The principalía was the first estate of the four echelons of Filipino society at the time of contact with Europeans, as described by Fr. Juan de Plasencia, a pioneer Franciscan missionary in the Philippines. Loarca and the Canon Lawyer Antonio de Morga, who classified society into three estates (ruler, ruled, slave), also affirmed the preeminence of the principales.
The principalia was the first social class in the Philippines at the time of European contact, as described by Fr. Juan de Plasencia, a Franciscan missionary. Loarca and Antonio de Morga, who classified society into three estates (ruler, ruled, slave), also recognized the importance of the principales.