FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
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SENATE
Senate Bill No.
5938
INTRODUCED BY SEN. MANNY VILLAR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Bodong is a territorially-based bilateral covenant of non-aggression
between Kalinga villages, the centerpiece of which is an indigenous unwritten
mechanism for processing its breach and regulating inter-village relations. Its
objective is to maintain peace and stability within the village and create bonds of
amity between villages.
The duty and obligation of Bodong holders in the community is paramount.
While it may be accurate to say that the Bodong holder cannot guarantee
complete safety, there are many things that the Bodong holder actually
guarantees, such as the following: 1) swift investigation of an injury or death
allegedly caused by a co-villager against a kabodong; 2) final determination of
the identity of the covenant violator and consequent punishment commensurate
to the gravity or as provided by the covenant; 3) indemnity for loss, injury or
death due to the violation; 4) assistance to kabodong who gets sick within the
village territory; 5) return of a kabodong's body who died of illness within its
territory; and 6) assurance of village hospitality.
In the Pagfa or law of the Bodong, the Bodong holder shall faithfully
enforce and execute the provisions of the Pagfa; prosecute with dispatch cases
brought to his attention until the same have been settled to the satisfaction of
both parties; not allow the severance of'the Bodong without complying with the
provisions of Pagta; and arrest or cause the arrest of the violator of the Pagta.
For most Kalinga, the Bodong is not only the result of the creation of a
binding, legal relationship but it is also an important social activity. The
convergence of both is what they poignantly equate as the essence of life not
only because peace insures the perpetuation of their lives but also because the
very activity itself makes them feel alive.
The Peace Pact Holders or the Bodong holders are revered members of
the community, more than a barangay captain or a law enforcer. It is for this
reason that they should be accorded recognition and legal status as recognition
and legal status a persons in authority in their own tribal barangay.
Immediate passage of this bill is therefore earnestly requested
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MA NYVI LAR
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