Rizal Issues a Manifesto to Proclaim his Innocence

Posted on September 19, 2012

RIZAL ISSUES A MANIFESTO TO PROCLAIM HIS
INNOCENCE
By Christian Bernard A. Melendez
As 2011 draws to a close, we look back at a milestone
year for a celebrated patriot– Jose Rizal and his 150th
birth anniversary. Although his death anniversary brings a
pall to the celebrations, it is his selfless sacrifice which
continues to reverberate in the consciousness of every
Filipino.

However, much as Rizal’s judgment may seem to be

harsh and unjust, it was an expected verdict since Spain
was facing a difficult time in quelling the revolution in
Cuba, ill affording to have another rebellion in her colony
in the Orient. The easy way out, the Spanish colonial
authorities must have presumed, was to snuff out swiftly
the leading voice of reform, and Rizal was the perfect fall
guy. In their zealousness to hold him accountable, they
even imprisoned Paciano and mercilessly tortured him to
implicate his younger brother.

It was a veritable open-and-shut case: Rizal inspired

the revolution through his writings and the insurgents
were his henchmen carrying out his call for freedom. Did
he not establish an illegal association called the Liga
Filipina,1 which was a precursor to the Katipunan? One
wonders how Rizal would have acted when the verdict
was read—was he impassive, maintaining the august air
of a gentleman patriot? To hear out Judge Advocate
General Nicolas de la Peña’s thundering statement that:
“Rizal has therefore been well and truly identified as the
prime mover of the consummated crime of rebellion by
means of the crime of illegal association. The sentence
passed on him is just, and may lawfully be confirmed on
its own merits.”2 Musketry seemed to be an apt death
sentence to a traitor.

The verdict aimed as well to cripple Rizal’s finances by

asking him to indemnify the state by paying “the amount
of one hundred thousand pesos (100,000 pesos)…and
should be paid by his heirs in case he cannot pay it in his
lifetime.”3

But did Rizal inspire the Philippine Revolution? Of the

numerous preserved notes and letters of Rizal, one
intriguing document was his Manifesto a Algunos
Filipinos (Manifesto to Certain Filipinos) written on
December 15, 1896 during his incarceration in Fort
Santiago.

The manifesto, which tried to convince Filipinos to end

the revolt, had five points. First, he absolved himself by
declaring that he was never a part of the revolution; his
name was used to attract Filipinos to join the revolution.
Second, he was consulted about the planned revolution
but he advised the perpetrators to abandon it. Third, he
wanted to stop the rebellion by offering his services to
the people. Fourth, he condemned the revolution as
ridiculous and barbarous. Fifth, uprising was not an
option at that time, that reforms should be the
authorities’ initiative, not the citizens’. He made it clear
that the people’s education is potent in inducing changes
in society.

The manifesto is an illuminating statement of Rizal’s

raison d’être–as stipulated in the “Noli me tangere” and
“El Filibusterismo.” Although Rizal loathed the abusive
practices of the friars and colonial government, he never
advocated for an abrupt and chaotic approach to
independence. He believed that the Filipinos’
enlightenment was crucial: “I have given proofs as one
who most wants liberties for our country and I continue
wanting them. But I put as a promise the education of
the people so that through education and work, they
might have a personality of their own and make
themselves worthy of them. In my writings, I have
recommended study, civic virtues, without which
redemption is impossible.”4

Unfortunately, the manifesto was never made public. It

was not enough to convince his accusers of his innocence
and acquit him of the charges. According to Judge
Advocate General de la Peña: “Dr. Jose Rizal limits himself
to criticizing the present insurrectionary movement as
premature.” He also noted that “as far as Rizal is
concerned, the whole question is one of opportunity, not
of principles and objectives.” Finally, de la Peña reasoned
out that “a message of this sort, far from promoting
peace, is likely to stimulate for the future the spirit of
rebellion.”5

Rizal knew that his life was at an end, but he was

satisfied that he stood up for his principles and that the
seed sown would bear fruit in the heroes after him.
“Patriotism… is not short, frenzied outbursts of emotion,
but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime.” This
is what Rizal wanted us to understand — that we can
change and improve ourselves through a circumspect
understanding of life’s benefits and pitfalls, instead of
engaging in flaring emotions and disregard for
consequences.
 Rizal, as always, is the greatest Filipino of all time.
—————————–
1 Horacio de la Costa, The Trial of Rizal, W. E. Retana’s
Transcription of the Official Spanish Documents, edited
and translated,
with notes (Quezon City: Ateneo de Manila University
Press, 1996) 160.
2 De la Costa 160
3 De la Costa 156-157
4 Jose Rizal, Political and Historical Writings (Manila:
National Historical Institute) 349.
5 Horacio de la Costa, Readings in Philippine History
(Makati: Bookmark, 1965) 236 – 237.
Bibliography:
Rizal, Jose. Political and Historical Writings. Manila:
National Historical Institute, 2000.
De la Costa, Horacio. Readings in Philippine History.
Makati: Bookmark, 1965
De la Costa, Horacio. Trial of Rizal, W. E. Retana’s
Transcription of the Official Spanish
Documents, edited and translated. Quezon City: Ateneo
De Manila University
Press, 1996
Nery, John. Revolutionary Spirit: Jose Rizal in Southeast
Asia. Quezon City: Ateneo de Manila University Press,
2011
RIZAL’S ISSUES
angelostefan
7 years ago
Here are the issues and controversies that Rizal had:

1.) His real and complete name was Dr. José Rizal Protasio
Mercado y Alonso Realonda. Many wonder why he used
“Rizal” while his father was Francisco Mercado. He should
have been Jose Mercado right? So why did Rizal’s
surname become Rizal instead of Mercado?
Jose’s real last name, Mercado, during those times was a
hot name, targeted by the Spaniards. He changed his
surname eto protect his identity. So he just used his
middle name, Rizal, instead, which was considered as
illustrado during the Spanish time and entails the
benefits a Spaniard can get.

2.) Noli Me Tangere

Jose Rizal’s first novel, Noli me Tangere, means “don’t

touch me” or “touch me not” is the Latin version of
words spoken, according to John 20:17, by Jesus to Mary
Magdalene when she recognizes him after his
resurrection. The book was first published in 1887 in
Berlin, Germany, originally written in Spanish but later
been translated to different languages and made copies
distributed around the world.
The title was controversial, and the novel itself created so
much controversy that only a few days after his arrival in
the Philippines, Jose Rizal was summoned the greatest
enemy of the state in the 19th century. They even called
him, a freemason, a sorcerer, a damned soul and evil. The
novel depicted the Spanish abuse government to the
Philippines.

3.) El Filibusterismo

The second novel of Rizal, the continuation of Noli me

Tangere, It was first published in 1891 in Ghent, Belgium,
also written in Spanish, and soon been translated. El
Filibusterismo has an English alternate title, The Reign of
Greed, is a deeper depiction of what the first novel has
symbolized and is about revenge and revolution. This
novel was dedicated to the three-martyr-priest,
GOMBURZA. Rizal however has written his dedication in
memory of the three priests with their age and the date
of their execution all wrongly.
4.) Retraction

This has been the greatest controversy and most talked

about and most debated about Rizal. Below is Rizal’s
retraction letter originally written in Spanish translated
into English. However the said retraction has some sorts
of copy issues…quote issues and formula issues. Whether
Jose Rizal has retracted or not, that’s still not proven.

I declare myself a catholic and in this Religion in which I

was born and educated I wish to live and die. I retract
with all my heart whatever in my words, writings,
publications and conduct has been contrary to my
character as son of the Catholic Church. I believe and I
confess whatever she teaches and I submit to whatever
she demands. I abominate Masonry, as the enemy which
is of the Church, and as a Society prohibited by the
Church. The Diocesan Prelate may, as the Superior
Ecclesiastical Authority, make public this spontaneous
manifestation of mine in order to repair the scandal
which my acts may have caused and so that God and
people may pardon me.

Manila 29 of December of 1896

Jose Rizal

5.) Josephin Bracken

Did Jose Rizal really marry Josephine Bracken?

Scholars say that there were no written accounts of the

marriage between Rizal and Josephine, but Josephine
claims that Rizal actually married him a day before his
execution. Some even says Josephine was a spy of the
Spanish government. One thing is for sure, Jose Rizal
loved Josephine. He wrote some poems about her and
his love for her. I think these controversies about
Josephine Bracken are unreasonable. Every hero
deserves a lover that is without a question.

6.) Jose Rizal’s son?!

Did Jose Rizal have a son? Did the genius hero have an
heir? Dr. Jose Rizal was a freaking genius; he must have
an heir so that his special genes and thousand of talents
will continue from generation to generation.

“Unfortunately, Rizal and Josephine were not destined to

have a child. One day in early March 1896, Rizal played a
practical joke on Josephine, which frightened her terribly.
As a result of her great fright, she gave birth prematurely
to an eight-month baby boy.

The baby was very weak and was gasping for breath.
Seeing the baby’s condition, Rizal immediately baptized
him Francisco in honor of his father. He did everything he
could to save the life of his infant son, but in vain. All his
knowledge and skill as a physician could not save little
Francisco. Sorrowfully, Rizal saw his child die three hours
after birth.

Was Adolf Hitler the Son of Jose Rizal?

When Jose Rizal was in Europe, it was noted out that he
found a pretty European girlfriend somewhere in the
border of Germany and Austria. So rumored has spread
that Adolf Hitler was the son of Jose Rizal. LOLOL This
controversy is NOT true. I can’t see any characteristic of
Hitler associated with Rizal. Ok, that was really funny.

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The 8 Most Important Literary Works by Jose Rizal
Rizal Park, Manila, Philippines
Rizal Park, Manila, Philippines | © walterericsy /
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RONICA VALDEAVILLA
WRITER
UPDATED: 28 APRIL 2018
Save to Wishlist
For Dr. José Rizal, the well-respected national hero of the
Philippines, “the pen is mightier than the sword.”
Through his literary masterpieces, he voiced strong
opposition to the abuse of Spaniards and conveyed
messages that he hoped would inspire his fellow
countrymen. We round up his best works and uncover
the underlying meaning behind them.
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To the Filipino Youth
Rizal wrote this literary poem when he was still studying
at the University of Sto. Tomas (UST). Originally written in
Spanish (A la juventud filipina), Rizal submitted this piece
for a poem contest organized for Filipinos by the Manila
Lyceum of Art and Literature. At the age of 18, this work
is beaming with strong messages to convince readers, the
youth in particular, that they are the hope of the nation.
He also stresses the importance of education to one’s
future. Rizal won the first prize and was rewarded with a
feather-shaped silver pen and a diploma.

Monument in memory of Jose Rizal at Rizal Park ©

ARTYOORAN / Shutterstock
Monument in memory of Jose Rizal at Rizal park, Manila,
Philippines
Goodbye to Leonor
This literary piece gives an insight into the romantic
relationship of Rizal and his beloved, Leonor Rivera. The
two met when in the province of Dagupan when Rivera
was only 13-years-old. Rivera’s parents were not in favor
of their relationship and though distance separated
them, the two kept in touch by sending letters and
photographs to each other. Rizal later found out that her
lady love would soon tie the knot with Henry Kipping,
and the news definitely disheartened him. The lonely,
heartbreaking feelings he felt, resulted in this
melancholic poem.

To the Young Women of Malolos

Addressed to the Filipino women, Rizal’s letter entitled To
The Young Women of Malolos reflects his inheritance and
issues reminders to Filipino women. In his letter, he
addresses all kinds of Filipino women – mothers, wives,
and even the single women. Throughout this literary
piece, he highlights the qualities that Filipino mothers
should possess, the duties of wives to their husbands and
children, and a counsel on how young women should
choose their lifetime partners. The idea behind this letter
sparked after he was impressed by the women of Malolos
who won the battle they fought. Rizal advises women to
educate themselves, protect their dignity and honor, and
live with good manners – setting up as a role model.

Kundiman
A kundiman traditionally refers to a love song where a
man serenades the woman he loves. For scholars, this
word was derived from the Tagalog phrase “Kung Hindi
man” (if it should not be so) which suggests that people
put their faith in a Higher Being who decides whether or
not something is meant for them. But in Rizal’s literary
work, he wrote a kundiman to profess his intense love for
his motherland. This piece reflects his high hopes that
one day, the Philippines would be free from treachery
and injustice. At the time, the country faced great threats
while he was in Europe. And, through this work, he voices
his hopeful thoughts despite being far away from the
country.

Philippines flag © Rob Nguyen / Flickr

Philippines flag
Junto Al Pasig
When translated into English, the title of this work means
Beside Pasig River. In response to the Jesuits’ request,
Rizal wrote this one-act play in the Spanish language for
the velada – a gala variety program during the principal
feast days. The play centers around Leonido (a young
Filipino who has a strong faith in the Virgin) and the
Diwata/Satan, which symbolizes the Spanish oppression
towards Filipinos. Its theme highlights Christianity, good
vs. evil, and paganism. The Philippines’ national hero
wrote it in honor of the Our Lady of Peace and Voyage of
the UST, and the play was staged on December 8, 1880.

Noli Me Tángere
One of the most sought-after books in Philippine
literature until today, is Rizal’s famous novel titled Noli
Me Tángere (Touch Me Not). Driven by his undying love
for his country, Rizal wrote the novel to expose the ills of
Philippine society during the Spanish colonial era. At the
time, the Spaniards prohibited the Filipinos from reading
the controversial book because of the unlawful acts
depicted in the novel. Yet they were not able to ban it
completely and as more Filipinos read the book, it
opened their eyes to the truth that they were being
manhandled by the friars. In this revolutionary book,
you’ll learn the story of Crisostomo Ibarra, how he dealt
with Spanish authorities, and how he prepared for his
revenge, as told in Rizal’s second book, El Filibusterismo.

Noli Me Tángere © Berliner Buchdruckerei-

Aktiengesellschaft
Noli Me Tángere
El Filibusterismo
This is Rizal’s sequel to his first book, Noli Me Tángere. In
El Filibusterismo (The Reign of the Greed), the novel
exhibits a dark theme (as opposed to the hopeful
atmosphere in the first novel) in which it depicts the
country’s issues and how the protagonist attempts a
reform. The story takes place 13 years after Noli Me
Tángere, where revolutionary protagonist Crisostomo
Ibarra is now under the guise of Simoun – a wealthy
jewelry tycoon. Because the novel also portrays the
abuse, corruption, and discrimination of the Spaniards
towards Filipinos, it was also banned in the country at the
time. Rizal dedicated his second novel to the GOMBURZA
– the Filipino priests named Mariano Gomez, Jose
Apolonio Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora who were executed
on charges of subversion. The two novels of Rizal, now
considered as his literary masterpieces, both indirectly
sparked the Philippine Revolution.

Rizal's novels © Sky Harbor / Wikimedia Commons

Rizal's novels
Mi último adiós
After being associated with the Katipuneros, Rizal was
arrested and later sentenced to death by firing squad for
acts of sedition and rebellion. During his final days in Fort
Santiago of Manila, Rizal bid farewell to his motherland
and countrymen through letters. Mi último adiós or My
Last Farewell is one of the few last works that Rizal wrote.
Some historical accounts say he wrote it on the eve
before his execution, while others claim that he wrote
the poem a few days before his death in Manila on
December 30, 1896. But, because there was no title
ascribed to this poem, his good friend and fellow
reformist Mariano Ponce came up with the title.

Today, Rizal’s literary works, specifically his two novels,

are alive and continuously being analyzed by students
and professionals. Colleges and universities in the
Philippines even require their students to take a subject
which centers around the life and works of Rizal. Through
his work, the country’s national hero is always
remembered and looked upon with high regard for his
contribution towards the Philippine independence.

Statues in Rizal Park © Xseon / Shutterstock

José Rizal
José Rizal Biography
Poet, Journalist, Doctor (1861–1896)
UPDATED:JUL 16, 2019ORIGINAL:APR 1, 2014
José Rizal called for peaceful reform of Spain's colonial
rule in the Philippines. After his 1896 execution, he
became an icon for the nationalist movement.
Synopsis
José Rizal was born on June 19, 1861, in Calamba,
Philippines. While living in Europe, Rizal wrote about the
discrimination that accompanied Spain's colonial rule of
his country. He returned to the Philippines in 1892, but
was exiled due to his desire for reform. Although he
supported peaceful change, Rizal was convicted of
sedition and executed on December 30, 1896, at age 35.

Early Life
On June 19, 1861, José Protasio Rizal Mercado y Alonso
Realonda was born in Calamba in the Philippines' Laguna
Province. A brilliant student who became proficient in
multiple languages, José Rizal studied medicine in
Manila. In 1882, he traveled to Spain to complete his
medical degree.

Writing and Reform

While in Europe, José Rizal became part of the
Propaganda Movement, connecting with other Filipinos
who wanted reform. He also wrote his first novel, Noli
Me Tangere (Touch Me Not/The Social Cancer), a work
that detailed the dark aspects of Spain's colonial rule in
the Philippines, with particular focus on the role of
Catholic friars. The book was banned in the Philippines,
though copies were smuggled in. Because of this novel,
Rizal's return to the Philippines in 1887 was cut short
when he was targeted by police.

Rizal returned to Europe and continued to write,

releasing his follow-up novel, El Filibusterismo (The Reign
of Greed) in 1891. He also published articles in La
Solidaridad, a paper aligned with the Propaganda
Movement. The reforms Rizal advocated for did not
include independence—he called for equal treatment of
Filipinos, limiting the power of Spanish friars and
representation for the Philippines in the Spanish Cortes
(Spain's parliament).

Exile in the Philippines

Rizal returned to the Philippines in 1892, feeling he
needed to be in the country to effect change. Although
the reform society he founded, the Liga Filipino
(Philippine League), supported non-violent action, Rizal
was still exiled to Dapitan, on the island of Mindanao.
During the four years Rizal was in exile, he practiced
medicine and took on students.

Execution and Legacy

In 1895, Rizal asked for permission to travel to Cuba as an
army doctor. His request was approved, but in August
1896, Katipunan, a nationalist Filipino society founded by
Andres Bonifacio, revolted. Though he had no ties to the
group, and disapproved of its violent methods, Rizal was
arrested shortly thereafter.

After a show trial, Rizal was convicted of sedition and

sentenced to death by firing squad. Rizal's public
execution was carried out in Manila on December 30,
1896, when he was 35 years old. His execution created
more opposition to Spanish rule.

Spain's control of the Philippines ended in 1898, though

the country did not gain lasting independence until after
World War II. Rizal remains a nationalist icon in the
Philippines for helping the country take its first steps
toward independenceAndres Bonifacio and the
Katipunan
Posted on September 4, 2012
ANDRES BONIFACIO AND THE KATIPUNAN
Andres Bonifacio was born on November 30, 1863 in a
small hut at Calle Azcarraga, presently known as Claro M.
Recto Avenue in Tondo, Manila. His parents were
Santiago Bonifacio and Catalina de Castro.
Andres was the eldest in a brood of five. His other
siblings were Ciriaco, Procopio, Troadio, Esperidiona and
Maxima. He obtained his basic education through a
certain Guillermo Osmeña of Cebu. The Bonifacio family
was orphaned when Andres was barely fourteen. With
this, Andres assumed the responsibility of raising his
younger siblings.
In order to support the needs of their family, he
maximized his skills in making crafts and sold paper fans
and canes. He also worked as messenger in Fleming &
Company. Eventually, he moved to Fressel & Company,
where he worked as warehouse man until 1896. Poverty
never hindered Andres’ thirst for knowledge. He devoted
most of his time reading books while trying to improve
his knowledge in the
Spanish and Tagalog language. The warehouse of Fressel
& Company served as his library and study room.
 Andres was married to Gregoria de Jesus who
happened to be his second wife. His first wife – Monica-
died of leprosy a year after their marriage. Gregoria was
only sixteen years old and Andres was twenty-nine when
their romance sprung. At first, Gregoria’s parents were
against their relationship, but in time, allowed the couple
to be married in Catholic rites. The two were married in
1892, both in Catholic and Katipunan rites. Gregoria
chose “Lakambini” as her nom de guerre.
THE TEJEROS CONVENTION
On March 22, 1897, a convention was held in Tejeros in
order to settle the dispute between the two councils and
to decide on what type of government should be
installed. During the early phase of the convention the
crowd became unruly, causing a recess. When the
convention resumed, Bonifacio was assigned to preside in
the election of the officers of the new government that
was to be set up. Before this, however, Bonifacio laid
down the rule that the assembly should respect whatever
would be the outcome of the election.
When Bonifacio was elected Secretary of Interior,
Daniel Tirona contested and argued that a lawyer should
handle the position. Bonifacio felt insulted and
demanded an apology from Tirona. Because of
humiliation and anger, Bonifacio declared that all matters
convened in the Tejeros Convention were null and void.
Together with his supporters, he left the estate house.
“ACTA DE TEJEROS,” “NAIC PACT” AND THE
REVOLUTIONARY GOVERNMENT OF AGUINALDO
The next day, Bonifacio stressed out his reason for
invalidating the Tejeros Convention through a document
known as “Acta de Tejeros” signed by his supporters.
Meanwhile, the elected officers of Magdalo held a
meeting at Sta. Cruz de Malabon. That night, Aguinaldo
and the other elected officers in Tejeros took their oath
of office.
Bonifacio decided to establish another government
independent from that of Aguinaldo in accordance with
the “Naic Pact” enacted by him which signed by his 41
supporters including two of Aguinaldo’s general. These
two generals, however, turned their back on Bonifacio
after a talk with Aguinaldo, pledging loyalty to the latter,
instead.
 The Revolutionary Government was established
without the customary elections on 17 April 1897 with
Aguinaldo completing his Cabinet members through
appointment.
THE CRY OF PUGADLAWIN
On 23 August 1896, the Supremo and his troops
formally launched an armed revolution against Spain.
They tore their resident certificates or cedulas which
symbolized their defiance against from the colonizers.
This became known in history as “The Cry of
Pugadlawin.”
CONTINUED STRUGGLES
On 29 August 1896, Katipunan members tried to seize
Mandaluyong, Pandacan and Pasig. However, the attacks
were unsuccessful. The Battle at San Juan del Monte was
a military disaster after the death of more than a
hundred Katipuneros. Gen. Ramon Blanco, as a response,
declared in a state of war in the eight provinces believed
to be the hotbeds of revolution namely: Manila, Cavite,
Laguna, Batangas, Bulacan, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija and
Pampanga.
MAGDIWANG VS. MAGDALO
Bad blood erupted between the two Katipunan
Councils in Cavite—the Magdalo and Magdiwang due to
lack of respect and territorial competition prompting
Mariano Alvarez to invite Bonifacio to Cavite and
intercede. On 17 December 1896, Bonifacio together
with his brothers, wife and troops went to Cavite –the
province where the Supremo met his tragic fate.
An assembly was held at Imus estate house on
December 29 with both Magdalo and Magdiwang
members attending. A disagreement arose between the
two councils on the issue of establishing a revolutionary
government to replace the Katipunan. The assembly
ended without the issue being resolved.
SITUATION DURING BONIFACIO’S TIME
Andres Bonifacio was born in an era when the natives
were considered Indios and the Spanish friars were
believed to be God’s representative on earth. He
observed that the Filipinos during his time were not free
and the Spanish government and the Catholic Church
enslaved them. During the same period, Freemasonry
and its doctrine gained popularity.
Bonifacio admired Jose Rizal for his great effort in
awakening Filipino nationalism. He even witnessed and
joined the founding of La Liga Filipina spearheaded by
Rizal on 3 July 1892. Sadly, the organization died
naturally after Rizal was exiled in Dapitan. Prior to his
involvement in free masonry and Liga, Bonifacio
continued to work in Fressel & Co. and sell fans and
canes. He met Ladislao Diwa, and Teodoro Plata who
would play major roles in the establishment of the
Katipunan.
THE KATIPUNAN
On July 7, 1892, the Kataastaasan, Kagalanggalangang
Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan was founded in the
house of Deodato Arellano at 734 Calle El Cano cor.
Azcarraga. Membership was through blood compact
symbolizing the foundation of the secret society, which
aimed the separation of the Philippines from Spain and
the expulsion of the Spaniards in the country. The first
Supremo of the Katipunan was Deodato Arellano,
followed by Roman Basa and finally, Andres Bonifacio.
 In 1893, women were given the chance to join the
organization. The first members were Gregoria de Jesus,
Josefa Rizal, Marina Dizon and Angelica Lopez. They
served as the keepers of important and confidential
documents of the Katipunan and staged galas as fronts
for the regular meetings of the male members. By 1894,
the Katipunan spread throughout Manila.
In order to strengthen and further widen the
operations of the organization, the Kalayaan, the official
organ of the Katipunan was published with Emilio Jacinto
as editor. Two works of Bonifacio were published in the
Kalayaan– “Pag-ibig sa Tinubuang Lupa” and “Ang Dapat
Mabatid ng mga Tagalog.”
THE PLAN FOR A REVOLUTION
An important meeting held on 3 May 1896 concluded
with a plan to rescue Rizal from Dapitan to lead the
revolution. The task was assigned to Dr. Pio Valenzuela.
Unfortunately, Rizal expressed his opposition to the idea
of launching an unprepared revolution against a strong
nation protected by well-armed defense force. In the
end, he urged that if the revolution is inevitable, the
revolutionary members should seek the help of the rich
and influential people to convince them to support the
cause of the revolution. He also suggested that the
service of Antonio Luna be secured by the organization
because of his military expertise and affiliation with rich
and influential Filipinos.
THE DISCOVERY OF THE KATIPUNAN
The quarrel between two employees of the printing
shop publishing Diario de Manila resulted in the
discovery of Katipunan. This happened after Apolonio
dela Cruz was given a P2 raise in salary and Teodoro
Patiño was not given any. A heated argument sparked
between them which led Patiño to confide the secrets of
the Katipunan to his sister Honoria at the convent where
she was staying, her tearful reaction attracted the
attention of one of the nuns. The nun in turn, persuaded
Patiño to tell everything he knew to Fr. Mariano Gil, the
parish priest of Tondo. After hearing the revelations, Fr.
Gil contacted the authorities and urged them to raid the
printing shop. Documents, oaths signed in blood,
receipts and ledgers related to Katipunan were
confiscated from the shop.
ILL FATED DESTINY
 As a result of the fateful experiences he encountered
in Cavite, Bonifacio planned to return to Montalban and
San Mateo. On their way to Montalban, he and his
followers passed by Limbon, Indang – a place in Cavite
where food was scarce and people were tightfisted. At
this point, Severino de las Alas turned his back against
Bonifacio. The angered Bonifacio responded with threats
and words that were wrongly interpreted by the people
of Indang. The people sought the help of Aguinaldo, who
immediately ordered the arrest of Bonifacio.
On 27 April 1897, skirmishes took place between the
forces of Bonifacio and Aguinaldo. In the said scuffle,
Ciriaco was killed, while Procopio and the Supremo were
caught. Andres Bonifacio was stabbed in the neck,
weakening him and soaking him in blood.
The next day, the prisoners were brought to Indang
Tribunal, then to Naic. Within the day, Gen. Mariano
Noriel created the tribunal that eventually tried and
convicted the Bonifacio brothers of sedition, and
sentenced them to death. Surprised by the decision of
the tribunal, Aguinaldo commutated the verdict. He
recommended the Bonifacio brothers be exiled to an
isolated island also found in Cavite. However, Gen. Noriel
and Gen. Pio del Pilar dissuaded him, arguing that by
reducing the sentence, the Revolutionary Government of
the Philippines would once again be at stake. Aguinaldo,
in the end, changed his mind and signed the death
sentence of the Bonifacio brothers.
On 10 May 1897, Procopio and Andres were shot at
Mount Nagpatong, near Mount Buntis in Maragondon,
Cavite. This event ended the short life of the Supremo.
His educational attainment and military expertise may
not have been equal to that of other heroes but his love
for the country was absolute. His name will always be
revered and serve as the battle cry of Filipinos who yearn
for freedom oppression and injustice.

A national hero of the Philippines is a Filipino who has

been recognized as a national hero for his or her role in
the history of the Philippines. Loosely, the term may refer
to all Filipino historical figures recognized as heroes, but
the term more strictly refers to those officially designated
as such. In 1995 the Philippine National Heroes
Committee officially recommended several people for the
designation, but this was not acted upon. As of 2007, no
one had ever been officially recognized as a Philippine
national hero.[1]

The reformist writer José Rizal, today generally

considered the greatest Filipino hero and often given as
the Philippine national hero, has never been explicitly
proclaimed as the (or even a) national hero by the
Philippine government.[1] Besides Rizal, the only other
Filipinos currently given implied recognition as national
hero such as revolutionary Andrés Bonifacio.[1] While
other historical figures are commemorated in public
municipal or provincial holidays, Rizal and Bonifacio are
commemorated in public nationwide (national) holidays
and thus are implied to be national heroes.[1]

The National Heroes Committee recommended Jose

Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, Emilio Aguinaldo, Apolinario
Mabini, Marcelo H. del Pilar, Sultan Dipatuan Kudarat,
Juan Luna, Melchora Aquino, and Gabriela Silang to be
recognized as national heroes on November 15, 1995.[1]
No action has yet been taken on these recommendations
by the committee.

A bill filed by Congressman Rene Relampagos from Bohol

in February 2014 sought, among other things, to declare
Jose Rizal as the sole Filipino national hero.[2] According
to the bill, he was a nationalist and well known for his
Philippine reforms advocacy during the Spanish colonial
era.[3] As of January 1, 2017, the status of the bill was
"Pending with the Committee on REVISION OF LAWS
since 2014-02-19".[4] In honor of their heroic actions, the
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (Central Bank of the
Philippines) issues commemorative coins.[5

This article uses Spanish naming customs: the first or

paternal family name is Aguinaldo and the second or
maternal family name is Famy.
Emilio Aguinaldo y Famy QSC CCLH[d] (Spanish
pronunciation: [eˈmi.ljo a.ɣiˈnal.do]: March 22, 1869 –
February 6, 1964) was a Filipino revolutionary, politician
and military leader who is officially recognized as the first
and the youngest President of the Philippines (1899–
1901) and first president of a constitutional republic in
Asia. He led Philippine forces first against Spain in the
latter part of the Philippine Revolution (1896–1898), and
then in the Spanish–American War (1898), and finally
against the United States during the Philippine–American
War (1899–1901).

His Excellency
Generalissimo
Emilio Aguinaldo
QSC CCLH
Emilio Aguinaldo ca. 1919 (Restored).jpg
Aguinaldo in 1919
1st President of the Philippines[2]
In office
January 23, 1899[a] – March 23, 1901[b]
Prime Minister
Apolinario Mabini
(January 23 – May 7, 1899)
Pedro Paterno
(May 7 – November 13, 1899)
Preceded by
Position established
Diego de los Ríos (as Governor-General of the
Philippines)
Succeeded by
Position abolished
Officially Manuel L. Quezon (as President of the
Philippine Commonwealth in 1935)
Unofficially Miguel Malvar (as President of the First
Philippine Republic)
President of the Revolutionary Government
In office
June 23, 1898 – January 22, 1899
Prime Minister
Apolinario Mabini
(January 2 – 22, 1899)
Preceded by
Position established
Succeeded by
Position abolished
(Revolutionary government superseded by the First
Philippine Republic)
Dictator of the Philippines
In office
May 24, 1898 – June 23, 1898
Preceded by
Position established
Succeeded by
Position abolished
(Dictatorial government replaced by a revolutionary
government with Aguinaldo assuming the title president)
President of the Republic of Biak-na-Bato
In office
November 2, 1897 – December 14, 1897
Vice President
Mariano Trias
Preceded by
Position established
Succeeded by
Position abolished
President of the Tejeros Revolutionary Government
In office
March 22, 1897 – November 1, 1897
Vice President
Mariano Trias
Preceded by
Position established (Unofficially held by Andres
Bonifacio as leader of the Katipunan)
Succeeded by
Position abolished
(Tejeros government superseded by the Republic of Biak-
na-Bato)
Personal details
Born
March 22, 1869[c]
Kawit, Cavite, Captaincy General of the Philippines
Died
February 6, 1964 (aged 94)
Quezon City, Philippines
Resting place
Emilio F. Aguinaldo Shrine, Kawit, Cavite
Political party
See footnote[infobox 1]
Spouse(s)
Hilaria del Rosario
(m. 1896; died 1921)
María Agoncillo
(m. 1930; died 1963)
Children
5 (see below)
Alma mater
Colegio de San Juan de Letran
Profession
Politician
Military leader
Awards
PHL Legion of Honor - Chief Commander BAR.png
Philippine Legion of Honor
PHL Quezon Service Cross BAR.png
Quezon Service Cross
Religion
Roman Catholicism, later
Philippine Independent Church
Signature

Military service
Nickname(s)
"Kapitan Miong"
"Heneral Miong"
"Ka Miong"
"El Caudillo"
"Magdalo"
"Hermano Colon"
Allegiance
First Philippine Republic
Flag of the Tagalog people.svg Republic of Biak-na-Bato
Philippine revolution flag kkk1.svg Katipunan (Magdalo)
Branch/service
Philippine Army Seal 1897.jpgPhilippine Revolutionary
Army
Years of service
1897–1901
Rank
PR Ministro Mariscal.svg Minister/Field marshal
Generalissimo
Battles/wars
See battles
Philippine Revolution
• Kawit revolt
• Battle of Imus
• Battle of Talisay
• Battle of Binakayan
• Battle of Pateros
• Battle of Zapote Bridge
• Battle of Silang
• Battle of Perez Dasmariñas
• Battle of Naic
• Retreat to Montalban
• Battle of Aliaga
• Battle of Alapan
Spanish–American War
• Battle of Manila (1898)
Philippine-American war
• Battle of Manila (1899)
• Battle of Marilao River

Footnotes:
Although Aguinaldo ran for president in 1935 on the
ticket of the National Socialist party,[citation needed] in
opening his campaign he disavowed association with any
political party.[10]
In 1935, Aguinaldo ran unsuccessfully for president of the
Philippine Commonwealth against Manuel Quezon. He
was also one of the Filipino historical figures to be
recommended as a national hero of the Philippines.[13]

María Josefa Gabriela Cariño de Silang (19 March 1731 –

20 September 1763) was a Filipina revolutionary leader
best known as the first female leader of an Ilocano
movement for independence from Spain.[1] She took
over the reins of her husband Diego Silang's
revolutionary movement after his assassination in 1763,
leading the Ilocano rebel movement for four months
before she was captured and executed by the colonial
government of the Spanish East Indies.

Gabriela Silang
Born
María Josefa Gabriela Cariño
March 19, 1731
Santa, Ilocos Sur, Captaincy General of the Philippines
Died
20 September 1763 (aged 32)
Vigan, Ilocos Sur, Captaincy General of the Philippines
Other names
Gabriela Silang
La Generala
Joan of Arc of Ilocandia
Spouse(s)
Diego Silang (1757–63)
Parent(s)
Anselmo Cariño (father)

Dr. Jose P. Rizal The National Hero

(1861-1896)
The Philippines' national hero. Born in Calamba, Laguna,
on June 19, 1861. Published his masterpiece Noli Me
Tangere in Berlin(Germany) in 1887 and his second novel
El Filibusterismo in Ghent(Belgium) in 1891. His two
novels stirred the conscience of his people. He
contributed various literary works to La Solidaridad. For
his leadership in the reform movement and for his
incendiary novels, Rizal was arrested and later killed by
musketry in Bagumbayan, Manila, on December 30,
1896. His execution was the last straw for other Filipinos
who called for a bloody revolution against Spain.

Andres Bonifacio The Great Plebian and

Father of the Katipunan

(1863-1897)
He founded the secret society, Katipunan, on July 7, 1892,
to fight Spain. He was also president of the Tagalog
republic from August 24, 1896 to May 10, 1897. Born in
Tondo, Manila, on November 30, 1863. He grew up in the
slums and never knew the benefits of a prosperous life.
He married Gregoria de Jesus in 1892. He was killed on
May 10, 1897, near Mount Buntis, Maragondon, Cavite.
General Gregorio del Pilar Hero of the Battle of Tirad
Pass.
(1875-1899)
Hero of Tirad Pass. Born on November 14, 1875, in
Bulacan, Bulacan. Died on December 2, 1899, in the
battle of Tirad Pass, to enable Aguinaldo to escape from
the Americans. One of the youngest and bravest generals
ever produced by the Philippines.

General Emilio Aguinaldo President of the

First Philippine Republic
(1899-1964)
He officially proclaimed the Philippine independence in
Malolos, Bulacan, on January 23, 1899, with him as the
first president. It was the first republic in Asia. Born in
Kawit, Cavite, on March 22, 1869. Died at the Veterans
Memorial Hospital, Quezon City, on February 6, 1964.
Apolinario Mabini Sublime Paralytics and
Brains of the Revolution
(1864-1903)
Sublime paralytic and the brain of the revolution. Born in
Talaga, Tanauan, Batangas, on June 22, 1864. He joined
La Liga Filipina in 1892 and Aguinaldo's revolutionary
government from June 1898 to May 1899. He was
captured by the American forces in December 1899 and
deported to Guam in January 1901. He died in Manila on
May 13, 1903.

GOMBURZA

Martyred Priests of 1872

Father Mariano Gomez Father Jose Burgos
Father Jacinto Zamora
(1799-1872)
(1837-1872) (1835-1872)
 Three intellectuals who crusaded for reform. Killed by
garrote in Bagumbayan, Manila on February 17, 1872, for
allegedly instigating the Cavite mutiny.

Emilio Jacinto Brains of the Katipunan

(1875-1899)
Brains of the Katipunan. Born in Trozo, Manila, on
December 15, 1875. He joined the Katipunan in 1894 and
became Bonifacio's trusted friend and adviser. He wrote
the Kartilya ng Katipunan, the primer of the Katipunan
which embodied the teachings of the organization. He
founded and edited the Katipunan newspaper, Kalayaan,
whose first issue came out in January 1896. Died on April
16, 1899. He was one of the heroic figures in Philippine
history.

General Antonio Luna Cofounder of La Independencia

(1866-1899)
The greatest general of the revolution. Younger brother
of Juan Luna, the famous painter. Editor of La
Independencia, whose first issue came out on September
3, 1898. Born in Binondo, Manila, on October 29, 1866.
He was one of the propagandists in Spain who were
working for political reforms in the Philippines. He
contributed articles to La Solidaridad.

Trece Martirez

Filipino patriots in Cavite, Philippines who were executed

by mustketry on September 11, 1896, for cooperating
with the Katipunan during the Philippine Revolution
against Spain.

The 13 martyrs of Cavite, who were executed by a firing

squad on September 12, 1896
They were:
Maximo Inocencio Severino Lapidario
Agapito Conchu
 Jose Lallana Alfonso de Ocampo
Victoriano Luciano
Eugenio Cabezas Francisco Osorio
Feliciano Cabuco
Maximo Gregorio Antonio de San
Agustin
Hugo Perez Luis Aguado

Melchora Aquino Mother of Balintawak

(1812-1919)
B etter known as Tandang Sora. Born in Banlat, Kalookan
City, on January 6, 1812. She helped the Katipuneros
under the leadership of Andres Bonifacio by providing
them food, shelter, and other material goods. She is
recognized as the Grand Woman of the revolution and
the Mother of Balintawak. She died on March 12, 1919.
Graciano Lopez Jaena Greatest Filipino Orator of the
Propaganda Movement

(1856-1896)
Founder and first editor of the newspaper La Solidaridad,
which became the vehicle of expression for Filipino
propaganda in Spain. Together wtih Jose Rizal and
Marcelo H. Del Pilar, he undertook propaganda
campaigns in Spain. Born in Jaro, Iloilo, on December 18,
1856. He died on January 20, 1896, in Barcelona, Spain.

Panday Pira First Filipino Cannon maker

(1483-1576)
First Filipino cannon-maker. He forged the cannons which
Rajah Sulayman used in defending the Muslim Kingdom
of Manila against the Spanish invaders. Born in one of the
islands in Southern Philippines in 1483. He died in 1576.
Mariano Ponce Propagandist, Historian, Diplomat And
Managing Editor of La Solidaridad
(1863-1918)
Researcher, historian, bibliographer, propagandist,
diplomat, physician, folklorist, and an outstanding
reformist. Born in Baliwag, Bulacan, on March 23, 1863.
While in Spain, he joined the propaganda movement and
became one of the initiators of La Solidaridad, later
becoming its managing editor. Died in HongKong on May
23, 1918.

Gregoria de Jesus Lakambini of Katipunan and

Wife of Andres Bonifacio

(1875-1943)
One of the brave and patriotic women who played a
heroic role in the Philippine revolution. Born in Kalookan
City, on May 9, 1875. Wife of Andres Bonifacio and
Lakambini of the Katipunan. She actually fought
alongside her husband during the revolution, aside from
being the custodian of the Katipunan documents. She
organized the Katipunan's Women Chapter. She died on
March 15, 1943.

Fernando Ma. Guerrero Poet of the Revolution

(1873-1890)
Musician, journalist, politician, and lawyer. Considered
the greatest lyric poet in Spanish. Born in Ermita, Manila,
on May 30, 1873. When the revolution broke out,
General Antonio Luna invited him to join the editorial
staff of La Independencia, the organ of the revolution.
Thus, he fought for the Filipino cause with his pen. Died
in Manila June 12, 1929.

Felipe Agoncillo Outstanding Diplomat

of the First Philippine Republic
(1859-1941)
Outstanding diplomat of the Philippine revolution. Born
in Taal, Batangas, on May 26, 1859. Gen. Emilio
Aguinaldo appointed him as Minister Plenipotentiary to
the peace conference in Washington and Paris. Died on
September 29, 1941, at the Manila Doctor's Hospital.

Juan Luna Greatest Filipino Painter

(1857-1899)
A genius of the brush and a patriot of the highest order.
Creator of the world-famous painting, SPOLARIUM, which
was awarded the gold medal in the Exposicion Nacional
de Bellas Artes in Madrid in 1884. It is also known as the
greatest painting of all times. Born in Badoc, Ilocos,
Norte, on October 23, 1857. He was closely associated
with the Reform Movement, together with Rizal, Lopez-
Jaena, Ponce, etc. He died in Hongkong on December 7,
1899.
Rafael Palma Cofounder of La Independencia
and first Up president
(1874-1939)
Orator, statesman, scholar, educator, and writer. Born in
Tondo, Manila, on October 24, 1874. He was involved in
the propaganda campaign against the Spaniards. He
cofounded with Gen. Antonio Luna the revolutionary
newspaper, La Independencia. Later, he also founded El
Nuevo Dia, Cebu's first daily. Died in Manila on May 24,
1939.

Marcelo H. Del Pilar Greatest Journalist and Moving Spirit

of the Propaganda Movement
(1850-1896)
Political analyst of the Filipino colony in Spain. Born in
Kupang, Bulacan, Bulacan, on August 30, 1850. In 1882,
he founded the nationalistic newspaper, Diariong
Tagalog. In December 1889, he became the editor of La
Solidaridad and became the moving spirit behind the
propaganda movement. Died on July 4, 1896.

Pedro Paterno Peacemaker of the Revolotion

(1858-1911)
Statesman, poet, writer, and peacemaker. Born in Manila
on February 27, 1858. He was the negotiator/mediator of
the Pact of Biak-na-Bato. He helped prepare the Malolos
constitution. Died on April 26, 1911.

Leona Florentino First Filipino Poetess

(1849-1884)
First poetess of the Philippines. Born in Vigan, Ilocos Sur,
on April 19, 1849. Her poems were given international
recognition at the Exposicion in Madrid in 1887 and in
Paris in 1889. Died on October 4, 1884.

Artemio Ricarte Revolutionary General, known as Viborra

(1866-1945)
The unconquerable hero of the revolution. Born in Batac,
Ilocos Norte, on October 20, 1866. Known as Viborra, he
was a gentle public school teacher who became a
dashing revolutionary general. Died in the jungles of
Sierra Madre on July 31, 1945.

Isabelo delos Reyes Founder of Philippines Socialism

(1864-1938)
Last of the propagandists. Gifted son of Leona Florentino,
first poetess of the Philippines. Born in Vigan, Ilocos Sur,
on July 7, 1864. He aroused the hostility of the friars and
government officials when he openly criticized the evils
of the Spanish rule and he advocated reforms. He was
the founder of the first Philippine labor union, as well as
the first independent Filipino Catholic church. Died on
October 9, 1938.

Jose Palma Wrote the Spanish Lyrics of the Philippine

National Anthem
(1876-1903)

Poet and soldier. Born in Tondo, Manila, on June 3, 1876.

Younger brother of Dr. Rafael Palma. He was a staff
member of La Independencia. He wrote Filipinas, a
patriotic poem in Spanish, which became the lyrics of the
Philippine National Anthem. Died in Manila, on February
12, 1903.

Rajah Lakandola Chied of Tondo

Friendly to the Spaniards
( -1575)
One of the most illustrious ancient Filipinos. Chief of
Tondo, when Legazpi came to Manila in 1571. He became
a Christian and took the name of Carlos, after the king of
Spain. He made the blood compact with Goiti. He fought
alongside the Spaniards against the Chinese pirate,
Limahong. Died in 1575.

Rajah Soliman The Last Rajah of Manila

( -1575)
One of the most illustrious ancient Filipinos. Chief of
Tondo, when Legazpi came to Manila in 1571. He became
a Christian and took the name of Carlos, after the king of
Spain. He made the blood compact with Goiti. He fought
alongside the Spaniards against the Chinese pirate,
Limahong. Died in 1575.

Leonor Rivera Cousin and Fiancee of Jose Rizal

(1867-1893)
Cousin and fiancee of Jose Rizal. She was the Maria Clara
in Rizal's Noli Me Tangere.

Marcela Mariño Agoncillo Maker of the First Filipino Flag

(1859-1946)
Maker of the first Philippine flag. Born in Taal, Batangas,
on June 24, 1859. Married to Felipe Agoncillo. She
labored to make the Filipino flag in Hong Kong with the
help of Delfina Herbosa de Natividad, a niece of Rizal.
Died on May 30, 1946 in Taal, Batangas

Galicano Apacible One of the Founders of Katipunan

One of the founders of La Solidaridad.

Jose Ma. Panganiban Bicolandia’s Greatest Contribution

to the Historic Campaign for Reforms
(1863-1890)
Avenger of Filipino honor. Born in Mambulao, Camarines
Norte, on February 1, 1863. A good friend and co-worker
of Rizal. He was Bicolandia's greatest contribution to the
historic campaign for reforms, more popularly called the
Propaganda Movement. He wrote articles for La
Solidaridad, under the pen names Jomapa and J.M.P.
Died in Barcelona, Spain, on August 19, 1890.

Diego Silang Leader of the Ilocano Revolt

(1730-1763)
He led the revolt of the Ilocanos in opposition to the
tribute and abuses of the Spanish officials. Born in
Aringay, La Union, on December 16, 1730. The revolt
started in Vigan, Ilocos Sur. He was killed by Miguel Vicos,
a Spanish mestizo who bore grievances against Diego
Silang.
Maria Josefa Gabriela Silang Continued the fight after her
husband’s Death
After the death of Diego Silang on May 28, 1763, the fight
was carried on by his wife, MARIA JOSEFA GABRIELA
SILANG, and his uncle, Nicolas Cariño. She too lost her life
for freedom's sake on September 30, 1763.

Lapu-Lapu Chieftain of Mactan Who Killed Magellan First

Filipino Hero
(c. 16th century)
Chief of Mactan who led the first successful Filipino
armed resistance against Spanish aggression. He fought
and killed Magellan in a battle in Mactan, on April 27,
1521.

Francisco Baltazar Prince of Tagalog Poets

(1788-1862)
More popularly known as Balagtas, he is considered the
prince of Tagalog poets. Born in Panginay, Bigaa, Bulacan,
on April 2, 1788. He wrote Florante at Laura, a
masterpiece of local versification, upholding moral and
social values; it served as the basic foundation of the
Philippine literature. Died in Orion, Bataan, on February
20, 1862.

Mabini: Wounded Hero

by Dr. Robert L. Yoder, FAPC
His last years were his most painful. Apolinario Mabini
was one of the foremost of the Philippine revolutionary
heroes. He was the "brains" of the revolution. Crippled as
a young man by polio, he realized that his physical
limitations not only limited his personal life but the
struggle his beloved homeland was undergoing to
become a sovereign republic. He would also find his high
ideals wounded by persons he sought to serve and by the
cruelties caused by warfare.
His wounds were of the body and of the spirit. His
physical problems were perhaps most painful in the way
it seemed, even to his own eyes, to diminish his
usefulness. The struggles in the fight for independence
from Spain were hurtful as well. They involved cutting the
ties with Spain that, despite its flaws, had emotional
bonds that were hard to untangle. They involved an ugly
and brutal war with the United States, a country with
democratic ideals, but painfully flawed racism.
Now, however, in his last years, Mabini found himself as
an exile from the land he held most dear. No one
tortured or mistreated him. He taught his prison guards
Spanish while they, in turn, returned the favor by
teaching him English. As prison life goes, it was not a
harsh life. It was here that he wrote his chief work, La
Revolución Filipina. In it he sought to state for future
generations his philosophy of life and the reasons he
resisted the rule of both Spain and the United States.
Yet he longed for his homeland and the place he loved
most dear, the place he was willing to live and die for was
not his to enjoy. There were American sympathizers such
as Senator George Hoar, who urged his release. However,
the arguments of no less than Elihu Root, the Secretary of
War and William Howard Taft, the Governor of the
Philippines, and later President of the United States,
opposed the action. Taft would write that Mabini was
"the most prominent irreconcilable among the Filipinos."
He feared that the civil war would break out anew were
Mabini to return to the islands.
Mabini, therefore, remained in seclusion in Guam.
Deported in 1901 he would remain there until a few
months before his death in 1903. Today Filipinos deeply
admire Mabini. In those years, however, his countrymen
largely forgot him. When he returned to the Philippines
people welcomed him as the nationalist he was.
However, the Philippines was turning to the ways of its
American tutors. It would not be for another fifty years
that the dream of an independent nation would become
a reality. In many ways Mabini's dreams of independence
seemed irrelevant. He died in poverty.
While he was one of the ilustrado class, he had risen
from the peasantry from Talaga, Tanauan, Batangas. His
Father was a "cabeza de barangay" (headman and
taxgather for fifty families) but uneducated. His mother
had some formal education and from her Mabini gained
some rudimentary education. Mabini dedicated his
closing memoirs, La Revolución Filipina to his mother and
indicated that she had aspired that he be a priest.
"Realizing that you were too poor to meet the expenses
of my education," wrote Mabini, "you worked as hard as
you could, heedless of sun and rain, until you caught the
illness that took you to your grave."
His grandfather, Juan Maranan, was a popular teacher.
While tutoring Mabini's elder brother, his grandfather
noticed that young Apolinario learned the lesson earlier.
Although impoverished he was able to study in Manila.
He began his studies at the Colegio de San Juan de
Letrain in 1881 and later received a law degree in 1894
from the University of Santo Thomas.
During this time he supported himself in part by teaching
Latin. His work as a copyist in the Court of First Instance,
however, proved even more important. It was here that
he came under the influence of Numeriano Adriano who
was not only his superior but one with whom Mabini
would develop a deep friendship. It was here that Mabini
first began to sense the nationalistic feelings that were
spreading among educated Filipinos. The social and
political issues of the day developed a spirit to which
Mabini would dedicate his entire life. It was also during
this time, around 1896, that Mabini developed polio
mellitus that was to deprive him of the use of his legs.
In 1896, when Andres Bonifacio began his revolt,
authorities arrested Mabini as a member of his
revolutionary movement, the Katipunan. In truth, Mabini
was not a member of this movement but, rather, of the
reform association of José Rizal, the La Liga Filipina.
Bonifacio's movement sought military insurrection;
Rizal's movement aimed at gradual reform. At first,
Mabini opposed to Bonifacio and the insurrection.
Events, however, would transpire that would change
Mabini's life forever. Spain would execute by
strangulation three Filipino priests: Padres Burgos,
Gomez, and Zamora. They would bring the man Mabini
most idealized, José Rizal, to the Luneta, and would
execute him by musketry.
The Filipino people, especially in areas such as Cavite
which were most deeply controlled by Spanish friars,
broke out in complete revolt. Mabini, convinced of the
people's almost fanatical desire for freedom, turned from
the ideals of Rizal's reforms to the zeal of Bonifacio's
revolution. Joining the Katipunan, Mabini became a
foremost propagandist, appealing to his countrymen to
join the revolution against Spain.
In May of 1896, General Emilio Aguinaldo summoned
Mabini to act as his advisor. Both Aguinaldo and Mabini
were aware of the severe limitations that his lameness
brought. Aguinaldo conveyed Mabini to his headquarters
in Cavite by hammock. How could an invalid be of use to
the revolution in the exigencies of a revolutionary
atmosphere? However, Aguinaldo soon realized that
Mabini's keen intellect, married to his devotion to
independence, far outweighed this liability. He had a
largeness of mind, soul, and vision that dispelled any
doubts in Auginaldo's mind.
While devoted to democracy, Mabini first sought to make
Aguinaldo a dictator of the Philippines as a temporary
measure. His sentiments mitigated against this; the effect
of war was the sole reason for this drastic compromise
with his own philosophy. The decree, given on June 18,
1898, had a sentence that epitomized his true beliefs:
"The first duty of the government is to interpret the
popular will faithfully."
During the first moments of the Filipino experiment in
self rule, Mabini served Aguinaldo faithfully. He
supervised the administration of justice. He managed the
election of delegates to the revolutionary congress. He
established the first rudimentary mechanisms of the
revolutionary government.
However, quite soon cracks began to develop in the
revolutionary movement that would doom its cause. This
was true especially as the revolution turned from a revolt
against Spain to its more powerful "liberator," the United
States.
Two factions composed the movement. Bonifacio's revolt
was a popular uprising of the masses. The more educated
illustrado class had a different agenda. These learned
nationalists could not bring themselves to trust the
uneducated common man. Perhaps the bloody lessons of
the French revolution caused some concern in their
minds.
As time would show, Aguinaldo would side with the
illustrado class and abandon the aims of the revolt. His
lieutenants would murder Bonifacio. Many believe that
Aguinaldo was instrumental, also in the assassination of
the revolution's most able general: Antonio Luna. Luna,
despite his faults, was, like Mabini, an illustrado who
sided with the common man. Mabini wrote,
"Aguinaldo ... ruined himself, damned by his own deeds.
Thus are great crimes punished by Providence." (La
Revolución Filipina, Chapter X)
The revolutionary congress reconvened in Barasoain,
Malolos, Bulacan, on September 15, 1898. At this time
the sentiment of the majority of the representatives was
to draft a complete constitution. Filipe G. Calderon wrote
such a document. Mabini felt that the revolutionary
nature of the times mitigated against anything but a
temporary dictatorship. Mabini opposed it and wrote a
different constitution that gave much more authority to
the President (Aguinaldo). The delegates, however,
adopted the Calderon document. As time passed,
relations between Mabini and Aguinaldo became more
strained. Mabini, however, continued to serve his
commander in chief until his eventual capture.
There were several reasons why the Philippine Revolution
failed in its struggle with the United States:
The United States had better weapons. However, the
difference in armed power in the Filipino - American
conflict was not nearly as great as would be the later
Vietnamese - American conflict.
With the murder of Antonio Luna, the struggle lost its
most effective military strategist. The Americans were, on
the whole, more adept at military science. If the Filipinos
had carried out a full scale guerrilla operation from the
beginning of the struggle, the revolution might have
lasted longer and (as in Viet Nam) the American public
might have eventually tired of the effort. Even after the
capture of Aguinaldo, General Miguel Malvar continued
the desperate struggle with guerrilla tactics against
America until 1902. In fact Macario Sakay continued with
guerrilla activity against the United States until 1907
when he was captured in a ruse.
Time would determine that the illustrado class, joined
with the wealthy hacienderos had a greater loyalty to
their own interests than that of Filipino independence.
Mabini exposed a vicious opportunism of such illustrados
as Pedro Peterno and Felipe Buencamino who sought to
gain control over and profit from the financial
transactions of the revolutionary movement.
Even Aguinaldo would evidence this trait. He would
submit to self-exile in Hong Kong under an agreement
with the Spanish at Biak na Bato. When captured by
Colonel Frederick Funston in Palanan, Isabela, he
proclaimed submission to the Americans. At the end of
his life, he would likewise embrace the occupying
Japanese. Mabini could not contain the disappointment
he felt in the man he served so faithfully. "To sum it up,
the Revolution failed because it was badly led; because
its leader [Aguinaldo] won his post by reprehensible
rather than meritorious acts; because instead of
supporting the men most useful to the people, he made
them useless out of jealousy. Identifying the
aggrandizement of the people with his own, he judged
the worth of men not by their ability, character and
patriotism but rather by their degree of friendship and
kinship with him; and, anxious to secure the readiness of
his favorites to sacrifice themselves for him, he was
tolerant even of their transgressions. Because he thus
neglected the people, the people forsook him; and
forsaken by the people, he was bound to fall like a waxen
idol melting in the heat of adversity. God grant we do not
forget such a terrible lesson, learned at the cost of untold
suffering." (La Revolución Filipina, chapter X) The
Philippine society of a few rich and many poor plagues
democracy to this day. While Filipinos control the
Philippines, the unequal distribution of wealth continues
to be a source of unrest and often results in armed
conflict.
It also became apparent to the common Filipino that
Americans were not the severe colonial masters as were
most European conquerors. With the arrival of American
schoolteachers, and the advent of universal education,
the lowliest peasant realized his aspirations for
education. Ingrained in Americans were the ideals of
democracy. Despite many flaws, their goal was a
democratically stable Philippine government. Spain
subjected the Philippines to its control for three hundred
years; the United States tutored the Philippines for fifty.
Mabini was a man who sought to live a principled life.
The effects of war were troubling to his spirit. As the
United States would learn many years later in Viet Nam,
brutality, on both sides, brought out the worst of the
human spirit. Especially troubling to Mabini were the
abuses of Filipino soldier to Filipino citizen. His decree of
June 18, 1898, included provisions (see Article 8) that
would curb military abuses. He brought those abuses
that came to his attention before Aguinaldo. The general,
however, ignored most of these criminal actions. He
would put in his closing remarks in La Revolución Filipina
the "disgust I felt whenever I heard of the rape of
Filipinas by Filipino soldiers..... I am sure that the first
instances would not have been repeated if the
commanders concerned had punished such outrages
energetically and without hesitation. How shall we get
foreigners to respect our women when we ourselves set
the example of offending them?" (Chapter XI)
American forces captured Mabini on December 10, 1899.
Soon thereafter, Aguinaldo met a similar fate. For awhile,
Mabini lived under house arrest. Refusing to submit to
American authority, Mabini continued to write
inflammatory tracts against the occupying power. The
American government exiled Mabini to Guam in 1901.
Mabini, like José Rizal, was a true Filipino nationalist and
a devoted patriot. Fate would place his life as that of a
mediator between the people's will and the decisions of
the first leadership of the Philippines. His life, despite
some flaws, was selfless and motivated by high ideals. He
would state, "I have no other balm to sweeten the
bitterness of a harsh and melancholy life [in exile] than
the satisfaction given by the conviction of having always
done what I believed to be my duty. God grant that I can
say the same at the hour of my death." (from La
Revolución Filipina, e Introductory Manifesto)
The End.
See also by the same author:
"Philippine Heroines of the Revolution: Maria Clara they
were not" and "Graciano López Jaena".
E-mail to the author: r.yoder@prodigy.net
[Austrian-Philippine WebSite] [Culture and History]
Document
created: August 24, 1998
updated: September 1, 1999
APSIS Editor Johann Stockinger
"Matakot sa kasaysayan pagka’t walang lihim na di
nahahayag/Fear history, for it respects no secrets" -
Gregoria de Jesus

"Perhaps getting acquainted with the past will correct my

judgment. I do not put my trust in theories; I am guided
by facts."
"If that is so," Elias answered after a thoughtful pause, "I
will tell you my history." - Noli me tangere
Monday, September 19, 2005
Bonifacio, Andres. "Bonifacio's Proclamation of August
28, 1896." In The Writings and Trial of Andres Bonifacio,
trans. Teodoro A. Agoncillo and S. V. Epistola. Manila:
Antonio J. Villegas; Manila Bonifacio Centennial
Commission; University of the Philippines, 1963. 4.

[4]

Bonifacio's Proclamation of August 28, 1896

This manifesto is for all of you: It is absolutely necessary

for us to stop at the earliest possible time the nameless
oppressions being perpetrated on the sons of the country
who are now suffering the brutal punishment and
tortures in jails, and because of this please let all the
brethren know that on Saturday, the 29th of the current
month, the revolution shall commence according to our
agreement. For this purpose it is necessary for all towns
to rise simultaneously and attack Manila at the same
time. Anybody who obstructs this sacred ideal of the
people will be considered a traitor and an enemy, except
if he is ill or is not physically fit, in which case he shall be
tried according to the regulations we have put in force.
Mount of Liberty, 28th August 1896.

Andres Bonifacio
Ari Ngaseo at 11:02 PM
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