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Governor-General of the Philippines
Lesser Royal Coat of Arms of Spain (1700-1868 and 1834-1930) Pillars of Hercules Variant.svg
Coat of arms of Great Britain (1714–1801).svg
Great Seal of the United States (obverse).svg
Imperial Seal of Japan.svg
Residence Fort San Pedro (1565–1572)
Palacio del Gobernador (1572–1863)
Malacañang Palace (1863–1945)
Mansion House (1942–1945)
Appointer
Viceroy of New Spain
Monarch of Spain
Monarch of Great Britain
President of the United States
Emperor of Japan
Precursor Various,
the barangay system
Formation April 27, 1565
First holder Miguel López de Legazpi
(under Spain)
Dawsonne Drake
(under Great Britain)
Wesley Merritt
(under the United States)
Masaharu Homma
(under Japan)
Final holder Diego de los Ríos
(under Spain)
Dawsonne Drake
(under Great Britain)
Frank Murphy
(under the United States)
Tomoyuki Yamashita
(under Japan)
Abolished October 6, 1945

The governor-general of the Philippines was a very important leader during the time the Philippines was controlled by other countries. This role existed when Spain, the United States, and briefly Great Britain and Japan ruled the islands. The governor-general acted as the main representative for the ruling country.

On November 15, 1935, the Commonwealth of the Philippines was created. This was a step towards the Philippines becoming independent from American control. The role of governor-general was then replaced by an elected Filipino president. The last American governor-general became known as the high commissioner.

From 1565 to 1898, Spain ruled the Philippines. For a long time, the governor-general was chosen by the viceroy of New Spain (which is now Mexico). This person governed on behalf of the monarch of Spain. If the position was empty, a temporary governor was chosen from a group called the Real Audiencia in Manila. After Mexico became independent in 1821, the Philippines was directly controlled by the Spanish Crown in Madrid.

Spanish Rule: Early Years (1565–1764)

During this period, the Philippines was a part of the Spanish Empire, governed from New Spain (modern-day Mexico). The governor-general was the top official, managing everything from trade to defense.

No. Portrait Name Tenure start Tenure end Viceroy of New Spain Monarch
1 Miguel López de Legazpi, en La Hormiga de Oro.jpg Miguel López de Legazpi
(1502–1572)
April 27,
1565
August 20,
1572
Francisco Ceinos
Dean of the Audiencia
(1564–1566)
Philip II
(1554–1598)
Gastón de Peralta
3rd Marquess of Falces

(1566–1567)
Alonso Muñoz and
Luis Carrillo
(1567–1568)
Alonso Muñoz
(1568)
Francisco Ceinos
Dean of the Audiencia
(1564–1566)
Martín Enríquez de Almanza
(1568–1580)
2 Guido de Lavezares.jpg Guido de Lavezaris
(1512–1581)
August 20,
1572
August 25,
1575
3 Francisco de Sande's signature.svg Francisco de Sande
(1540–1602)
August 25,
1575
April
1580
4 Gonzalo Ronquillo de Peñalosa's signature.svg Gonzalo Ronquillo de Peñalosa
(died 1583)
April
1580
March 10,
1583
Lorenzo Suárez de Mendoza
5th Count of Coruña

(1580–1583)
5 Diego Ronquillo's signature.svg Diego Ronquillo
Acting Governor-General
March 10,
1583
May 16,
1584
Luis de Villanueva y Zapata
Dean of the Audiencia
(1583–1584)
6 Santiago de Vera's signature.svg Santiago de Vera
(died 1606)
May 16,
1584
May
1590
Pedro Moya de Contreras
Archbishop of Mexico
(1584–1585)
Álvaro Manrique de Zúñiga
1st Marquess of Villamanrique

(1585–1590)
Luis de Velasco
1st Marquess of Salinas

(1590–1595)
7 Gómez Pérez Dasmariñas' signature.svg Gómez Pérez Dasmariñas
(1519–1593)
June 1,
1590
October 25,
1593
8 Pedro de Rojas' signature.svg Pedro de Rojas
Acting Governor-General
October
1593
December 3,
1593
9 Luis Pérez Dasmariñas' signature.svg Luis Pérez Dasmariñas
(1567/1568–1603)
December 3,
1593
July 14,
1596
Gaspar de Zúñiga
5th Count of Monterrey

(1595–1603)
Philip III
(1598–1621)
10 Francisco de Tello de Guzmán's signature.svg Francisco de Tello de Guzmán
(1532–1603)
July 14,
1596
May
1602
11 Pedro de Acuña.jpg Pedro Bravo de Acuña
(died 1606)
May
1602
June 24,
1606
Juan de Mendoza y Luna
3rd Marquess of Montesclaros

(1603–1607)
12 Cristóbal Téllez Almazán's signature.svg Cristóbal Téllez Almazán
Real Audiencia
(died 1612)
June 24,
1606
June 15,
1608
Luis de Velasco
1st Marquess of Salinas

(1607–1611)
13 Rodrigo de Vivero, 1st Count of Valle de Orizaba's signature.svg Rodrigo de Vivero
Acting Governor-General
(1564–1636)
June 15,
1608
April
1609
14 Juan de Silva's signature.svg Juan de Silva
(died 1616)
April
1609
April 19,
1616
García Guerra
Archbishop of Mexico
(1611–1612)
Pedro Otárola
Dean of the Audiencia
(1612)
Diego Fernández de Córdoba
1st Marquess of Guadalcázar

(1612–1621)
15 Andrés de Alcaraz's signature.svg Andrés de Alcaraz
Real Audiencia
April 19,
1616
July 3,
1618
16 Alonso Fajardo de Tenza's signature.svg Alonso Fajardo de Tenza
(died 1624)
July 3,
1618
July
1624
Paz de Valecillo
Dean of the Audiencia
(1621)
Philip IV
(1621–1665)
Diego Carrillo de Mendoza
1st Marquess of Gélves

(1621–1624)
17 Jerónimo de Silva's signature.svg Jeronimo de Silva
Real Audiencia
July
1624
June
1625
Rodrigo Pacheco
3rd Marquess of Cerralvo

(1624–1635)
18 Fernando de Silva's signature.svg Fernándo de Silva
Acting Governor-General}
June
1625
June 29,
1626
19 Juan Niño de Tabora's signature.svg Juan Niño de Tabora
(died 1632)
June 29,
1626
July 22,
1632
20 Lorenzo de Olaso's signature.svg Lorenzo de Olaso
Real Audiencia
July 22,
1632
1633
21 Juan Cerezo de Salamanca's signature.svg Juan Cerezo de Salamanca
Acting Governor-General
August 29,
1633
June 25,
1635
22 Sebastián Hurtado de Corcuera.jpg Sebastián Hurtado de Corcuera
(1587–1660)
June 25,
1635
August 11,
1644
Lope Díez de Armendáriz
1st Marquess of Cadreita

(1635–1640)
Diego López Pacheco
7th Duke of Escalona

(1640–1642)
Juan de Palafox y Mendoza
Bishop of Puebla
(1642)
García Sarmiento de Sotomayor
2nd Count of Salvatierra

(1642–1648)
23 Diego Fajardo Chacón's signature.svg Diego Fajardo Chacón August 11,
1644
July 25,
1653
Marcos de Torres y Rueda
Bishop of Yucatan
(1648–1649)
Matías de Peralta
Dean of the Audiencia
(1649–1650)
Luis Enríquez de Guzmán
9th Count of Alba de Liste

(1650–1653)
24 Sabiniano Manrique de Lara's signature.svg Sabiniano Manrique de Lara
(1606–1679)
July 25,
1653
September 8,
1663
Francisco Fernández de la Cueva
8th Duke of Alburquerque
(1653–1660)
Juan Francisco Leiva y de la Cerda
5th Marquess of Adrada

(1660–1664)
25 Diego Salcedo's signature.svg Diego de Salcedo September 8,
1663
September 28,
1668
Diego Osorio de Escobar y Llamas
Bishop of Puebla
(1664)
Antonio Sebastián Álvarez de Toledo
2nd Marquess of Mancera

(1664–1673)
Charles II
(1665–1700)
26 Juan Manuel de la Peña Bonifaz's signature.svg Juan Manuel de la Peña Bonifaz
Acting Governor-General
(died 1669)
September 28,
1668
September 24,
1669
27 Manuel de León y Saravia's signature.svg Manuel de León September 24,
1669
September 21,
1677
Payo Enríquez de Rivera
Bishop of Puebla and Archbishop of Mexico
(1673–1680)
28 Francisco Coloma y Maceda's signature.svg Francisco Coloma y Maceda
Real Audiencia
(1617–1677)
April 11,
1677
September 25,
1677
29 Francisco de Montemayor y Mansilla's signature.svg Francisco de Montemayor y Mansilla
Real Audiencia
September 21,
1677
September 28,
1678
30 Juan de Vargas Hurtado's signature.svg Juan de Vargas Hurtado September 28,
1678
August 24,
1684
Tomás de la Cerda
3rd Marquess of la Laguna de Camero Viejo

(1680–1686)
31 Gabriel de Curucelaegui y Arriola's signature.svg Gabriel de Curucealegui y Arriola August 24,
1684
April
1689
Melchor Portocarrero
3rd Count of Monclova

(1686–1688)
Gaspar de la Cerda
8th Count of Galve

(1688–1696)
32 Alonso de Abella Fuertes' signature.svg Alonso de Abella Fuertes
Real Audiencia
April
1689
July
1690
33 Fausto Cruzat y Góngora's signature.svg Fausto Cruzat y Góngora
(died 1702)
July 25,
1690
December 8,
1701
Juan Ortega y Montañés
Bishop of Durango, Bishop of Guatemala, Bishop of Michoacán and Archbishop of Mexico
(1696)
José Sarmiento de Valladares
1st Duke of Atrisco

(1696–1701)
Philip V
(1700–1724)
Juan Ortega y Montañés
Archbishop of Mexico
(1701–1702)
34 Domingo de Zabálburu's signature.svg Domingo Zabálburu de Echevarri December 8,
1701
August 25,
1709
Francisco Fernández de la Cueva
1st Duke of Alburquerque

(1702–1710)
35 Martín de Ursúa's signature.svg Martín de Ursúa
1st Count of Lizárraga

(1653–1715)
August 25,
1709
February 4,
1715
Fernando de Alencastre
1st Duke of Linares

(1710–1716)
36 José-de-Torralba s-signature-2.svg José Torralba
Real Audiencia
(1653–1726)
February 4,
1715
August 9,
1717
Baltasar de Zúñiga
1st Duke of Arión

(1716–1722)
37 Governor General Fernando Bustamante.JPG Fernando Manuel de Bustillo Bustamante y Rueda
(died 1719)
August 9,
1717
October 11,
1719
38 Francisco de la Cuesta.jpg Francisco de la Cuesta
Archbishop of Manila
Acting Governor-General
(1661–1724)
October 11,
1719
August 6,
1721
39 Toribio de Cossío's signature.svg Toribio de Cossío August 6,
1721
August 14,
1729
Juan de Acuña
1st Marquess of Casa Fuerte

(1722–1734)
Louis I
(1724)
Philip V
(1724–1746)
40 Fernando Valdés Tamón's signature.svg Fernándo Valdés Tamón August 14,
1729
July
1739
Juan Antonio de Vizarrón y Eguiarreta
Archbishop of Mexico
(1734–1740)
41 Gaspar de la Torre.jpg Gaspar de la Torre y Ayala
(died 1745)
July
1739
September 21,
1745
Pedro de Castro
1st Duke of la Conquista

(1740–1741)
Pedro Malo de Villavicencio
President of the Audiencia
(1741–1742)
Pedro Cebrián
5th Count of Fuenclara

(1742–1746)
42 Juan de Arechederra's signature.svg Juan de Arechederra
Bishop-elect of Nueva Segovia
Acting Governor-General
(1681–1751)
September 21,
1745
July 20,
1750
Juan Francisco de Güemes y Horcasitas
1st Count of Revillagigedo

(1746–1755)
Ferdinand VI
(1746–1759)
43 Francisco José de Ovando's signature.svg Francisco José de Ovando
1st Marquess of Brindisi

(1693–1755)
July 20,
1750
July 26,
1754
44 Pedro Manuel de Arandía's signature.svg Pedro Manuel de Arandía Santisteban
(1699–1759)
July 26,
1754
May 31,
1759
Agustín de Ahumada
2nd Marquess of Amarillas

(1755–1760)
45 Miguel Lino de Ezpeleta's signature.svg Miguel Lino de Ezpeleta
Bishop of Cebu
Acting Governor-General
(1701–1771)
June
1759
May 31,
1761
Charles III
(1759–1788)
Francisco Antonio de Echávarri
Dean of the Audiencia
(1760)
Francisco Cajigal de la Vega
(1760)
Joaquín de Montserrat
1st Marquess of Cruillas

(1760–1766)
46 Manuel Antonio Rojo del Rio Vera.jpg Manuel Rojo del Río y Vieyra
Archbishop of Manila
Acting Governor-General
(1708–1764)
July
1761
October 6,
1762

British Occupation of Manila (1761–1764)

After Spain lost the Battle of Manila in 1762, the British took control of Manila and Cavite. For a short time, there were two governors-general in the Philippines: one Spanish and one British. The Spanish governor-general moved to Bacolor, Pampanga, to continue ruling the rest of the islands.

British Governor-General

No. Portrait Name Tenure start Tenure end Monarch
46a Coat of arms of Great Britain (1714–1801).svg Dawsonne Drake
(1724–1784)
November 2,
1762
May 31,
1764
George III
(1760–1820)

Spanish Governor-General During British Occupation

No. Portrait Name Tenure start Tenure end Viceroy of New Spain Monarch
47 Simón de Anda y Salazar.jpg Simón de Anda y Salazar
(1709–1776)
October 6,
1762
February 10,
1764
Joaquín de Montserrat
1st Marquess of Cruillas

(1760–1766)
Charles III
(1759–1788)

Spanish Rule: Direct Control (1764–1898)

After the British left Manila in 1764, the Spanish governor-general returned to power. The Philippines was still under the Viceroy of New Spain until Mexico became independent in 1821. From then on, the Philippines was directly governed by the Spanish Crown in Madrid.

No. Portrait Name Tenure start Tenure end Viceroy of New Spain Monarch
48 Francisco Javier de la Torre's signature.svg Francisco Javier de la Torre
Acting Governor-General
March 17,
1764
July 6,
1765
Joaquín de Montserrat
1st Marquess of Cruillas

(1760–1766)
Charles III
(1759–1788)
49 José Antonio Raón y Gutiérrez's signature.svg José Antonio Raón y Gutiérrez
(1700–1773)
July 6,
1765
July
1770
Carlos Francisco de Croix
1st Marquess of Croix

(1766–1771)
(47) Simón de Anda y Salazar.jpg Simón de Anda y Salazar
(1709–1776)
July
1770
October 30,
1776
Antonio María de Bucareli
(1771–1779)
50 Pedro Sarrió's signature.svg Pedro Sarrió
Acting Governor-General
October 30,
1776
July
1778
51 José Basco y Vargas.jpg José Basco y Vargas
(1733–1805)
July
1778
September 22,
1787
Francisco Romá y Rosell
Regent of the Audiencia
(1779)
Martín de Mayorga
Captain General of Guatemala
(1779–1783)
Matías de Gálvez y Gallardo
Captain General of Guatemala
(1783–1784)
Vicente de Herrera y Rivero
Regent of the Audiencia
(1784–1785)
Bernardo de Gálvez
1st Count of Gálvez

(1785–1786)
Eusebio Sánchez Pareja
Regent of the Audiencia
(1786–1787)
Alonso Núñez de Haro y Peralta
Archbishop of Mexico
(1787)
Manuel Antonio Flórez
(1787–1789)
(50) Pedro Sarrió's signature.svg Pedro Sarrió
Acting Governor-General
September 22,
1787
July 1,
1788
51 Felix Berenguer.jpg Félix Berenguer de Marquina
(1733–1826)
July 1,
1788
September 1,
1793
Charles IV
(1788–1808)
Juan Vicente de Güemes
2nd Count of Revillagigedo

(1789–1794)
52 Rafael-Mar-a-de-Aguilar-s-signature.svg Rafael María de Aguilar y Ponce de León
(1737–1806)
September 1,
1793
August 7,
1806
Miguel de la Grúa Talamanca
1st Marquess of Branciforte

(1794–1798)
Miguel José de Azanza
1st Duke of Santa Fe

(1798–1800)
Félix Berenguer de Marquina
(1800–1803)
José de Iturrigaray
(1803–1808)
53 Mariano Fernández de Folgueras' signature.svg Mariano Fernández de Folgueras
Acting Governor-General
(1766–1823)
August 7,
1806
March 4,
1810
Ferdinand VII
(1808)
Joseph Bonaparte
(1808–1813)
Pedro de Garibay
(1808–1809)
Francisco Javier de Lizana y Beaumont
Archbishop of Mexico
(1809–1810)
54 Manuel González de Aguilar's signature.svg Manuel González de Aguilar March 4,
1810
September 4,
1813
Pedro Catani
(1810)
Francisco Javier Venegas
1st Marquess of Reunión and New Spain

(1810–1813)
Félix María Calleja del Rey
1st Count of Calderón
(1813–1816)
55 Retrato de José Mendoza y Ríos (1763-1816), capitán de navío de la Real Armada - Anónimo.jpg José de Gardoqui y Jarabeitia September 4,
1813
December 10,
1816
Ferdinand VII
(1813–1833)
Juan Ruiz de Apodaca
1st Count of Venadito

(1816–1821)
(53) Mariano Fernández de Folgueras' signature.svg Mariano Fernández de Folgueras
Acting Governor-General
(1766–1823)
December 10,
1816
September 15,
1821
Francisco Novella Azabal Pérez y Sicardo
(1821)
Juan O'Donojú
(1821)

Direct Spanish Control (1821–1898)

After Mexico gained independence in 1821, the Philippines was no longer managed through New Spain. Instead, it was directly governed by the Spanish Crown from Madrid.

No. Portrait Name Tenure start Tenure end Monarch
(53) Mariano Fernández de Folgueras' signature.svg Mariano Fernández de Folgueras
Acting Governor-General
(1766–1823)
September 16,
1821
October 30,
1822
Ferdinand VII
(1813–1833)
54 Juan Antonio Martínez.jpg Juan Antonio Martínez October 30,
1822
October 14,
1825
55 Mariano Ricafort Palacín y Abarca's signature.svg Mariano Ricafort Palacín y Abarca
(1776–1846)
October 14,
1825
December 23,
1830
56 Jose Maria Penarada DamianDomingo 1832.png Pasqual Enrile y Alcedo
(1772–1836)
December 23,
1830
March 1,
1835
Isabella II
(1833–1868)
57 Gabriel de Torres' signature.svg Gabriel de Torres March 1,
1835
April 23,
1835
58 Lesser Royal Coat of Arms of Spain (1700-1868 and 1834-1930) Pillars of Hercules Variant.svg Joaquín de Crame
Acting Governor-General
April 23,
1835
September 9,
1835
59 Pedro Antonio Salazar's signature.svg Pedro Antonio Salazar Castillo y Varona
Acting Governor-General
September 9,
1835
August 27,
1837
60 GarcíaCamba.jpg Andrés García Camba
(1793–1861)
August 27,
1837
December 29,
1838
61 Luis Lardizábal's signature.svg Luis Lardizábal December 29,
1838
February 14,
1841
62 Oraa-Calbo (cropped).jpg Marcelino de Oraá Lecumberri
(1788–1851)
February 14,
1841
June 17,
1843
63 Francisco de Paula Alcalá de la Torre's signature.svg Francisco de Paula Alcalá de la Torre June 17,
1843
July 16,
1844
64 El teniente general Narciso Clavería y Zaldúa, conde de Manila (Museo del Prado).jpg Narciso Clavería y Zaldúa
1st Count of Manila

(1795–1851)
July 16,
1844
December 26,
1849
65 Antonio María Blanco's signature.svg Antonio María Blanco
Acting Governor-General
December 26,
1849
July 29,
1850
66 Juan Antonio de Urbiztondo, marqués de la Solana.jpg Juan Antonio de Urbiztondo, Marquis of La Solana
(1803–1857)
July 29,
1850
December 20,
1853
67 Ramón Montero y Blandino (Museo del Prado).jpg Ramón Montero y Blandino
Acting Governor-General
December 20,
1853
February 2,
1854
68 Manuel Pavía y Lacy, 1st Marquis of Novaliches.jpg Manuel Pavía y Lacy
1st Marquess of Novaliches

(1814–1896)
February 2,
1854
October 28,
1854
(67) Ramón Montero y Blandino (Museo del Prado).jpg Ramón Montero y Blandino
Acting Governor-General
October 28,
1854
November 20,
1854
69 1852, Estado Mayor General del Ejército Español, Manuel Crespo Cebrián (cropped).jpg Manuel Crespo y Cebrían
(1793–1868)
November 20,
1854
December 5,
1856
(67) Ramón Montero y Blandino (Museo del Prado).jpg Ramón Montero y Blandino
Acting Governor-General
December 5,
1856
March 9,
1857
70 Teniente coronel Fernando Norzagaray.png Fernando de Norzagaray y Escudero
(1808–1860)
March 9,
1857
January 12,
1860
71 Ramón María Solano y Llanderal.jpg Ramón María Solano y Llanderal January 12,
1860
August 29,
1860
72 Juan Herrera Dávila y Alvear's signature.svg Juan Herrera Dávila
Acting Governor-General
August 29,
1860
February 2,
1861
73 José Lemery e Ibarrola Ney y González (Museo del Prado).jpg José Lémery e Ibarrola
(1811–1886)
February 2,
1861
July 7,
1862
74 Salvador Valdés' signature.svg Salvador Valdés
Acting Governor-General
July 7,
1862
July 9,
1862
75 CARTE DE VISITE DEL GENERAL ECHAGÜE (COLECCIÓN ROMERO ORTIZ).jpg Rafaél de Echagüe y Bermingham
(1815–1915)
July 9,
1862
March 24,
1865
76 Joaquín del Solar's signature.svg Joaquín del Solar e Ibáñez
Acting Governor-General
March 24,
1865
April 25,
1865
77 Bernardo blanco-Retrato de Juan de Lara Irigoyen.jpg Juan de Lara e Irigoyen April 25,
1865
July 13,
1866
78 José Laureano Sanz y Posse.jpg José Laureano de Sanz y Posse
Acting Governor-General
(1819–1898)
July 13,
1866
September 21,
1866
79 Lesser Royal Coat of Arms of Spain (1700-1868 and 1834-1930) Pillars of Hercules Variant.svg Antonio Osorio y Mallén
(1808-1881)
Acting Governor-General
September 21,
1866
September 27,
1866
(76) Joaquín del Solar's signature.svg Joaquín del Solar e Ibáñez September 27,
1866
October 26,
1866
80 José de la Gándara y Navarro.jpg José de la Gándara y Navarro
(1820–1885)
October 26,
1866
June 7,
1869
Francisco Serrano
1st Duke of la Torre

Regent
(1868–1870)
(81) Manuel Álvarez Maldonado y Loriga's signature.svg Manuel Maldonado
Acting Governor-General
June 7,
1869
June 23,
1869
82 Carlos Maria de la Torre.jpg Carlos María de la Torre y Navacerrada
(1809–1879)
June 23,
1869
April 4,
1871
Amadeo I
(1870–1873)
83 Retrato de Rafael Izquierdo y Gutiérrez.jpg Rafael Izquierdo y Gutiérrez
(1820–1883)
April 4,
1871
January 8,
1873
(84) Manuel Mac-Crohon's signature.svg Manuel MacCrohon
Acting Governor-General
January 8,
1873
January 24,
1873
85 Capuz-general alaminos.png Juan Alaminos y Vivar
(1813–1899)
January 24,
1873
March 17,
1874
Estanislao Figueras
President
(1873)
Francesc Pi i Margall
President
(1873)
Nicolás Salmerón y Alonso
President
(1873)
Emilio Castelar
President
(1873–1874)
Francisco Serrano
President
(1874)
86 Manuel Blanco Valderrama's signature.svg Manuel Blanco Valderrama
Acting Governor-General
March 17,
1874
June 18,
1874
87 José Malcampo (cropped).jpg José Malcampo
3rd Marquess of San Rafael

(1828–1880)
June 18,
1874
February 28,
1877
Alfonso XII
(1874–1885)
88 Domingo Moriones y Murillo.jpg Domingo Moriones y Murillo
(1823–1881)
February 28,
1877
March 20,
1880
89 Rafael Rodríguez Arias, La Ilustración Española y Americana.jpg Rafael Rodríguez Arias
Acting Governor-General
(1819–1898)
March 20,
1880
April 15,
1880
90 Primo de Rivera 1893.JPG Fernando Primo de Rivera
1st Marquess of Estella

(1831–1921)
April 15,
1880
March 10,
1883
(91) Lesser Royal Coat of Arms of Spain (1700-1868 and 1834-1930) Pillars of Hercules Variant.svg Emilio Molíns
Acting Governor-General
(1824–1889)
March 10,
1883
April 7,
1883
92 General Joaquin Jovellar y Soler painting.jpg Joaquín Jovellar y Soler
(1819–1892)
April 7,
1883
April 1,
1885
(91) Lesser Royal Coat of Arms of Spain (1700-1868 and 1834-1930) Pillars of Hercules Variant.svg Emilio Molíns
Acting Governor-General
(1824–1889)
April 1,
1885
April 4,
1885
92 Emilio Terrero.jpg Emilio Terrero y Perinat
(1827–1890)
April 4,
1885
April 25,
1888
Maria Christina
Regent
(1885–1886)
Alfonso XIII
(1886–1931)
93 Antonio Moltó.jpg Antonio Moltó y Díaz Berrio
Acting Governor-General
April 25,
1888
June 4,
1888
94 Lesser Royal Coat of Arms of Spain (1700-1868 and 1834-1930) Pillars of Hercules Variant.svg Federico Lobatón y Prieto
Acting Governor-General
June 4,
1888
June 5,
1888
95 Valeriano Weyler.gif Valeriano Weyler
1st Marquess of Tenerife

(1838–1930)
June 5,
1888
November 17,
1891
96 Eulogio Despujols y Dusay.jpg Eulogio Despujol y Dusay
1st Count of Caspe

(1834–1907)
November 17,
1891
March 1,
1893
97 General Ochando.jpg Federico Ochando
Acting Governor-General
(1848–1929)
March 1,
1893
May 4,
1893
98 General Ramón Blanco y Erenas.jpg Ramón Blanco
1st Marquess of Peña Plata

(1833–1906)
May 4,
1893
December 13,
1896
99 Camilo Polavieja, en La Esfera.jpg Camilo Garcia de Polavieja
1st Marquess of Polavieja

Acting Governor-General
(1838–1914)
December 13,
1896
April 15,
1897
100 José de Lachambre.png José de Lachambre
Acting Governor-General
(1846–1903)
April 15,
1897
April 23,
1897
(90) Primo de Rivera 1893.JPG Fernando Primo de Rivera
1st Marquess of Estella

(1831–1921)
April 23,
1897
April 11,
1898
101 Basilio Augustín y Dávila.jpg Basilio Augustín
(1840–1910)
April 11,
1898
July 24,
1898
102 Fermín Jáudenes.png Fermín Jáudenes''
Acting Governor-General
(1836–1915)
July 24,
1898
August 13,
1898
103 Francisco Rizzo.jpg Francisco Rizzo''
Acting Governor-General
(1831–1910)
August 13,
1898
September
1898
104 Diego de los Ríos y Nicolau (22 de enero de 1910, La Ilustración Española y Americana, Franzen).jpg Diego de los Ríos''
Acting Governor-General
(1850–1911)
September
1898
December 10,
1898

American Military Government (1898–1902)

After the Spanish-American War, American forces took control of Manila on August 13, 1898. The United States military then set up a temporary government. The military governor was in charge of all civil affairs during this time.

No. Portrait Name Tenure start Tenure end President
1 MajorGeneralWesleyMerritt (cropped).JPG Wesley Merritt
(1836–1910)
August 14,
1898
August 30,
1898
William McKinley
(1897–1901)
2 Elwell S. Otis.jpg Elwell Stephen Otis
(1838–1909)
August 30,
1898
May 5,
1900
3 Arthur MacArthur Jr.jpg Arthur MacArthur Jr.
(1845–1912)
May 5,
1900
July 4,
1901
4 Gen. Adna R. Chaffee, half-length portrait, facing left, in uniform LCCN97508364 (cropped).jpg Adna Chaffee
(1842–1914)
July 4,
1901
July 4,
1902
Theodore Roosevelt
(1901–1909)

American Civilian Government (1901–1935)

On July 4, 1901, the United States changed how it governed the Philippines. A "Civil Governor" was appointed by the U.S. President. For a year, both a military governor and a civil governor were in charge. After that, the civil governor became the sole leader. The title was later changed to "Governor-General of the Philippine Islands," similar to the Spanish era. This period was called the "Insular Government" because the Philippines was an "insular area" (an island territory) of the U.S.

No. Portrait Name Tenure start Tenure end President
1 William Howard Taft.jpg William Howard Taft
(1857–1930)
July 4,
1901
February 1,
1904
William McKinley
(1897–1901)
Theodore Roosevelt
(1901–1909)
2 Luke Edward Wright.jpg Luke Edward Wright
(1846–1922)
February 1,
1904
November 3,
1905
3 Henry Clay Ide 710x1024.jpg Henry Clay Ide
(1844–1921)
November 3,
1905
September 19,
1906
4 GenJFSmith.jpg James Francis Smith
(1859–1928)
September 20,
1906
November 11,
1909
William Howard Taft
(1909–1913)
5 W. Cameron Forbes cph.3b13852.jpg William Cameron Forbes
(1870–1959)
November 11,
1909
September 1,
1913
Woodrow Wilson
(1913–1921)
Newton W. Gilbert (Governor General of the Philippines).jpg Newton W. Gilbert
(1862–1939)
Acting Governor-General
September 1,
1913
October 6,
1913
6 Francis Burton Harrison, seated.jpg Francis Burton Harrison
(1873–1957)
October 6,
1913
March 5,
1921
Warren G. Harding
(1921–1923)
Charles Emmett Yeater (Philippines Governor General).jpg Charles Yeater
(1861–1943)
Acting Governor-General
March 5,
1921
October 14,
1921
7 General Leonard Wood Rol BNF Gallica.jpg Leonard Wood
(1860–1927)
October 14,
1921
August 7,
1927
Calvin Coolidge
(1923–1929)
Eugene Allen Gilmore in "The badger" (1916).jpg Eugene Allen Gilmore
(1871–1953)
Acting Governor-General
August 7,
1927
December 27,
1927
8 Henry Stimson, Harris & Ewing bw photo portrait, 1929.jpg Henry L. Stimson
(1867–1950)
December 27,
1927
February 23,
1929
Herbert Hoover
(1929–1933)
Eugene Allen Gilmore in "The badger" (1916).jpg Eugene Allen Gilmore
(1871–1953)
Acting Governor-General
February 23,
1929
July 8,
1929
9 Dwight Davis, Bain bw photo portrait.jpg Dwight F. Davis
(1879–1945)
July 8,
1929
January 9,
1932
George C. Butte (Philippines Governor).jpg George C. Butte
(1877–1940)
Acting Governor-General
January 9,
1932
February 29,
1932
10 Theodore Roosevelt Jr. 1921.jpg Theodore Roosevelt Jr.
(1886–1944)
February 29,
1932
July 15,
1933
Franklin D. Roosevelt
(1933–1945)
11 Justice Frank Murphy.jpg Frank Murphy
(1890–1949)
July 15,
1933
November 14,
1935

High Commissioner to the Philippines (1935–1946)

When the Commonwealth of the Philippines was formed in 1935, the governor-general position changed. It became the "High Commissioner," who represented the United States but didn't have executive power. The high commissioner moved from the Malacañang Palace to a new residence. After the Philippines gained full independence on July 4, 1946, the last high commissioner became the first U.S. Ambassador.

No. Portrait Name Tenure start Tenure end President
1 Justice Frank Murphy.jpg Frank Murphy
(1890–1949)
November 14,
1935
December 31,
1936
Franklin D. Roosevelt
(1933–1945)
J. Weldon Jones.jpg J. Weldon Jones
(1896–1982)
Acting High Commissioner
December 31,
1936
April 26,
1937
2 Paul V McNutt Oct 1941.jpg Paul V. McNutt
(1891–1955)
April 26,
1937
July 12,
1939
J. Weldon Jones.jpg J. Weldon Jones
(1896–1982)
Acting High Commissioner
July 12,
1939
October 28,
1939
3 New Governor General of Philippines. Washington, D.C., July 27. Francis B. Sayre, Assistant Secretary of State LCCN2016876006.jpg Francis Bowes Sayre Sr.
(1885–1972)
October 28,
1939
October 12,
1942
4 Ickes.gif Harold L. Ickes
(1874–1952)
October 12,
1942
September 14,
1945
Harry S. Truman
(1945–1953)
5 Paul V McNutt Oct 1941.jpg Paul V. McNutt
(1891–1955)
September 14,
1945
July 4,
1946

Japanese Military Governors (1942–1945)

During World War II, Japan invaded the Philippines in December 1941. They appointed military governors to control the country. Later, they set up a puppet government called the Second Philippine Republic. The role of Governor-General was officially ended on September 2, 1945. The Philippines became fully independent from the United States on July 4, 1946.

No. Portrait Name Tenure start Tenure end Emperor
1 Honma Masaharu.jpg Masaharu Homma
(1887–1946)
January 3,
1942
June 8,
1942
Hirohito
(1926–1989)
2 Tanaka Shizuichi.jpg Shizuichi Tanaka
(1887–1945)
June 8,
1942
May 28,
1943
3 Kuroda Shigenori.jpg Shigenori Kuroda
(1887–1952)
May 28,
1943
September 26,
1944
4 Face detail, Yamashita Tomoyuki Osaka (cropped).jpg Tomoyuki Yamashita
(1885–1946)
September 26,
1944
September 2,
1945

Vice-Governors of the Philippines

The position of Vice-Governor was created in 1901. This person would step in as Governor-General if the main governor was sick or away.

No. Portrait Name Tenure start Tenure end
1 Luke Edward Wright.jpg Luke Edward Wright
(1846–1922)
October 29,
1901
January 31,
1904
2 Henry Clay Ide 710x1024.jpg Henry Clay Ide
(1844–1921)
February 1,
1904
March 30,
1906
3 W. Cameron Forbes cph.3b13852.jpg William Cameron Forbes
(1870–1959)
July 31,
1908
November 10,
1909
4 Newton W. Gilbert (Governor General of the Philippines).jpg Newton W. Gilbert
(1862–1939)
February 14,
1910
November 30,
1913
5 Henderson S. Martin.jpg Henderson S. Martin
December 1,
1913
June 28,
1917
6 Charles Emmett Yeater (Philippines Governor General).jpg Charles Yeater
(1861–1943)
June 29,
1917
January 25,
1922
7 Eugene Allen Gilmore in "The badger" (1916).jpg Eugene Allen Gilmore
(1871–1953)
January 26,
1922
June 20,
1930
Nicholas Roosevelt, WWI.jpg Nicholas Roosevelt
(1893–1982)
Ad interim

July 29,
1930
September 24,
1930
8 George C. Butte (Philippines Governor).jpg George C. Butte
(1877–1940)
December 31,
1930
June 30,
1932
9 Joseph R. Hayden.tif Joseph R. Hayden
(1887–1945)
November 7,
1933
November 15,
1935

Timelines

1750–1800

1800–1850

1850–1898

1898–1946

See also

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Governor-General of the Philippines Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.