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A Study of Ecclesiastical-Political Relations in Late 16th Century Philippines through Spanish Royal Decrees

This project studies ecclesiastical-political relations in the late 16th-century Philippines (1581-1601) using Spanish royal decrees from the Archivo General de Indias. It analyzes Crown efforts to regulate church authority, adapt colonial practices from the Americas, and negotiate relations with indigenous communities, including Fray Miguel Benavides' views on labor. Applying Latin American colonial methodologies, this research bridges scholarly discussions between Spanish colonialism in the Americas and Asia, offering new perspectives on trans-Pacific connections and Philippine colonial administration during this crucial period.