PMAEE PMA Knowledge — Philippine History & Civics — PMA DepthFlash Cards

What was the first recorded Filipino military victory against foreign invasion, and when did it occur?

The Battle of Mactan on April 27, 1521, where Lapu-Lapu defeated Ferdinand Magellan. This victory demonstrated early Filipino resistance to foreign colonization and established Lapu-Lapu as the first Filipino hero to resist European conquest.

Define civilian supremacy over the military according to the 1987 Constitution.

Article II, Section 3 states that 'Civilian authority is, at all times, supreme over the military.' This means the President, as Commander-in-Chief, and civilian government always control the military. The Armed Forces exist to serve the people and protect the state, not to govern.

Who was Antonio Luna and why is he significant in Philippine military history?

General Antonio Luna was the chief military strategist of the Philippine Revolutionary Army during the Philippine-American War. Known for his tactical brilliance and discipline, he attempted to modernize the Filipino forces but was assassinated by fellow Filipinos in 1899, weakening the revolution's military capacity.

What happened during the Bataan Death March and when?

April 1942: After the fall of Bataan, about 75,000 Filipino and American prisoners of war were forced to march approximately 100 kilometers north to prison camps. Thousands died from exhaustion, disease, and Japanese brutality. This event symbolizes Filipino-American sacrifice during WWII.

What do the three stars and eight rays on the Philippine flag represent?

The three stars represent the major island groups: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The eight rays of the sun represent the eight provinces that first revolted against Spain: Manila, Cavite, Bulacan, Pampanga, Bataan, Laguna, Batangas, and Nueva Ecija.

When was the Philippine Military Academy founded and why?

The PMA was founded in 1936, formalizing the older Academia Militar. It was established as part of the National Defense Act of 1935 to train Filipino officers for the newly created Philippine Army, with Douglas MacArthur serving as Field Marshal to help organize Philippine defenses.

Compare the powers of the three branches of government regarding national defense.

Executive: President is Commander-in-Chief, executes defense policy. Legislative: Congress declares war, appropriates defense budget, ratifies treaties. Judicial: Supreme Court interprets military law, reviews martial law declarations. Each branch has distinct but complementary defense roles.

What was the significance of the Battle of Tirad Pass?

December 2, 1899: General Gregorio del Pilar, the youngest Filipino general at 24, made his last stand against American forces at Tirad Pass. His sacrifice allowed President Aguinaldo to escape. Del Pilar's heroic death symbolizes youthful patriotism and military honor.

What are the constitutional limitations on martial law?

Article VII, Section 18: Martial law is limited to cases of invasion or rebellion when public safety requires it. Maximum duration is 60 days unless extended by Congress. The Supreme Court can review its proclamation, and Congress can revoke it by majority vote.

Who is considered the 'Father of the Revolution' and why?

Andrés Bonifacio is called the 'Father of the Revolution' because he founded the Katipunan in 1892 and initiated the Philippine Revolution in 1896. He transformed the independence movement from peaceful reform to armed revolution, making him the catalyst of Filipino armed resistance.

What was the outcome of the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling?

On July 12, 2016, the PCA ruled in favor of the Philippines in the South China Sea dispute, declaring China's nine-dash line claim invalid under international law. The ruling affirmed Philippine sovereignty over areas within its Exclusive Economic Zone, including Scarborough Shoal.

What was the first Filipino overseas military deployment?

The 10th Battalion Combat Team (BCT) deployed to the Korean War (1950-1953). This was the first time Filipino forces fought overseas since independence, demonstrating the Philippines' commitment to collective security and its alliance with the United States.

Define the archipelagic doctrine in Philippine territory.

Article I of the Constitution defines the Philippines as an archipelagic state where internal waters connect all islands as one territorial unit. This doctrine, recognized by international law, gives the Philippines sovereignty over all waters within the archipelagic baselines.

Who was Apolinario Mabini and what was his role?

Apolinario Mabini, known as the 'Brains of the Revolution,' was the political adviser and first Prime Minister of the Philippine Republic. Despite being paralyzed, he drafted the Malolos Constitution and provided the intellectual foundation for Philippine independence.

What happened during the Marawi Siege of 2017?

May-October 2017: ISIS-aligned Maute group occupied parts of Marawi City. The AFP conducted urban warfare operations to retake the city, resulting in over 1,000 casualties. The siege highlighted modern terrorism threats and the AFP's capability in urban combat.

What was the Katipunan and how did it organize resistance?

The Katipunan was a secret revolutionary society founded by Bonifacio in 1892. It used a triangle system of recruitment (each member recruited two others), secret codes, and blood oaths. It transformed from a secret society into the revolutionary army that fought Spanish colonial rule.

What constitutional provision governs foreign military bases in the Philippines?

Article XVIII, Section 25 prohibits foreign military bases unless covered by a treaty ratified by the Senate and approved by Filipino voters in a referendum. This provision ensures popular sovereignty over decisions affecting national security.

Who was General Vicente Lim and why is he historically significant?

General Vicente Lim was the first Filipino graduate of West Point Military Academy (1914). He became a symbol of Filipino military excellence and professionalism, proving that Filipinos could achieve the highest standards of military education and leadership.

What were the major Filipino resistance groups during World War II?

Major resistance groups included: Hukbalahap (peasant-based), USAFFE guerrillas (military-organized), and various regional commands. These groups conducted sabotage, intelligence gathering, and attacks against Japanese forces, significantly contributing to liberation efforts.

Explain the constitutional role of the President as Commander-in-Chief.

Article VII gives the President supreme command over all armed forces as Commander-in-Chief. This includes directing military operations, appointing military officers, and ensuring military obedience to civilian authority. However, only Congress can declare war.