution.
Early Revolts Against Spanish Rule
- Early revolts (e.g., Gabriela Silang, Palaris, Tamblot) were uncoordinated and thus easily suppressed by the Spanish.
- Early revolts often had religious motivations, with leaders like Bancao, Sumuroy, Tapar, and Hermano Pule aiming to restore native religion.
Rise of Religious and Secular Reform Movements
- Hermano Pule and his Cofradia de San Jose were crushed in 1841, inspiring later uprisings.
- The Tayabas regiment revolted in 1843 in response to Hermano Pule's execution, showing early calls for independence.
- Fr. Pedro Pelaez pioneered the secularization movement, which advocated for Filipino priests to lead parishes, not Spanish friars.
Changing Colonial Policies and Liberal Influence
- The fall of the Spanish Monarchy in 1868 led to liberal reforms under Governor-General de la Torre, later reversed by conservative Rafael de Izquierdo.
- The end of the Galleon Trade (1815) and opening of world trade (1834) brought economic and ideological change.
- The Suez Canal (1869) accelerated the spread of liberal European ideas to the Philippines.
Friar Rule and Social Unrest
- Friars held lasting religious, economic, and political power, often leading to abuses and land grabbing, especially in Cavite.
- Banditry increased as a response to friar abuses, with figures like Mariano Gomes mediating peace and aiding communities.
The Three Priests: Gomes, Burgos, Zamora
- Gomes, Burgos, and Zamora were highly educated secular priests advocating for Filipino leadership in the Church.
- They faced racism and were accused of plotting against colonial rule.
The Cavite Mutiny of 1872
- Cavite Mutiny erupted on January 20, 1872, due to loss of worker privileges, quickly suppressed by Spanish forces.
- Despite limited involvement, the three priests were implicated based on questionable testimony and arrested.
Execution and Impact of Gomburza
- The priests were tried without proper evidence and executed by garrote on February 17, 1872.
- Their deaths deeply shocked Filipinos and became a catalyst for nationalist sentiment.
- Gomburza’s martyrdom inspired future reformers and revolutionaries, including Rizal and the Katipunan.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Secularization — Movement demanding parish leadership by local (secular) priests rather than Spanish friars.
- Friar/Regular Priest — Member of religious orders, bound by strict vows, usually Spanish.
- Secular Priest — Priest under the bishop/diocese, often native or mestizo.
- Gomburza — Portmanteau for Gomez, Burgos, and Zamora, the three martyred priests.
- Cavite Mutiny — 1872 uprising by Filipino soldiers in Cavite against Spanish authorities.
- Garrote — Method of execution involving strangulation with an iron collar.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review assigned readings on the secularization movement and Cavite Mutiny.
- Prepare a reflection on the significance of Gomburza for Filipino nationalism.