S H O RT V I S I T T O PA R I S A N D

S PA I N

While busy in his historical studies

(10months May 1888-March 1888)

DEC 31, 1888

in London, Rizal learned that the
Filipinos in Barcelona were planning
to establish a patriotic society which
would cooperate in the crusade for
reforms. This society is called 1
Asociacion La Solidaridad.
On December 1888 Rizal visited

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Madrid and Barcelona to assess the
political situation. For the first time
there he met the two titans of the
Propaganda Movement, Marcelo H.
Del Pilar and Mariano Ponce.
They exchanged ideas and promised
to cooperate in the fight for reforms.
 Marcelo

Jose
F I R S T A S A N A S S O C I AT I O N

P R E S E N TAT I O N T I T L E
Mariano
La Solidaridad (The Solidarity) was an
organization created in Spain on December
13, 1888. Composed of Filipino liberals
exiled in 1872 and students
attending Europe's universities, the
organization aimed to increase Spanish 2
awareness of the needs of its colony,
the Philippines, and to propagate a closer

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relationship between the Philippines and
Spain. The members use the opportunity of
being physically close to the seat of the
“mother country” (Spain) to lobby for
reforms for the Philippines.
REFORMS DESIRED

P R E S E N TAT I O N T I T L E
I. Equality of the Filipino's and Spaniards
before the laws.
II. Assimilation of the Philippines as a
regular province of Spain.
III. Restoration of the Philippine
3
representation in Spanish Cortes.
IV. Filipinization of the Philippine parishes

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and expulsion of the friars.
V. Human rights for Filipinos, such as
freedom of speech, freedom to meet and
petition for redress of grievances
(compensation for wrongdoings.
Graciano Marcelo Jose Mariano
N O W A S A N E W S PA P E R
On February 15, 1889, Graciano Lopez Jaena founded
the patriotic newspaper called La Solidaridad in
Barcelona, where he was then residing.
Two days after the birth of La Solidaridad, Del Pilar
wrote to Rizal in London: “At last our little newspaper
was born. It is democratic in its opinion, but very much
more so in the organization in its staff. One should see 4
how editor Graciano writes, correct proofs, direct the
printing, distributes the copies, and even takes them to
the mail.
Ponce the manager, gathers data edits and also
distributes the copies. I am the only idler, though the
newspaper had me preoccupied during its foundation,
for which reason I am behind in my correspondence
with you.”
Graciano Marcelo Jose Mariano O N LY T H E T R U T H M U S T B E O U R
F O U N D AT I O N - R I Z A L

Rizal congratulated Jaena and his associates in founding La

Solidaridad. As evidence of his approval and cooperation, he
prepared articles for the periodical which were subsequently
published.
In his letter to Jaena, he advised him that great care should be
taken in publishing only the truth in La Solidaridad. “Be
careful”, he admonished, “not to publish exaggerations or lies 5
or imitate others, who avail themselves of dishonest means
and of vulgar and ignoble language to attain their ends.
See that the periodical is just, honest, and truthful so that its
opinion may always be respected.
It is necessary that we show our enemies that we are worthy
than they, morally and humanly speaking. Should we tell the
truth we shall have won our cause because reason and justice
are on our side. There is no need for knaveries (being
dishonest, rogue and unprincipled).
 R I Z A L’ S C O N T R I B U T I O N S A N D A RT I C L E S

P R E S E N TAT I O N T I T L E
I. Los Agricultores Filipinos: Rizal IV. Indolence of the Filipinos: A defense
depicted the deplorable conditions in the essay of why Filipinos do not work hard
Philippines which caused the compared to European people. According
backwardness of the country. to Rizal Filipinos do not need to work
hard because of the tropical climate, the
II. Letter to the Young Women of Malolos:
nature and soil of the Philippines is fertile
Upon the request of M. Del Pilar, Rizal
thus provides abundant harvest even with
praised the young ladies of Malolos for
less work. 6
their courage to establish a school where
the people can learn Spanish despite the V. The Philippines Within a Century:
strong opposition of Fr Felipe Garcia, the Rizal expressed his views in the Spanish

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Spanish priest of Malolos. colonization of the Philippines and
predicted the tragic end of Spain’s
III. La Vision del Fray Rodriguez. A satire
sovereignty in Asia. He warned Spain of
depicting the spirited dialogue between St
what would happen if she would not
Augustine and Fr Rodriguez.
adopt a more liberal and enlightened
policy towards Philippines.
 P R E S E N TAT I O N T I T L E
Notable members:  Graciano López Jaena, the first editor
1. José Rizal (Laong Laan and Dimasalang) of La Solidaridad and founder.
2. Marcelo H. del Pilar (Plaridel, Dolores  Marcelo H. del Pilar, the second and
Manapat, Piping Dilat, Siling Labuyo, last editor of La Solidaridad.
Cupang, Maytiyaga, Patos, Carmelo, D.A. 7
Murgas, and L.O. Crame) Other Members:
3. Graciano López Jaena (Diego Laura) Pedro Paterno, Antonio María Regidor,

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Isabelo de los Reyes, José Alejandrino,
4. Antonio Luna (Taga-Ilog)
Juan Luna, Eduardo de Lete, Tomás
5. Mariano Ponce (Tigbalang, Kalipulako, Arejola, Felix Resurrección Hidalgo,
Naning) Pedro Serrano Laktaw, Pablo Rianzares
6. José María Panganiban (Jomapa) Bautista, Dámaso Ponce, Galicano
7. Dominador Gómez (Ramiro Franco) Apacible, Trinidad H. Pardo de Taver
R I Z A L - D E L P I L A R R I VA L R Y

P R E S E N TAT I O N T I T L E
Towards the closing days of 1890 there arose an unfortunate rivalry between Rizal and del
Pilar for supremacy. During this time Rizal was the undisputed leader of the Filipinos in
Europe meanwhile Del Pilar was gaining prestige in Madrid for his vigorous editorials in La
Solidaridad, which he came to own. He had purchased this fortnightly (two weeks)
periodical from Pablo Rianzares, its proprietor, and had replaced Graciano Lopez Jaena as
its Editor.
According to G. Zaide (1994), Rizal leadership this time was at decline because Rizal was
8
forceful imbuing his own idealism towards his fellow compatriots. His idealism that for the
Propaganda Movement to win the respect of the Spanish people they must possess high
standards of morality, dignity and spirit of sacrifice.

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Unfortunately, his idealism was not shared by other fellow compatriots who loved wine,
women and cards (gambling). Some of his former admirers turned against him they resented
his interference in their private lives. They become supporters of Del Pilar.
The editorial policy of La Solidaridad under Del Pilar management enhanced the cleavage
between Rizal and Del Pilar. Rizal and his close friends objected to the periodical editorial
policy which occasionally contrary to Rizal’s political views.
R I Z A L - D E L P I L A R R I VA L R Y

P R E S E N TAT I O N T I T L E
To fix the differences and subdue the growing tenisons between the rivals, the Filipinos in
Madrid, numbering about ninety (90), met on January 1, 1891 New Year to patch up the
differences and intensify the campaign for reform. It was decided in this meeting that a
leader called Responsible, be chosen to direct the affairs of the Filipino Community and to
determine the editorial policy of La Solidaridad.
Del Pilar opposed the proposition on the ground that La Solidardiad is a private enterprise,
however he is willing to compromise to publish articles that would express the aspirations
9
and demands of the Filipino people. Owing to Del Pilar opposition the notion to place La
Solidaridad under the control of Responsible was abandoned.

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Still the election for the leadership of Filipino community must continue. The election has
brought forth a division between Rizalist and Pilarist.
Passion ran high, inflaming animosity and disunity in the ranks of the compatriots. From the
very first day Rizal was winning but failed to acquire the required 2/3 votes to be
proclaimed Responsible.
As the situation become more explosive and critical Mariano Ponce appealed to some
Pilarist to vote for Rizal, heeding his pleas Rizal finally got the 2/3 votes on the 3 rd day of
election.
 RIZAL REFUSED
THE POSITION

P R E S E N TAT I O N T I T L E
But Rizal graciously declined the
coveted position. He was a man of
honor and dignity, with a high sense of
delicadeza, which many politicians in all
countries and in all ages, seldom
possess, he relished being a leader of
divided people G. Zaide (1994)
10

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 P R E S E N TAT I O N T I T L E
He become financially independent, he will make
another campaign for his country’s redemption.

11

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T H E F R I A R S , PA RT I C U L A R LY T H E S PA N I S H F R I A R S I N T H E
P H I L I P P I N E S D U R I N G T H E L AT E 1 9 T H C E N T U R Y, T O O K
VA R I O U S M E A S U R E S T O C O M B AT T H E I N F L U E N C E O F L A

P R E S E N TAT I O N T I T L E
S O L I D A R I D A D N E W S PA P E R .

The friars, who were closely aligned with the Spanish colonial authorities, viewed La Solidaridad as a threat to
their influence and control over the Filipino population. In response, they employed several tactics to counteract
the impact of the newspaper.
1. One of the primary strategies used by the friars was censorship. They sought to suppress the circulation of La
Solidaridad and prevent its ideas from reaching a wider audience. This involved pressuring local authorities to
confiscate copies of the newspaper and take action against those found in possession of it. 12
2. Additionally, the friars utilized their influence within the Catholic Church to discourage support for La
Solidaridad and its objectives. They delivered sermons and used their positions of authority to denounce the

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ideas promoted by the newspaper, portraying them as contrary to Catholic teachings and detrimental to social
order.
3. Furthermore, the friars also worked to discredit the individuals associated with La Solidaridad, including its
contributors and supporters. They sought to undermine their credibility and portray them as agitators or
troublemakers, aiming to diminish their influence within Filipino society.
4. In addition to these direct tactics, the friars also leveraged their connections with Spanish colonial officials to
exert pressure on those who sympathized with or supported the objectives of La Solidaridad. This often
involved using their influence to target individuals who were perceived as being aligned with the reformist
movement, leading to harassment, intimidation, and in some cases, imprisonment.
 S H O RT C O M I N G S A N D
COLLAPSE

P R E S E N TAT I O N T I T L E
Despite its progressive ideas and influential writers, the newspaper was unable to overcome these
challenges and maintain its relevance in the political landscape of late 19th-century Spain.
After the years of publication, from 1889 to 1895, La Solidaridad had begun to run out of funds. It
ceased publication on November 5, 1895, with 7 volumes and 160 issues.
Internal Conflicts: The newspaper was founded by a group of intellectuals who had
differing opinions on various issues, such as politics, religion, and social reform. These 13
disagreements often led to heated debates and made it difficult for the publication to maintain a
consistent tone and message.

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External Pressures: La Solidaridad faced opposition from conservative elements within
Spanish society, including the Catholic Church and the monarchy. The newspaper’s progressive
views on education, women’s rights, and labor reforms were seen as a threat to the status quo, and
the authorities used various means to suppress the publication.
Structural Weaknesses: La Solidaridad struggled financially, as it relied heavily on
subscriptions and donations to fund its operations. The newspaper’s circulation was limited, and it
failed to attract a broad readership beyond the intellectual elite. Additionally, the newspaper lacked
a strong organizational structure, which made it difficult to coordinate efforts and respond
T H E N E W S PA P E R C E A S E D P U B L I C AT I O N
IN 1895 DUE TO FINANCIAL
D I F F I C U LT I E S A N D I N T E R N A L
CONFLICTS AMONG ITS MEMBERS.

However, its impact on Philippine

history and the nationalist movement
cannot be overstated.
La Solidaridad played a crucial role in
raising awareness about the injustices
of Spanish colonial rule and inspiring
Filipinos to fight for their rights and
independence.
MARCELO H. DEL

P R E S E N TAT I O N T I T L E
PILAR

Guerrero described Del Pilar as a writer who had a

sense of mass publicity, which was something that
came difficultly for Rizal. For Rizal, the Spanish
language was a weapon of refined eloquence. For
the Pilar, Tagalog was a language that was more
realistic, direct, and forceful. Guerrero described it 15
as “ruthless, unscrupulous, popular, and
tremendously effective.”

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Some historians even put forward the theory that
Del Pilar masterminded the Katipunan, making
him a dangerous enemy of the state.
“Proof of this are the facts that the by-laws of the
Katipunan were submitted for approval by
Bonifacio to Del Pilar, that Bonifacio used the
letter of Del Pilar sanctioning the organization to
recruit adherents, and that the Kalayaan, official
organ of the Katipunan, carried the name of the
absent Del Pilar as editor,” wrote Guerrero.
DEL PILAR DIED THINKING HE FAILED THE COUNTRY

P R E S E N TAT I O N T I T L E
In 1889, he succeeded Lopez Jaena as editor of La Solidaridad, affectionately called La Sol or the Sun. He became its most prolific writer and long-
time editor for six years until 1895.
During those five years as La Solidaridad’s editor, Del Pilar singlehandedly ran the paper, and consequently, became the backbone of the entire
Propaganda Movement. Funds for the paper were sporadic, coming from various sympathizers in the Philippines. When funding stopped in 1895,
Del Pilar used his own money to keep it running. It came to a point that Del Pilar became so poor that he scavenged for cigarette butts to smoke just
to keep himself warm.
Although he was well-off in his hometown, he was nothing but excessively frugal (matipid) in Spain. Antonio Valeriano, who did a biography on
Del Pilar, wrote that the hero also suffered homesickness and heartbreak because of the reform’s failures.
Mariano Ponce, who was with Del Pilar days before he died in 1896, told Valeriano of the pathetic conditions of Del Pilar:
16
“I witnessed the sleepless nights he spent because of insomnia and his endless thinking. His mind was always full of thoughts and questions needing
to be studied and analyzed deeply. And afterwards, when sleep had completely eluded him, he would get up in the cold of the winter night and start
working until daylight.”

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On top of this, Del Pilar missed many meals because of his extreme poverty, and suffered from tuberculosis, the disease that killed Lopez Jaena
months earlier.
Knowing that he didn’t have much time left to live, Del Pilar decided to travel back to the Philippines. However, because of being emaciated and
severely weakened by tuberculosis, Ponce took him to a hospital. There, he spent a month where his condition only worsened. He died merely weeks
after being admitted.
His final words to Ponce were: “Pray to God for the good fate of our country. Continue with your work so you can attain joy and freedom for our
beloved motherland.”
Del Pilar died a without a single peso to his name. Even more gut-wrenching was the fact that he died depressed thinking he had failed his country.
Somehow, history has footnoted the extensive narrative of Marcelo H. Del Pilar as the most vigorous propagandist in acute favor of Bonifacio,
Rizal, and other notable heroes. The point is not to diminish the greatness of the, but to recognize the equal heroism and sacrifice of the Filipino
whom the Spaniards feared the most.