Qualifications for a Subanen Ruler, Minister and Council Member
Historically, the Subanen people did not impose rigid qualifications for rulers, ministers, or council members. Leadership arose naturally through a person's willingness to serve, their governing skills, and their unwavering loyalty to their people. However, with the continuous influx of migrants into Subanen territories, maintaining traditional governance has become increasingly challenging. To safeguard Subanen leadership from individuals without authentic lineage or genuine dedication, His Majesty Datu Gendao has established clear standards for future rulers.
While these qualifications still align with traditional Subanen practices, His Majesty Datu Gendao has clarified them to ensure that only rightful leaders—those who embody Subanen heritage and values—assume positions of authority. This measure protects the Subanen people from external influence and ensures that leadership remains within the hands of those who genuinely uphold the customs and welfare of their community.
Requirements for a Ruler, Minister, and Council Member
- A Traditional Subanen Name - Every ruler must possess a name derived from Subanen culture, tradition, and language. This reinforces their authentic identity and deepens their connection to their ancestral lineage.
- Proof of Citizenship - Since the Subanen People's Kingdom exists within the jurisdiction of the Philippine government, a ruler must hold a valid Philippine Government Identification Card to confirm citizenship. In cases where this requirement cannot be met, an aspiring ruler must undergo verification by the community, demonstrating a history of leadership and proving their Subanen lineage through ancestral records and public acknowledgment.
- Maturity and Leadership Experience - A ruler must be at least 26 years old, capable of demonstrating leadership skills and governance experience. While younger individuals may aspire to rule, full recognition and authority are granted only upon meeting the official age requirement.
- Established Governance - A ruler must already have a functioning community under their leadership and seek only formal recognition. This ensures that leadership is based on actual governance rather than mere aspiration.
- Adherence to Traditional Governance Principles - A ruler must uphold the core tenets of Subanen leadership, including equality, mutual respect, non-interference, and the absence of power contests (as outlined in the Subanen government structure). Leaders must recognize that all Subanen are interconnected as relatives, bound by a shared ancestry that values unity and harmony.
- Commitment to the Principle of Commonwealth - Subanen rulers must uphold the belief that land is collectively owned by all, not by individuals. This ensures that resources are shared among the people, reinforcing the community's commitment to collective well-being rather than individual gain. (See the Subanen government structure)
The Highest Ruler: His Majesty Datu Gendao
His Majesty Datu Gendao, a direct descendant of Datu Mindanao through the Datu of Sindangan, holds an uncontested authority based on the Subanen principles of mutual respect and rightful governance. His reign marks the triumphant re-establishment of the Subanen People’s Kingdom (SPK) after more than 300 years of decline under Spanish colonization—a testament to his capability and dedication to restoring the sovereignty of his people.
Through his leadership, His Majesty has revived Subanen culture, working alongside his people to reclaim the historical narratives that had faded into obscurity. He has reinstated the laws, guidelines, rules, and policies of the Subanen People’s Kingdom, ensuring the continuation of their traditions and governance.
His Majesty is the bearer of the Sun, a symbol of enlightenment and leadership, and a lone star, standing firm alongside eleven other stars representing the Governorates. These celestial symbols signify the unyielding hope that the Subanen people will persevere through all challenges, past and future, ensuring their survival and triumph for generations to come.
Succession and Legacy
His Majesty Datu Gendao has the authority to pass his leadership to a chosen successor, ensuring the continuity of Subanen rule. The next ruler may be:
- A member of his family, including his son, if he is already a ruling Datu.
- Any esteemed Datu from the roster of ruling leaders who demonstrates the ability and willingness to uphold the responsibilities of leadership, chosen according to His Majesty’s will before his passing.
The next ruler shall inherit the sacred name Datu Gendao, carrying forth the legacy of the Sun and lone star, alongside eleven stars that symbolize the Eight Governorates and three independent cities within Subanen territory. This name represents the supreme ruler of the Subanen civilization and will be passed down from one generation to the next, ensuring that the leadership remains unified under a single enduring title.
As long as the Subanen people exist, the name Datu Gendao will remain—the eternal emblem of sovereignty, strength, and cultural preservation.
Qualifications for a Ruler of Governorates and Independent Cities
Every ruler of a Governorate or Independent City within the Subanen People's Kingdom (SPK) must meet the following requirements to ensure the stability of governance and continuity of tradition:
- Recognition as a Ruling Datu - A ruler must already be governing a designated territory and be formally recognized by the people as their legitimate leader. This acknowledgment must be established through the community's collective respect and trust in his leadership.
- Leadership Over Multiple Datus - To govern a Governorate or an Independent City, a ruling Datu must oversee at least three subordinate Datus and their respective territories. If, at the time of his ascension, he has not yet fulfilled this requirement, he must elevate and enthrone a Tim’uay—one deemed capable of leadership—into the rank of Datu to meet the qualification. Only upon fulfilling this criterion will he be officially recognized as the ruler.
- Elder Datu Requirement - An elder Datu—one governing a Governorate or an Independent City—must also oversee at least three Datus and their territories. If he does not meet this requirement at the time of ascension, he must appoint and elevate qualified Tim’uays into Datus until the requirement is satisfied, ensuring a structured and hierarchical governance system before official recognition is granted
- Fulfillment of the Three Fundamental Leadership Qualifications - Each ruler, whether governing a Governorate or an Independent City, must adhere to the foundational principles of Subanen leadership, which uphold:
- A traditional Subanen name that reflects cultural identity.
- Recognition by the Philippine Government through valid identification or verified ancestral legitimacy.
- Leadership maturity, ensuring capable governance and adherence to the principles of mutual respect, equality, and non-interference, as outlined in the Subanen Government Structure.
Qualifications for a City Ruler
Every ruler of a Subanen City must meet specific qualifications to uphold traditional governance and ensure effective leadership within the Subanen People's Kingdom.
1. Recognition as a Ruling Datu
A Datu aspiring to rule a city must already be recognized by the people as their leader. His governance must be established within the community, demonstrating his leadership and authority.
2. Leadership Over Tim’uays
A Datu ruler of a city must govern at least three Tim’uays and their respective territories. If, at the time of his ascension, he does not yet oversee three Tim’uays, he must elevate and enthrone a qualified Tim’uay into elder status to fulfill this requirement. Only upon meeting this qualification will he be officially recognized as the city's ruler.
3. Qualifications for an Elder Tim’uay Ruler
An elder Tim’uay leading a city must oversee at least three Tim’uays and their territories. If, at the time of his ascension, he does not fulfill this criterion, he must elevate and enthrone a younger Tim’uay into elder status to meet the requirement before his official recognition as ruler.
Some elder Tim’uays maintain their title rather than advancing to Datu status. This choice reflects their preference for remaining within the respected elder hierarchy rather than assuming broader administrative control. However, they must still meet leadership requirements to retain governance over a city.
4. Fulfillment of the Fundamental Leadership Qualifications
Each ruler—whether a Datu or an elder Tim’uay—must satisfy the three basic requirements for Subanen leadership:
- A traditional Subanen name, reflecting their cultural heritage.
- Recognition by the Philippine Government, verified either by an official identification document or ancestral legitimacy.
- Leadership maturity, ensuring their ability to rule effectively while adhering to Subanen principles of mutual respect, equality, and non-interference, as outlined in the Subanen government structure.
While a city may be governed by a Datu, these leaders must foster a strong and cooperative relationship with the elder Datu, who serves as the Governorate leader and holds overarching authority. This collaboration ensures seamless governance, stability, and adherence to the traditional Subanen administrative framework, preserving both unity and cultural integrity.
These qualifications safeguard the integrity of governance within Subanen Cities, ensuring that leadership remains rooted in tradition while adapting to the evolving needs of the people. Under these guidelines, rulers are held accountable to their communities, preserving the sovereignty and continuity of Subanen governance for generations to come.
Qualifications for a Village Ruler
The governance structure of the Subanen People's Kingdom begins at the grassroots level, where leadership emerges naturally within families and villages.
- Voluntary Leadership as Tim’uay
Any Subanen man may become a Tim’uay if he willingly chooses to lead his family and village. The role is not assigned by appointment but rather emerges from an individual’s sense of duty and commitment to guiding his people. - Leadership Skills as a Prerequisite
A prospective Tim’uay must possess the skills and wisdom necessary to govern. His ability to lead with fairness, uphold traditions, and ensure the welfare of his people is fundamental to his qualification. - Fulfillment of the Three Basic Leadership Requirements
Every Tim’uay must adhere to the foundational criteria for leadership within Subanen governance:
- A traditional Subanen name that reflects ancestral heritage.
- Recognition by the Philippine Government through valid identification or verified lineage.
- Leadership maturity, demonstrating effective governance, adherence to traditional principles, and the ability to maintain unity within his community.
The Family as the Foundation of Leadership
In Subanen society, the family is the basic unit of governance within the People’s Kingdom. The head of a household is the first Tim’uay, responsible for leading his family with wisdom and stability. This family-based leadership structure serves as a training ground, where individuals cultivate the skills and experience necessary to eventually govern a village.
Through this system, leadership within the Subanen People's Kingdom remains deeply rooted in tradition, fostering strong and capable rulers who emerge organically from the community rather than through political appointment. This ensures governance that is aligned with cultural values, continuity of ancestral wisdom, and the preservation of Subanen identity across generations.
