At the onset of Spanish rule in the 16th century, Siquijor, together with most of the Visayas, fell under the jurisdiction of Cebu. In 1854, Bohol became a separate politico-military province, and in the process it absorbed Siquijor. Under the laws of geography, Siquijor should have been ceded to Negros, which is much closer than Bohol. However, Negros's administrative capital during this time was Bacolod, whose position on the island's western coast would have greatly impeded communications and logistics. On the other hand, Tagbilaran is in southwestern Bohol, a much closer location to Siquijor.

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The government’s presence on the island was very weak, however, as officials could rarely be bothered to travel from Bohol (unless there were taxes to be collected; see Economy). In their absence, priests from the Order of Augustinian Recollects, a Catholic monastic order from Spain, stepped in to govern the island.

 

In 1892, by a royal decree issued by the governor-general, the island of Negros was split into two provinces: Oriental and Occidental Negros. Siquijor was then transferred from Bohol to Oriental Negros.

 

Beyond this, the historical record seems to run dry, consistent with the minimal presence of civil authorities in Siquijor. That is not to say they were completely absent, however: the bell tower in the town of Siquijor was originally a watchtower to guard against Moro invasions (see Society and Religion), while the convent there bears the Spanish coat of arms, most likely because it was once a fort.

 

Coats of arms are common government symbols, and Spain has historically been known for blurring and even erasing the line between church and state, not only in the Philippines but also elsewhere in the world. The fort is a simple and logical explanation for all this, but perhaps that insignia indicates deeper involvement by government officials in Siquijor.