PRE - COLONIAL PERIOD OF THE PHILIPPINES

POLITICAL SYSTEM

The pre-colonial period has many similarities and differences to our present political
condition.

First, the basic political form during the pre colonial was the “balangay” which is
similar to our “baranggay” today. There was a leader of the baranggay who were
followed by the members of it. The datu is the chief who is the authority especially
during wars and rituals. Today, the baranggay captain is also seen as the leader who
implements laws, regulations, and different projects for the development of the
community. There was a punishment for violators of rules and laws during that time
which is similar today as the government gives sanctions and punishment to the violators
of the law. In terms of legislation, the pre colonial government undergo proper process
before they implement certan rules. They also disseminate the rule to the people through
political officials before finally implementing it. Today, it is the same as the law was the
product of long process and the citizens are aware of the amendments, revisions, and
other additional regulations before it is taken into effect in the country.

However, the laws during the pre-colonial were not as organized and comprehensive
as the contemporary written laws. During the pre-colonial, the laws are handed down
either orally or in written form. There were no consolidated or unified decree for each
baranggay during that time. But today, because of the progress in technology and other
forms of knowledge, the laws are more organized, unified, and clearly disseminated
throughout the country. In addition, the trial by ordeal which was done during the pre
colonial period was not present today in our contemporary laws. During the pre colonial,
the tribe implements varied ordeal like eating uncooked rice, to determine the innocence
of the suspect. Today,
SOCIAL SYSTEM

Gender equality was present during the pre-colonial period in the Philippines as
Filipino women enjoyed different privileges and rights like their male counterpart. For
example, women had an exclusive right to name their children, right to inherit property
and participate in different trades or business, and privilege to attain leadership in the
absence of the male heir. In addition, men showed respect to women which uplift their
moral confidence. This respect is evident men should work hard and even had to sacrifice
a lot just to win the hands of the lady. Further, the “panliligaw” or courtship was
considered sacred to it had to begin with “paninilbihan” or doing household chores and
activities just to show the sincerity of man to his beloved women. After these, a man
courting woman had to undergo the giving of dowry, gifts, “panghihimuyat”, “bigay-
suso”, and “himaraw” before he can marry her. These proved that the society gives due
respect and importance to the status of Filipino women.

Of course, Filipino men enjoyed quite the same privileges and rights as the women.
Filipino men are the usual leaders of the baranggay and different levels of political
government. However, this does not mean that women had no chance to be the leaders of
the society. Whether you are Christian or Muslim during the Pre-colonial period, Filipino
men are considered as the head of the family like what we can see in our current social
system.
 If I have a chance to re-install today a pre colonial social system, I would choose the
simplicity of the social classes. The social class during the pre-colonial period consisted
of nobles, maharlika, and alipin. Although there was a hierarchy during that time,
discrimination was not really evident and people still respect each other despite their
differences in social class. Unlike today, Filipinos treat unfortunate or unprivileged
people with disdain and criticisms. Many considered poverty as a curse and rich people
are dominating the social system. During the pre-colonial period, there were not much
technology yet so being rich did not really show extravagance in terms of possession of
material things. However, today, being rich is really obvious because people show-off
their flashy material things just to cope with social stratification.

In addition to the simplicity of social class, I also like to bring back the “harana” and
the image of “dalagang pilipina”. It is not because it is trending today but because it
shows the high respect to women and the high appreciation to the dignity of women. I
hope that marriage is treated very seriously and sacredly like it was before during the pre-
colonial period. It is not necessary to wear the traditional clothes and live in bahay kubo
like the pre colonial period but the essence of respect and valuing the dignity should not
be removed and forgotten as this is one of the most important aspects of our uniqe social
system here in the Philippines.

If the simplicity of social class and the higher respect for women can be restored, our
country will progress as there is no prevalent and exaggerated social stratification and
there is a high respect to each other.
CULTURAL SYSTEM
CONCLUSION