REVIEWER IN THE LIFE, WORKS, AND WRITINGS OF RIZAL

LEGEND
Dates & Places = Blue ink Names = Green ink Important Terms = Orange ink Highlights = Red ink
I. THE FOUNDING OF LA LIGA FILIPINA
 July 3, 1892- after his interview with Gov. Despujol, Rizal together with some patriots had a meeting at the home of
Doroteo Ongjungco, a Chinese-Filipino mestizo, on Ilaya St., Tondo, Manila.
 Here, Rizal introduced the Liga Filipina, a civic league of Filipinos. In attendance were:
- Ambrosio Flores (Musa), a retired lieutenant of infantry
- Faustino Villaruel (Ilaw), a pharmacist and mason The Elected Officers:
- Numeriano Adriano (Ipil), a notary public and mason President: Ambrosio Salvador
- Pedro Serrano Laktaw (Panday Pira), a mason and a school teacher Secretary: Deodato Arellano
- Domingo Franco (Felipe Real), a mason and a shopkeeper Treasurer: Bonifacio Arevalo
- Ambrosio Salvador, gobernadorcillo of Quiapo, a mason Fiscal: Agustin dela Rosa
- Bonifacio Arevalo (Harem), a dentist and mason
- Mariano Crisostomo, a landlord - Agustin de la Rosa, bookkeeper and mason
- Luis Villareal, a tailor and mason - Estanislao Legaspi, an artisan and mason
- Teodoro Plata, a court clerk and mason - Andres Bonifacio, a warehouse employee
- Apolinario Mabini (Katabay), a lawyer and mason - Juan Zulueta, a playwright, poet, and government employee
- Jose A. Ramos (Socorro), an engraver, printer and owner of Bazar Gran Bretana
- Deodato Arellano, brother in law of MH Del Pilar and a civilian employee of the army
Aims of the Liga Filipina:
1. To unite the whole archipelago into one compact, vigorous, and homogenous body;
2. Mutual protection in every want and necessity;
3. Defense against all violence and injustice;
4. Encouragement of instruction, agriculture, and commerce; and
5. Study and application of reforms.
 Motto: Unus Instar Omnium (One Like All) Governing Body of the La Liga Filipina:
The Supreme Council: the governing body which has control over the whole country. It is composed of the president,
secretary, treasurer and fiscal
Provincial Council: formed in every province. The Provincial Council shall have command of the Popular Chiefs.
Popular Council: formed in every town. The Popular Council only shall have command of the members.
Duties of Liga members:
1. Pay monthly dues of ten centavos.
2. Obey blindly and promptly every order emanating from the Council or the Chief.
3. Inform the Council of whatever they note or hear that has reference to the Liga Filipina.
4. Preserve the most absolute secrecy in regard to the decisions of the Council.
5. Help another member in the case of need or danger
6. Each member shall adopt a new name of his own choice
7. Help recruit new members.
8. Treat everyone with respect.
Rizal’s Arrest and Banishment
 July 6, 1892- when Rizal went to Malacañ ang to resume his interviews with the Gov. Despujol, the latter showed him
several printed leaflets allegedly discovered under the pillow of his sister Lucia.
 These were entitled “Pobres Frailes” which bore the name of the author P. Jacinto. A satire exposing the fabulous
wealth of the friars contrary to the vows of poverty. Rizal denied knowledge of the leaflets. However, he was still
detained at Fort Santiago. Later, he learned that he would be brought to Bataan, but instead he was banished in
Dapitan, a distant military district in Mindanao.
Reasons for Rizal’s Deportation
 Rizal published books and articles abroad which showed disloyalty to Spain which were anti-Catholic and anti-friar.
Found bundles of incriminatory leaflets which satirized the friars
 Published and dedicated his novel El Filibusterismo to the three martyred “traitors”
 Between July 14 and 15, 1892- under heavy guard, Rizal was brought to the steamer CEBU to be brought to Dapitan.
The Captain of the ship was Capt. Delgras, who upon arrival in Dapitan on July 17 turned him over to Captain
Ricardo Carnicero, the Dapitan Commandant. Rizal would stay there until July 31, 1896, a period of four years.

II. DAPITAN EXILE (1892-1896)

 Rizal lived as exile in Dapitan, Zamboanga del Norte, under the aegis of the Jesuits. He was abundantly fruitful with
varied achievements:
- Practiced medicine - Pursued scientific studies - Kept his literary works
- Enhanced linguistic acumen - Established a school for boys - Engaged in farming and commerce
- Promoted community development projects - Invented a brick-making machine
 Conditions for him to stay at the Parish Convent:
 - Publicly retract errors committed vs. the Church and the government
- Perform church rites and make general confessions - Conduct himself as a model Christian and man
 Rizal refused to abide with the conditions set by the Jesuit Society. He preferred to stay at the Casa Real, the official
residence of the commandant, Capt. Carnicero, his warden. They became friends.
 The relations between Carnicero (the warden) and Rizal (the prisoner) were warm and friendly. Carnicero realized
that Rizal was not a common felon, nor a filibuster.  He gave good reports on his prisoner to Gov. Despujol. He gave
him complete freedom to go anywhere, reporting only once a week at his office.
 Rizal on his part admired the kind, and generous Spanish Captain. He wrote a poem, entitled “A Don Ricardo
Carnicero,” on August 26, 1892 on the occasion of the captain's birthday. They even shared in buying a Lottery
Ticket No. 9736 that won second prize worth P20,000 which was divided between the 3 of them: Capt. Carnicero,
Jose Rizal and Francisco Equilor. They divided the prize and got P6,200 each. Rizal gave P2,000 to Jose Ma. Basa in
Hongkong, the rest was used to buy farm lands in Talisay, Dapitan.
 The Birth of Katipunan
 Right after Rizal was deported to Dapitan, the Liga members had a meeting to discuss the future of the organization.
The group of patriots was divided into two factions:
 The Los Compromisarios -those who are conservative members of the La Liga Filipina and still willing to demand
reforms and compromise with the Spanish government.
 The Separatists -patriots who wanted to launch an armed rebellion to achieve independence from the colonizers.
 On July 7, 1891, the Katipunan was founded on Azcarraga St. (C.M. Recto) in the house of Deodato Arellano.
 Founders of KKK (Kataas taasan, Kagalang galangang Katipunan ng mga anak ng Bayan) were:
- Andres Bonifacio - Teodoro Plata - Ladislao Diwa
 Fr. Pablo Pastells sent Rizal a book Sarda advising the latter to refrain from being proud and too judgmental.
 Rizal’s letters revealed his anti-Catholic ideas caused by the abuses committed against his family and people. He
criticized the friars for using their religious authority to oppress and abuse other people. He said that individual
judgment is a gift from God and everyone should use it to light his way; that self-esteem if used moderately, saves
man from unworthy acts. He further argued that pursuit of truth has different paths, thus, religions may vary, but
they all lead to the light.
 Fr. Pastells tried to win back Rizal to the fold of Catholicism. He admonished Rizal that divine faith supersedes
everything: reason, self-esteem and individual judgment. No matter how intelligent a man is, his intelligence is
limited; he still needs God’s guidance. He failed to convince Rizal.
 Juan Lardet, a French businessman who was a personal acquaintance of Rizal had a quarrel that almost ended up in
a duel with the reason:
- Lardet bought logs from Rizal - Found some of the logs to be of poor quality - Accused Rizal as a cheater
 Lardet wrote a letter to Antonio Miranda, a Dapitan merchant expressing disgust over the business deal he had with
Rizal. Miranda sent the letter to Rizal. Rizal confronted Lardet and challenged him to a duel. The Frenchman asked
for an apology.
 Fr. Pastells instructed two Jesuit fathers to proceed to Mindanao on a mission “Win Rizal Back to the Catholic fold”
- Fr. Obach, Dapitan parish priest - Fr. Jose Vilaclara, Dipolog parish priest
- Fr. Francisco Sanchez was also assigned to proceed to Dapitan.
 Fr. Sanchez was chosen by the Jesuit superiors being a well-liked professor of Rizal
 He wasn’t able to persuade Rizal. He respected whatever Rizal believed in. Rizal gave Fr. Sanchez a manuscript
“Estudios Sobre la Lengua Tagala” on the latter’s birthday.
 Dapitan Medical Practice
 Dr. Jose Rizal treated both the rich and the poor patients coming from everywhere. He treated the poor free of
charge while the rich are asked payments for consultation and medicine. His name became famous here and abroad.
 Rizal’s Community Projects
1. Developed the Dapitan Municipal Park
- Clean and green - Beautification - A Relief Map
2. Equipped the town with a lighting system using coconut oil
3. Constructed the first water system using bamboo pipelines
 Rizal believed in the power of education in the human transformation. In 1893, he established a school for boys for
free. He also engaged in scientific researches: collecting various species of plant and animal life which he sent to his
friends abroad.
- The Draco rizali, a small lizard popularly known as a flying dragon; 
- Apogonia rizali, a rare kind of beetle; and the Rhacophorus rizali, a peculiar frog species.
 As an inventor, Rizal made a lighter that ignites through stones; and a brick maker machine. As an artist, he carved a
number of sculptures:
- “The Mother’s Revenge” a tribute to his dog Syria, whose child was killed by a crocodile
- “The Dapitan Girl” - Josephine’s Image - Busts of Fr. Guerrico and St. Paul
 Rizal purchased about 70 hectares of land in Talisay, Dapitan. He diligently farmed these lands with the help of his
helpers. The plants include coconuts, abaca, cacao, corn, sugar cane and fruit trees. He also bought a fishpond. His
business partner was Ramon Carreon. A lighter called "sulpakan" which he gave to a friend as a birthday gift
 Unhappy Days in Dapitan
 He missed his family; until his mother, three sisters and nephews arrived and stayed with him. He was sad because
of the plight of his family, the country and the people. He had no opportunity to see Leonor when she died in August
1893.
 A Beautiful Stranger
 In his darkest moments in Dapitan, an 18-year old Irish girl arrived in Dapitan. She’s Josephine Bracken, whose
mother died in childbirth. She is adopted by Mr. George Taufer, who later became blind. The two came to the
Philippines to have Mr. Taufer’s eyes be cured.
 “Himno a Talisay” (Hymn to the Talisay Tree) – a hymn/poem written in tribute to a tree to which a town was named
after; where Rizal often stayed. Rizal and his students have always used the Talisay tree as a meeting place. In
gratitude, the students would always sing the hymn.
 “Mi Retiro” (My Retreat) –depicts Rizal’s life as an exile in Dapitan
 “Canto del Viajero” (Song of the Traveler) – a poem celebrating his renewed opportunity to travel abroad and end of
his exile in Dapitan

III. THE INDOLENCE OF THE FILIPINOS

La Indolencia de los Filipinos, more popularly known in its English version, "The Indolence of the Filipinos," is an
exploratory essay written by Dr. Jose Rizal, to explain the alleged idleness of his people during the Spanish colonization.
It 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:
First, the establishment of the Galleon Trade cut off all previous associations of the Philippines with other countries in
Asia and the 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.
Second, Spain also extinguished the natives’ love of work because of the implementation of forced labour.  Because of the
wars between Spain and other countries 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.
Third, 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.
Fourth, there was a crooked system of education, if it was to be considered an education.  They 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.
Fifth, 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.
Sixth, gambling was established and widely propagated during those times.  Almost every day there were cockfights, and
during feast days, the government officials and friars were the first to engage in all sorts of bets and gambles.
Seventh, 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.
Lastly, 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.
Rizal 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 labour in a temperate climate”.
 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. 
 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 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”
 When the Filipinos wanted to study and learn, there were no schools, and if there were any, they lacked sufficient
resources and did not present more useful knowledge; when the Filipinos wanted to establish their businesses,
 there wasn’t enough capital nor protection from the government; when the Filipinos tried to cultivate their lands
and establish various industries, they were made to pay enormous taxes and were exploited by the foreign rulers. 
 Man cannot work without resting, and if in doing so he is considered lazy, they we could say that all men are
indolent.  One cannot blame a country that was deprived of its dignity, to have lost its will to continue building its
foundation upon the backs of its people, especially when the fruits of their labour do not so much as reach their lips.  
When we spend our entire lives worshipping such a cruel and inhumane society, forced upon us by aliens who do
not even know our motherland, we are destined to tire after a while.  We are not fools, we are not puppets who
simply do as we are commanded – we are human beings, who are motivated by our will towards the
accomplishment of our objectives, and who strive for the preservation of our race. 

IV. THE PHILIPPINES A CENTURY HENCE

1. This article was published in La Solidaridad about Rizal’s prediction/observation regarding the Filipinos and the
Philippines after 100 years. What supplied Rizal of the heart for passion for his country became his primary mission
to save from the terror and tyranny of the cruel Spaniards. His allusion of the past Philippines and reading gave the
spark of idea to Rizal that he is not actually prophesying; instead, he was telling in his article was but an analysis.
2. Something which was not commonly done in his time, for the patterns he used were commonly for science
experiments, where intelligent guesses were made from observation. He just carefully observed the present and past
situation of our dear Motherland, and from then “predicted” our future. He fearlessly told the public of the plans of
domination of other countries. These expositions were Rizal’s own expression of three things:
3. Installing fear on the current regime of Spanish tyranny for them to fly away from the country; expressing sadness
and failure, that even if Spain let loose hold of the Philippines, there will be other countries in the world that are
ready to take hold of our country; or maybe Rizal was even giving a hint of hope to the Filipinos that sooner or later,
a great nation will save their country from the oppressive rule of Spain.
4. In PART 2 of the essay, he answered the questions:
- What will become to the Philippines within a century? - Will they continue to be a Spanish colony?
He discusses first the history of Malayan Filipinos. He states that, the Filipinos have remained faithful during 3 centuries,
giving up their liberty and their independence, sometimes dazzled by the hope of the paradise promised, sometimes
cajoled by the friendship offered them by a noble and generous people like the Spanish, sometimes also compelled by
superiority of arms of which ignorant and which timid spirits invested with a mysterious character, or sometimes
because the invading foreigner took advantage of internecine feuds to step in as the peacemaker in discord and thus
after to dominate both parties and subject them to his authority.
5. Because of that Rizal exposed the several issues that concern our country.
- The abuse of human rights. - The lack of freedom of the press
He said that, the Philippines will remain under Spanish domination, but with more law and greater liberty, or they will
declare themselves independent after steeping themselves and the mother country in blood. Rizal just wanted liberty
from Spain not total separation. We see his urge to put freedom in our land through peaceful negotiations with the
Spanish government in Spain. If the Philippine will remain under the control of Spain, transformation will eventually
happen and will affect the people. In this case some governors have been trying to introduce needed reforms. But it
produced scanty result for the government as well as to the country.
With this, our country is most likely reminded to Sancho Panza in Barataria Island where he took his seat on appointed
table covered with fruits and variety of food but when Pedro Rezio interposed Sancho was as hungry as ever that he
should not eat except according to the usage and customs of other islands.
- Philippines = Sancho - Reforms = the dishes - Rezio = people not having the dishes touched.
The result is the long suffering of Sancho (Philippines) misses his liberty and ends up rebelling. In this manner as long as
the Philippines have no liberty of press all the efforts of the colonial ministers will meet the fake like the dishes in
Barataria Island.
6. The minister who wants his reforms must begin by declaring the press in the Philippines free and by instituting
Filipino delegates. A government that governs in a country may even dispense with the press because it is on the
ground has eyes and ears, and directly observes what is rules and administers. But a government that governs a far
requires that the truth and facts reach its knowledge by every possible channel that it may weigh and estimate them
better, and this need increases when a country like Philippines is concerned. A risk does the government see in
them. One of the three things that they will prove is unruly, become political trimmers, or act properly.
7. Supposing that we should yield to the most absurd pessimism and admit the insult. Great for the Philippines but still
greater for Spain, certainly the Spanish people does not spare its blood where patriotism is concern but would not a
struggle of principles in parliament be preferable to the exchange of lands. Because the Spanish parliament
especially abounds in oratorical paladins invisible in debate. So we see no serious reason why Philippines may not
have representatives. We know that the lack of enlightenment, the indolence, the egotism may convert reform into a
harmful instrument. When the laws and the acts of officials are kept under surveillance the word justice may cease
to be a colonial just the things that makes the English must respected in their possessions is their strict and speedy
justice so that the inhabitants repose entire confidence in the judges justice is the foremost.
8. Virtue of the civilized races we could add other minor reforms touching commerce, agriculture, security of individual
and of property education and others. To recapitulate: The Philippines will remains Spanish if they enter upon the
life of law and civilization, if the rights of their inhabitants are respected, if the other rights due them are granted, if
the liberal policy of the government is carried out without false interpretation.
9. Otherwise, if an attempt is made to see in the islands a love to be exploited, a resource to satisfy ambitious, however
great may be the loyalty of Filipinos and it will be impossible to hinder the operations of the laws of history. Close
indeed are the bonds that unite us to Spain. Two peoples do not live for three centuries in continual contract, sharing
a same lot, holding their same belief, worshipping the same GOD but that ties are formed between them stronger
than those engendered by affection. We who today are struggling by the legal and peaceful means of debate so
understand it without going beyond the pale of the law, but if violence first silences us we have to misfortune to fall
then we do not know what course will be taken that will rush in to occupy the places that we leave vacant. In
contemplating such an unfortunate eventually we must turn away in horror, and so instead of closing our eyes we
will face what the future may bring.
- "The existence of a foreign body within another endowed with strength and activity is contrary to all natural and
ethical laws. Science teaches us that it is either assimilated, destroys the organism, is eliminated or becomes
encysted."
- The "foreign body" is Spain. The "within another" is Filipinas (Philippines).
 The assimilation of Filipinas into Espanya (become a province of Spain with Filipinos having full rights and
privileges as accorded Peninsulares Spaniards or Spaniards born on the Iberian Peninsula in Europe)
 The destruction of Filipinas; The elimination of Spain (the foreign body) from Filipinas. Dr. Jose Rizal then
discusses the likelihood of each option in the Philippines and of course the last seems to be the most likely to
happen.
10. The question then arises as to what had awakened the hearts and opened the minds of the Filipino people with
regards to their plight. Eventually, the natives realized that such oppression in their society by foreign colonizers
must no longer be tolerated. One question Rizal raises in this essay is whether or not Spain can indeed prevent the
progress of the Philippines:
 Keeping the people uneducated and ignorant had failed. National consciousness had still awakened, and great
Filipino minds still emerged from the rubble.
 Keeping the people impoverished also came to no avail. On the contrary, living a life of eternal destitution had
allowed the Filipinos to act on the desire for a change in their way of life. They began to explore other horizons
through which they could move towards progress.
 Exterminating the people as an alternative to hindering progress did not work either. The Filipino race was able
to survive amidst wars and famine, and became even more numerous after such catastrophes. To wipe out the
nation altogether would require the sacrifice of thousands of Spanish soldiers, and this is something Spain would
not allow.
11. Spain, therefore, had no means to stop the progress of the country. What it needs to do is to change its colonial
policies so that they are in keeping with the needs of the Philippine society and to the rising nationalism of the
people.
12. What Rizal had envisioned in his essay came true. In 1898, the Americans wrestled with Spain to win the
Philippines, and eventually took over the country. Theirs was a reign of democracy and liberty.
“History does not record in its annals any lasting domination by one people over another, of different races, of diverse
usages and customs, of opposite and divergent ideas. One of the two had to yield and succumb.”
V. BAYANI IN THE CONTEXT OF PHILIPPINE SOCIETY AND HISTORY

A bayani or a hero is a person who possesses kabayanihan or heroism, that is related to being courageous or brave.

In Greek mythology or folktale, a hero is originally a demi-god, and is one of the distinguishing characteristics of ancient
Greek religion. A demi-god is the son or daughter of an immortal and a mortal parent, an example is Heracles (equivalent
to Hercules in Roman mythology), who was the son of Zeus (Roman equivalent Jupiter) and the mortal Alcmene. In the
long run, a hero or heroine is a real person or a main fictional character of a literary work that, in the face of danger,
combats adversity through feats of ingenuity, bravery or strength; have shown the will to sacrifice himself, which is
called heroism for the sake of glory and honour.

This meaning originally refers to a warrior’s chivalrous or virtuous act in a more pervasive moral goodness. Tales of
heroism may serve as examples of morality. During the classical period of history, the cults revered the heroes like
Hercules, Perseus, and Achilles who had a significant role in religion in Ancient Greece. This hero-worship was used by
ancient and modern rulers for the so called apotheosis (personality cult). A hero is a person who is admired and
acknowledged for his courage, outstanding achievements, and noble qualities. A National Hero is someone who beyond
that has made significant positive contributions to the growth and development of society, and represents all of us.

THE GATES TO HEROISM: DEFINING A FILIPINO HERO by Diana A. Galang

It is common for Filipinos to look for someone to idolize –saints, politicians, artists, models, etc., somebody they will
glorify and imitate. Since the time of the declaration of Philippine independence, 109 years ago, many were
acknowledged as Filipino heroes, more so today, that every individual who become so popular or the main character in
any particular event is given the title “hero”.

     Dr. Esteban de Ocampo, a known historian, stated in his book about Rizal that a hero means a prominent or central
personage taking an admirable part in any remarkable action or event; a person of distinguished valor or enterprise in
danger, or fortitude in suffering; and a man honored after death by public worship because of exceptional service to
mankind. The true heroes of Philippine history deserve to be called so for they didn’t have any idea that one day they
will be measured up, they just acted upon their principles. The concept of honoring heroes came only to the Philippines
in 1900, when the Philippine Commission (Pardo de Tavera, Legarda, Luzurriaga (Filipino members) and headed by
William Howard Taft) approved Act No. 137 combining the districts of Morong and Manila to be named as “Province of
Rizal,” in honor of the most illustrious Filipino. Actually, this Act was disputed by many but the basis of the Commission
was so strong that it has surpassed the public’s questions.

     Since then, heroes were celebrated here and there, citing their names in every politician’s speeches, declaring
holidays, naming streets, constructing monuments, etc. in their honor. Until one day, realizing that so many names were
acknowledged as heroes, need to evaluate the situation was proposed. During Marcos’ presidency, he tasked the
National Heroes Commission to come up with the criteria for national hero. On March 28, 1993, thru the President’s
Executive Order No. 75, the National Heroes Committee was created, commissioned to study, evaluate and recommend
historical figures to be declared as national heroes. The Committee composed of worthy members, with a series of
discussions came up with the new criteria. The criteria consisted of 10 standards:

First is the extent of a person’s sacrifices for the welfare of the country.

Second, the motive and methods employed in the attainment of the ideal (was his ideal purely for the welfare of the
country and without any taint of self-interested motives, most of all the method of attainment should be morally valid).

The third is the moral character of the person concerned (the person should not have any immorality issue that affected
his ideal).

The fourth is the influence of the person concerned on his age and or the succeeding age.

Fifth is that heroes are those who have a concept of nation and thereafter aspire and struggle for the nation’s freedom
(they must have desired the country’s freedom in any situation especially when there’s a threat of invasion in any form).

Sixth is that heroes are those who define and contribute to a system of life of freedom and order for a nation (one who
helps in the orderliness and betterment of the country). 

Seventh is, heroes are those who contribute to the quality of life and destiny of a nation.

Eight, a hero is part of the people’s expression (the citizen must have recognized and acknowledged the person as a
hero).

Ninth, a hero thinks of the future, especially the future generations, his concern for the future generations must be seen
in his decisions and ideals).

Lastly, the choice of a hero involves not only the recounting of an episode or events in history, but of the entire process
that made this particular person a hero.

Filipinos’ expectations of public figures are different now than it was more than a hundred years ago, maybe because of
the realization that no one is perfect. This is the reason why today so many were acknowledged as heroes and many
were voted in important governing positions with flaws and questionable characters. Lucky are those who aspire one
day to be called a hero that the criteria were already set to pattern their decisions with. I hope that the criteria for
national heroes will not only be checked against the historical figures but also with the politicians to whom we will
entrust the power to govern our country.

According to the 1993 Technical Committee, the National Hero shall be:

 One who have a concept of nation and thereafter aspire and struggle for the nation's freedom.

 One who define and contribute to a system or life of freedom and order for a nation. Heroes are those who make
the nation's constitution and laws.

 One who has contributed to the quality of life and destiny of a nation.

Three more criteria were added in 1995:

 A hero is part of the people's expression. But the process of a people's internalization of a hero's life and works
takes time, with the youth forming a part of the internalization.

 A hero thinks of the future, especially the future generations.

 The choice of a hero involves not only the recounting of an episode or events in history, but of the entire process
that made this particular person a hero.

VI. EL FILIBUSTERISMO SUMMARY

El Filibusterismo (lit. Spanish for "The Filibustering"), also known by its English alternate title The Reign of Greed, is the
second novel written by Philippine national hero José Rizal. It is the sequel to Noli Me Tangere and like the first book was
written in Spanish. It was first published in 1891 in Ghent, Belgium.
Thirteen years after leaving the Philippines, Crisostomo Ibarra returns as Simoun, a rich jeweler sporting a beard and
blue-tinted glasses, and a confidant of the Captain-General. Abandoning his idealism, he becomes a cynical saboteur,
seeking revenge against the Spanish Philippine system responsible for his misfortunes by plotting a revolution. Simoun
insinuates himself into Manila high society and influences every decision of the Captain-General to mismanage the
country’s affairs so that a revolution will break out. He cynically sides with the upper classes, encouraging them to
commit abuses against the masses to encourage the latter to revolt against the oppressive Spanish colonial regime. This
time, he does not attempt to fight the authorities through legal means, but through violent revolution using the masses.
Simoun has reasons for instigating a revolution. First is to rescue María Clara from the convent and second, to get rid of
ills and evils of Philippine society. His true identity is discovered by a now grown-up Basilio while visiting the grave of
his mother, Sisa, as Simoun was digging near the grave site for his buried treasures. Simoun spares Basilio’s life and asks
him to join in his planned revolution against the government, egging him on by bringing up the tragic misfortunes of the
latter's family. Basilio declines the offer as he still hopes that the country’s condition will improve.
Basilio, at this point, is a graduating student of medicine at the Ateneo Municipal de Manila. After the death of his
mother, Sisa, and the disappearance of his younger brother, Crispín, Basilio heeded the advice of the dying boatman,
Elías, and traveled to Manila to study. Basilio was adopted by Captain Tiago after María Clara entered the convent. With
Captain Tiago’s help, Basilio was able to go to Colegio de San Juan de Letrá n where, at first, he is frowned upon by his
peers and teachers not only because of the color of his skin but also because of his shabby appearance. Captain Tiago’s
confessor, Father Irene is making Captain Tiago’s health worse by giving him opium even as Basilio tries hard to prevent
Captain Tiago from smoking it. He and other students want to establish a Spanish language academy so that they can
learn to speak and write Spanish despite the opposition from the Dominican friars of the  Universidad de Santo Tomá s.
With the help of a reluctant Father Irene as their mediator and Don Custodio’s decision, the academy is established ;
however, they will only serve as caretakers of the school not as the teachers. Dejected and defeated, they hold a mock
celebration at a pancitería while a spy for the friars witnesses the proceedings.
Simoun, for his part, keeps in close contact with the bandit group of Kabesang Tales, a former cabeza de barangay who
suffered misfortunes at the hands of the friars. Once a farmer owning a prosperous sugarcane plantation and a cabeza de
barangay (barangay head), he was forced to give everything to the greedy and unscrupulous Spanish friars. His son,
Tano, who became a civil guard, was captured by bandits; his daughter Hulî had to work as a maid to get enough ransom
money for his freedom; and his father, Tandang Selo, suffered a stroke and became mute. Before joining the bandits,
Tales took Simoun’s revolver while Simoun was staying at his house for the night. As payment, Tales leaves a locket that
once belonged to María Clara. To further strengthen the revolution, Simoun has Quiroga, a Chinese man hoping to be
appointed consul to the Philippines, smuggle weapons into the country using Quiroga’s bazaar as a front. Simoun wishes
to attack during a stage play with all of his enemies in attendance. He, however, abruptly aborts the attack when he
learns from Basilio that María Clara had died earlier that day in the convent.
A few days after the mock celebration by the students, the people are agitated when disturbing posters are found
displayed around the city. The authorities accuse the students present at the pancitería of agitation and disturbing peace
and have them arrested. Basilio, although not present at the mock celebration, is also arrested. Captain Tiago dies after
learning of the incident and as stated in his will—forged by Irene, all his possessions are given to the Church, leaving
nothing for Basilio. Basilio is left in prison as the other students are released. A high official tries to intervene for the
release of Basilio but the Captain-General, bearing grudges against the high official, coerces him to tender his
resignation. Julî, Basilio’s girlfriend and the daughter of Kabesang Tales, tries to ask Father Camorra’s help upon the
advice of an elder woman. Instead of helping Julî, however, the priest tries to rape her as he has long-hidden desires for
Julî. Julî, rather than submit to the will of the friar, jumps over the balcony to her death. Basilio is soon released with the
help of Simoun. Basilio, now a changed man, after hearing about Julî's suicide, finally joins Simoun’s revolution. Simoun
then tells Basilio his plan at the wedding of Paulita Gó mez and Juanito, Basilio’s hunch-backed classmate. His plan was to
conceal an explosive inside a pomegranate-styled Kerosene lamp that Simoun will give to the newlyweds as a gift during
the wedding reception. The reception will take place at the former home of the late Captain Tiago, which was now filled
with explosives planted by Simoun. According to Simoun, the lamp will stay lighted for only 20 minutes before it flickers;
if someone attempts to turn the wick, it will explode and kill everyone—important members of civil society and the
Church hierarchy—inside the house. Basilio has a change of heart and attempts to warn Isagani, his friend and the
former boyfriend of Paulita. Simoun leaves the reception early as planned and leaves a note behind: “Mene Thecel
Phares.”- Juan Crisostomo Ibarra
Initially thinking that it was simply a bad joke, Father Salví recognizes the handwriting and confirms that it was indeed
Ibarra’s. As people begin to panic, the lamp flickers. Father Irene tries to turn the wick up when Isagani, due to his
undying love for Paulita, bursts in the room and throws the lamp into the river, sabotaging Simoun's plans. He escapes
by diving into the river as the guards chase after him. He later regrets his impulsive action because he had contradicted
his own belief that he loved his nation more than Paulita and that the explosion and revolution could have fulfilled his
ideals for Filipino society.
Simoun, now unmasked as the perpetrator of the attempted arson and failed revolution, becomes a fugitive. Wounded
and exhausted after he was shot by the pursuing Guardia Civil, he seeks shelter at the home of Father Florentino,
Isagani’s uncle, and comes under the care of Doctor Tiburcio de Espadañ a, Doñ a Victorina's husband, who was also
hiding at the house. Simoun takes poison in order for him not to be captured alive. Before he dies, he reveals his real
identity to Florentino while they exchange thoughts about the failure of his revolution and why God forsook him.
Florentino opines that God did not forsake him and that his plans were not for the greater good but for personal gain.
Simoun, finally accepting Florentino’s explanation, squeezes his hand and dies. Florentino then takes Simoun’s
remaining jewels and throws them into the Pacific Ocean with the corals hoping that they would not be used by the
greedy, and that when the time came that it would be used for the greater good, when the nation would be finally
deserving liberty for themselves, the sea would reveal the treasures.
Below are some of the major and minor characters in the novel.
 Simoun - A powerful man who has a great influence over the Kapitan Heneral. Using this, he plans to destroy the
Spaniards as his vendetta for the sufferings of Crisostomo Ibarra.
 Basilio - The eldest of Sisa's two sons, now an aspiring doctor whose medical education was being financed by
Capitan Tiago. He is now at the point of graduation during the events in the novel.
 Isagani - Poet and Basilio's best friend; portrayed as emotional and reactive; Paulita Gó mez' boyfriend before being
dumped for fellow student Juanito Pelá ez
 Kabesang Tales - Cabeza Telesforo Juan de Dios, a former cabeza de barangay (barangay head) of Sagpang, a
barangay in San Diego's neighboring town Tiani, who resurfaced as the feared Luzó n bandit Matanglawin (Tagalog
for "Hawkeye");
 Don Custodio - Custodio de Salazar y Sánchez de Monteredondo, a famous "journalist" who was asked by the
students about his decision for the Academia de Castellano. In reality, he is quite an ordinary fellow who married a
rich woman in order to be a member of Manila's high society.
 Paulita Gomez - The girlfriend of Isagani and the niece of Doñ a Victorina, the old Indio who passes herself off as
a Peninsular, who is the wife of the quack doctor Tiburcio de Espadañ a. In the end, she and Juanito Pelá ez are wed,
and she dumps Isagani, believing that she will have no future if she marries him.
 Macaraig - One of Isagani's classmates at the University of Santo Tomas. He is a rich student and serves as the leader
of the students yearning to build the Academia de Castellano.
 Father Florentino - Isagani's godfather, and a secular priest; was engaged to be married, but chose to be a priest
after being pressured by his mother, the story hinting at the ambivalence of his decision as he chooses an
assignment to a remote place, living in solitude near the sea.
 Juli - Juliana de Dios, the girlfriend of Basilio, and the youngest daughter of Kabesang Tales. To claim her father from
the bandits, she had to work as a maid under the supervision of Hermana Penchang. Eventually, she was freed but
committed suicide after Father Camorra attempted to rape her.
 Juanito Pelaez - The son of Don Timoteo Pelaez, a Spanish businessman, he is also one of the members of Macaraig's
gang who wish to have the Academia de Castellano built. He is considered by Isagani as his rival to Paulita Gomez,
the woman whom he fell in love and wed in the end. Placido Penitente considers him as a "good for nothing"
classmate.
 Doña Victorina - Victorina delos Reyes de Espadañ a, known in Noli Me Tangere as Tiburcio de Espadañ a's cruel
wife. She is the aunt of Paulita Gomez, and favors Juanito Pelaez than Isagani. Although of Indio ideology, she
considers herself as one of the Peninsular.
 Father Camorra - The parish priest of Tiani, San Diego's adjacent town. He has been desiring young women ever
since. He nearly raped Juli causing the latter to commit suicide.
 Ben-Zayb - The pseudonym of Abraham Ibañ ez, a journalist who believes he is the "only" one thinking in the
Philippines. Ben-Zayb is an anagram of Ybanez, an alternate spelling of his name.
 Placido Penitente - A student of the University of Santo Tomas who was very intelligent and wise but did not want,
if not only by his mother's plea, to pursue his studies. He also controls his temper against Padre Millon, his physics
teacher.
 Hermana Penchang - Sagpang's rich pusakal (gambler). She offers Huli to be her maid so the latter can obtain
money to free Kabesang Tales. Disbelieving of Huli and her close friends, she considers herself as an ally of the friars.
 Tiburcio de Espadaña - Don Tiburcio is Victorina de Espadañ a's lame husband. He is currently on hiding with
Father Florentino.
 Father Írene - Captain Tiago's spiritual adviser. Although reluctant, he helped the students to establish the
Academia de Castellano after being convinced by giving him a chestnut. The only witness to Captain Tiago's death,
he forged the last will and testament of the latter so Basilio will obtain nothing from the inheritance.
 Quiroga - A Chinese businessman who dreamed of being a consul for his country in the Philippines. He hid Simoun's
weapons inside his house.
 Don Timoteo Pelaez - Juanito's father. He is a rich businessmen and arranges a wedding for his son and Paulita. He
and Simoun became business partners.
 Tandang Selo - Father of Kabesang Tales. He raised the sick and young Basilio after he left their house in Noli me
Tangere. He died in an encounter on the mountains with his son Tales.
 Father Fernández - The priest-friend of Isagani. He promised to Isagani that he and the other priests will give in to
the students' demands.
 Sandoval - The vice-leader of Macaraig's gang. A Spanish classmate of Isagani, he coerces his fellow classmates to
lead alongside him the opening of the Spanish language academy.
 Hermana Báli - Another gambler in Tiani. She became Huli's mother-figure and counselor; helped to release
Kabesang Tales from the hands of bandits.
 Pasta - One of the great lawyers of mid-Hispanic Manila, opposed the students' demands for a Spanish language
academy
 Father Millon - The Physics teacher of the University of Santo Tomas. He always becomes vindictive with Placido
and always taunts him during class.
 Tadeo - Macaraig's classmate. He, along with the other three members of their gang, supposedly posted the posters
that "thanked" Don Custodio and Father Irene for the opening of the Academia de Castellano.
 Leeds - An American who holds stage plays starring decapitated heads; he is good friends with Simoun.
 Tano - Kabesang Tales's elder son after his older sister, Lucia died in childhood. He is currently one of the Guardia
Civil. He then returned under the name Carolino after his exile in Caroline Islands.
 Pepay - Don Custodio's supposed "girlfriend". A dancer, she is always agitated of her boyfriend’s plans. She seems to
be a close friend of Macaraig.
 Gobernador General - The highest-ranking official in the Philippines during the Spanish colonial period, this
unnamed character pretends that what he is doing is for the good of the Indios, the local citizens of the country, but
in reality, he prioritizes the needs of his fellow Spaniards living in the country.
 Pecson - Basilio's classmate who had no idea on the happenings occurring around him. He suggested that they held
the mock celebration at the panciteria.
 Father Hernando de la Sibyla- A Dominican friar introduced in Noli Me Tangere, now the vice-rector of
the University of Santo Tomas.
 Father Bernardo Salvi- Former parish priest of San Diego, now the director and chaplain of the Santa Clara
convent.
 Captain Tiago - Santiago delos Santos, although making a cameo appearance, Captain Tiago is Maria Clara's
stepfather and the foster-father to Basilio. His health disintegrates gradually because of the opium he was forced to
smoke given to him by Father Irene.
Maria Clara - Introduced in Dr. Rizal's first novel "Noli Me Tangere". She was once the girlfriend of Crisostomo Ibarra
but chose to become a nun despite Father Damaso's (her real father) arguments. She eventually suicide, as witnessed by
Basilio when he visited the convent of Santa Clara; this propelled Simoun to expedite his plans for revolution. Her
character has been received negative verbose from critics because of her much-weak personality and martyr ism and
condoning others that can be proved that in the circumstance that she was being raped by Padre Camorra