Philippine Organic Act (1902)

691) that was enacted by the United States Congress on July 1, 1902 was the basic law for the Insular Government.

Supervision of the islands was assigned to the War Department's Bureau of Insular Affairs.

895, 910, enacted March 2, 1901) which had provided that: ... all military, civil, and judicial powers necessary to govern the Philippine Islands ... shall until otherwise provided by Congress be vested in such person and persons, and shall be exercised in such manner, as the President of the United States shall direct, for the establishment of civil government, and for maintaining and protecting the inhabitants of said Islands in the free enjoyment of their liberty, property, and religion.This was complemented by a cable from the Secretary of War Elihu Root to the Philippine Commission on March 5, 1901:[2] Until further orders government will continue under existing instructions and orders.The comprehensive Spooner Amendment, and these instructions and orders, virtually constituted for many months the charter of government for the Philippine Islands.

[1] The act was enacted into law on July 1, 1902, and the Philippine Commission executed its provisions.

[4] As a result of the act, the Catholic Church agreed to gradually substitute Spanish priests with Filipinos and to sell its land.