Learning from myths
I note with interest that despite its simplicity and in spite of its raw cruelty, the mythical Code of Kalantiaw clearly demonstrates how our country could move forward. It suggests that discipline and a strong justice system are all it takes.
The code was written supposedly by epic personality, Datu Kalantiaw, the ruler of Negros. Although its existence has been dubious, the concept of a code is an indication that our forefathers had a functioning justice system, based on what they perceived as right and wrong at that time. A closer look at the code also shows us that the things considered deplorable in our country’s mythical past are the very same unpardonable misdeeds stunting our progress today.
Corruption for instance, simplified under the Code of Kalantiaw as “stealing” is punishable by drowning in the river or in boiling water. Now I don’t personally subscribe to death at boiling point (or any killing for that matter) but somehow our country has not come close to even imposing milder penalties on the corrupt as most offenders get off the hook eventually.
Stealing is also stealing whether in big or small amounts. Under the code those who steal in small amounts shall be exposed to ants for half a day. It’s amazing how modern day Filipinos have tweaked the offense as they deem “small time stealing” tolerable. “Tong pats,” “Kotong” and “lagay” in basic government service are now even considered Standard Operating Procedure or SOP, leaving the country’s ants nothing to do.
Death also awaits those who disrespect elders. In modern times these are the people who dishonored senior citizen cards, contributed to the delays of veterans’ benefits, or divested GSIS and SSS retirement funds for their own benefit. We claim to be a nation that esteems our elders but our elderly population is not aging gracefully with these injustices.
Article 2 of the Code of Kalantiaw covers those who do not pay their debts. First offense incurs an equivalent punishment of one hundred body lashes. If the debt is large, the borrower’s hand shall be dipped in boiling water, thrice! This should teach us not to borrow more than we can afford to pay. Our country’s ballooning debt really tells us we’re in hot water!
Second time offenders shall be beaten to death. Now this sends a clear message to those who habitually commit Estafa, issue bouncing checks and those who ignore credit card collectors, that one’s credit line is just about as long as one’s life line.
No man is allowed to marry a very young woman. Neither shall one marry more than he can afford. First time offenders shall be made to swim for three hours while those caught a second time will be beaten to death with thorns. The three-hour swim alone will dramatically reduce by half today’s number of philandering husbands, rapists and pedophiles as prolonged swimming is not a national skill.
And with our utter number of sex offenders, we’ll surely run out of fresh thorns. Article 12 of the code also encourages death to all those “who abuse themselves through their lust.” Farewell, girly bars.
The Code of Kalantiaw promotes “girl power” by brokering respect for women. For under Article 10, a man being cruel to his wife even if he caught her doing adulterous acts shall be cut into pieces and fed to the crocodiles. Note that not even under severe blows to the male ego, has a man the right to hurt his dame.
Death penalty also applies to those singing at night, a punishment one may endorse if his neighbor’s videoke or partying robs him of sleep. Even during the “make believe” Maragtas days when the code was “in effect” public disturbance was a human right violation.
And I’m sure environmentalists would welcome the code’s Article 7 which also imposes death penalty on those caught killing trees, anent to Article 6 which obliges everyone to “revere sights that are held in respect such as those of trees of recognized worth”. Narra? And I bet with the raging denudation of the country’s forests, Datu Kalantiaw is turning in his mythical grave itching to give his impish crocodiles a smorgasbord of illegal loggers from Cagayan Valley and Mindanao.
Malicious liars such as some of those spreading false truths and maybe a few of those appearing in senate or congressional hearings will be beaten for two days. Now if we as a nation even came close to punishing perjurers then the many Senate, congressional or judicial hearings would run with ease and ooze with credibility.
For those who have cunningly escaped punishment such as erring government officials who had the perfect legal defense and skillful legal defenders and whose sins have been written off, no less than burning alive will suffice as punishment.
Finally, the mythical code banners accountability, which is essentially lacking in today’s positions of power. Article 18 sets specific punishments to heads, leaders or officials who fail to implement or protect the laws of the land: their “heads shall be crushed or they shall be stoned.” Either that or they are “thrown in the river to be devoured by sharks and crocodiles”. For all its brutality, the code does offer options.
The severity of the punishment illustrates that public office is a public trust. Whoever assumes a public position must deliver and no less than death is the unfortunate punishment awaiting those who falter. For in the mythical world or the real one we live in today, government service is sacred.*
