Francisco Coloma y Maceda facts for kids

Francisco Coloma y Maceda (1617–1677) was a Spanish official who became the 29th Governor-General of the Philippines. He was also known as the Marqués of Canales de Chozas. Before becoming governor, he worked as a senior auditor, called an oidor, in charge of military matters. He was the fifth Governor-General to come from the Real Audiencia of Manila, which was like a high court.

Early Life and Career

Francisco Coloma y Maceda was born in 1617 in a part of Spain called La Rioja. Not much is known about his early life. He earned a special degree called a licentiate.

He arrived in the Philippines on March 29, 1661. His job was to serve as an oidor (auditor or judge) in the Real Audiencia, which was the highest court and governing body in the Philippines at that time.

On June 22, 1662, Coloma married María de Cuellar y Cisneros in the Philippines. During the time of several governors, including Diego de Salcedo and Manuel de León, Coloma was the senior auditor. This meant he was in charge of military affairs.

Challenges and Changes

Another member of the Real Audiencia, Francisco Sotomayor y Mansilla, thought he should be the senior auditor. However, Sotomayor eventually let Coloma keep the top position and took the second highest role.

Later, there was a big change in leadership. When a new governor, Juan Manuel de la Peña Bonifaz, took over in 1668, he had Sotomayor and other court members held outside Manila. Coloma stayed in the city.

The new governor and his friends took a lot of money from the previous governor and from the Manila galleon. A new governor was appointed by King Charles II of Spain in 1668. This new governor arrived in 1669 and put those involved in the leadership change on trial.

Francisco Coloma was supposed to review the actions of the previous governor, Salcedo. But people protested because Coloma had been Salcedo's legal adviser. This meant he would be reviewing his own advice. So, in 1671, Sotomayor took over the review instead.

Becoming Governor-General

Coloma was with Governor Manuel de León during an important event at a convent in Tondo, Manila. The governor wanted to influence an election there.

Later, Coloma's wife passed away. Governor de León, who was not well, visited the funeral. Sadly, the smell there made his condition worse, and he died on April 11, 1677.

On the very same day, Francisco Coloma, who was the senior auditor of the Real Audiencia of Manila, became the new Governor-General of the Philippines.

Coloma's Time as Governor

One of the first things Governor Coloma did was manage the money left by the previous governor, de León. A large amount, 250,000 pesos, was given to charity. This included money for the Misericordia, for starting chaplaincies (places for religious services), for rebuilding San Lazaro Hospital in Santa Cruz, Manila, and for rebuilding the seminary in Santa Potenciana.

An important decision Coloma made involved money that had been taken from the Kapampangan people in Pampanga. Eight thousand pesos had been sent to New Spain (Mexico) from their rice production. The Kapampangan people asked Coloma for help. In a special decision, Governor Coloma made sure all eight thousand pesos were returned to the people.

Death and Legacy

Francisco Coloma y Maceda died on September 25, 1677, just a few months after becoming governor. He was buried in Santo Domingo Church in Manila. Francisco Sotomayor y Mansilla then became the next governor.

Even today, you can see parts of Coloma's shield and coat of arms in Navarrete, La Rioja, Spain. They have an inscription that says: ESTAS ARMAS SON DE FRANCISCO COLOMA, VIRREY Y CAPITAN GENERAL DE MANILA (This is the coat of arms of Francisco Coloma, Viceroy and Captain General of Manila).

Since he had no direct children, his will was carried out with money from his nephew, Pedro Coloma y Escalona. Two years before he died, in 1675, Coloma's money was shared with different people and used for his funeral and tomb.

See also

In Spanish: Francisco Coloma y Maceda para niños