Economic Exploitation:
* Excessive Taxation: Filipinos were heavily taxed, often with unfair and arbitrary levies, draining their resources and impoverishing many.
* Monopolies and Trade Restrictions: Spain enforced monopolies on key industries like tobacco and galleon trade, enriching Spanish merchants while limiting economic opportunities for Filipinos.
* Forced Labor (Polo y Servicio): Filipinos were subjected to forced labor, often working in harsh conditions for little to no pay, which hampered their own economic pursuits.
Social Injustice:
* Social Hierarchy: Filipinos were placed at the bottom of a rigid social hierarchy, denied basic rights and opportunities enjoyed by Spaniards.
* Racism and Discrimination: Spaniards treated Filipinos as inferiors, subjecting them to prejudice and discrimination in all aspects of life.
* Lack of Education and Opportunities: Education was limited for Filipinos, hindering their advancement and perpetuating inequality.
Political Oppression:
* Limited Political Representation: Filipinos had no voice in the government, with Spanish officials holding all power and disregarding Filipino needs and concerns.
* Lack of Freedom of Speech and Assembly: Expression of dissent or opposition to Spanish rule was severely punished, silencing any potential for change.
* Abuse of Power and Corruption: Spanish officials often abused their authority, engaging in corruption and enriching themselves at the expense of Filipinos.
Religious Dissatisfaction:
* Indoctrination and Suppression of Native Religion: Christianity was forcefully imposed on Filipinos, often replacing their traditional beliefs and practices.
* Abuse of Power by Clergy: Some priests abused their position, engaging in financial exploitation and corrupt practices.
Other Grievances:
* Forced Recruitment for the Spanish Military: Filipinos were forced to serve in the Spanish army, often fighting in wars that had nothing to do with their interests.
* Limited Access to Healthcare: Filipinos faced inadequate healthcare, contributing to disease outbreaks and poor health conditions.
These grievances, fueled by a growing sense of national identity and a desire for freedom, eventually led to the Philippine Revolution, which aimed to end Spanish colonial rule and establish an independent nation.