LESSON 1 : The Rizal Law

Objective :

a. Discuss briefly the Rizal Law

Rizal Law . Republic Act No. 1425 mandates all educational institutions in the Philippines to offer
courses about Jose Rizal. The measure was strongly opposed by the Roman Catholic Church in the
Philippines due to the anti - clerical themes in Noli Me tangere and El Filibusterismo. Likewise an act
to include in the curricula of all Public and Private schools, colleges and universities courses on the
life, works and writings of Jose Rizal, particularly his novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo,
authorizing the printing and distribution thereof, and for other purposes.

b. Analyze the impact to the youth at present the implementation of Rizal Law

Rizal’s Law has an impact to the youth because of his leadership styles, as a typical martyr for a
cause, Rizal stood out from other protesters in that he was poised, well educated, intelligent, and
charismatic and loved by the people. He was a warrior without the need for war, and his fight
against the injustices committed against his country was both truthful and worthy. Rizal ultimately
paid with his own life the unfair tactics of factions who accused him falsely of belonging to sectarian
movements. Therefore, Rizal’s influence over the independence movement was both symbolic and
necessary for this significant and historic change to happen.

The Youth will learn that Rizal chose to fight for his country through knowledge and the power of
letters and novels. He noticed the continued suffering of his countrymen at the hands of the
Spaniards and sought to put an end to this situation. He decided to improve on his personal studies
to acquire knowledge that he would later on pass to his people through novels and poems. His
famous novels the “Noli Me Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo” pointed out the issues that the true
citizens of Philippines faced under the Spanish Rule and the need to liberate themselves from
oppression. His actions resonated well with that of his countrymen and eventually decided to rise up
and defend their rights and freedom. By studying the life of Rizal, youth will become more aware of
the ideals that our country is founded upon. Likewise aware of the sacrifices that our forefathers
made in order that we could have an independent country. The youth are more patriotic and
appreciative of what we have today, so studying the Rizal Law is relevant because it allows the youth
to become better citizens of the country.

LESSON II. Life of Rizal:

Objective :

a. Discuss the important landmarks in the life of Jose Rizal :

The Rizal Shrine in Calamba, Laguna is the

birthplace of Dr. Jose Rizal. This is where his
principles and ideals were shaped and molded.

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This is where little Pepe heard “ And Kwento ng Gamu-Gamo from his mother, Dona Teodora.

The San Fernando Railway Station,

Pampanga is significant to the life of Rizal, on
the 27th of June 1892, Dr. Jose Rizal
disembarked at this station to meet the new
members of La Liga Filipina from San
Fernando Pampanga and Bacolor in
Pampanga.

Dapitan City , significance to Rizal : On September 21,

1892 while he was on exile in Dapitan, Rizal won the
second prize in the Manila Lucky lottery number 9-7-3-
6 amounting to almost P 20,000.00 along with
Francisco Equilor, a Spanish Resident of Dipolog,
Dapitan’s twin City. With his P 6,200 share, P2,000 was
given to his father , 200 of which was given to his
friend Besamin, while the rest was used to purchase a
piece of land near the shore of Talisay, There he built
three main houses made mostly of bamboo and nipa.
The square shaped house served as his main house. The second house is octagon in shape that was
used as his clinic as well as dormitory of his pupils when they grew in number. The third has six sides
used as barn.

Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Cathedral,

Dipolog City, The altar was designed by Jose
Rizal himself. The pattern was based on that of
San Ignacio Church in Manila. Outside the
church, visitors may explore the Plaza
Magsaysay.

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 Fort Santiago, Manila , This is where Jose Rizal
was imprisoned before he was executed in Luneta. As
written in the marker in Rizal’s prison cell, after the
reading of the court sentence at 6:00 AM on the 29th of
December, he was kept in an improvised chapel until his
execution on the 30th. This is where he wrote Mi Ultimo
Adios, his last farewell.

Bagumbayan Field /Luneta

Park, Manila . In the morning of
December 30, 1896, this placed
witnessed the execution of Jose Rizal.
This event ignited bigger revolts
against the Spanish colonizers that
time. To the date, the Park has been
one of the famous parks, not just in
the Philippines, but all over Asia.

Paco Park, Manila. After he was

executed on December 31, 1896, his body was
brought to San Juan De Dios Hospital, then to
his original burial place, an unmarked grave at
the farthest areas of Paco cemetery or what is
now popularly known as Paco Park . His family
found it difficult to trace Rizal’s grave, but was
later located with the help of the caretaker.
Rizal’s initials in reverse, RPJ were then
marked.

Bantayog, Daet, Camarines Norte. What makes this place

special is that this monument is the very first memorial
built in honor of our national hero. Built in 1898, two
years after his death, the shrine is a 20ft. is composed of a
three –tiered stone pylon.

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b. Analyze how these landmarks molded the mind and heart of Jose Rizal

There is an anecdote about how, when he was a little boy, Jose Rizal was glimpsed by his sister
Olimpia, Maria and Lucia at the back of their small nipa hut in their Calamba ancestral home, busy
molding some historical figures. They “laughed and teased him about his crude work”, “all right,” he
told them, “laughed at me now, but in the future, see if people will make statues of me.”

Those words, expressed in childhood innocence, proved strangely prophetic. They are remembered
these days in the run-up to December 30, when the nation commemorates the death anniversary
and martyrdom of Rizal. These landmarks recognized him for his significant literacy, and scientific
contributions, wide influence, outstanding achievements, intelligence and heroism.

On June 19, 1861, Francisca Rizal Mercado and Teodora Alonzo y Quintops welcomed their seventh
child into the world of Calamba, Laguna. Rizal then grew up in an environment conducive for
learning and proper upbringing. Rizal grew up to be religious, prayerful, and God fearing. His love for
arts and literature also sparks in his childhood. At this stage of Rizal’s life, he acquired his
inspirations, his love for country, God, Family, justice, freedom, education and language. These were
the foundations in his childhood that strengthened and guided him.

Rizal as student in Ateneo was hispanized. The Jesuits way of teaching, of enforcing
dioscipline as well as promoting a culture of learning inspired Rizal to great heights of
achievement. Since the Jesuits also teach foreign literature, Rizal eventually became
fascinated by stories and ideas from abroad, leading to a widening of perspective and
also an appreciation of foreign culture.

Rizal as a student of medicine in UST, at this stage of Rizal’s life, Rizal with Del Pilar
and other Filipinos, resolved that what he began to believe in UST was true that the
friars indeed are the ones oppressing the Filipino people, that it is true that the
Friars are obstacle to progress, prosperity, and freedom. Rizal had high hopes for
his plans of reform, and abhorred the thought of any revolution, Rizal believed that
reforms, once the friars have been weakened, will be undertaken by the Spanish
Government.

Voyage of Rizal in Europe, at this stage of Rizal life, he was sure of Philippines to prosper and gain
relief, the Philippines must endeavor to separate itself from Spain, the articles that he wrote for the
La solidaridad, his literacy works and his second novel were all aimed towards the uplifting of Filipino
nationalism and the awakening of ideals that are deemed to be against colonialism and foreign
domination. Rizal, at this stage of his life now holds the title of a revolutionary, and he will not shrink
from the idea of independence, unlike before.

In Dapitan, Rizal wanted to practice the statues of La Liga Filipina; a group that he formed. The
Statues stated that: Union of the archipelago into a compact, vigorous, homogenous body, mutual
protection in every need, defense against all violence and injustice, development of education,
agriculture, and commerce, study and application of reforms. Rizal believes that the Filipinos, in
order to achieve Independence from Spain, must ready themselves through education, agriculture,
commerce and reforms. Rizal’s goals were reflected in the constitution of the Liga Filipina. Rizal

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despised the idea of undertaking a revolution if it was destined to be a failure, and he even stated
requirements before a revolution is to be undertaken, In this stage of his life, Rizal also sought to
test hi ideologies in Dapitan, and he succeeded in the process. Rizal gave improvement upon Dapitan
and in doing so; he won the hearts of many as well as his panish jailor.

Rizal being jailed at Fort Santiago. Rizal believed in a fair trial and that the Philippines will be free
nonetheless. The Philippines should pursue to separate itself from Spain but only at the right time. In
his Manifesto to certain Filipinos’ he noted that: “I have always wanted democratic rights for the
Philippines and I have always expressed myself in this sense, thus I have also believed that little by
little, autonomy would be achieved, and then independence in the course of time is true. With a
prosperous and educated people, democratic rights would not be long coming, that these things
may pave way for a revolution. I do not deny”

Rizal was shot on December 30, 1896 in Bagumbayan Field /Luneta Park in his “Mi Ultimo Adios” he
was firm in his stand to die for the sake of the country. At this final stage of Rizal’s life, he sought
freedom and independence for the Philippines, Rizal expressed that he is ready to die for his
country, as a sign of patriotism.

c. Using the definition of word “hero”, justify how this definition apply to Jose Rizal.

A hero symbolizes goodness. Rizal gave us freedom

by using goodness. Jose Rizal became the Philippine
National Hero because he fought for freedom in a
silent but powerful way. He expressed his love for
the Philippines through his novels, essays and
articles rather than through the use of force or
aggression. To his patients he gave sight, and to his
country he gave vision. Rizal has become a symbol
of the Philippine struggle for independence, and he
is known there as the National Hero.

LESSON III. Works of Rizal :

Objective :

a. Identify parallel events in Noli Me Tangere and El Flibusterismo that are still relevant to the
situation of the Philippines at present:

Noli Me Tangere (Touch Me Not) brilliantly described Philippine society with

its memorable characters. The melancholic fate of Maria Clara and the insanity
of Sisa characterized the country’s pitiful state, which was once beautiful,
turned miserable. Reading Noli Me tangere will open one’s mind about
oppression and tyranny. This novel is not merely an attack on the Spanish
colonial regime. It is a charter nationalism. It calls on the Filipino to recover his

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self - confidence, to appreciate his own worth, to return to the heritage of his ancestors, to assert
himself as the equal of the Spaniard. It is a romantic novel, book of feeling, work of the heart, and
contains freshness, color, humor, lightness and wit despite that it depicts the suffering of the Filipino
people under the Spanish Rule.

El Filibusterismo (The Reign of Greed) was written in dedication of the

three martyred priests namely Mariano Gomez, Jose Burgos, and Jacinto
Zamora popularly known as GOMBURZA, whose tragic execution left
unforgettable imprint in his thought, work of the head and comprise
bitterness, hatred, pain, sorrow, and violence. Like Noli Me Tangere, El
Fili aims at enlightening the society and at bringing the Filipinos closer to
the truth. In this novel, the society urged to open its eyes to reality and
rebel against the Spanish government for its oppression and abuse.

These two novels helped awaken the Filipinos to fight for their freedom and stand with their right. It
had made me realized that war does not necessarily have to end through means of violence, it could
always be ended peacefully, through words and maybe even forgiveness. Words are far stronger
than any gun. Vengeance is not ours, Its God.

Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo are still relevant to the situation of the Philippines at present
because Colonial oppression by foreign invaders is no longer the enemy, rather, its corruption by
one’s countrymen, to the detriment of the entire community while social justice, democratic
governance and populist participation will remain at the center of the story. Both Novels are the
catalyst of social awakening among Filipinos, the novels noted in an English Adaptation an “An Eagle
Flight” and “The Social Cancer”. The oppressors now are the capitalist collaborating with corrupt
government officials to continue illegal logging activities. The Local Government is against logging
but can’t fight it because the big loggers and businessmen invest heavily in the elections. The conflict
is no longer colonial, it’s social.

b. Review the different characters in both novels . Write your analysis.

Noli Me Tangere’s setting is a 19th century in the Philippines during the latter years of the country as
Spain’s only colony in Asia. The characters were Crisostomo Ibarra, Maria Clara, Elias, Padre Damaso,
Capitan Tiago. It is 19th Century novel by Dr. Jose Rizal that dramatically showcases the persecution
of a socialite in the Philippines by religious hypocrisy and corruption. Rizal’s main character, Juan
Crisostomo Ibarra y Magsain, has returned to the Philippines from abroad. He is at first surrounded
by good friends. A beautiful fiancée abd a supportive upper class, but a priest with a vendetta
against Ibarra’s late father torments him. The analysis in Noli Me Tangere, where the revolution was
standing appreciation of the natural rights of the Filipino became the subject of a talk by Simoun and

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Basilio’s “Hispanization of right” which is about changing the native and foreign way of life. Simoun
insisted that compelled the Filipino regain their native character.

The story of El Filibusterismo is set in the Philippines. It is about a wealthy Cuban jeweler who goes
to the Philippines in an attempt to work for the Governor General, but he is planning to start a
revolution against the authorities. The characters were Simoun, Basilio, Isagani, Kabesang Tales,
Paulitang Gomez, Macaraig, Father Tolentino, Juanito Pelaez Dona Victorina. The Hero of El
Filibusterismo is a rich jeweler named Simoun. He was Crisostomo Ibarra of the Noli Me Tangere,
who with Elias ‘ help escaped from the pursuing soldiers at Laguna De Bay, dug up his buried
treasure, and fled to Cuba where he became rich and befriended many Spanish officials. After many
years he returned to the Philippines, where he freely moved around. He is a powerful figure not only
because he is a rich jeweler but also because he is a good friend and adviser of the governor general.
The analysis of the novel is clear; the present system of governing the Philippines through corrupt
and self - seeking officials, dominated by the friars and being submissive to their interests in one
fashion or another can only lead disaster for Spain, By its nature and operation the system without
doubt drives all intelligent, generous, hardworking courageous and loyal citizens, even those most
devoted to Spain, into opposition, crime and subversion.

Noli me Tangere and El Filibusterismo have similarities in terms of aims and purpose. Both aim to
enlighten the Filipinos on what is happening in the country. They want the people to fight for their
country and have the total freedom. Noli Me Tangere is a societal novel and was dedicated to his
Inang Bayan, the Philippines, which tells the suffering of Filipinos under the cruelty of the Spaniards .
On the other hand, El Flibusterismo, which comes from the word “flibusterismo” which means a
person who is against the Roman Catholic. This book is a political novel. This was dedicated to the
“Three Martyrs”, GOMBURZA (Fr. Mariano Gomez, Fr. Jose Burgos, Fr. Jacinto Zamora). Dr. Rizal
believed that the three martyrs was only a victim of cruelty and loss of justice.

El Flibusterismo is a sequel to the Noli Me Tangere . It has a little humor, less idealism and less
romance than the Noli Me Tangere. It is more revolutionary and more tragic than the first novel.

c. Write an essay to answer the following:

1. What is freedom ?
2. How is the lack of freedom portrayed in the novel ?
3. How is the situation in the novel different from the present time ?
4. What is the role of the youth in the development of the future and society ?

1. Freedom is the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint.
It is the absence of subjection to foreign domination or despotic government. It is also the state of
not being imprisoned or enslaved. This freedom can be limited by laws, that protect public safety.
Freedom of expression includes freedom of speech, of the press, of association, of assembly and
petition.

2. The Lack of freedom portrayed in the novel because Filipinos are called indios by the Spanish friar
and they are controlling every aspect of the people like education and religion especially
government. Noli Me Tangere”, the first novel written by the Philippine’s National Hero Jose Rizal,
mirrors its creators persistence in attaining freedom from the Spaniards. True enough, as Rizal aimed

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to redeem the country and its people by exposing the barbarity, greed, cruelty and ignorance of the
Spanish colonizers, his work reflected the struggles of the Tagalogs being the first to project such a
bold account of living in 1800s in the Philippines. Likewise, as “Noli Me Tangere” portrays the
different aspects of gaining independence, Jose Rizal focuses on social climbers, abusive power,
family devotion, self - sacrifice, purity and faithfulness. Having been colonized by Soaniards since
1500s, the author depicts the Filipinos suffering abuse from civil guards, friars and other government
officials. Using their power to mistreat civilians, the civil guards harass them because of simple
causes, such as not rendering the customary salute, not being able to show identification cards etc.
The same goes with friars who commercialize religion through simony and plenary indulgence.
Government officials, likewise, make use of their power to control those whom they believe would
be detrimental to the Spanish Rule. Just as Crisostomo Ibarra, the main character in the novel,
experiences this through the death of his father (Don Rafael), this theme in “Noli Me Tangere”
comes to life”. This novel shall forever remain as one of the most powerful tools the Philippines has
ever had to spread awareness on the “social cancer” and to fight for independence. As Jose Rizal
used various themes to spread the word regarding the battle against abusive power, injustice, false
religious claims and other in appropriate dealings with innocent people, the cause Rizal started more
than a hundred years ago shall endure.

In El Flibusterismo, Rizal has created different characters and written letters and articles that
manifested the capability of ideologies to incapacitate freedom and robotize people through their
families and its influence to their everyday material practices. Some of the characters Rizal created
in his novel that portrayed the family as an oppressor of freedom are Sisa, Padre Florentino, and
Dona Pia.

Sisa is a passive wife to her husband and a loving mother to her children, Crispin and Basilio, in Jose
Rizal’s “Noli Me Tangere”, she has a very irresponsible and worthless husband who abuses her, her
children and their little resources. This showed that Sisa did not even fight for her freedom as a wife
to tell her husband what she likes or does not like. Sisa did not react or confront her husband despite
of his wrongdoings. This showed that Sisa did not even fight for her freedom as a wife to tell her
husband what she likes or does not like. Sisa did not react or confront her husband despite of her
wrongdoings. Sisa. Sisa was enslaved by her husband, and in this sense, this is how women become
slaves of their families particularly of their abusive husbands, because they did not even fight for
their own welfare as a woman, as a mother, and as a part of the family. She teaches her son to
tolerate the abused they experienced from her husband, and from the friars, which should not be
the case.

In the case of Padre Florentino, his mother forced him to become a priest, he gave all his dreams and
went to the seminary to become a priest just to grant her mother’s request. This situation showed
how the family particularly the mother, dictates ones’ children’s future by removing their freedom
to pursue that they truly desire. In this context, it showed that no matter how much Padre
Florentino hated to become a priest, he was still subjected by his mother’s command that he must
become a priest. In this way, the mother has propagated and forced the ideology og the Catholic
Church into her son.

In Jose Rizal’s “Noli Me Tangere” Donya Pia is Maria Clara’s mother and Kapitan Tiago’s wife. She
was not able to have any babies with Kapitan Tiago not until she was raped by Padre Damaso. The
rape incident gave way for Maria Clara’s birth, which also caused Donya Pia’s death. Until Donya Pia
died, she did not reveal to anyone that she was raped by the Spanish friar Padre Damaso. Instead,
she just kept it as a secret all by herself, and suffered alone. As a mother, she has chosen to keep the
oppression all by herself without doing any action to at least counter it,. She did not inform anyone
about the sexual harassment , not even her husband, and in this sense, she did not elevate the

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consciousness of her family that the Spaniards have abused her, and probably might abuse some
other people too.

With regards to these novels of Rizal, he questioned how parents control their children’s ideology as
they instill and maintain the Filipino –suppressive ideologies of the friars that were rampant during
their colonization. Filipino women were demoralized and enslaved. In this sense, if the women, who
will be mothers are weak and blinded by ideologies, then their children will be enslaved, too. He said
that even Filipino women have all the capabilities to remove their chains of slavery, they are still
brainwashed to not do it so that the oppression and slavery will be passed down from generation to
generation from the family nurtured by the woman.

In these novels, Rizal said that mothers educate their daughters with false consciousness that is in
favor of the oppression of freedom. He said that instead of mothers teaching their children ways to
emancipate and contest the rule of the oppressors, they teach them ignorance and they become
devices that suppress and hinder their children’s freedom towards the truth and just.

3. The situation in the novel differs from the present time. Ideas concerning democratic, individual
autonomy, and respect for the integrity of communities are now found in all struggles against
colonialism and imperialism. They are very articulated in the UN charter, especially the right of
people’s self - determination. Rizal’s ideas have to be translated and modified to accord with
changed conditions _ for example, the rapist friars are no longer dominant, but corrupt bureaucrats
and especially the barbaric police and military are still abound, as well as course subtle and covert
U.S. intervention in all sectors of our society and also with the changing level of political
consciousness and mobilization of the people.

4. The role of the youth in the development of the future and society

The role of youth in the future

Society is to renew and refresh
the current status of our society
including leadership, innovations,
skills etc. Youth are expected to
advance the current technology,
education, politics, and peace of
the country.

The countries where youth give proper distribution towards the development of nation then it is the
responsibility of the government to provide them the proper opportunities to help them to fulfill
their roles because without the help of the government it is difficult for youth to play their proper
role towards the development of the country. The main roles and responsibility of youth are give
proper and complete intention to education, to guide the new coming young student, to play their
vital role in the elimination of terrorism, to server the country with their talent and skills in the
different fields, to take part in social and welfare activities, to need to work hard and utilize their
own skills, to work with honesty and faithfully, to help to government to promote their country
before the world.

The youth is main resource of every country towards the nation building, they have major role to
perform in the Development’s Philippine Society. Their attitudes, values, mind set and priorities will

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determine the development of the country in the future. With the crucial role the society has placed
upon the youth, it is imperative to instill a positive outlook upon today’s youth that will orient them
towards development. The youth acknowledge economic matters, crime, and governance as the
country’s main problems. However, despite the fact that they acknowledged the severity of these
problems, most of them respond with either helplessness or apathy when asked what they can do to
help solve them. This is reflected in the youth’s behavior towards involvement and participation in
organizations and activities. According to SWS, Filipinos are not joiners. Only one of eight Filipino
youth are involved in religious or recreational organization and only one of ten youth organizations.
Furthermore, the Filipino youth was found to have unexpectedly high incidences of involvement in
illegal activities such as illegal drug use, criminality, and illicit sex. The Global Partnership for Youth
Development, suggested that one way to overcome the problems of the youth and to better equip
them towards the development of the society is through youth empowerment. Empowerment could
be manifested through greater opportunities for the youth. The youth must be given opportunities
to participate in community life and capacity building. Their leadership needs to be harnessed, hence
opportunities such as the Sangguninang Kabataan, volunteer projects such as Habitat for Humanity,
where youth volunteers build housing for the poor. Also the National Youth Commission Projects
such as Green Brigade, National Youth Parliament and the National Youth Summit are examples of
event that some Filipino youth participate in to help solve the country’s problem.

According to the Filipino Youth Study Survey conducted by the Global Filipino Foundation in 2001,
Media and technology are the other big things in their life. TV and radio have the highestv reach.
Technology is still a function of class, but the Internet Cafes mushrooming in our midst will
democratize their availability to the youth. Globalization will happen faster in this generation as the
world opens up though media and technology. According to the youth, with the internet, they can
learn about anything.

The internet is a great tool for building youth empowerment. We can create our own web pages to
promote youth participation. Youth can develop international solidarity by participating in online
discussions. Thus, the youth could inspire both hope and fear in the society. Fear in the form of
apathy, criminality, and immorality. Hope in the form of participation, concern and volunteerism.
Solving the country’s social problems, then, is a challenge for the youth to bring hope rather than
fear into our society. The youth have a crucial role to play in shaping the future of our country, have
there is no doubt. They have proven that they can be powerful agents of change.

PART II.

ACTIVITY I. DID RIZAL RETRACT?

Objective:
a. Discuss first about the retraction of Jose Rizal.

One of the intriguing of all was the issues of Jose Rizal was his alleged
retraction which was all about his reversion to the Catholic Faith and all
other issues linked to it such as his marriage to Josephine Bracken. That
issue was claimed to be true by the Roman Catholic defenders but asserted
to be deceptive by anti – retractonists. They claim that the retraction
document is a forgery, but handwriting experts concluded a long time ago
that is genuine. Rafael Palma’s opus on Rizal, titled “Biografia de Rizal” is so
anti – Catholic that the Church successfully opposed its publication using
government funds. In an article authored by Romberto Poulo, Rizal’s
affiliation in Masonry was accounted to have caused drastic change to his

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religious ideas. It was in the moment Rizal set foot on European soil when he was exposed to a great
deal of distinctions between what was happening to his country, the discriminations, abuses,
partialities, injustices, and some other things made to cause sufferings to his countrymen, and what
was the actual scene of the European nations. He observed that Europe was a lot more different
compared to the Philippines in terms of way of life, attitude towards Roman Catholicism, and most
importantly, the freedom all the citizens enjoy.

The exact copy had been received by Fr. Balaguer in the evening immediately preceding Rizal’s
execution, Rizal y suObra, and was followed by Sr. W. Retana in his biography of Rizal, Vida y Escritos
del Rizal with the addition of the names of the witnesses taken from the texts of the retraction in the
Manila newspapers. Fr. Pi’s copy of Rizal’s retraction has the same text as that of Fr. Balaguer’s
“exact” copy but follows the paragraphing of the texts of Rizal’s retraction in the Manila
newspapers. In order to marry Josephine, Rizal wrote with the help of a priest a form of retraction to
be approved by the Bishop of Cebu. This incident was revealed by Fr. Antonio Obach to his friend
Prof. Austin Craig who wrote down in 1912 what the priest had told him; “The document (the
retraction), enclosed with the priest’s letter, was ready for the mail when Rizal came hurrying I to
reclaim it.” Rizal realized (perhaps, rather late) that he had written and given to a priest what the
friars had been trying by all means to get from him. Surely whether Rizal died a Catholic or an
apostate adds or detracts nothing from his greatness as a Filipino. It is because of what he did and
what he was that we revere Rizal. The hero who courted death “to prove to those who deny our
patriotism that we know how to die for our duty and our beliefs”

Did Jose Rizal Retract?

No, Rizal did not retract. Although there were many opinions and evidences presented by various
authors as to whether Rizal did or did not retract. Nonetheless, until now there is no proof or any
justification to end the debate.

The Following assertions bring about the testimonies that Rizal did not retract before his execution.

First was the copy of the retraction paper that was allegedly signed by Rizal that was even kept
secret and was only published in newspapers. When Rizal’s family requested for the original copy, it
was said that it was lost. Could the Jesuits be this irresponsible to now know the value of the paper?
Or was it just hidden?

Thirty-nine years later the original copy was found in the archdiocesan archives. Ricardo Pascual Ph.
D who was given permission by the Archbishop Nozaleda to examine the document and later
concluded in his book, “Rizal beyond the Grave” that the documents presented was a forgery. The
common rebuttal of this argument was either Father Balaguer or Father Pi had made errors in
reproducing another copy of the original.

Another evidence as to Rizal did not retract is that when Father Balaguer came to terms that he
married Jose and Josephine, after Jose had signed the retraction paper, however, there were no
marriage certificate or public record shown that could prove Father Balaguer’s statements.

Why would Rizal retract when he knows for a fact that even if he signs the retraction paper he would
still be executed? Since the Archbishop and Jesuits cannot do anything to mitigate his penalty
because the judicial process involved was purely a military tribunal where civilian or church
interference was uncommon and not allowed. Rizal was accused of participating in filibusterous
propaganda where the penalty as provided by the Spanish Code is death. The same of what

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happened to the three priests who were garroted years earlier, even though they were still a part of
the church; they were still treated as rebellious and were also not given a proper burial.

Furthermore, way back when Rizal was still exiled in Dapitan, Father Sanchez – Rizal’s favourite
teacher from Ateneo – was sent by the Jesuits superiors to try to convince his former student’s
allegation towards the Catholic religion and Spanish religious in the Philippines. Father Sanchez told
him to retract in exchange of a professorship, a hundred thousand pesos and an estate (Laubach,
1936) however Rizal rejected the offer.

It was argued that Rizal retracted in order to save his family from further persecution, to give
Josephine Bracken a legal status as his wife and to assure reforms from the Spanish government. It is
more likely to be of Rizal’s mentality however, come to think of it, would Rizal just simply neglect all
the writing he conceived with his hard work? The same writing that brought him to the point of
being executed? No.

Rizal’s behavior during his last hours in Fort Santiago does not point to a conversion – the Mi Ultimo
Adios and letters – or indicate even a religious instability. In the evening where his sister and mother
arrived never had he mentioned about the retraction, contrary to what father Balaguer claimed that
even in the afternoon, Rizal was oblivious and was asking for the formula of the retraction.

Rizal was fixated of the thought that he would die for the love of his country, he, himself had
coveted death a long time ago. His character speaks so loud that even all of Rizal’s friends do not
believe that he have written a retraction.

Let us look at Rizal’s character as a man aged 33. He was mature enough to realize the consequences
of the choice he had made even before he opposed to the Jesuits; he had been anticipating this to
happen and would be unlikely if he had a behavior showing a threat from death. Anyone who has
been studying his biography and had been acquainted with him knows this is so, even the priests
had admitted that Rizal showed a behavior consistent of what he has throughout his mature years.

Whatever further study that may emerge as to the truth about Rizal’s retraction controversy, “…it
detracts nothing from his greatness as Filipino.

ACTIVITY II: Controversies about Rizal

Was Rizal the Jack, the Ripper? On May 24,1888, Rizal was in London’s British Library to copy
the book :Sucesos de las islas Filipinas” by hand.
Objective :
a. Discuss the controversies about Rizal.
b. Give your opinion regarding the issue

a. Controversies about Rizal :

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
changes his surname to 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.

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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
recognized 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 copes
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 Tangereb, It was first published 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 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 was born and educated I wish to live and
die. I retract with all my heart whatever in my words, writing, 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.) Josephine 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 lover that is without a question.

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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 thousands 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 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 that he found a pretty European girlfriend somewhere
in the border of Germany and Austria. So rumored has spread that Adolf Hitler was son of Jose Rizal.
This controversy is NOT true. I can’t see any characteristic of Hitler associated with Rizal.

b. Give your opinion regarding the issue .

“Jack the Ripper” is the best-known name given to an unidentified serial killer who was active in the
largely impoverished areas in and around the Whitechapel district of London in 1888. He was so
called because of a letter who was written by someone who claims he was the killer, however the
letter was considered as a hoax. Another names to him are “The Whitechapel Murderer” and
“Leather Apron”.

While Jose Rizal was in London, Jack the Ripper was present and when he went back to the
Philippines, the killing had stopped. It was very mysterious! Could it be just a coincidence? Or not?

By the way, Jack The Ripper likes girls, while Jose Rizal was quite similar to him They both have the
same initials too, J.R.

For those who don’t know Jose Rizal, he is the national hero of the Philippines though not legally
official.

Jose Protacio Rizal Mercado y Alonzo Reolanda (Jose Rizal) was a Filipino polymath, patriot and the
most prominent advocate for reform in the Philippines during the Spanish colonial era. He is
regarded as the foremost Filipino patriot.

Rizal was in London from May 1888 to January 1889, in the British Library copying “Sucesos de las
islas Filipinas” by hand because there were no photocopying machines at the time. Jack the Ripper
was active around this time, and since we do not know what Rizal did at night or on the days he was
not in the library, some people would like to believe Rizal is suspect. They argue that when Rizal left
London, the Ripper murders stopped. They say that Jack the Ripper must have had some medical
training, based on the way his victims were mutilated. Rizal, of course, was a doctor. Jack the Ripper

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liked women, and so did our own Rizal. And – this is so obvious that many overlooked it – Jose Rizal’s
initials match those of the Jack the Ripper!

Actually the case was still unsolved. Till now everything about it is a speculation. Here’s a brief
information about Rizal in London, and to the mystery

- In 1888, he stayed with the Becket family at 37 Chalcot Crescent in Camden

- He was a doctor. (An ophthalmologist particularly)
- He was a good weapon-holder (A swordsman), and a martial artist.
- He was a malay.
- He would have been 27 years old at the time of the Ripper killings.
- He also took up fencing and was quite good.
- He was short, had dark skin, dark hair, and dark eyes.
- He came from a well to do family, was well dressed and looked respectable.
- He came to London on May 24, 1888 on the ship City of Rome, and left in January of 1889,
then Ripper killings stopped.
- He was a multi-talented (could speak many languages, was a writer, poet, author, sculptor,
and artist)
- He was executed in the Philippines on December 30, 1896 at the age of 35
- Had a romantic relationship with Gertrude Beckett p- daughter of Charles Beckett.
- He wrote letters to his friend Blumentritt from London, however there were no letters
written to his family or friends from July, 1888 – November 14, 1888.
- He was working at the British Library at the time.
- After he died, his mother tried to procure his assets which consisted of some pretty nice
jewelry including gold cuff links and other baubles of diamonds and amethysts (gold chain
with a red stone seal).

Well, as soon as Jack the Ripper is still unknown, no one can say that Jose Rizal isn’t him. (Even
though I actually don’t believe he is.) We, Filipinos see this intelligent little guy a hero, good, patriot,
and brave man for writing Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. Are we so sure that there is no bad
side of him? If you notice, in El Fili, Simoun is brave, dark and vengeful who thinks of killing the
influential people in Paulita and Juanito Pelaez’s wedding day. I don’t mean of anything, I just open
some possibilities which make him suspect of being JACK THE RIPPER.

The way José Rizal is celebrated in the Philippines as a national hero finds no match in the world.
Shrines and monuments dedicated to his figure are abundant throughout the archipelago, and his
name indicates often the most prominent street or plaza in town. Rizal is a subject in the university
as it has become a symbol of Philippine patriotism.

Although Rizal was already esteemed as a top intellectual and writer both in the Philippines and
Spain, the making of Rizal as a national hero was a legitimate and well-intentioned operation carried
out a few decades after his cruel execution.

The lack of understanding of Rizal comes, in my modest opinion, because Rizal was a writer and
suffers the irony of being a national hero in a country where most people do not like to read. Sadly,
the proliferation of monuments, shrines, and homages has not been accompanied by a close
scrutiny of his writings, which are most often read in a very shallow and purely nationalistic way.
Apart from Noli and Fili, the rest of his abundant and rich written production is almost impossible to
find in bookstores, and if not for the outstanding efforts of another patriot – Teodoro M. Kalaw – in
collecting and editing most of his precious letters, those would not be easily available today.

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The centennial of his birth moved the government in 1961 to publish most of his works in several
volumes. However, the editorial criteria was far from the rigor demanded today in reliable editions
and, most importantly, with the exception of Noli and Fili, and some other English Translations, most
of the works of Rizal are still only available in a language most Filipinos do not speak: Spanish.

It can happen that a Filipino reader does not have the patience to read his novels, but it could well
happen that this same reader might enjoy reading his private letters or short articles. Although
Filipinos cannot access the stylish beauty of his Spanish, they could get engaged with his rich
arguments, with superb critical thinking skills, his uncommon intellectual brightness. Admiring Rizal
without understanding him is a kind of empty nationalism and blind devotion. I do not find a better
way to pay him a tribute than to read his work and getting to understand his formidable prose and
his compelling ideas. Before being a hero, he was already a gifted writer, and Rizal, like another
writer, wanted to be read.

Activity III

The Indolence of the Filipino

Objective :

a. Discuss briefly the topic .

b. How Jose Rizal react regarding the Indolence of the Filipino people?
c. In your own opinion “ Can we say that at present the Filipino people are Indolence ?

a. La Indolencia de los Filipinos, more popularly known in its English version, “The Indolence of the
Filipinos”, is an exploratory essay written by Philippine National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal, to explain the
alleged idleness of his people during the Spanish colonization.

The Indolence of the Filipino is a study of the causes why the people did not, as was said, work hard
during the Spanish regime. Rizal pointed out that long before the coming of the Spaniards, the
Filipinos were industrious and hardworking. The Spanish reign brought about a decline in economic
activities because of certain causes:

1.) The Establishment of the Galleon trade cut off all previous associations of the Philippines with
other countries in Asia and Middle East. As a result, business was only conducted with Spain through
Mexico. Because of this, the small businesses and handicraft industries that flourished during the
pre-Spanish period gradually disappeared.

2.) Spain also extinguished the natives’ love of work because of the implementation of forced labor.
Because of the wars in Europe as well as the Muslims in Mindanao, the Filipinos were Compelled to
work in shipyards, roads, and other public works, abandoning agriculture, industry, and commerce.

3.) Spain did not protect the people against foreign invaders and pirates. With no arms to defend
themselves, the natives were killed, their houses burned, and their lands destroyed. As a result of
this, the Filipinos were forced to become nomads, lost interest in cultivating their lands or in
rebuilding the industries that were shut down, and simply became submissive to the mercy of God.

4.) There was a crooked system of education, if it was to be considered an education. What was
being taught in the schools were repetitive prayers and other things that could not be used by the
students to lead the country to progress. There were no courses in Agriculture, Industry, etc., which
were badly needed by the Philippines during those times.

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5.) The Spanish rulers were a bad example to despise manual labor. The officials reported to work at
noon and left early, all the while doing nothing in line with their duties. The women were seen
constantly followed by servants who dressed them and fanned them – personal things which they
ought to have done for themselves.

6.) Gambling was established and widely propagated during those times. Almost everyday there
were cockfights, and during feast days, the government officials and friars were the first to engage in
all sorts of bets and gambles.

7.) There was a crooked system of religion. The friars taught the naïve Filipinos that it was easier for
a poor man to enter heaven, and so they preferred not to work and remain poor so that they could
easily enter heaven after they died.

8.) The taxes were extremely high, so much so that a huge portion of what they earned went to the
government or to the friars. When the object of their labor was removed and they were exploited,
they were reduced to inaction.

b. Rizal reacted and admitted that the Filipinos did not work so hard because they were wise
enough to adjust themselves to the warm, tropical climate. “An hour’s work under that burning sun,
in the midst of pernicious influences springing from nature in activity, is equal to a day’s labor in
temperate climate.”

c. In my own opinion it is important to note that indolence in the Philippines is a chronic malady, but
not a hereditary one. Truth is, before the Spaniards arrived on these lands, the natives were
industriously conducting business with China, Japan, Arabia, Malaysia, and other countries in the
Middle East. The reasons for this said indolence were clearly stated in the essay, and were not based
only on presumptions, but were grounded on fact taken from history.

Another thing that we might add that had caused this indolence, is the lack of unity among the
Filipino people. In the absence of unity and oneness, the people did not have the power to fight the
hostile attacks of the government and of the other forces of the society. There would also be no
voice, no leader, to sow progress and to cultivate it, so that it may be reaped in due time. In such a
condition, the Philippines remained a country that was lifeless, dead, simply existing and not living.

As Rizal stated in conclusion, “a man in the Philippines is an individual; he is not merely a citizen of a
country.”

For me, Filipinos are generally hardworking as shown by outstanding Filipino as shown by
outstanding Filipino achievers, especially when the work program is well –defined, the objectives are
clear, timetable is established , and of course with an effective leadership and right compensation.
We continuously strive and work hard progressive development ( by activating the vehicles of
productive change and honing the machineries of progress ) Many become indolent because of lack
of opportunities where they can apply their talents and energies. However, for others, laziness is
either a matter of choice or forced by circumstance.

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PART IV : REACTION PAPER

DR. JOSE RIZAL MOVIE 1998 BY CESAR MONTANO

The movie tells the life story of Jose Rizal, the national hero of the Philippines. It was about
the life and struggle of the poet and his patriotism. It covers his life from his childhood to his
execution at the hands of the Spanish forces occupying the Philippines in the late 19th century.

The film also, through a series of flashbacks, shows Rizal as a genius, a writer, a doctor, an
artist, a lover, a friend, a brother, and a son thus giving a rich texture of Rizal’s character.

The movie introduces us to the life of subjugation of the Filipino people under the rule of the
Spanish Friars. From the execution of three Filipino Priests in 1872 for alleged subversion to the
harsh and unequal treatment of Filipino students in the schools, this film is a stinging indictment of
Spanish colonial rule in the Philippines.

The life of the people in that time was not easy. They were bound to obey every law, every rule, and
every word of the Spanish friars and government even if the leaders were already oppressing their
rights.

The colonizers abused them in different ways. Even the Catholic Church used their powers to get
what they want. Spain thought that they can fool everyone.

It was shown in the movie how Rizal inspired the Filipinos to fight for their right. By writing his
novels, Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, many Filipinos opened their eyes to what is really
happening in their country. It led to the founding of Katipunan that aimed to revolt against
Spaniards.

The freedom we experience today, we owe it all to our heroes who fought for our motherland,
either by weapons or by pen. Because of this movie, I did recognize the bravery of the people who
gave their last breath with PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE in their mind. I learned so much about the
past and its importance to our situation today. We may not be under any colonization now, but most
of us are forgetting who we really are and what are we capable of. We are forgetting WE ARE
FILIPINOS.

I hope that it is not only me whose patriotism and nationalism was revived by watching the movie. I
hope that Rizal can still continue to inspire us to strive hard and finish our studies and to be
educated by any means, either rich or poor. Because the more you know, the more you are
equipped with knowledge which can defend you and even your country someday.

The movie was excellently played by Cesar Montano as the lead role was a heartwarming one that
shows how Rizal runs his life. I felt mixed emotions given the fact that it was made to help us,
Filipinos, understand what our national hero had done for the country. It shows how Rizal really love
his mother country for him to sacrifice his own life. It shows the great explanation of the Philippine
history, the nationalism and heroism in a non – violent manner, though, there were times that the
characters speak in Spanish language and I couldn’t understand it unless I will read the subtitles. I
could also say that the other characters weren’t having any difficulties in reciting their Spanish lines.
The actor’s dedication for the film is inevitable especially Cesar Montano who is very perfect for the
role of Rizal. His values and great performance as the lead actor is impeccable and has a great
impact on me as the audience of the film. Also, the supporting casts like Jhong Hilario who played as
Rizal’s servant, Jaime Fabregas as Rizal’s attorney did a great job on portraying their role fluently.

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They made it easy for me to understand the flow of the story. Some scenes are brutal, and some are
not suitable for young kids such as the bed scene wherein the Spanish priest with the used of his
power tried to rape a Filipino woman. All in all, the movie is superbly great. It was epic, melodrama
and historian. There are funny, tearful, griefs and hatred scenes that would surely make you
appreciate it. I love the last scene when Rizal fell in the ground facing the above the sky and he died
looking at it. His death ignited the nationalism of every Filipinos and they started the revolution
against the Spaniards after his death because they made us suffer. After watching the film, I couldn’t
help but feel the sense of pride being him as the Philippine National Hero. There is no one like Rizal.
He is a legacy of what a real Filipino is.

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