154 PEOPLES OF THE PHILIPPINES 
greatest difference is that the trials are formally con- 
ducted by the dato or a group of head men instead of go- 
betweens acting for the principals; and that one-half 
of the penalties paid go to the judge. Personal revenge 
being illegal, the life of offenders is rarely taken, even 
murder being condoned for by the bangun or blood 
money. Adultery brings a heavy fine, and even im- 
proper advances impose some liability. A husband is 
privileged to wound a wife on discovering her infidelity. 
Should he kill her, he is subject to fine. After the first 
outburst he is not allowed to do her any bodily injury. 
For theft, the penalty is two or three times the value of 
the stolen article. Heavier fines attached to the rich 
than to the poor for the same offense. If a fine cannot 
be paid, the debtor becomes a temporary slave. He is 
not usually held longer than three years, except when 
the offense is adultery. 
Among the ancient Pampanga, it was usual for com- 
munities to go to war if a chieftain or noble was slain. 
In time, however, such feuds were patched up, from 
seventy to one hundred taels of gold being paid for the 
original murder. One-half of this amount went to the 
bereaved children, the remainder to his kinsmen, less a 
commission to the chiefs of other communities or kin 
groups who effected the settlement. For the slaying 
of a common man by one of the nobility, the fine was 
ten to twenty taels, but in default of direct heirs of the 
victim, the amount was distributed largely among the 
nobility participating in the settlement. If a common 
man slew one of the nobility, he and his family were put 
to death. For murder among the common people, a 
fine was assessed, in default of which the offender was 
hanged or lanced. For the killing of a near kinsman, 
the death penalty was not inflicted. Theft required 
restitution plus a fine. A thief unable to pay was sold as 
