Philippine Resident Commissioners: Evolution of Election and Appointment
The role of the Resident Commissioner served as a critical diplomatic link between the Philippines and the United States during the American colonial period. However, the process for selecting these officials was often ambiguous, evolving through several legislative shifts that mirrored the changing political landscape of the islands.
The Early Era: The Philippine Organic Act of 1902
Under the Philippine Organic Act of 1902, the system established two resident commissioners. The selection process was designed to involve the Philippine Legislature, though it was split between two distinct bodies: the Philippine Commission (an American-majority, appointed body) and the Philippine Assembly (a fully-elected, all-Filipino body). Each chamber voted separately to choose the commissioners.
Starting from the first meeting of the Philippine Legislature in 1907, these commissioners were elected biennially (every two years). The first individuals to hold these positions were Benito Legarda and Pablo Ocampo.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]The Jones Law and Extended Terms
The passage of the Jones Law in 1916 maintained the existing selection method, but it introduced a significant change to the duration of service. The term for resident commissioners was extended from two years to three years. Under this new legislation, Jaime C. de Veyra and Teodoro R. Yangco served as the first resident commissioners.
The Transition to the Commonwealth
The Tydings–McDuffie Act of 1934 brought about a major structural shift by reducing the number of resident commissioners from two to one. This act also mandated the creation of a new constitution for the Philippines.
Following the adoption of the 1935 Constitution, the responsibility for determining the selection process fell to the National Assembly, which succeeded the Philippine Legislature. In late 1935, the National Assembly passed Commonwealth Act No. 10. This law fundamentally changed the nature of the office: the resident commissioner was no longer elected by the legislature but was instead appointed by the President of the Commonwealth of the Philippines, subject to the consent of the Commission on Appointments.
Under this new system, the resident commissioner served at the pleasure of the president, meaning there was no longer a fixed term of office.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]This transition was put into practice in February 1936, when President Manuel L. Quezon appointed Quintin Paredes to replace the two commissioners serving under the Jones Law, Pedro Guevara and Francisco Afan Delgado.
Key Facts
- Initial Number: Two resident commissioners were originally appointed under the 1902 Act.
- Final Number: The Tydings–McDuffie Act of 1934 reduced the position to a single commissioner.
- Term Evolution: Terms moved from biennial (2 years) to three-year terms, and finally to an unfixed term based on presidential pleasure.
- Selection Shift: The process evolved from separate legislative chamber voting to direct presidential appointment.
- Direct Election: Unlike the counterpart in Puerto Rico, the Philippine resident commissioner was never chosen via direct election.
| Legislation | Year | Number of Commissioners | Selection Method | Term Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philippine Organic Act | 1902 | 2 | Elected by separate legislative chambers | 2 Years |
| Jones Law | 1916 | 2 | Elected by separate legislative chambers | 3 Years |
| Tydings–McDuffie Act / Commonwealth Act No. 10 | 1934/1935 | 1 | Presidential appointment with consent | At presidential pleasure |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the first resident commissioners of the Philippines?
The first two resident commissioners, appointed under the Philippine Organic Act of 1902, were Benito Legarda and Pablo Ocampo.
How did the Jones Law change the role of the resident commissioner?
While the Jones Law of 1916 kept the selection process the same, it increased the term of office for the resident commissioners to three years.
What was the impact of the Tydings–McDuffie Act on this position?
The Tydings–McDuffie Act of 1934 reduced the number of resident commissioners from two down to one and paved the way for a new constitution.
How were resident commissioners selected during the Commonwealth period?
Under Commonwealth Act No. 10, the resident commissioner was appointed by the President of the Commonwealth of the Philippines with the consent of the Commission on Appointments.
Was the Philippine resident commissioner ever elected by the general public?
No, the resident commissioner was never elected via direct election, which distinguished the position from the similar role in Puerto Rico.