Why did Filipinos fights against Spanish rule? How long had Spain controlled the Philippines?

Spain established their first settlement in Philippines in 1565, and then expanded their presence and power there. By 1572 they gained control of many of the islands in the Philippines. During this period they wee also able to prevent any other country to gain a foothold there. Starting from that time,and up to 1898, Spain ruled over Philippines without break till they ceded the country to USA as a part of the treaty following Spanish-American war.

However the Spanish rule over Philippines was not entirely without opposition from the local Filipino people, particularly the people who practiced Muslim faith. There were almost continuous warfare between Spaniards and Muslims people of Mindanao and Sulu throughout the Spanish colonial rule.

Also oppressive practices of Spanish rule that furthered economic interests of Spain at the cost of Filipinos created resentment among local people. First major resistance occurred in 1822 in the form of revolt by Filipino workers against harsh treatment by government and factory bosses. This resulted in weakening of tobacco industry for many years.

The intensity of the Filipino resistance increased with the increasing exposure to ideas of freedom and equality which were sweeping the entire world as a result of increasing interaction between people of different regions of the world. Spread of such Ideas also created support for the Filipino cause among some liberal Spaniards.