Political Integration and Divergence of Normative Traditions: an Example from the Igorots/Philippines

Abstract

eThe Philippines, like most present Southeast Asian Countries, are the result of competing colonial interests in the past. National integration was thought of in terms of submission and imperial assimilation policy. Resisting entities of free citizens who detached themselves from mainstream changes became cultural minorities. Through common interest different ethnic groups in the mountain areas of Luzon moulded into a new identity. As Igorot they wereconsidered the least Philipino within a foreign dominated nation but could claim on the other hand that their culture and society represented continuity through adaptation since pre-Spanish times. After the Republic of the Philippines became independent in 1946 the Igorot continued to have the colonial prejudice against them, being objects for development strategies and civilization efforts. The most severe divergence within normative traditions towards the assimilated Philipino society can be observed in the legal field. Pressure for legal integration still shows imperial features since Igorots are forced into conformity with Westem value traditions strange and foreign to their needs of social control and stemming from Westem tribal laws, Roman imperial law and the Civil Code of Napoleon. While adjustments to local traditions for certain tortious acts within civil law are possible, the domain of national criminal law is unquestioned. Igorot communities, therefore, abide by autonomous legal procedures since they protect their long defended cultural identity. Individuals who leave their judicial communities permanently remove the constraints of local social control but also lose protection. Participation in a multi-ethnic community increases the domain of "national legacy". Through scheduled dislodgments of Igorot communities to lowland areas the national govemment of the Philippines continues Spanish efforts of relocation as the most effective assimilation policy.