Module 2
The Japanese Government
My learning targets
in the Philippines
• Asses the system of the government
during the Japanese Period (AP6KDP-llf
-g-7)
• Describe the system and framework of
the Japanese colonial government
• Explain the contributions of the Second
republic
• Explain policies and economic laws dur-
ing the Japanese occupation, such as
the war economy and the economy of
survival, as well as their effects.
Figure This Out!
Amid the battles, the American and Filipino leaders
fled to Bataan. President Quezon left the government under
the care of Jose P. Laurel and Jorge Vargas and also to grant
the wishes of the Japanese except to vow loyalty to them.
Many Filipino leaders suffered cruelty in the hands of the Japa-
nese for refusing to cooperate with them. One of them was
Head Magistrate Jose Abad Santos who was sentenced to
death for refusing to work with the Japanese leaders. At that
time, Filipino leaders were divided into two groups: first those
who cooperated with the Japanese to save themselves and to
avoid any punishments that the Japanese might inflict on them;
and second, those who cooperated to save the Filipinos from further sufferings in the hands of the Japanese
and were called collaborates.
REORGANIZATION OF THE GOVERNMENT
A few days after the fall of Manila, the Japanese started to reorganize the government. An order re-
leased by General Masaharu Homma on January 23, 1942 appointed Jorge B. Vargas as the chairman of the
Philippine Executive Commission (PEC). The com-
mission was established as a temporary caretaker
government of Manila, and , eventually, of the
whole Philippines. Following this, the national
government was acknowledged as the central gov-
ernment or the Central Administrative Organiza-
tion.
Under the Central Administrative Organiza-
tion were six agencies that were led by Filipinos.
Those who were hailed as secretaries were recom-
mended by Vargas and were approved by the Jap-
anese empire’s commander-in-chief. In spite of
this, their administration was under the close scru-
tiny of the Japanese advisers. All orders and imple-
mentation of laws had to gain the approval of the
colonial leaders first.
• Top image shows the pic-
ture of General Masaharu
Homma and PEC chairman
Jose Vargas.
• Second Image the mem-
bers of the PEC welcoming
Masaharu Homma as he
arrived in Manila.
Outline of the Philippine Executive Commission
FOUNDING OF THE KALIBAPI
With the fall of Bataan and Corregidor, the consecutive battles in different areas in the Philippines
waged on. The Japanese also continued to draft a government that will obliterate any trace of American
power and influence in the Philippines. A development toward this end occurred on December 4, 1942, with
the abolition and prohibition of political parties. Due to this, the civic organization called the Kapisanan sa
Paglilingkod sa Bagong Pilipinas or the KALIBAPI was established by virtue of Proclamation No. 109, which
Vargas released on December 8. The KALIBAPI was the only organization or party allowed during that time.
The KALIBAPI greatly contributed to the promotion of the Japanese policies in the Philippines. Using
the slogan “Philippines for the Filipinos,” they followed Japan’s propaganda as a member of the Co-
Prosperity Sphere. KALIBAPI served as the recruiter of workers for the new government. Benigno Aquino, Sr.
was appointed as director-general ; Pio Duran as secretary general; and Benigno Ramos as second in com-
mand. These three leaders go all around the Philippines to encourage the citizens to establish local organiza-
tion while promoting the new policies of the Japanese colonizers.
The KALIBAPI officially became a political party in May 1944, with its participation in government is-
sues more visible.
Among the most significant contributions of the organization to the Philippines during the Japanese
period in the Philippines are the following:
1. Establishment of the Preparatory Commission for Philippine Independence and electing of 20 mem-
bers.
2. Ratification of the 1943 Constitution with the help of the PCPI
3. Election of more than half of the members of the National Assembly.
4. Promotion of Filipino as the official language of the country.
5. Being instrumental in Jose P. Laurel’s appointment as the president of the Second Republic.
The Preparatory Commission for Philippine Independence
To prove that their promise of independence is sincere and to earn the Filipinos’ trust, the Japanese
thought of appointing a Filipino, who the citizens will obey and believe in, to a high government position.
The position was first offered to Manuel Roxas, but he turned it due to his poor health. It was then offered to
Jose P. Laurel who immediately accepted it. By virtue of the Japanese empire’s order to the KALIBAPI, the
Preparatoty Commission for Philippine Independence or the PCPI was established on June 20, 1943. Jose
Laurel was elected as president of the commission, while Benigno Aquino, Sr. and Ramon Avanceña were
vice presidents. The PCPI’s duty was to draft new constitution for the new republic that will be established.
Benigno Aquino Sr. (left), Jose P. Laurel (center), and Ramon Avanceña (right)
The 1943 Philippine Constitution
Using the constitution of the Philippine Commonwealth as a guide, the PCPI drafted the Philippines’
new constitution. It was designed on September 7, 1943. By Virtue of Executive Order, an election for the
members of the National Assembly was held in accordance with the order of the new constitution. It was
inaugurated on September 23, 1943.
According to the 1943 Philippine Constitution, the Philippines is a republican state wherein the execu-
tive power shall be vested in the president great power. The country’s president will be elected by the mem-
bers of the National Assembly (most of whom from the KALIBAPI party) instead of being elected by the citi-
zens. The governor of the provinces will be appointed by the president of the republic instead of being elect-
ed by its residents.
Despite the extensive powers endowed on the President, he remained under the control of the Japa-
nese. The 1943 Constitution was recognized and implemented only in the places controlled by the Japanese.
It was not acknowledge by the US and the Philippine Commonwealth.
Establishment of the Second Philippine Republic
The military government was completely abolished. Under the Jap-
anese, the Second Philippine Republic was inaugurated, and Laurel was
hailed as its first president on October 14, 1943. Along with this came
the declaration of the independence of the Philippines. Countries all over
the world including China,Japan, Burma, Thailand, Italy and among oth-
ers recognized the Republic.
President Laurel aimed to gain the US recognition of newly established Republic. Instead, President
Roosevelt called it a puppet government where Laurel is considered as a pawn of the Japanese colonizers.
To the American government, the Philippine Commonwealth remains the country’s true government. Be-
cause of this, Roosevelt promised to bring back genuine democracy and freedom to the Philippines.
LAWS AND POLICIES, AND PROGRAMS
With the establishment of the central government, the Japanese sought to fend off any trace of Amer-
ican influence from the Filipinos. To achieve this, the Japanese, with the help of Laurel’s government,
launched policies that would change the society, culture, educational system, and economy of the Philip-
pines.
Changes in Society and Culture
Under the Japanese, a curfew was imposed in the provinces. Publishing in newspapers was also strict.
The government encouraged talented Filipino writers to contribute works and essays regarding the estab-
lishment of the new Philippines. Despite this, newspapers such as the Manila Tribune, Talib and La Vanguar-
dia were subjected to Japanese control. Before long, the Japanese established their own publishing house
which was called Manila Newspaper Company.
The Japanese were also strict regarding the broad-
cast of news on the radio. They confiscated radio units
that received news from Australia and San Francisco in
the US. Instead they ordered the citizens to listen to local
stations where speeches persuading Filipinos to cooper-
ate with Japanese policies were broadcast. The talent of
Claro M. Recto and Jose Vargas helped the Japanese.
To help the Japanese propaganda, they also
showed films lauding their battle gear. Aside form this,
the performance of plays, most of it were Tagalog adap-
tations from English originals was also widespread. This
was done through Dramatic Philippines, Inc., which was
composed of college students. Passion play, Applesauce,
The Husband of Mrs. Cruz, Julius Caesar, and as well as
an adaptation of Julian Cruz Balmaseda’s “Isang Kuwal-
tang Abaka,” which became known on stage as Sa Pula,
Sa Puti were performed in Metropolitan Theater. Musical
Philippines, Inc. also performed in the Metropolitan Theater. It held concerts, among which the marimba
concert was the most popular
Changes in Education
By virtue of Military Order No. 2, The Japanese implemented changes in the education system in the
Philippines on February 17, 1942. Foremost among the changes was the promotion of Tagalog and Nihongo
as the country’s official languages. The use of books in English language was prohibited. The study of Filipino
culture was promoted as part of the principle of the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere. In addition, vo-
cational and primary education were given importance which was relevant to the emphasis of the ideology
of love for labor.
Many Filipino students were also sent to Japan in order to witness the progress enjoyed by the coun-
try.
Changes in the Economy
The administration of properties were transferred to the Japanese. Property owned by the govern-
ment’s opponents were confiscated especially those owned by the Americans. As a result, production, par-
ticularly in agriculture sector, was erupted. Hence, the progress of many industries slowed down.
Among the changes that took place in the Philippine economy where the following:
1. decline of production in agricultural, mining, and manufacturing sectors;
2. lack of employment
3. absence of foreign trade; and
4. scarcity of food and other needs.
Because of the changes brought about by the battles, the Filipinos had nothing else to depend on but
themselves. To cope with the changes, the Filipinos adapted by:
1. lowering the standard of living;
2. returning to the provinces to avoid the dangers of the city;
3. engaging in informal exchange of goods or trade of personal belongings {“buy and sell” trade);
and
4. Planting of crops for food.
Laurel’s government also faced the grave challenges of high poverty rate in the country, as well as
food shortage and price increase in commodities. In response, an agency that would address these problems
was established. On November 25, 1943, the Food Administration Office was founded. This was followed by
the establishment of the Bigasan ng Bayan (BIBA), which will administer the sourcing of rice supply from
provinces of Central Luzon and its trade in Manila.
As Japan occupied the Philippines, the Japanese issued a fiat money or the Japanese government-
issued Philippine fiat peso. It was a type of currency whose value is assigned by the government. This money
had almost no value since the price of the commodities were very high. Because of this, the money became
known as the Mickey Mouse Money.
A Hundred Peso Bill of the Japanese fiat money.
Name: ________________________________________ NOTE: PLEASE PASS ONLY THE ANSWER SHEET
Grade and Section: ______________________________ PART; NOT THE WHOLE MODULE (AP-6)
A. Who am I? Who is being described in each number? The initials of the name is given as a clue.
1. President of the Philippine Executive Commission
J_______________________________________
2. President of the Second Republic of the Philippines
J _______________________________________
3. Led the Japanese forces in occupying the Philippines
M ______________________________________
4. Entrusted Jose P. Laurel with duties before leaving the country for Australia
M ______________________________________
5. First director general of the KALIBAPI
B _______________________________________
B. True or False. Encircle the letter T if the sentence is true, and encircle F if it states otherwise.
1. Manila was declared an open city during the war in order to save it from de- T F
struction
2. Quezon moved the Philippine Commonwealth to Washington D.C. T F
3. The Japanese established the Philippine Executive Commission with three de- T F
partments to serve as the central government.
4. The government that was established was called a puppet government be- T F
cause even if Filipinos were appointed leaders, they remained under the con-
trol of Japan.
5. The Japanese confiscated the country’s money and gold and replaced them T F
with paper money which had high value, hence being called as Mickey Mouse
money.
6. The use of Tagalog ang Nihongo as official language of the country was im- T F
posed during the Japanese period.
7. The KALIBAPI was an organization that promoted the policies of the Japanese, T F
especially the Great East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere.
8. Filipinos who continued to violate the policies of Japan were arrested, tor- T F
tured, and killed.
HOTS BOX
Instruction: Answer the following questions.
1. The Japanese emphasized “Asia for Asians” do you agree with this? In your opinion , was it right for them to spread propa-
ganda against the Americans? Why do you say so?
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
2. What are your sentiments and opinion regarding the refusal of the Americans to recognize the government of the Second
Republic and calling it a puppet government?
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
3. If you were the one elected president of a puppet government, what will you do to be able to serve and defend the rights of
your countrymen? Cite examples
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
