LIWORIZ – TASK 2
SECTION: 2 CE- G
MEMBERS: DIMAGIBA, Florence Rossette S. DOMINGO, Eryl Russell B. ESCAÑO, Salve Ann Marie A.
In 2-3 sentences, discuss briefly the arguments posed by the article, Veneration without Understanding on the following points. Indicate whether you agree or disagree with the arguments of
Renato Constantino and explain why or why not.
ARGUMENT
Rizal and The Revolution
Rizal and The Americans
In this article, Constantino pointed out how the Americans had a great admiration for Rizal’s martyrdom, and his
urge of reform through publicity, public education and conscience, but going further, it became clearer that the
Americans had an ulterior motive as to why they were completely in favor of Jose Rizal to become the national
hero of the Philippines, and that was to choose someone whom they truly believed that would not run and revolt
against them. Constantino argued that Rizal’s identity, with the support of the opinions of the Americans, have
been greatly magnified and exaggerated that it reached the point where hagiolatry had to exist, and people have
minimized the importance of others who could also be considered as heroes. He supported his argument by
stating that even without these admirations, idolatry, hagiolatry, and if this would be subjected to a more
mature and critical historical evaluation, Jose Rizal will still be in a good position because he possessed the
qualities of greatness.
Rizal as a Limited Filipino
Rizal was labeled as a Limited Filipino by Constantino due to his ilustrado orientation which separated the culture
and property of the masses. Moreover, his class position, his upbringing and his foreign education were profound
influences which constituted his philosophy and restricted his grasp of the social reality of indios.
GROUP #: 3
FLORES, Margaret E.
AGREE OR DISAGREE, WHY/WHY NOT
I would agree to the argument of Renato Constantino that even without
the opinions and statements of the Americans and some blind
worshippers, it would not disregard Rizal’s competency and greatness for
him to be qualified as a hero. It is not a secret that his intellectual ability
was a proof that not all fights need the use of swords, guns, and cannons,
and that there must always be a bloodshed. His love and patriotism for the
country were greatly reflected and had been proven in the several literary
works that were introduced and will be introduced to us as we continue to
widen our knowledge about his life.
I am not in favor with how Constantino depicted Rizal as a Limited Filipino
and an ilustrado hero due to his orientation, how the characters on his
novels were said to be within his milieu and class, and his philosophy of
liberty and independence. The use of his novels to indicate distinction of
his class position, his upbringing and his foreign education does not
constitute on limiting his understanding of his countrymen. The characters,
pricipalia or not, relied a message for his fellowmen to secure a liberty
through having education as a prior condition, exalting intelligence and
dignity of every individual. Education yields to understanding and
appreciation; one cannot know without understanding. Moreover, Rizal
was also an indio though he may come from a more fortunate family -
ilustrado; he experienced the same kind of oppression. However, he rather
 used his orientation as an advantage to learn ideologies unveiling the
truths about the conditions of the country, ignite Filipino spirit, and mold
such into a nation.

Also, I am against of how Constantino deliberately depicted Rizal as an

ilustrado who only have limited goals and who instinctively
underestimated people. Rizal was not fearful of the violence of people’s
action nor does he not want to fight for independence. His repudiation of
the revolution wasn’t an act against the people rather a redirection
towards understanding the differentiation of liberty and independence.
Rizal did not approve of the revolution at that moment rather he agitated
for reforms in people. He stands for a true revolution where the people
were truly ready for self-rule. Whereas, Constantino stated that our
national hero was not the leader of our revolution. With that being said, I
personally think of an underlying thought which assumes of having a man
being only considered as a hero if he engages in bloodshed. As such,
bloodshed without viewpoint, death without being sanctified to a higher
purpose, is pointless homicide. Evidently, many lives have been wasted
due to impatience and thoughtless course of emotion. Even though,
Constantino wanted to promote Filipino consciousness with the truth of us
still being under American despite our sovereignty as an independent
country. His accusation of Rizal being a colonial construct indicates how he
ignored social and intellectual development. He ignored the importance of
the middle class in the revolution where Filipinos have fought together
regardless of each orientation in the past.

Blind Adoration of Rizal

Negation of Rizal