The Governors-General of the Philippines

The Title and its History

The title "Governor-General of the Philippines" (Filipinas Gobernador-Heneral ng PilipinasKapitan Heneral ng Pilipinas) was used to refer to the highest-ranking official in the Philippines during various periods of colonial rule.

Etymology

The name "Dasmariñas" is derived from Gómez Pérez Dasmariñas, the seventh Spanish governor-general of the Philippines who served from 1590 to 1593.

Governors-General in Different Colonial Eras

This category encompasses all governors-general from all colonial governments that have ruled the Philippines, including:

• Spanish governors-general (1565-1898)
• American governors-general (1898-1946)
• Commonwealth governors-general (1935-1946)

Appointment and Powers

Spanish Colonial Period

During the Spanish colonial period, the governor-general was appointed by the king of Spain and held both military and civil authority. The governor was responsible for administering the colony, enforcing Spanish law, and collecting taxes.

American Colonial Period

Under American rule, the governor-general was appointed by the President of the United States and approved by the Senate. Unlike the governors-general of the British, the American governors-general did not have military authority.

Branches of Government

The Philippine government has three interdependent branches:

• Executive branch (led by the president)
• Legislative branch (composed of the Senate and the House of Representatives)
• Judicial branch (led by the Supreme Court)