Governor-General of the Philippines facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Governor-General of the Philippines |
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Residence | Fort San Pedro (1565–1572) Palacio del Gobernador (1572–1863) Malacañang Palace (1863–1945) Mansion House (1942–1945) |
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Appointer | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
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Precursor | Various, the barangay system |
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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) |
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Final holder | Diego de los Ríos (under Spain) Dawsonne Drake (under Great Britain) Frank Murphy (under the United States) Tomoyuki Yamashita (under Japan) |
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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.
Contents
- Spanish Rule: Early Years (1565–1764)
- British Occupation of Manila (1761–1764)
- Spanish Rule: Direct Control (1764–1898)
- American Military Government (1898–1902)
- American Civilian Government (1901–1935)
- High Commissioner to the Philippines (1935–1946)
- Japanese Military Governors (1942–1945)
- Vice-Governors of the Philippines
- Timelines
- See also
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 |
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1 | ![]() |
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) |
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Alonso Muñoz and Luis Carrillo (1567–1568) |
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Alonso Muñoz (1568) |
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Francisco Ceinos Dean of the Audiencia (1564–1566) |
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Martín Enríquez de Almanza (1568–1580) |
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2 | ![]() |
Guido de Lavezaris (1512–1581) |
August 20, 1572 |
August 25, 1575 |
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3 | ![]() |
Francisco de Sande (1540–1602) |
August 25, 1575 |
April 1580 |
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4 | ![]() |
Gonzalo Ronquillo de Peñalosa (died 1583) |
April 1580 |
March 10, 1583 |
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Lorenzo Suárez de Mendoza 5th Count of Coruña (1580–1583) |
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5 | ![]() |
Diego Ronquillo Acting Governor-General |
March 10, 1583 |
May 16, 1584 |
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Luis de Villanueva y Zapata Dean of the Audiencia (1583–1584) |
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6 | ![]() |
Santiago de Vera (died 1606) |
May 16, 1584 |
May 1590 |
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Pedro Moya de Contreras Archbishop of Mexico (1584–1585) |
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Álvaro Manrique de Zúñiga 1st Marquess of Villamanrique (1585–1590) |
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Luis de Velasco 1st Marquess of Salinas (1590–1595) |
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7 | ![]() |
Gómez Pérez Dasmariñas (1519–1593) |
June 1, 1590 |
October 25, 1593 |
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8 | ![]() |
Pedro de Rojas Acting Governor-General |
October 1593 |
December 3, 1593 |
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9 | ![]() |
Luis Pérez Dasmariñas (1567/1568–1603) |
December 3, 1593 |
July 14, 1596 |
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Gaspar de Zúñiga 5th Count of Monterrey (1595–1603) |
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Philip III (1598–1621) |
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10 | ![]() |
Francisco de Tello de Guzmán (1532–1603) |
July 14, 1596 |
May 1602 |
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11 | ![]() |
Pedro Bravo de Acuña (died 1606) |
May 1602 |
June 24, 1606 |
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Juan de Mendoza y Luna 3rd Marquess of Montesclaros (1603–1607) |
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12 | ![]() |
Cristóbal Téllez Almazán Real Audiencia (died 1612) |
June 24, 1606 |
June 15, 1608 |
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Luis de Velasco 1st Marquess of Salinas (1607–1611) |
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13 | ![]() |
Rodrigo de Vivero Acting Governor-General (1564–1636) |
June 15, 1608 |
April 1609 |
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14 | ![]() |
Juan de Silva (died 1616) |
April 1609 |
April 19, 1616 |
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García Guerra Archbishop of Mexico (1611–1612) |
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Pedro Otárola Dean of the Audiencia (1612) |
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Diego Fernández de Córdoba 1st Marquess of Guadalcázar (1612–1621) |
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15 | ![]() |
Andrés de Alcaraz Real Audiencia |
April 19, 1616 |
July 3, 1618 |
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16 | ![]() |
Alonso Fajardo de Tenza (died 1624) |
July 3, 1618 |
July 1624 |
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Paz de Valecillo Dean of the Audiencia (1621) |
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Philip IV (1621–1665) |
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Diego Carrillo de Mendoza 1st Marquess of Gélves (1621–1624) |
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17 | ![]() |
Jeronimo de Silva Real Audiencia |
July 1624 |
June 1625 |
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Rodrigo Pacheco 3rd Marquess of Cerralvo (1624–1635) |
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18 | ![]() |
Fernándo de Silva Acting Governor-General} |
June 1625 |
June 29, 1626 |
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19 | ![]() |
Juan Niño de Tabora (died 1632) |
June 29, 1626 |
July 22, 1632 |
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20 | ![]() |
Lorenzo de Olaso Real Audiencia |
July 22, 1632 |
1633 | ||
21 | ![]() |
Juan Cerezo de Salamanca Acting Governor-General |
August 29, 1633 |
June 25, 1635 |
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22 | ![]() |
Sebastián Hurtado de Corcuera (1587–1660) |
June 25, 1635 |
August 11, 1644 |
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Lope Díez de Armendáriz 1st Marquess of Cadreita (1635–1640) |
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Diego López Pacheco 7th Duke of Escalona (1640–1642) |
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Juan de Palafox y Mendoza Bishop of Puebla (1642) |
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García Sarmiento de Sotomayor 2nd Count of Salvatierra (1642–1648) |
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23 | ![]() |
Diego Fajardo Chacón | August 11, 1644 |
July 25, 1653 |
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Marcos de Torres y Rueda Bishop of Yucatan (1648–1649) |
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Matías de Peralta Dean of the Audiencia (1649–1650) |
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Luis Enríquez de Guzmán 9th Count of Alba de Liste (1650–1653) |
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24 | ![]() |
Sabiniano Manrique de Lara (1606–1679) |
July 25, 1653 |
September 8, 1663 |
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Francisco Fernández de la Cueva 8th Duke of Alburquerque (1653–1660) |
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Juan Francisco Leiva y de la Cerda 5th Marquess of Adrada (1660–1664) |
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25 | ![]() |
Diego de Salcedo | September 8, 1663 |
September 28, 1668 |
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Diego Osorio de Escobar y Llamas Bishop of Puebla (1664) |
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Antonio Sebastián Álvarez de Toledo 2nd Marquess of Mancera (1664–1673) |
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Charles II (1665–1700) |
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26 | ![]() |
Juan Manuel de la Peña Bonifaz Acting Governor-General (died 1669) |
September 28, 1668 |
September 24, 1669 |
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27 | ![]() |
Manuel de León | September 24, 1669 |
September 21, 1677 |
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Payo Enríquez de Rivera Bishop of Puebla and Archbishop of Mexico (1673–1680) |
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28 | ![]() |
Francisco Coloma y Maceda Real Audiencia (1617–1677) |
April 11, 1677 |
September 25, 1677 |
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29 | ![]() |
Francisco de Montemayor y Mansilla Real Audiencia |
September 21, 1677 |
September 28, 1678 |
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30 | ![]() |
Juan de Vargas Hurtado | September 28, 1678 |
August 24, 1684 |
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Tomás de la Cerda 3rd Marquess of la Laguna de Camero Viejo (1680–1686) |
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31 | ![]() |
Gabriel de Curucealegui y Arriola | August 24, 1684 |
April 1689 |
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Melchor Portocarrero 3rd Count of Monclova (1686–1688) |
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Gaspar de la Cerda 8th Count of Galve (1688–1696) |
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32 | ![]() |
Alonso de Abella Fuertes Real Audiencia |
April 1689 |
July 1690 |
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33 | ![]() |
Fausto Cruzat y Góngora (died 1702) |
July 25, 1690 |
December 8, 1701 |
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Juan Ortega y Montañés Bishop of Durango, Bishop of Guatemala, Bishop of Michoacán and Archbishop of Mexico (1696) |
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José Sarmiento de Valladares 1st Duke of Atrisco (1696–1701) |
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Philip V (1700–1724) |
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Juan Ortega y Montañés Archbishop of Mexico (1701–1702) |
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34 | ![]() |
Domingo Zabálburu de Echevarri | December 8, 1701 |
August 25, 1709 |
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Francisco Fernández de la Cueva 1st Duke of Alburquerque (1702–1710) |
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35 | ![]() |
Martín de Ursúa 1st Count of Lizárraga (1653–1715) |
August 25, 1709 |
February 4, 1715 |
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Fernando de Alencastre 1st Duke of Linares (1710–1716) |
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36 | ![]() |
José Torralba Real Audiencia (1653–1726) |
February 4, 1715 |
August 9, 1717 |
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Baltasar de Zúñiga 1st Duke of Arión (1716–1722) |
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37 | Fernando Manuel de Bustillo Bustamante y Rueda (died 1719) |
August 9, 1717 |
October 11, 1719 |
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38 | ![]() |
Francisco de la Cuesta Archbishop of Manila Acting Governor-General (1661–1724) |
October 11, 1719 |
August 6, 1721 |
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39 | ![]() |
Toribio de Cossío | August 6, 1721 |
August 14, 1729 |
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Juan de Acuña 1st Marquess of Casa Fuerte (1722–1734) |
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Louis I (1724) |
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Philip V (1724–1746) |
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40 | ![]() |
Fernándo Valdés Tamón | August 14, 1729 |
July 1739 |
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Juan Antonio de Vizarrón y Eguiarreta Archbishop of Mexico (1734–1740) |
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41 | ![]() |
Gaspar de la Torre y Ayala (died 1745) |
July 1739 |
September 21, 1745 |
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Pedro de Castro 1st Duke of la Conquista (1740–1741) |
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Pedro Malo de Villavicencio President of the Audiencia (1741–1742) |
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Pedro Cebrián 5th Count of Fuenclara (1742–1746) |
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42 | ![]() |
Juan de Arechederra Bishop-elect of Nueva Segovia Acting Governor-General (1681–1751) |
September 21, 1745 |
July 20, 1750 |
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Juan Francisco de Güemes y Horcasitas 1st Count of Revillagigedo (1746–1755) |
Ferdinand VI (1746–1759) |
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43 | ![]() |
Francisco José de Ovando 1st Marquess of Brindisi (1693–1755) |
July 20, 1750 |
July 26, 1754 |
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44 | ![]() |
Pedro Manuel de Arandía Santisteban (1699–1759) |
July 26, 1754 |
May 31, 1759 |
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Agustín de Ahumada 2nd Marquess of Amarillas (1755–1760) |
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45 | ![]() |
Miguel Lino de Ezpeleta Bishop of Cebu Acting Governor-General (1701–1771) |
June 1759 |
May 31, 1761 |
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Charles III (1759–1788) |
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Francisco Antonio de Echávarri Dean of the Audiencia (1760) |
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Francisco Cajigal de la Vega (1760) |
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Joaquín de Montserrat 1st Marquess of Cruillas (1760–1766) |
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46 | ![]() |
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 |
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46a | ![]() |
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 |
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47 | ![]() |
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 |
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48 | ![]() |
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 (1700–1773) |
July 6, 1765 |
July 1770 |
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Carlos Francisco de Croix 1st Marquess of Croix (1766–1771) |
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(47) | ![]() |
Simón de Anda y Salazar (1709–1776) |
July 1770 |
October 30, 1776 |
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Antonio María de Bucareli (1771–1779) |
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50 | ![]() |
Pedro Sarrió Acting Governor-General |
October 30, 1776 |
July 1778 |
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51 | ![]() |
José Basco y Vargas (1733–1805) |
July 1778 |
September 22, 1787 |
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Francisco Romá y Rosell Regent of the Audiencia (1779) |
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Martín de Mayorga Captain General of Guatemala (1779–1783) |
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Matías de Gálvez y Gallardo Captain General of Guatemala (1783–1784) |
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Vicente de Herrera y Rivero Regent of the Audiencia (1784–1785) |
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Bernardo de Gálvez 1st Count of Gálvez (1785–1786) |
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Eusebio Sánchez Pareja Regent of the Audiencia (1786–1787) |
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Alonso Núñez de Haro y Peralta Archbishop of Mexico (1787) |
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Manuel Antonio Flórez (1787–1789) |
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(50) | ![]() |
Pedro Sarrió Acting Governor-General |
September 22, 1787 |
July 1, 1788 |
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51 | ![]() |
Félix Berenguer de Marquina (1733–1826) |
July 1, 1788 |
September 1, 1793 |
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Charles IV (1788–1808) |
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Juan Vicente de Güemes 2nd Count of Revillagigedo (1789–1794) |
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52 | ![]() |
Rafael María de Aguilar y Ponce de León (1737–1806) |
September 1, 1793 |
August 7, 1806 |
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Miguel de la Grúa Talamanca 1st Marquess of Branciforte (1794–1798) |
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Miguel José de Azanza 1st Duke of Santa Fe (1798–1800) |
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Félix Berenguer de Marquina (1800–1803) |
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José de Iturrigaray (1803–1808) |
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53 | ![]() |
Mariano Fernández de Folgueras Acting Governor-General (1766–1823) |
August 7, 1806 |
March 4, 1810 |
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Ferdinand VII (1808) |
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Joseph Bonaparte (1808–1813) |
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Pedro de Garibay (1808–1809) |
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Francisco Javier de Lizana y Beaumont Archbishop of Mexico (1809–1810) |
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54 | ![]() |
Manuel González de Aguilar | March 4, 1810 |
September 4, 1813 |
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Pedro Catani (1810) |
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Francisco Javier Venegas 1st Marquess of Reunión and New Spain (1810–1813) |
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Félix María Calleja del Rey 1st Count of Calderón (1813–1816) |
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55 | ![]() |
José de Gardoqui y Jarabeitia | September 4, 1813 |
December 10, 1816 |
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Ferdinand VII (1813–1833) |
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Juan Ruiz de Apodaca 1st Count of Venadito (1816–1821) |
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(53) | ![]() |
Mariano Fernández de Folgueras Acting Governor-General (1766–1823) |
December 10, 1816 |
September 15, 1821 |
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Francisco Novella Azabal Pérez y Sicardo (1821) |
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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 |
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(53) | ![]() |
Mariano Fernández de Folgueras Acting Governor-General (1766–1823) |
September 16, 1821 |
October 30, 1822 |
Ferdinand VII (1813–1833) |
54 | ![]() |
Juan Antonio Martínez | October 30, 1822 |
October 14, 1825 |
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55 | ![]() |
Mariano Ricafort Palacín y Abarca (1776–1846) |
October 14, 1825 |
December 23, 1830 |
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56 | ![]() |
Pasqual Enrile y Alcedo (1772–1836) |
December 23, 1830 |
March 1, 1835 |
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Isabella II (1833–1868) |
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57 | ![]() |
Gabriel de Torres | March 1, 1835 |
April 23, 1835 |
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58 | ![]() |
Joaquín de Crame Acting Governor-General |
April 23, 1835 |
September 9, 1835 |
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59 | ![]() |
Pedro Antonio Salazar Castillo y Varona Acting Governor-General |
September 9, 1835 |
August 27, 1837 |
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60 | ![]() |
Andrés García Camba (1793–1861) |
August 27, 1837 |
December 29, 1838 |
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61 | ![]() |
Luis Lardizábal | December 29, 1838 |
February 14, 1841 |
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62 | ![]() |
Marcelino de Oraá Lecumberri (1788–1851) |
February 14, 1841 |
June 17, 1843 |
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63 | ![]() |
Francisco de Paula Alcalá de la Torre | June 17, 1843 |
July 16, 1844 |
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64 | ![]() |
Narciso Clavería y Zaldúa 1st Count of Manila (1795–1851) |
July 16, 1844 |
December 26, 1849 |
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65 | ![]() |
Antonio María Blanco Acting Governor-General |
December 26, 1849 |
July 29, 1850 |
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66 | ![]() |
Juan Antonio de Urbiztondo, Marquis of La Solana (1803–1857) |
July 29, 1850 |
December 20, 1853 |
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67 | ![]() |
Ramón Montero y Blandino Acting Governor-General |
December 20, 1853 |
February 2, 1854 |
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68 | ![]() |
Manuel Pavía y Lacy 1st Marquess of Novaliches (1814–1896) |
February 2, 1854 |
October 28, 1854 |
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(67) | ![]() |
Ramón Montero y Blandino Acting Governor-General |
October 28, 1854 |
November 20, 1854 |
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69 | ![]() |
Manuel Crespo y Cebrían (1793–1868) |
November 20, 1854 |
December 5, 1856 |
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(67) | ![]() |
Ramón Montero y Blandino Acting Governor-General |
December 5, 1856 |
March 9, 1857 |
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70 | ![]() |
Fernando de Norzagaray y Escudero (1808–1860) |
March 9, 1857 |
January 12, 1860 |
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71 | ![]() |
Ramón María Solano y Llanderal | January 12, 1860 |
August 29, 1860 |
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72 | ![]() |
Juan Herrera Dávila Acting Governor-General |
August 29, 1860 |
February 2, 1861 |
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73 | ![]() |
José Lémery e Ibarrola (1811–1886) |
February 2, 1861 |
July 7, 1862 |
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74 | ![]() |
Salvador Valdés Acting Governor-General |
July 7, 1862 |
July 9, 1862 |
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75 | ![]() |
Rafaél de Echagüe y Bermingham (1815–1915) |
July 9, 1862 |
March 24, 1865 |
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76 | ![]() |
Joaquín del Solar e Ibáñez Acting Governor-General |
March 24, 1865 |
April 25, 1865 |
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77 | ![]() |
Juan de Lara e Irigoyen | April 25, 1865 |
July 13, 1866 |
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78 | ![]() |
José Laureano de Sanz y Posse Acting Governor-General (1819–1898) |
July 13, 1866 |
September 21, 1866 |
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79 | ![]() |
Antonio Osorio y Mallén (1808-1881) Acting Governor-General |
September 21, 1866 |
September 27, 1866 |
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(76) | ![]() |
Joaquín del Solar e Ibáñez | September 27, 1866 |
October 26, 1866 |
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80 | ![]() |
José de la Gándara y Navarro (1820–1885) |
October 26, 1866 |
June 7, 1869 |
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Francisco Serrano 1st Duke of la Torre Regent (1868–1870) |
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(81) | ![]() |
Manuel Maldonado Acting Governor-General |
June 7, 1869 |
June 23, 1869 |
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82 | ![]() |
Carlos María de la Torre y Navacerrada (1809–1879) |
June 23, 1869 |
April 4, 1871 |
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Amadeo I (1870–1873) |
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83 | ![]() |
Rafael Izquierdo y Gutiérrez (1820–1883) |
April 4, 1871 |
January 8, 1873 |
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(84) | ![]() |
Manuel MacCrohon Acting Governor-General |
January 8, 1873 |
January 24, 1873 |
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85 | ![]() |
Juan Alaminos y Vivar (1813–1899) |
January 24, 1873 |
March 17, 1874 |
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Estanislao Figueras President (1873) |
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Francesc Pi i Margall President (1873) |
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Nicolás Salmerón y Alonso President (1873) |
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Emilio Castelar President (1873–1874) |
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Francisco Serrano President (1874) |
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86 | ![]() |
Manuel Blanco Valderrama Acting Governor-General |
March 17, 1874 |
June 18, 1874 |
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87 | ![]() |
José Malcampo 3rd Marquess of San Rafael (1828–1880) |
June 18, 1874 |
February 28, 1877 |
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Alfonso XII (1874–1885) |
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88 | ![]() |
Domingo Moriones y Murillo (1823–1881) |
February 28, 1877 |
March 20, 1880 |
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89 | ![]() |
Rafael Rodríguez Arias Acting Governor-General (1819–1898) |
March 20, 1880 |
April 15, 1880 |
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90 | Fernando Primo de Rivera 1st Marquess of Estella (1831–1921) |
April 15, 1880 |
March 10, 1883 |
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(91) | ![]() |
Emilio Molíns Acting Governor-General (1824–1889) |
March 10, 1883 |
April 7, 1883 |
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92 | ![]() |
Joaquín Jovellar y Soler (1819–1892) |
April 7, 1883 |
April 1, 1885 |
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(91) | ![]() |
Emilio Molíns Acting Governor-General (1824–1889) |
April 1, 1885 |
April 4, 1885 |
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92 | ![]() |
Emilio Terrero y Perinat (1827–1890) |
April 4, 1885 |
April 25, 1888 |
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Maria Christina Regent (1885–1886) |
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Alfonso XIII (1886–1931) |
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93 | ![]() |
Antonio Moltó y Díaz Berrio Acting Governor-General |
April 25, 1888 |
June 4, 1888 |
|
94 | ![]() |
Federico Lobatón y Prieto Acting Governor-General |
June 4, 1888 |
June 5, 1888 |
|
95 | ![]() |
Valeriano Weyler 1st Marquess of Tenerife (1838–1930) |
June 5, 1888 |
November 17, 1891 |
|
96 | ![]() |
Eulogio Despujol y Dusay 1st Count of Caspe (1834–1907) |
November 17, 1891 |
March 1, 1893 |
|
97 | ![]() |
Federico Ochando Acting Governor-General (1848–1929) |
March 1, 1893 |
May 4, 1893 |
|
98 | ![]() |
Ramón Blanco 1st Marquess of Peña Plata (1833–1906) |
May 4, 1893 |
December 13, 1896 |
|
99 | ![]() |
Camilo Garcia de Polavieja 1st Marquess of Polavieja Acting Governor-General (1838–1914) |
December 13, 1896 |
April 15, 1897 |
|
100 | ![]() |
José de Lachambre Acting Governor-General (1846–1903) |
April 15, 1897 |
April 23, 1897 |
|
(90) | Fernando Primo de Rivera 1st Marquess of Estella (1831–1921) |
April 23, 1897 |
April 11, 1898 |
||
101 | ![]() |
Basilio Augustín (1840–1910) |
April 11, 1898 |
July 24, 1898 |
|
102 | ![]() |
Fermín Jáudenes'' Acting Governor-General (1836–1915) |
July 24, 1898 |
August 13, 1898 |
|
103 | ![]() |
Francisco Rizzo'' Acting Governor-General (1831–1910) |
August 13, 1898 |
September 1898 |
|
104 | ![]() |
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 | Wesley Merritt (1836–1910) |
August 14, 1898 |
August 30, 1898 |
William McKinley (1897–1901) |
|
2 | ![]() |
Elwell Stephen Otis (1838–1909) |
August 30, 1898 |
May 5, 1900 |
|
3 | ![]() |
Arthur MacArthur Jr. (1845–1912) |
May 5, 1900 |
July 4, 1901 |
|
4 | ![]() |
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 (1857–1930) |
July 4, 1901 |
February 1, 1904 |
William McKinley (1897–1901) |
Theodore Roosevelt (1901–1909) |
|||||
2 | ![]() |
Luke Edward Wright (1846–1922) |
February 1, 1904 |
November 3, 1905 |
|
3 | ![]() |
Henry Clay Ide (1844–1921) |
November 3, 1905 |
September 19, 1906 |
|
4 | ![]() |
James Francis Smith (1859–1928) |
September 20, 1906 |
November 11, 1909 |
|
William Howard Taft (1909–1913) |
|||||
5 | ![]() |
William Cameron Forbes (1870–1959) |
November 11, 1909 |
September 1, 1913 |
|
Woodrow Wilson (1913–1921) |
|||||
– | ![]() |
Newton W. Gilbert (1862–1939) Acting Governor-General |
September 1, 1913 |
October 6, 1913 |
|
6 | ![]() |
Francis Burton Harrison (1873–1957) |
October 6, 1913 |
March 5, 1921 |
|
Warren G. Harding (1921–1923) |
|||||
– | ![]() |
Charles Yeater (1861–1943) Acting Governor-General |
March 5, 1921 |
October 14, 1921 |
|
7 | ![]() |
Leonard Wood (1860–1927) |
October 14, 1921 |
August 7, 1927 |
|
Calvin Coolidge (1923–1929) |
|||||
– | ![]() |
Eugene Allen Gilmore (1871–1953) Acting Governor-General |
August 7, 1927 |
December 27, 1927 |
|
8 | ![]() |
Henry L. Stimson (1867–1950) |
December 27, 1927 |
February 23, 1929 |
|
Herbert Hoover (1929–1933) |
|||||
– | ![]() |
Eugene Allen Gilmore (1871–1953) Acting Governor-General |
February 23, 1929 |
July 8, 1929 |
|
9 | ![]() |
Dwight F. Davis (1879–1945) |
July 8, 1929 |
January 9, 1932 |
|
– | ![]() |
George C. Butte (1877–1940) Acting Governor-General |
January 9, 1932 |
February 29, 1932 |
|
10 | ![]() |
Theodore Roosevelt Jr. (1886–1944) |
February 29, 1932 |
July 15, 1933 |
|
Franklin D. Roosevelt (1933–1945) |
|||||
11 | ![]() |
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 | ![]() |
Frank Murphy (1890–1949) |
November 14, 1935 |
December 31, 1936 |
Franklin D. Roosevelt (1933–1945) |
– | ![]() |
J. Weldon Jones (1896–1982) Acting High Commissioner |
December 31, 1936 |
April 26, 1937 |
|
2 | ![]() |
Paul V. McNutt (1891–1955) |
April 26, 1937 |
July 12, 1939 |
|
– | ![]() |
J. Weldon Jones (1896–1982) Acting High Commissioner |
July 12, 1939 |
October 28, 1939 |
|
3 | ![]() |
Francis Bowes Sayre Sr. (1885–1972) |
October 28, 1939 |
October 12, 1942 |
|
4 | ![]() |
Harold L. Ickes (1874–1952) |
October 12, 1942 |
September 14, 1945 |
|
Harry S. Truman (1945–1953) |
|||||
5 | ![]() |
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 | ![]() |
Masaharu Homma (1887–1946) |
January 3, 1942 |
June 8, 1942 |
Hirohito (1926–1989) |
2 | ![]() |
Shizuichi Tanaka (1887–1945) |
June 8, 1942 |
May 28, 1943 |
|
3 | ![]() |
Shigenori Kuroda (1887–1952) |
May 28, 1943 |
September 26, 1944 |
|
4 | ![]() |
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 (1846–1922) |
October 29, 1901 |
January 31, 1904 |
2 | ![]() |
Henry Clay Ide (1844–1921) |
February 1, 1904 |
March 30, 1906 |
3 | ![]() |
William Cameron Forbes (1870–1959) |
July 31, 1908 |
November 10, 1909 |
4 | ![]() |
Newton W. Gilbert (1862–1939) |
February 14, 1910 |
November 30, 1913 |
5 | ![]() |
Henderson S. Martin |
December 1, 1913 |
June 28, 1917 |
6 | ![]() |
Charles Yeater (1861–1943) |
June 29, 1917 |
January 25, 1922 |
7 | ![]() |
Eugene Allen Gilmore (1871–1953) |
January 26, 1922 |
June 20, 1930 |
– | ![]() |
Nicholas Roosevelt (1893–1982) Ad interim |
July 29, 1930 |
September 24, 1930 |
8 | ![]() |
George C. Butte (1877–1940) |
December 31, 1930 |
June 30, 1932 |
9 | ![]() |
Joseph R. Hayden (1887–1945) |
November 7, 1933 |
November 15, 1935 |
Timelines
1750–1800

1800–1850

1850–1898

1898–1946

See also
- Filipino styles and honorifics
- List of sovereign state leaders in the Philippines
- List of recorded datu in the Philippines
- President of the Philippines
- List of presidents of the Philippines
- Audiencia
- List of Viceroys of New Spain
- Spanish Empire
- History of the Philippines
- Military History of the Philippines
- United States Territory
- Governor-General
- Lists of office-holders
- Gobernadorcillo