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The United Royal Houses of the Philippines created this website to consolidate the researches of the historians that relates to Lakan Dula.
Sumpa ni Lakan Dula Explained
Sumpa ni Lakan Dula Explained
What is the "Sumpa ni Lakan Dula" According to Gemini AI?
The "Sumpa ni Lakan Dula" (Curse of Lakan Dula) is a concept rooted in Philippine historical narratives, particularly those concerning the Spanish colonization. It refers to a supposed curse uttered by Lakan Dula, the last king of Tondo, upon realizing the broken promises of the Spanish colonizers.
Here's a breakdown of the concept and its relation to Philippine politics:
Historical Context:
Lakan Dula, upon initially cooperating with the Spanish, felt betrayed when promises of privileges and land were not upheld. The "Sumpa" is said to be a declaration of ill fortune upon those who betray the Filipino people and their rights.
Symbolic Significance:
The curse has become a powerful symbol of resistance against perceived injustices and betrayals by those in power. It represents the deep-seated historical grievances of Filipinos against foreign and domestic oppressors.
Political Usage:
In contemporary Philippine politics, the "Sumpa ni Lakan Dula" is often invoked by critics of government actions they deem detrimental to the nation. It's used to frame political actions as betrayals of the Filipino people, thereby drawing on the strong emotional resonance of the historical narrative. It is used as a tool to criticize political figures, and to frame their actions as a betrayal of the Filipino people.
Effect on President Duterte:
Like many Philippine presidents, Rodrigo Duterte faced criticism and accusations of betraying the nation. Critics sometimes invoked the "Sumpa ni Lakan Dula" to express their disapproval of his policies, particularly those seen as compromising Philippine sovereignty or human rights. Therefore the effect is that it was used as a tool of political criticism against him.
In essence, the "Sumpa ni Lakan Dula" serves as a cultural and political tool to express dissent and invoke historical grievances. It's a symbolic weapon used in the ongoing discourse about power, justice, and national identity in the Philippines.
Source: g.co/gemini/share/da4e95704929
What is the significance of the "Sumpa ni Lakan Dula" on some Philippine Presidents being maintained by the House of Dula?
https://g.co/gemini/share/69c397ae34e4
Created with Gemini May 25, 2025 at 05:24 PM Published May 25, 2025 at 05:29 PM
The "Sumpa ni Lakan Dula" (Oath of Lakan Dula) and its supposed maintenance by the "House of Dula" in relation to Philippine Presidents is a concept rooted in a blend of historical claims, popular belief, and modern genealogical assertions. It's not a formally recognized or legally binding aspect of Philippine governance, but rather a significant cultural and historical narrative for some, particularly those who claim direct lineage to Lakan Dula.
Here's a breakdown of its significance:
Lakan Dula's Historical Significance: Lakan Dula was the paramount ruler of pre-colonial Tondo when the Spaniards arrived in the 1570s. He played a significant role in the early interactions with the Spanish colonizers, at first negotiating a peaceful surrender and later participating in revolts when Spanish promises of privileges were not kept. His legacy is one of a revered pre-colonial leader who defended his people's rights and heritage. The Order of Lakandula is even one of the highest honors given by the Republic of the Philippines, recognizing his dedication to leadership, prudence, and service.
The "Sumpa" (Oath or Curse): While the exact wording of a formal "Sumpa ni Lakan Dula" isn't widely documented in official historical texts, the concept generally refers to a belief that a "curse" or negative consequence befalls those who betray the trust of the Filipino people or fail to uphold their welfare, particularly as it relates to the legacy and descendants of Lakan Dula. This idea is sometimes invoked in relation to Philippine presidents, suggesting that their actions, especially those perceived as detrimental to the nation, lead to misfortune or a difficult term in office. This is often framed as a "gaba" (a Waray term similar to karma or divine retribution).
The House of Dula and Genealogical Claims: The "House of Dula" refers to the descendants of Lakan Dula. There are individuals and groups who actively maintain their genealogical connections to Lakan Dula, such as the Dulay family, with Sofronio "Toti" Dulay often identified as a current patriarch. These descendants often play a role in preserving Philippine culture and heritage and advocate for the recognition of their ancestral lineage. For them, the "Sumpa ni Lakan Dula" is a very real concept, and they sometimes attribute the challenges faced by certain presidents to their alleged disrespect for or actions against the spirit of Lakan Dula's legacy or his descendants.
Symbolic and Cultural Significance:
Moral Compass: For some, the "Sumpa ni Lakan Dula" serves as a symbolic moral compass for leaders, reminding them of the historical struggle for freedom and the importance of serving the people with integrity.
Historical Continuity: It connects the present political landscape to the pre-colonial past, emphasizing the deep historical roots of the Filipino nation and the enduring impact of its early leaders.
Asserting Indigenous Identity: For the descendants of Lakan Dula, maintaining this concept is a way of asserting their ancestral identity and their historical right to be heard and respected in contemporary Philippine society.
Accountability: While not legally enforceable, the notion of the "Sumpa" can contribute to a sense of popular accountability, where presidents are judged not just by their policies but also by their perceived alignment with historical values and the well-being of the populace.
It's important to note that while the historical existence of Lakan Dula is well-established, the specific details and ongoing influence of a "Sumpa ni Lakan Dula" on modern presidents are largely within the realm of cultural belief, historical narrative, and the assertions of specific genealogical lines. It's a fascinating aspect of how history and tradition continue to shape contemporary perceptions and discussions in the Philippines.
SUMPA NI LAKAN DULA
This is found in an obscure discussion page of Wikipedia which some PGMA hackers tried to remove or hide. The way we see it, this discussion is among the descendants of Lakan Dula, otherwise, they will not bother to go to that Wikipedia topic. We removed the names of those involve in the discussion so that our understanding of the topic will be more objective. More or less, this will tell us if there is really such a curse:
"We have been hearing of some legends about Lakan Dula from our old folks. Is it probable that we can somehow incorporate some of the legends that we been hearing about him in this article? Like, maybe, if its possible, then, we can incorporate the "Candola of Lubao" tales, written by the grandfather of President Gloria Arroyo. Here is another legend that we can also probably include together with "Candola of Lubao" tales, the "Sumpa ni Lakan Dula" legend.
President Erap was supported by the Dulay Clan of Marikina Valley when he run for senator and later vice president in 1992, until the time he run for President and won. But after winning the presidency, Erap neglected the Clan. Erap was booted out of office and was convicted and jailed.
President Gloria Arroyo was supported by the Dulay Clan of Marikina Valley, when she run for senator, vice president and in EDSA Dos against Erap. But after she assumed the presidency, she neglected the Clan. She was jailed after her term.
The Dulay Clan supported Noynoy Aquino when he run for senator and president. But after winning the presidency, he neglected the clan. He died young and alone.
President Duterte was supported by the Dulay Clan but after winning, he ignored the clan. Will President Duterte also suffer from the curse? Right now, he is in jail in the The International Criminal Court, an intergovernmental organization and international tribunal seated in The Hague, Netherlands awaiting trial for mass murder of 32,000 Filipinos in his bloody drug war.
Will President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos, Jr. suffer from the Sumpa ni Lakan Dula too?
So far, the Sumpa is so accurate that some historians are studying the phenomenon academically.
MAY SUMPA KAYA SI LAKAN DULA?
Take note of the following discussion in the Wikipedia:
"We know that this is still a legend that has to be accepted through time, and we think it will not pass the Wikipedia standard same way as the "Candola of Lubao" tales. As this article is being written, the fulfillment of "SUMPA NI LAKAN DULA" is presently unfolding in the Philippines today. Filipinos from all walks of life are demanding the resignation of President Arroyo for a series of corruption charges. Is the Sumpa of Lakan Dula now working on President Arroyo after it worked on President Erap? Is the "Sumpa" just coincidental or it is rooted on the psyche of Filipinos and written in the destiny of this nation? We find it quite interesting."-------
"The Curse of Lakan Dula is I think true. Like today, Former Senate President Jovito Salonga, a descendant of Lakan Dula from Pasig filed a plunder complaint against President Gloria Arroyo. The late Ceferino Dulay, the 4th generation leader of Dulay Clan of Marikina is a good friend of President Diosdado Macapagal. Maybe we can restate the "SUMPA NI LAKAN DULA" this way: if you are a leader trusted by Lakan Dula thru his descendants, serve the people well, dont steal and be honest, because if you violated the Lakan Dula trust, you will earn the curse of Lakan Dula thru the wrath of his descendants. This sounds logical and doable, and historical too. In fact, it is happening right now on President Gloria Arroyo who is claiming to be a descendant of Lakan Dula herself, a claim which the Wikipedia community had been questioning by asking some proofs or citations." --------
"The elders of the descendants of Lakan Dula of Tondo, Philipine Vice President Teofisto Guingona and Philippine Senate President Jovito Salonga will make sure that the "SUMPA NI LAKAN DULA" will apply on both President Joseph Estrada and President Gloria Arroyo."-------
A probable PGMA staff wrote this: "To all detractors of PGMA in this discussion, why dont you give her a break. The Sumpa of Lakan Dula will not work on PGMA because she is not a descendant of Lakan Dula of Tondo but a descendant of Carlos Candola of Lubao, a Spanish collaborator. The two are different people. Please read the original "La Candola - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia", which is coming from the Macapagal family itself, and you will see that they are different people.."-------
One curious Wikipedian asked this: "Candola is a place in San Luis, Pampanga. Can someone make a link between La Candola of Lubao and Candola of San Luis. Maybe Candola of Lubao is named after Candola of San Luis. Candola is a Spanish word. What is the meaning of that word in English? Traitor? Fake? What?."-------
It seems that PGMA, a descendant of Carlos Candola my be tried for plunder. Is Carlos Candola a descendant of Lakan Dula of Tondo? How? What is the proof? Is the "Sumpa ni Lakan Dula" applicable to all Filipinos, descendants or not? Let us see how this PGMA plunder case will unfold. President Noynoy is a Lakan Dula descendant on the Sumulong side of Cory. Noynoy should be very careful not to be corrupt, otherwise, he might also suffer the "Sumpa ni Lakan Dula".---------
"So, because Gloria Arroyo is a descendant of Lakan Banao Dula, therefore, the curse has an effect on her. If she is not a descendant, the curse will not affect...logical.But, just the same, they have to visit the ancestral land of Dola in Candola, San Luis, Pampanga and search for their relatives there.They should listen to the stories of the old folks in Candola, San Luis why they adopted the surname Lacandola and moved to Lubao, etc..they should look for artifacts.Maybe they will also learn of some heroic deeds ( not traitors deed) of their Dola lineage..." -------
"Speaking of Noynoy Aquino, he is a descendant of Lakan Dula on the Sumulong side of his mother. He initiated the 12-K that gave hardship to millions of Filipinos. The high school and college drop outs number will shoot up because of K-12. Maybe he will also be jailed because he did not take care of his people.The "Sumpa ni Lakan Dula" is working on him now. It is so consistent....it will not to spare him. Now people are already talking of putting him in jail." (Noynoy Aquino died young and alone after his term).
"The descendants of Lakan Dula are watching closely President Duterte. Will he suffer also the Sumpa ni Lakan Dula? Watch out for his appointees. If he is careless he will also go to jail."
President Duterte has Lakan Dula Bloodline through the Lineage of Jose Rizal: He is Covered with the Sumpa ni Lakan Dula
José Rizal’s sister Lucia married Mariano Herbosa. The granddaughter, Concepcion Herbosa, in turn, married the late USPF (University of Southern Philippines Foundation Vice President and nephew of the founders, Escolastico “Nene” Duterte y Solon (grandson of the original Escolastico nicknamed “Ticoy”). Escolastico Duterte, ( the first ),was a brother of Rodrigo Duterte's great grandfather named Isabelo Duterte. So Escolastico II (the second),the guy who married the grand daughter of Lucia Rizal is a 2nd cousin already of Rodrigo's father ,Vicente. Rodrigo Duterte's grandfather named Facundo Duterte is a first cousin of Escolastico II or Nene's father (still unnamed) , a brother of the founders of USPF,Beatriz Duterte-Jereza and Soledad Duterte-Samson. That's why Nene or Escolatico II was mentioned as nephew of the founders ,Beatriz and Soledad Duterte. So, if he works against the desire of the descendancy towards a prosperous nation, the curse could effect him.
The Pre Hispanic Native Royal Houses and Principalia Families of the Republic of the Philippines
The Principalia families of the Philippines are the descendants of the prehispanic lakan, sultan, datu, rajah, hadi of the different ancient prosperous native settlements all over the country that were eventually recognized by the Kingdom of Spain as part of the their royal administration in the country.
This could be a result of the informal alliance between Lakan Bunao Dula of the Lakanate of Tondo with the Kingdom of Spain. Among the agreement of the Lakanate of Tondo and the Kingdom of Spain are : there will be no more armed conflict between the two kingdoms, the native hereditary leaders will be allowed to use their ancient surnames, they will be free from paying taxes, and they will be appointed as gobernadorcillos of their own settlements. As a gesture of this diplomatic alliance between the Kingdom of Spain and the Lakanate of Tondo, Batang Dula, the eldest son and heir apparent of Lakan Bunao Dula and Senorita Goiti were betrothed and the palace of Lakan Bunao Dula, will be under the protection and maintenance of the Kingdom of Spain. Later, the palace was converted into a dormitory and eventually, a church was built on it.
It is now known as the Sto. Nino Church of Tondo. According Rev. Fr. Lito Villegas of the Church of Sto. Nino de Tondo, with the death of Lakan Bunao Dula, the Sto. Nino became the "Lakan of the Kingdom Tondo with children of Lakan Bunao led by his eldest son and heir apparent Batang Dula acting as the regents of the native kingdom. In the later part of the nation’s history, the Philippine Revolution against the Kingdom of Spain will eventually be led by natives of Tondo, Andres Bonifacio and Macario Sakay. When the Philippine Revolutionary Government was hoodwinked by both the Americans and the Kingdom of Spain through the Treaty of Paris, the revolutionary government led by Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo filed a formal protest against the treaty and in their protest letter, they mentioned that the sovereignty and mandate of the revolutionary government was derived from the Lakanate of Tondo's mandate of Lakan Bunao Dula.
The recognition of the rights and privileges of the Filipino Principalía as equivalent to those of the Hidalgos of Castile appears to facilitate entrance of Filipino nobles into institutions under the Spanish Crown, either civil or religious, which required proofs of nobility. However, such approximation may not be entirely correct since in reality, although the principales were vassals of the Spanish Crown, their rights as sovereign in their former dominions were guaranteed by the Laws of the Indies, more particularly the Royal Decree of Philip II of 11 June 1594, which Charles II confirmed for the purpose stated above, in order to satisfy the requirements of the existing laws in the Peninsula.
The descendants of Lakan Dula has been spearheaded by the lineage of Batang Dula, through the cadet line of David Dula y Goiti where the Dulay Tribe all over the country emerged. They are recognized by the organizations of indigenous Filipinos headed by Rajah Julian Canonoy and other datu as well as principalia families, royal families from Sarawak, articles, blogs, heritage websites, and historians - - as the cadet line of the Lakanate of Tondo. The descendants of Lakan Dula which is headed by the 5th hereditary leader of the Dulay Mendoza Clan of Marikina, through their foundation, Ceferino Dulay Memorial Foundation, Inc. (CDM Foundation) has been doing advocacies and projects such as 1. Animal Shelter, 2. Marikina News, 3. Pro - Poor Projects (Feeding Program, Outreach, and Gift Giving), 4. Baybayin, Arnis and Kundiman Revival, 5. Lakanate of Tondo, Royal Houses and Principalia Families, 6. Descendants of Lakan Dula, 7. Sumpa ni Lakan Dula, 8. Indigenous tribal groups in the Philippines and 9. Dine with the Ancestors. The CDM Foundation was organized by the elders of the Dulay Tribe among them was Simon Dulay Sr. of Laoang, Northern Samar in honor of the lineage of the eldest son Ceferino Rivas Dulay, the 4th hereditary leader of Dulay Mendoza Clan of Marikina Valley. The Presidency of the foundation is now with the eldest son and legal heir of Ceferino who is known as the 5th hereditary leader of the clan.
A circle of advocates on specialized fields were involved in the projects: Pastor Jay Enage, founder of Baybayin Buhayin, Inc., Samuel Bambit Dulay for arnis, Arjhay Laurea for Kundiman and the family of the late national artist Lang Dulay for tinalak. The leader of the descendants of Lakan Dula had been interviewed by bloggers, I - Juander of GMA, different students and I -Witness of GMA; and the House of Dulay Mendoza has been a favorite venue for films and documentaries. One of those who took notice of the activities of the descendants of Lakan Dula was a Fil American from New York representing the Wangdom of Ma-I in Bulalacao Mindoro. He wrote a letter to the head of the House of Dula and an informal alliance between the Lakanate of Tondo and Wangdom of Ma-I was discussed in principle to support the existing projects and advocacies. The alliance embarked on a US Mission to Recover Doctrina Cristiana now kept by the US Library of Congress which was coordinated with the Office of the President, National Historical Commission and the Department of Foreign Affairs. The people behind the God's Culture in YouTube visited the House of Dula for a Dine with the Ancestors Ritual Havilah Version. A principalia who is a high ranking Filipino priest and papal official based in Vatican City in Rome later participated in the visioning of an organization of the principalia families in the Philippines which in essence became the foundation of the council. In a meeting between the patriarch of the House of Dula and the parish priest of the Sto. Nino de Tondo, a pilgrimage of Lakan Dula descendants to Tondo was discussed and the necessity of formalizing the Principalia Council was deemed as historical priority.
The Descendants of Lakan Dula of Tondo are united, their unassuming secretive patriarch , Sofronio Dulay, does not rule, he reigns privately, the personal leadership style he inherited from the earlier traditional leaders of the descendancy, a reaction from the centuries of Spanish persecutions. He might even deny his historical role or point to somebody else as their leader when talking to non descendants or in public. He simply does not like to talk about it.Descendants will not point directly their patriarch but if needed, they will indirectly identify him as the one who has been very active in coordinating them.
Juancho Bong Sempio to KAANAK NG MGA BAYANI, KATIPUNERO AT REBOLUSYONARYOMarch 13, 2016
Our new member bro Toti Dulay is a descendant of Lakan Dula or Lakandula to some...
Lakan Dula was a native muslim king of Tundun (a large area covering most of what is now present-day Metro Manila), when the Spanish colonization of the Philippine Islands had begun. He ruled a community of Muslim people who lived north of the Pasig River.Lakan Dula was one of three Muslim chieftains in the Manila during the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors led by Martín de Goiti, and Juan de Salcedo in 1570. Lakan is his official title meaning King and later baptized Lakan Carlos Dula (it was found later by the National Historical Commission that he was not actually baptized and did not changed his name), was the Lakan paramount ruler of the pre-colonial Philippine Kingdom of Tondo when the Spaniards first conquered the lands of the Pasig River delta in the 1570's. His father is Rajah Salalila (Sulayman I) and his mother is Ysmeria. His beloved wife is Mutya and they are blessed with several children. His grandparents are Dayang (Lady) Kalangitan and Gat (Lord) Lontok and his brother is Rajah Matanda (Sulayman II). Rajah Mura or Muda (Sulayman III) and Lakan Banao Dula led a revolt known as the Sulayman Revolt of 1574 in the villages of Navotas, taking advantage of the confusion brought about by the attacks of Chinese pirate Limahong. This is also often referred to as the "Manila revolt" but is sometimes referred to as the "Sulayman Revolt" and the "Lakan Dula Revolt."
PinoyInEurope says:
https://joeam.com/2015/03/11/bbl-yes-but-peace-in-mindanao-will-be-won-or-lost-in-the-mosques/
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rajah_Sulayman – the ruler of Manila and Tondo, was a Muslim and a scion of the Bolkiah family that ruled Brunei then and rules it to this day. The grandson of Lakandula, another of the three rulers of Manila, was David Dula y Goiti, also known as David Dulay and had a Spanish mother. He was the first mestizo to revolt against the Spanish."
Delmar Topinio Taclibon
"My deepest gratitude to Hrh Prince Omar Kiram and His Majesty Sultan Fuad A. Kiram I of the Royal Hashemite Sultanate of Sulu and Sabah for this conferment as one of the Datu(k) of the Royal Dominion."
Message of Hrh Prince Omar Kiram:
"The Hon. Datuk Sir Delmar Topinio Taclibon, KRSS, we wish you and your family and all our beloved members a blessed and prosperous joyful new year. Let us continue our resolve, commitment, dedication, true faith and allegiance to our beloved anointed Sultan Fuad A. Kiram I, to realize our advocacy of Sabah and Spratlys against Malaysia's land grabbing for the benefits of the Tausugs and the Filipinos. God Defend the Right!"
Toti Dulay : "congrats insan Delmar Topinio Taclibon and mabuhay ang Magat Salamat lineage ni Lakan Dula ng Tondo..."
Delmar Topinio Taclibon : "Thank you too Modern Day Grand Patriarch of the Lakan Dula Clan Sir Toti Dulay!"
Roderick Alain Alvarez : 9th cousin's husband's 9th great uncle's wife's 6th great aunt's husband's 16th great grandson we're that related, insan Toti, pero hindi pa tapos ang Lakan Dula genealogy: please add as many relatives coz, as head of the Royal House, you know them better :)
Toti Dulay: today at 2:36 AM
Thank you insan Roderick, in the Geni. Com genealogy, we saw na lumabas na yung name nung Juan Reyes Macapagal..ang main concern na lang natin is paano na connect si Diosdado Macapagal kay Juan Macapagal?
Delmar Topinio Taclibon of the Lakan Dula Clan with Vice President Jejomar "Jojo" Cabauatan Binay @ the 4th death Anniversary of President Ma. Corazon "Cory" Cojuangco Aquino, August 1, 2013. Both gentle-fellows carry the Magat Salamat Bloodline of the Descendants of Lakan Dula being remnants of the Ibanags of Cagayan valley in Isabela Province. Greetings to the Grand Patriarch of the Lakan Dula Clan, Datu Toti Dulay!
Datuk Delmar Topinio Taclibon, Bt., DKR, KRSS, MBA, Ph.D.D.A.
A UP Professor Jaime Caro, the historian of the Mendoza Clan of Marikina has this conversation with Toti Dulay:
TRIVIA: Did you know that a professor in FEU is a descendant of Lakan Dula?
His name is Prof. Sofronio "Toti" Dulay.
He is also the current Grand Patriarch of the Lakan Dula Clan. One of the
best professors not only in IABF but in FEU as a whole.
More info about Prof. Toti Dulay, read
here:https://sites.google.com/site/totidulay/home
Follow us on Twitter: @trivia_piyu
-admin J
Delmar Topinio Taclibon: Okay, I will do that Grand Patriarch Toti Dulay
Hester Cheng As the finance officer of the CDM foundation i am very happy of this development, ill be getting in touch with you,,
Suijul Tasorre : Dear Sir Toti, I am very happy to know that you were able to protect the continuity of the Dula lineage....... how I wish na makilala ko kayo....... I'm a fan royalties specially ancient filipino royalty.... the missing link of our history as a nation.......
Sam Jezrel Moran kamahalan.. pinag mamalaki ko po na akoy pilipino.. kau po pala ang prinsipe ng tondo si Prince. Sofronio Cerbito Dulay I.
Purmana Wati, whose grandmother is a dayang (princess) in the lineage of Sultan Abdul Kahar, the sixth Sultan of Brunei who ruled Negara Brunei Darussalam in 1524. Purmana resides in their ancestral homeland in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.
Below is a conversation between Purmana of Sarawak, and Toti Dulay:
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