During most part of the Spanish colonial era, Cavite was administered by the alcalde mayor, who was the representative of the governor and captain-general in Manila.

As the alter ego of the Governor-General, the alcalde mayor exercised over all executive, judicial, and legislative functions of Cavite.

By the Decree dated June 25, 1847, the title of alcalde mayor was changed to politico-military governor.

This time, judicial functions were stripped off from the chief executive.

Col. Fernando Pargas was the last Spanish politico-military governor of Cavite before three Filipino politico-military governors assumed the position during the First Philippine Republic.