Gobernadorcillo

Their term of office lasted for two years.The position of a gobernadorcillo was honorary and mandatory in order to afford him those valid exemptions signified in the Philippine law.

At the end of his biennial term he would enter and form part of the principalía, and was entitled to enjoy the honors and preeminence inherent to this state.

This "mayor", who was at the same time "justice of the peace" and port captain, was directly responsible to the governor of the province in the exercise of his office.

[1]: 410 In 1893, the Maura Law was passed with the aim of making the municipal governments in the Philippine Islands more effective and autonomous.

The sealed envelopes containing the election results in provinces near Manila were sent to superior offices of the government in the capital.

[4]: 296–297 On the day on which the gobernadorcillo would take on government duties, his town would hold a grand celebration.

The festive banquet was offered in the municipal or city hall where he would occupy a seat, adorned by the coat of arms of Spain and with fanciful designs, if his social footing was of a respectable antiquity.

[3]: 329  They also had the rights and powers to elect assistants and several lieutenants and alguaciles, proportionate in number to the inhabitants of the town.

Gobernadorcillos circa 1833
Extant record in the National Archives in Manila showing the 1855 election results in the province of Iloilo . This page shows the names of the gobernadorcillos elected by the principalía of Ajuy, Banate, and Barotac Viejo.
Abbreviated Spanish coat of arms at the entrance of Fort Santiago in Manila (reconstruction).
Principalía of Leganes, Iloilo c. 1880, in formal marching formation on a special occasion.