Santiago Rodriguez

Gran Gobernante de Filipinas Santiago Maria Juan Carlos Isabella de Paula Lopez-Martinez Cipriano de la Santísma Pérez Ruiz y Rodriguez

Full Name: Santiago Maria Juan Carlos Isabella de Paula Lopez-Martinez Cipriano de la Santísma Pérez Ruiz y Rodriguez III
Santiago Rodriguez was a Spanish military and political ruler of the Philippines under the Empire of Japan. He would lead the Philippines until he stood down in 1645, and he would be credited with bringing them into an era prosperity. He remains to this day an extremely controversial and celebrated figures of all time.

Early life

Santiago was born to a well off Half Philippine family in . His mother would die in childbirth, and his father died in combat leaving him to be raised by their servants. As a child he was notoriously rambunctious, and while many teachers and tutors tried none could teach him, however at the age of 8 one teacher, Juan Oritz, was able to teach him, on Santiago's own terms however. Alongside normal teachings Nicolás would also teach him politics and military which Santiago was very interested in. At the age of 22 he pursued a career in politics only to be shot down due to his half Philippine birth. Instead of politics he went about managing the estate he had inherited.

Early Career

Despite being decline Santiago would still follow politics local and global. In between managing the estate he would still read about politics and military strategy. He managed his land, and it seemed that his role would never shift, however in 1592 when he caught wind that Takeshi Mutō had declared war on the Spanish. He joined the military in an attempt to gain a reputation which would allow him to pursue a political career. He would be a commander and would give Takeshi one of his only total losses at the battle of Puerto Galera. In 1593 with the Japanese leaving the Indo pacific and the Spanish kicked out he took the remnants of his army and declared himself ruler.

Ruler of the Philippines

His rule would not go unopposed, however Santiago knew that this would be the case. With his army he confronted all violent opposition to his regime. After a 2 year long war in 1595 The Philippines would finally be under his full rule. His first few years were full of questions, the biggest question on every person's mind was about who the Philippines belonged to. Santiago was the official ruler, however the Japanese were technically considered the ruler. Many feared that Santiago coming to power would call for the Japanese to suppress his rule and begin another war. Santiago was aware, however he did not fear a Japanese takeover, as he trusted that Takeshi would not choose war as his first option. On 1600, Santiago would be invited to Shouri Castle he already admired Japan greatly and almost immediately agreed to become part of the new Japanese Empire.
His rule would be inline with Takeshi's rule of Japan, following their example he would implement many of the thing Takeshi did. He was not entirely obligated to do so as the provincial system allowed him to deny implementation of laws however Santiago wanted to. This would include even unpopular laws such as the bīngyuè 40th enactment, and others. In 1645 his power was once again in question, Takeshi had stood down and much of Santiago's rule was seen as backed up by Takeshi. In his stead he followed Takeshi's advice and stood down from power and he would exit office with plenty of fanfare.

Death

In 1650 he would die of natural causes, his wife Angelina Rodriguez had died 3 years earlier. He would be celebrated as a military leader who brought an end to the lawlessness during the period following the Pacific Wars and as a great ruler. His body would be buried under the land which would become the Saint Rodriguez Cathedral.

Religion

Santiago was a devout Roman Catholic, and he is responsible for many of the catholic missions and churches in the Philippines and southern Japan. Alongside Takeshi they would go to great lengths to control the tension between the buddhists, Muslims, and the catholics and eventually in working with Takeshi and Asif was able to make them coexist (for the most part). He was canonized as a saint the Catholic church in 1657.

Memory and Evaluation

Even during his life many accused Santiago for being a shill to the Japanese. His memory would be tainted by this sentiment, however many more consider him a saint. Just like Takeshi he did very little of anything for himself investing most of the wealth he had in the people. Overall in the Philippines he is remembered as a hero, and he is remembered worldwide in the same way as Simon Bolivar.

Wives, Mistresses, and Children

Santiago would only be known to have one wife, Angelina Rodriguez, which he married in 1578. He would have 4 children Mateo, Sofia, Antonia, and Lucinda.

Of all of the 3 rulers, he was the last to die.

Age

94

Date of Birth

January, 13

Life

1556 1650