Miguel Lino de Ezpeleta facts for kids

Miguel Lino de Ezpeleta (born June 1701 in Manila – died July 1771 in Cebu) was an important figure in the Philippines during Spanish rule. He was a Spanish criollo, meaning he was born in the colonies to Spanish parents. He served as the Bishop of Cebu from 1757 until his death. He also became the governor-general of the Philippines from 1759 to 1761. This happened during a time when Spain was involved in the Seven Years' War. It was also just before the British took over Manila and Cavite.

Early Life and Becoming Bishop

Miguel Lino de Ezpeleta was born in Manila in 1701. Even though his parents were Spanish, many people thought of him as Filipino. This was because he was born and grew up in the Philippines.

On July 18, 1757, he was chosen to be the bishop of the Diocese of Cebu. About a year later, he was officially made a bishop. This ceremony was led by Archbishop Manuel de Matos.

Becoming Governor-General

In 1759, the Governor-General Pedro Manuel de Arandía Santisteban passed away. At that time, the top church positions in Manila and Nueva Segovia were empty. Because of this, de Ezpeleta, as the Bishop of Cebu, was the highest-ranking church leader in the islands.

He decided to take on the role of governor. However, the Real Audiencia of Manila (a high court) did not want him to be governor.

In July 1759, a new Archbishop of Manila, Manuel Rojo del Rio y Vieyra, arrived. He believed that de Ezpeleta should no longer be governor. But de Ezpeleta refused to step down. He argued that another bishop, Juan Arrechedera, had also served as governor before. This disagreement was sent to Spain for a final decision.

His Time as Governor

As governor, one of de Ezpeleta's first actions was to undo some changes made by the previous governor, Arandía.

Later in 1759, he stopped a special navy force led by Father José Ducós. This force was meant to protect Jesuit missionaries. However, other missionaries complained they were not well protected. Some historians say that stopping this force led to more attacks from groups in the southern islands.

Much of de Ezpeleta's time as governor involved dealing with a former adviser named Santiago Orendaín. Orendaín was blamed for causing problems with the church. He was eventually arrested and held in Fort Santiago.

In July 1761, a royal order came from Charles III of Spain in Madrid. This order told de Ezpeleta to step down from his role as governor. He then handed over the leadership of the colony to Archbishop Rojo.

See also

In Spanish: Miguel Lino de Ezpeleta para niños