| Political System |
Spain governed the Philippines through the Ministro de Ultramar (Ministry of the colonies). This body helped the Spanish monarchs manage the affairs of the colonies and govern the Philippines through centralized machinery, exercising executive, legislative, judicial and religious powers. The smallest unit of government was the barangay or barrio. Each barangay was controlled by a cabeza de barangay. |
| CSocial System /Educational System |
The most serious criticisms of all time against the system were: the overemphasis on religious matters, the obsolete teaching methods, the limited curriculum, the very poor classroom facilities, the absence of teaching materials, such as books. Primary education was neglected; the absence of academic freedom, the prejudice against Filipinos in the schools of higher learning, and the friar control over the system were also reported. |
| Economic System |
The economic system was not properly implemented because many judges were incompetent and corrupt. Many cases were settled not according to the merit of the case but on the basis of such considerations as race, money, and certain personal advantages.l |
| Sources of Abuses |
An interesting case that illustrates an instance of injustice and abusive of power was the imprisonment of Rizal’s mother. Doña Teodora was arrested and was intimidated by the Kalamba mayor into admitting the charge. |