“Rizal and the Revolution” by Floro Quibuyen

A Reaction Paper

Dr. Jose P. Rizal, our national hero, is probably the most celebrated hero in our country.
His martyrdom has been one of the inspirations for the Filipino people to fight for their
independence from the hands of the Spanish conquistadors.

Historians have been debating on Rizal’s real stand and role in the Philippine Revolution.
Some would say the Rizal was not a leader of the revolution, and that he was against the aim of
the revolutionists – that is complete separation from Spain. These historians stressed that his
goal, along with his fellow ilustrados was only assimilation and reform. However, these claims
were mainly based on his December 15, 1896 manifesto, in which he stated his thoughts about
the revolution, ultimately expressing his unwillingness to partake in it. On the other hand, other
authors argued that Rizal was in fact a separatist; a radical one. Quibuyen, in his article entitled
Rizal and the Revolution presented multiple memoirs and transcripts to support and clarify Rizal’s
stand over the Philippine Revolution. According to Pio Valenzula’s testimony (1978), Rizal did not
directly oppose the Revolution, he was rather against the idea of uprising until they have the
equipment and arms that they needed to put up a fight. Also, Rizal pointed out the importance
of having the support of the wealthy and intellectual Filipinos – all of which the Katipunan lacked.

I personally agree with Rizal’s statement. After centuries of being conquered, we have
lost a lot of things; our once rich culture has been buried and forgotten, and we were forced to
embrace a foreign and unfamiliar set of traditions. Alongside losing our culture, is losing our
oneness with our nation and our fellow countrymen. During the latter part of the 19th century, it
was undeniable that the Filipinos have taken a great step towards liberation and freedom, and
expressed their aims through the Revolution. However, they were not at all ready for the
aftermath. The way we were colonized by the US and Japan after Spain just proved how
unprepared we really are. In addition to these, the Revolution pushed through with the Filipinos
not being totally united with their cause; other sectors aim for reforms, while others wanted
complete separation. This shows how the idea of national consciousness at that period was still
fragmentary and uncertain.