Chereads / Maharlika / Chapter 7 - The Ministries of the Kingdom of Maharlika

Chapter 7 - The Ministries of the Kingdom of Maharlika

"Thus, I now establish the Ministries of the Kingdom of Maharlika."

"First, the Ministry of Diplomatic affairs. Miss Jia Manalili, you will be the Head person of this Ministry. You will have full authority in that Ministry, you will only answer to me."

"Second, Ministry of Construction works and City Development. Mister Totoy Magtibay, you will be the head of this Ministry. Construction of roads, highways, bridges, schools, hospitals and other government-owned infrastructures will be your responsibility. My only requirement is that all of the projects should be a state of the art."

"Third, Ministry of Environment, Resource, Agriculture and Livelihood development. Miss Beya Binene, I want you to head this Ministry. You are also responsible for sustainable food supply, proper handling of domestic animals and environmental care."

"Fourth, Ministry of Business commerce and labor employment. Mister Jeje Mautak, your primary concern is the Maharlikan economy. Businesses and corporations regulation is your responsibility. Also, I want you to separate the royal family asset from the people's assets. The people might think later on that my family's assets are theirs too. Make official documents about the royal family's assets named after me, submit it to me tomorrow."

"Fifth, Ministry of Finance. Miss Maria Analiyah, you will lead this Ministry. Taxation, Treasury, Audit and Kingdom's assets will be under your care, please prioritize the minting of our new currency. Coordinate with Mautak for the royal family's assets and the people's assets. All finances will be your responsibility, all support will be given to you. Hire the best people. And i need report about this every now and then."

"Sixth, the Ministry of Land Armed forces. Tumarong, you will lead this Ministry. Every move of your ministry should be reported to me. Meet me later for a more detailed structure of our Military."

"Seventh, Ministry of Sea Armed Forces. Uncle Martinez, I ask for your service again. You can lend me three years at least before your retirement. You are the most knowledgeable and experienced in Naval management and strategy. Meet me later together with Tumarong for details."

"Eight, the Ministry of Religious Ceremony, Holidays and Events. Padre Pio, I know that you are busy with what you have. But as promised, form our National religion. However, it should be pro-government and benevolent pro-monarchy. Minimal budget will be given to this Ministry, it depends on how much the people are willing to donate."

"Every ministry will only answer to me. A weekly or monthly report should be given to me, also a compulsary monthly meeting will be held."

"There are still vacant positions for Ministries, in Ministry of Health and Medicine, I need a refined professional in this field. Ministry of Science and Technology, an expert in the field of Machineries. Ministry of Education, an revered scholar. Ministry of Justice and Civil Rights, a righteous and educated person. Ministry of Transportation, an adept world traveller. There are more Ministries that yet to be formed, so if you know anyone who fit the position let me know and refer it to me in person. "

"That's all, you may now leave. Armed forces, stay." Marco said.

"Tumarong and Uncle Martinez, say your view regarding this. This needs to be quick. Because war looms everywhere." Marco said.

"Hear my opinion first. I want to form a Coast Guard division first to patrol and secure our borders. At least 5 Garrison Fleets whom we can tap for defensive stance and offensive as well, in other words, our Main force which will be led by Commodores each fleet. I know that what I propose is an impossibility for our present condition, but the Galleons and other ships left by the Spaniards will suffice for now. It is best to have our own modern shipbuilding facilities first." Uncle Martinez voiced out his thoughts.

"Thats a good idea uncle, we can talk about it in detail. How will be our structure? Elaborate more." Marco replied.

"Time is of the essence so i'll make this quick. 'Admiral' leading the Navy Fleet, 'Commodore' leading a Squadron of ships with 3 big ships, 5 medium-sized ships and 8 small ships. 'Captain' leading each ship. Inside a Ship, below the Captain is a Chief Mate. First Mate, Second Mate and Third Mate. A Bosun to manage the Sailors. All sailor should be knowledgeable in reading and listening to navy commands, highly disciplined personnels, Knows how to use guns and operate artilleries. Of course, there should also be Chief Engineer in every ship, with assistant engineers, for ship repairs and maintenance. At least 1 surgeon and 2 physician. A chef for food and logistics of personnels basic needs. Thats the basic structure of a Fleet." Uncle Martinez said.

"Wonderful, then its decided. That will be the basic composition of each fleet that we'll have." Marco said.

"As of now, I estimate that we can form 1 fleet now using the ships we got from the Spaniards and the royal family's ships that can be refurbished to battleships. However we lack personnels to man every ship so I suggest to form this fleet for Coast Guard. Reconnaissance missions, Ambush style missions, Skirmish mode missions and all sorts of quick attack missions. Except for a full frontal attack missions." Uncle Martinez said.

"Okay, see to it done uncle. How many months do you need to form this Coast guard fleet? If possible, I want it as soon as possible so we can secure our islands." Marco said.

"How about three months? By then, that fleet will be ready for any kind of operation." Uncle Martinez said.

"Here, take this official document and show this to people who question your authority at the port, you are Admiral Martinez now. For budget, submit a budget request to Analiyah. Also, use the northern port for the navy. Along the coast of Navotas to Bulacan is the best place for that. I'll order Magtibay to further develop that place to a better shipyard." Marco further instructed.

"Understood, I'll take my leave now." Uncle Martinez left.

"Next, Tumarong, here take this official document. You are General Tumarong now. Lets discuss about our Military reorganization now." Marco said.

"Thank you, my King." General Tumarong said.

"Organizing our current army will be easy. First, General, then Colonels, Major, Captain, Lieutenants, Sergeants, Private troops. Within the troops we need a Medic, Recon, Riflemen, Grenadier, Comms, Priest." General Tumarong said.

"Is the army ready for combat? I plan to sweep the whole Kingdom and leave garrison for each town to police the area." Marco said.

"Give us two weeks, my King. Although I suggest that we train a separate troops to police the provinces. " General Tumarong said.

"Good idea! Then I leave this matter to you. We'll assign one team for each towns to police. Report back to me after two weeks time. You may leave." Marco said.

"Thank you Sire." General Tumarong said.

ESCOLTA, MANILA

As soon as the meeting adjourned, Marco went out to stroll the City. He noticed that his troops was quick to respond and started to secure the City. Marco, together with his 50 guards, went to the Real Audiencia established by the Spaniards. Real Audiencia is a trial and appellate court which has Judicial power, they also held Legislative and Admjnistrative functions during the Spanish occupation. Now that the Maharlikans took over, they still function by themselves believing that there will be reinforcements from Spain coming soon.

"Knock knock. Open the door!" A lieutenant of Marco's Guards knocked the door of building of Real Audiencia.

After some time of knocking...

"Surround the building, force open every door. Now, move!" The lieutenant of the Guards ordered the other guards.

Marco is calm, he smoothly made his way inside the court building.

"We are here to take over this place. Surrender now and serve me." Marco demanded to the justices and judge inside the building.

"You have no right to claim this place! This is a Spanish property! You rebels will face severe punishments if not death when the Spanish reinforcement arrive!" One of the Spanish Judge shouted.

"Oh I forgot that you all swore to the Spanish crown. Guards, slaughter all those who don't kneel!" Marco commanded.

"Nooo! You will regret this Maharlikan scumbags!" The Spanish judges and justices shouted.

After the massacre, it was surprising to see that there are few people who knelt. There are three asesors (legal advisors) and one oidores (justice) who knelt.

"Why should I trust you?" Marco asked the Oidores.

"Because my life is more precious. As long as you keep me alive and compensate me enough, I'll work for you. There's no life for me in Spain anyways." The Spanish Oidores said while kneeling.

"Good, as long as all of you work for me you will never be disappointed! Come, i'll take you all back to my residence." Marco said.

After that event, Marco fed them that night. For three days, the four Spaniards were taken care. However they each live alone in a room for three days.

Within that three days, Marco ordered his men to renovate the Real Audiencia and named it as Maharlika Supreme Court. At the desk of the presiding justice, a thick documents containing the by a Court structure written in paper was placed. The Maharlikan courts are, Barangay (Town) court as the lowest where small disputes will be resolved, only civil cases. Next, the Provincial court. It serves as a trial court and appellate court for both civil and criminal case.