Trixie Cruz-Angeles: Assassination and Change

All changes, even the most longed for, have

their melancholy; for what we leave behind

us is a part of ourselves; we must die to one

life before we can enter another.

--Anatole France

"Assassination of Governor Bustamante" by Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo

originally "The Church and the State" (National Museum) 

In August 1717, Fernando Manuel de Bustillo Bustamante y Rueda was appointed governor general of these islands, by King Philip of Spain. He was chosen for his probity and efficiency after reports of the bankruptcy of the treasury in Intramuros reached the court.

An efficient administrator, Bustamante threw himself into work. The treasury was in a deficit and collections were down due to excessive graft and tax evasion allegedly abetted by Church officials (no separation of Church and State then). As Bustamante pressed for tax payments, prominent citizens sought Church assistance in continuing to evade collections, seeking traditional sanctuary.

Things came to a head when a notary public sought sanctuary, taking with him the protocols of 1717-1719 reportedly to assist some citizens in evading further taxes by secreting their property - a practice that continues to this date, unfortunately. Bustamante demanded the return of the protocols. Initially, Archbishop de la Cuesta agreed, but later changed his mind saying that the documents were subject to Church sanctuary and could not be reached by the civil authorities. Perhaps because such an act outrageously abused the privilege of sanctuary - which applies only to people (not documents) who have just cause to avoid the authorities - Bustamante ordered de la Cuesta's arrest and confinement in Fort Santiago on October 11, 1719.

See the full article by Trixie Cruz-Angeles on:

http://www.pilipino.org.ph/col_angeles.php

To know more about Trixie Cruz Angeles, check out: I AM TRIXIE CRUZ