The Liberal Regime of De La Torre
Loading ...The overthrow of the despotic Queen Isabel II of Spain in 1868 marked the triumph of liberal ideas in the mother country. As a result, Carlos Ma. De la Torre, a freedom-loving Spaniard, become governor-general of the Philippines. He was a capable soldier and a true democrat; he introduced a liberal regime into the country. He established freedom of speech and of the press. He encouraged Father Jose Burgos, Joaquin Pardo de Tavera, Maximo Paterno, and other Filipino leaders to agitate for political reforms and social justice. He dismissed the colorful but outmoded halberdiers–soldiers armed with battle-axe and spear–who had guarded former Spanish governors-general in Malacañang Palace. He walked about Manila’s streets in civilian clothes. He freely mingled with the brown Filipinos.
De la Torre quickly won the hearts of the Filipino people. He was truly the most liberal Spanish governor-general of the Philippines. In appreciation, the Filipino leaders, priests, and college students serenaded him on the night of July 12, 1869. the governor-general invited them to enter the palace and exchanged toasts to liberty and good government with them. The wife of Col. Maria de Sanchiz acted as palaces hostess, since de la Torre’s wife was an invalid. This vivacious Spanish lady, who was called “Mother of the Filipinos” for her pro-Filipino sentiments, declaimed a patriotic poem on the occasion.
On September 21, 1869, the new Spanish Constitution, which embodied liberal ideas, was proclaimed in Manila amidst the rejoicing of the Filipinos. To celebrate this event, the Filipinos paraded in the city with lanterns, banners, and music. They wore the symbol of liberty–red ties–which Mrs. De la Torre was to make fashionable in the city. The gay paraders were then invited to a magnificent reception in Malacañang Palace where General de la Torre and his wife greeted them.
The monarchist Spaniards were shocked for never before had brown Indios been allowed to attend a social function at the Palace.
