The Philippine Islands, 1493-1803 — Volume 05 of 55 / 1582-1583 / Explorations by Early Navigators, Descriptions of the Islands and Their Peoples, Their History and Records of the Catholic Missions, as Related in Contemporaneous Books and Manuscripts, Showing the Political, Economic, Commercial and Religious Conditions of Those Islands from Their Earliest Relations with European Nations to the Beginning of the Nineteenth Century

by Unknown

[5] The word “taels” is Retana’s conjecture; but it is possible that the doubtful word was joyas (“ornaments”). From the context, it is more probably quintos (“fifths”), indicating that the royal officials attempted to exact from the Indians the “king’s fifth” on all their possessions of gold, as well as on that newly dug from the ground.

[6] That is, as no longer in circulation (Span., por perdido). The reference is to the native custom mentioned by Sande in his report of 1577 (see Vol IV of this series, p. 99). Speaking of the best grade of gold used by the Moros, he says: “From this is made the jewelry which they inherit from their ancestors, with which they never part.”

[7] A term originally applied to the gold or silver wristlets and anklets worn by Moorish women.

[8] In the form of promissory notes, such as always have been so much used and abused in the Philippines.—Retana.

[9] Span., perlados; so in Retana’s text, but from the context there is apparently some error in this—perhaps a copyist’s conjecture for some illegible word.

[10] This man was notary of the expedition sent to Borneo and Mindanao by Francisco de Sande under command of Gabriel de Rivera. See ante, Vol. IV, p. 273.

Instructions to Commissary of the Inquisition

Instructions which the person who is or in future will be the commissary of the Holy Office in the city and bishopric of Manila and the Phelipinas Islands of the West,[1] must mark and observe, in order better to fulfil the office and trust which he holds.

1. For this office shall always be chosen persons who are thoroughly competent and well approved—whose purity of family descent, and exemplary life and habits, have been previously ascertained through written information. Besides this, confidence is placed in their prudence, moderation, and temperance, which qualities will enable them to exercise aright the trust conferred upon them, and they will exercise it, for the public good, for the better transaction of business, and not for any private ends. Above all, it behooves them, and they are earnestly charged, not to employ the name and title of the Holy Office for avenging individual wrongs, or for the intimidation or affront of any person. The more such a person shall suspect the inquisitor’s friendship, the more prudently must the latter deal with him; otherwise, not only will God be therein offended, but the Holy Office will be greatly wronged.