The Present Government of the Philippines

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: Maximo Kalaw explains in The Present Government of the Philippines the American colonial government in the Philippines after the passage of the Jones Law or the Philippine Organic Law of 1916. Kalaw explains the purpose and intention of the Jones Law which declares that the U.S. recognizes the independence of the Philippines "as soon as a stable government can be established" and provides for a more autonomous government in the Philippines. The book contains chapters on the power and functions of the three branches of government - the executive, legislative and judicial branches. The Governor-General embodies the executive branch and represents the sovereign authority of the United States in the Philippines. The reorganization law replaces the old four departments with six executive departments. Kalaw explains the organization and activities of each department. An important development during this period is the creation of the Council of State composed of the six executive department heads and the presiding officers of the Philippine legislature. The author claims that the Council of State is an enlarged cabinet that plays a consultative and harmonizing role in the government. On the other hand, A bicameral all-Filipino legislature is created under the Jones law. An elective Philippine Senate replaced the appointive Philippine Commission. As for the judiciary, Kalaw stresses the importance of preserving the independence of this body to remain as an impartial agency of justice. Lastly, the author affirms that the Filipinos are still continuing their peaceful resistance to American rule. He also believes that the aspiration of the Filipino for independence never diminished.

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