Juan Manuel de la Peña Bonifaz facts for kids

Juan Manuel de la Peña Bonifaz (died 1669) was a Spanish leader. He served as the 26th governor of the Philippines. His time in office was from September 28, 1668, to September 24, 1669. Before becoming governor, he worked as a junior auditor for the Real Audiencia of Manila. This was a high court in the Philippines. He became governor in an unusual way, taking over from Diego de Salcedo.

Becoming Governor

Before Juan Manuel de la Peña Bonifaz became governor, he was a junior auditor. The previous governor, Diego de Salcedo, had big disagreements. These were with José de Paternina Samaniego, who was an important religious official. These disagreements grew into a major event. On October 10, 1668, Salcedo's government was overthrown. This is called a coup d'état, which means a sudden change of government, often by force.

Paternina helped Peña Bonifaz become the new governor. He did this with the help of two other court members. In return, Peña Bonifaz promised to support Paternina. He also gave more money to the Spanish soldiers who helped in the takeover. He gave important jobs to those who supported him. He used all the money from Salcedo's treasury. He also used the royal treasury in Manila to reward his supporters. He did not know that a new governor, Manuel de León, had already been chosen. King Charles II had picked de León to replace Salcedo even before Salcedo was arrested.

On December 25, 1668, Peña Bonifaz ordered Salcedo to be sent away. Salcedo was very weak at this time. He was supposed to go back to Mexico. However, Salcedo died while traveling across the Pacific Ocean.

End of His Time as Governor

Manuel de León, the new governor, arrived in Leyte in July 1669. When he entered Manila on September 14, he took action. He ordered that everyone involved in Salcedo's arrest face trials. Paternina, as a religious official, was protected from these charges. Peña Bonifaz heard the news and sought safety. He went to an Augustinian church in Manila. When officials tried to arrest him, the church leaders refused. They said that anyone who sought safety in the church was under God's protection.

His Final Days

A few months later, a group called the Council of the Indies in Mexico made a decision. They cleared Salcedo of all charges. They also announced that all orders made by Peña Bonifaz were not valid. The Council said Peña Bonifaz was not fit to be governor. They stated he knew little about government and managing colonies. This led to a lot of public money being spent unwisely. Because of this, the Council decided Peña Bonifaz should be punished. However, before he could hear this decision, he became sick. He died in the church in 1669.

See also

In Spanish: Juan Manuel de la Peña Bonifaz para niños