Justice System in the Philippines

Before the Spanish Colonization

Justice System in the Philippines Before the Spanish
Colonization

The datu legislated laws and

acted as judge. They are
assisted by the elders of the
barangay, called maharlikas.
Justice System in the Philippines Before the Spanish
Colonization

People believed that the gods would

protect the innocent and punish the
guilty and that ordeals revealed
divine truth to people. (Agoncillo,
1994).
Justice System in the Philippines Before the Spanish
Colonization

Murder, adultery, theft, and insulting

women were considered great offenses
and were punished by enslaving the
offender (Blair & Robertson, 1904)
Justice System in the Philippines Before the Spanish
Colonization

If the value stolen was great, the

offender and his relatives were all
fined. Failure to pay the fine could
result in the enslavement including
the family.
Justice System in the Philippines Before the Spanish
Colonization

There are two kinds of slaves,

or alipin: aliping
namamahay, and aliping
saguiguilid.
Justice System in the Philippines Before the Spanish
Colonization

Aliping namamahay had the right to

own a property, even a house. On
the other hand, aliping saguiguilid
had absolutely nothing and relied on
their master.
Justice System in the Philippines Before the Spanish
Colonization

Slaves could buy their freedom if

they had the means. It was a
complex and often a long process.
Slaves would negotiate with their
masters.
Justice System in the Philippines
During the Spanish Colonization
Justice System in the Philippines During the Spanish
Colonization

Spanish colonizers were able to conquer Luzon

and the Visayas but failed to subjugate
Mindanao.