Law I

It is advisable for the security of the city of Manila, the island of Luzon, and all the other islands of that government, that the number of the Chinese be very moderate, and that it do not exceed six thousand, since that number is sufficient for the service of the country; and, if that number be increased, the troubles that have been experienced may result, notwithstanding the permission that was conceded by ley lv, titulo xv, libro ii, [36] which is to be understood until this limitation is reached.  Likewise it is advisable that there should not be so many Japanese in that city, for they already exceed three thousand, because there has been neglect and carelessness in driving them away from there; while the number of the Chinese has been increased through greed for the eight pesos that each one pays for his license.  In regard to the above, we order our governor and captain-general to apply the fitting remedy, taking note that the licenses are not to be given for money, or for any other interest, either in their own behalf, or for that of other government employees.  They shall only consider what is most advisable to the welfare of the public cause, the security of the land, trade and commerce, and the friendly reception of the foreigners and surrounding peoples, and the other nations with whom there shall be peace.  That commerce and relationship shall be continued, and all care and caution shall always be taken so that the Chinese and Japanese shall not be so numerous, and that those who shall be there may live in quietness, fear, and submission.  But that shall not be any reason for not treating them well. [Felipe III—­Ventosilla, November 4, 1606; Madrid, May 29, 1620.  Felipe IV—­Madrid, December 31, 1622.]

Law II

The licenses that the governor of Filipinas shall issue so that some Sangley Chinese may remain in the islands, shall be with the consent of our royal officials, and account shall be rendered of all.  The money resulting therefrom (eight pesos for each license) shall be placed in our royal treasury.  A separate book shall be kept there, and names and marks [of identification?] shall be entered in it distinctly, so that there may be no concealment. [37] [Felipe III—­Madrid, January 12, 1614.  Felipe IV—­Madrid, November 21, 1625.]

Law VII

The Sangleys converted to our holy Catholic faith shall not pay tribute for the first ten years after their conversion; after that time it shall be collected from them as from the natives of Filipinas. [38] [Felipe IV—­Madrid, June 14, 1627.]

Law XII

The Sangley Chinese of Filipinas have a box with three keys, in which each Sangley deposits twelve reals per year in order to meet their obligations to our royal service with that fund.  We order that if there be any balance in any year, it be not withdrawn; and that the Sangleys be assessed so much less the following year. [39] [Felipe IV—­Madrid, September 10, 1627.]