Maharlika Nation

Maharlika Nation is an organization based in the Socorro, Surigao del Norte, Philippines. It is a self-proclaimed nation which was noted for releasing its own currency, the G-Zion which is not recognize as legal tender by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, the central bank of the Philippine government or by any other government.

Maharlika Nation
TypeSelf-proclaimed tribal nation within the Philippines
HeadquartersIsla Bucas Grande
Location
Coordinates9°39′50.7″N 125°56′40.9″E
ServicesCash aid via self-produced currency (G-Zion) purportedly convertible to gold bars

Background

The Maharlika Nation claims to be an independent nation within the Republic of the Philippines claiming article 37 of the Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act of 1997 (Republic Act No. 8371) and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as basis for its establishment.[1]

Based in the island of Bucas Grande in Socorro, Surigao del Norte, the Maharlika Nation claims territory in the whole Southeast Asia, and not just the Philippines. Its stated goals is to promote the dignity of the "Maharlika people", the rights of indigenous peoples, and the banning of religion to unite its people under one faith.[1] It designates "New Jerusalem" as its capital.[2]

In early 2020, the Maharlika Nation received public attention when people around different parts of the country came to its islands to receive cash gifts in the form of its own currency, the G-Zion.[1] The beneficiaries were allegedly promised that the currency could be exchangeable to gold bars once it was funded. It was also alleged that there was also a membership fee.[3] The Maharlika Nation has denied claims that it is coercing people to pay a membership fee and branded such allegations as slander.[2][4] The local government of Socorro says it will file a case for fraud against the Maharlika Nation for distribution currency that has no value.[3]

After the nearby Socorro Bayanihan Services was probed by the Senate for allegations of abuse in 2023, the Maharlika Nation was also subjected for investigation regarding their PACBARMA with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.[5]

Currency

The Maharlika Nation produces and recognize the G Zion as its currency and legal tender.[6] G-Zion stands for "Golden Zion".[4] As of January 2020, the nation claims the value of one G-Zion is equivalent to 200 Philippine peso. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, the Philippines' central bank, does not recognize the G-Zion as a legal tender.[6] The currency is produced and distribution by the Maharlika Nation's International Tribal Bank.[2] Its denomination ranges from 1 G-Zion to 100,000 G-Zion.[4]

Status

The Maharlika Nation is a registered entity under the Philippine government's Securities and Exchange Commission.[6] According to the Socorro Mayor Felizardo Galameda, the group had unsuccessfully attempted to get registered as a people's organization.[7]

The Maharlika Nation claims itself to be self-governing under the IPIRA law. However the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples release a statement that it does not recognize an ancestral domain by an IP community in the town of Socorro where the Maharlika Nation is based.[8]

See also
  • Soho, Jessica (host) (January 5, 2020). Maharlika Nation. Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho. GMA Integrated News and Public Affairs. Archived from the original on June 20, 2022.

References
  1. Ruiz, Bombo Lilibeth (January 6, 2020). "Bag-ong mugna nga Maharlika Nation, gidumog sa mga followers tungod sa gipanghatag nga dagkong cash gift gamit ang kwartang G-Zion" [Newly created Maharlika Nation, flocked to by followers due to cash gifts given via G-Zion money]. DBR 981 KHZ - Bombo Radyo Butuan (in Cebuano). Retrieved February 3, 2023.
  2. "Maharlika Nation Nagplastar Isip Ika-196 Nga Nasud Sa Kalibutan" [Maharlika Nation becomes the 196th nation in the world (sic)]. Radio Philippines Network (in Cebuano). January 21, 2020. Retrieved February 3, 2023.
  3. "Mga pasimuno sa pamimigay ng G-Zion currency kakasuhan ng Socorro- LGU" [People behind the distribution of G-Zion currency to be sued by Socorro- LGU]. Bombo Radyo News (in Filipino). January 7, 2020. Retrieved February 3, 2023.
  4. "'Maharlika nation' sa Mindanao gumagawa ng sariling pera" [‘Maharlika nation’ in Mindanao making its own money]. Abante (in Filipino). January 12, 2020. Retrieved February 4, 2023.
  5. De Castro, Noli (newscaster); Baua, Niko (correspondent) (October 20, 2023). 'Maharlika Nation': 1 pang grupo na may 'sariling pamahalaan' sa Socorro, sinisilip ['Maharlika Nation': Another group with an "own government" in Socorro, being probed]. TV Patrol (TV broadcast) (in Filipino). ABS-CBN – via YouTube.
  6. "Money for nothing?". Daily Tribune. January 8, 2020. Retrieved February 3, 2023.
  7. "Money for nothing?". Daily Tribune. January 8, 2020. Retrieved October 8, 2023.
  8. Bangues, Ramil (January 8, 2020). "Maharlika nation nga nagpatuo nga Tribu wala giila sa NCIP" [Maharlika nation claiming to be a tribe is not recognized by the NCIP]. RMN Networks (in Cebuano). Retrieved February 3, 2023.
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