When did the centralized government system begin in the Philippines under Spanish rule?

The centralized government system in the Philippines began under Spanish rule in the late 16th century. Here are the steps that led to its establishment:

1. Arrival of the Spanish: The Spanish first arrived in the Philippines in 1521, led by the explorer Ferdinand Magellan. However, it wasn't until 1565 that they established a permanent settlement, with the founding of Cebu City by Miguel López de Legazpi.

2. Establishment of Manila: In 1571, the Spanish established Manila as the capital of the Spanish East Indies, which included the Philippines. This marked the beginning of centralized government, as Manila became the political, administrative, and religious center of the colony.

3. Implementation of the Encomienda System: The Spanish implemented the encomienda system, which was a legal system that was used by the Spanish crown during the Spanish colonization of the Americas to regulate Native Americans and to reward individual Spaniards for services to the crown. This system was also applied in the Philippines, further centralizing power and control.

4. Creation of the Governor-General: In 1583, the position of Governor-General was created. The Governor-General was the highest official in the Philippines and was appointed by the king of Spain. He had legislative, administrative, and judicial powers, further centralizing the government.

5. Implementation of the Laws of the Indies: In the late 16th and early 17th centuries, the Spanish