CONCLUSION

Professor Agabin authored this book for the appreciation of not only legal historians, but
also for the students of the Law who wants to have a deeper understanding and appreciation of
the Law in relation to the Philippine setting. Mestizo, the title of the book, is truly a fitting name
of our Legal system as it is a mix of different laws put together to govern our rich and diverse
customs and culture. The combination of the Civil Law and the Common Law systems work well
in our country as it maintains our relations with each other, and also promotes our business
dealings with complex transactions.

This book is successful in helping the reader to understand the roots of Philippine Legal
History. Noting the works of other historians, legal or otherwise, as well as more recent
pronouncements of the Supreme Court, Professor Agabin fortified his arguments with the works
of others. He made sure that every pillar of a law is supported by its history and its raison d’ etre.

Even if a non-lawyer were to read this book, he or she will appreciate the details,
reference, and in-depth insights and analysis of Professor Agabin. It provides an approach that
will help the reader understand the mixture of different laws from the earliest times, to the
Spanish and American times, and even to this modern day of instability and uncertainty of
politics.

Let us just hope that as we move forward, we will be guided by our mistakes and to
continuously improve our legal system.

Indeed, history is a truly fascinating study.