MODULE: RIZALCRS – LIFE AND WORKS OF RIZAL

CHAPTER 9 – EL FILIBUSTERISMO

A. Describe the important characters in the novel andwhat they represent.

B. Compare and contrast thecharacters, plot, and thetheme of the Noli and El Fili.
C. Evaluate the role of the youth in the developmentand future of society.

THE PUBLICATION OF THE EL FILIBUSTERISMO

Rizal started writing El Filibusterismo in October
1887 in Calamba, Laguna. In 1888, he revised portions
of the plot and some chapters in London. Continuing his
work in Paris, he later relocated to Brussels, Belgium,
where costs were lower and distractions fewer, aiding his
focus on completing the book. Ultimately, he finished the
manuscript on March 29, 1891, in Biarritz, France. The
novel was published in September of the same year in
Ghent, Belgium.
According to historical accounts (Ocampo, 2012),
Jose Alejandrino, Rizal's roommate in Belgium, played
a crucial role in getting El Filibusterismo printed. He
Rizal with Juan Luna (black suit) and Valentin Ventura
arranged for the proofreading and revisions to be
(white suit).
delivered to F. Meyer Van Loo in Ghent. While
Alejandrino may have been the first person to read the novel aside from Rizal, the title of "the
savior of the Fili" was bestowed upon Valentin Ventura, who provided financial assistance for
its publication. Rizal initially financed the printing by using his properties as collateral but later had to
suspend the printing due to lack of funds, until Ventura intervened. Ventura's monetary
assistance prompted Rizal to shorten the novel significantly to save expenses.
On the contrary, even with Ventura’s help, Rizal found it necessary to fundamentally shorten the
novel, erasing 47 whole pages from the 279-pagemanuscript to save expenses. Thus, the printed
El Fili, which came off the press by mid-September 1891, turned out comprising only 38 chapters
compared to the 64 of the Noli —contrary to his original plan to make a longer sequel.

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Rizal gave Ventura the novel's original manuscript, a pen, and an autographed printed copy.
The Philippine government later purchased the original manuscript from Ventura for 10,000
pesos, and it is now housed in the National Library.
FILIBUSTERO
Rizal had to define the word filibuster to his German friend Ferdinand
Blumentritt who did not understand his use of word in Noli Me Tangere. In
a letter,Rizal explained:
"The word filibuster is little known in the Philippines. The masses do
not know it yet. I heard it for the first time in 1872 when the tragic executions
(of Gomburza) took place. I still remember the panic that this word created.
Our father forbade us to utter it, as well as the words Cavite, Burgos (one of
the executed priests), etc. The Manila newspapers and the Spaniards apply
this word to one whom they want to make a revolutionary suspect. The
Filipinos belonging to the educated class fear the reach of the word. It does Blumentritt became one of Rizal's closest confidants
although they met only once. He translated a
not have the meaning of freebooters; it rather means a dangerous patriot who chapter of the latter's first book, Noli Me Tangere,
into German and wrote the preface to Rizal's second
will soon be hanged or well, a presumptuous man." book, El filibusterismo, although he was against it.

GOMBURZA
The term "Filibusterismo" in the novel's title is derived
from "filibustero", which means subversive, dissident, and
revolutionary. Rizal dedicated the book to the memory of
GOMBURZA, three Filipino patriotic priests accused of being
"filibustero" and subsequently executed (February 17, 1872). Rizal
boldly declared his belief that the Spanish officials' handling of the
priests' case was unjust, stating "as [their] complicity in the Cavite
Mutiny is not clearly proved.
GOMBURZA. The acronym stands for Fathers Mariano
Gomez, José Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora. They were
prominent figures in the Filipino nationalist movement, advocating
for various reforms within the Catholic Church and challenging
Photo of a drawing recreating (from left to Spanish colonial rule. The execution of GOMBURZA in 1872
right) Jacinto Zamora, Mariano Gómez, and
José Burgos. fueled nationalist sentiments and contributed to the growing desire
for Philippine independence from Spanish rule.
The dedication partly reads:
“To the memory of the priests, Don Mariano Gomez (85 years old), DonJose Burgos (30 years
old), and Don Jacinto Zamora (35 years old).Executed in the Bagumbayan Field on the 28th of
February, 1872 … Ihave the right to dedicate my work to you as victims of the evil which Iundertake
to combat…”
Rizal however made mistakes in indicating the ages of the priests and thedate of their execution.
During their martyrdom on the 17th (not 28th) of February,1872, Gomez was then 73 (not 85), Burgos

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was 35 (not 30) and Zamora was 37(not 35). Like many other students today (especially men), Rizal
was perhaps notthat good in memorizing historical details like dates and ages.
The foreword of "Fili" was addressed to "The Filipino People and Their Government."
Additionally, the original manuscript included a "warning" and an "inscription" on the title page by
Ferdinand Blumentritt, a friend of the author. Aware of the potential consequences following the
reception of his first book, Rizal took precautions to prevent the second one from falling into Spanish
hands. He intended "El Filibusterismo" not for the Spanish but for the Filipino people. After distributing
copies of the first edition to his friends in Europe, Rizal arranged for most of the remaining copies to be
sent to the Philippines. These books were initially sent to his residence in Hong Kong, with plans for
them to be smuggled into the Philippines by his associates. However, upon shipment, the authorities
seized the copies, instantly turning the book into a rare commodity.
EL FILIBUSTERISMO SUMMARY
El Filibusterismo revolves around its
main character Simoun who is an affluent
jeweler. Simoun is actually Crisostomo
Ibarra of the Noli whom everyone thought
had been killed by the Guardia Civil at
Laguna de Bay. He had in fact escaped, fled
to Cuba, become wealthy, and made
connections with influential Spanish officials.
Upon his return to the Philippines after many
years, he becomes very influential as the
governor general, who owes so much to him,
consults him in making decisions.
In reality, however, everything Simoun
A display of Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, written by The does is just part of his grand plan to take
National Hero of The Philippines, Dr. Jose Rizal. These novels were about revenge against the Spanish officials and
the Spanish treatment to the local Filipinos which were the reasons for rescue Maria Clara from the convent.
revolt.
Planning to stage a revolution, he smuggles
arms and looks for followers, mainly from the exploited and abused natives. One of his recruits is
Basilio, the son of Sisa, who with Capitan Tiago’s help was able to study in Manila. Simoun also makes
an alliance with the revolutionary group of Kabesang Tales, a former cabeza de barangay who suffered
maltreatments from the hands of the friars. Using his influence, Simoun encourages corruption,
decadence, and more oppressive government policies so that the citizens may become more infuriated.
Yet, the planned revolt one night was not carried out because Simoun, upon hearing that Maria
Clara died in the nunnery, decided not to give the signal for the outbreak of the uprising. Another plan
was made some months later. At the venue of the wedding reception of Juanito Pelaez and Paulita
Gomez, Simoun planted many explosives — enough to kill the invited guests, primarily the friars and
government officials. According to the plot, the big explosion shall be started by the gift he would give
to the newlyweds at the reception — a kerosene lamp with an explosive. When the lamp flickers and

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someone turns the wick, it will result in a big explosion that will become a signal to the revolutionary
troops to simultaneously attack all the government buildings in Manila.
During the reception, Simoun gives his gift to the newlyweds. Before hurriedly leaving the venue,
he leaves a piece of mysterious paper bearing the message “You will die tonight” signed by Juan
Crisostomo Ibarra. Meanwhile, Isagani, the rejected lover of Paulita, is standing outside the reception.
His friend Basilio tells him to leave the place because the lamp will soon blow up. When Father Salvi
identifies the handwriting in the note and confirms that it was indeed Ibarra’s, the guests begin to panic.
When the lamp flickers, Father Irene tries to turn the wick up. But Isagani, wanting to save Paulita’s life,
rushes into the house, grabs the lamp, and throws it into the river where it explodes.
Simoun’s revolutionary plot was thus known and he is thus hunted by the law enforcers. He
managed to escape but was seriously wounded. Carrying his jewelry chest, he finds shelter in the home
of Padre Florentino by the sea. Learning of his presence in the house of the priest, the lieutenant of the
Guardia Civil informs Padre Florentino that he will come in the evening to arrest Simoun. Simoun then
takes poison that he would not be caught alive. As the poison’s effects start to take toll on his body, he
confesses to Florentino his true identity and his plan of revenge through bloody revolution. After the
emotional and agonizing confession of the dying man, the priest absolves the dying man from his sins,
saying: “God will forgive you Señor Simoun. He knows that we are fallible. He has seen that you have
suffered… He has frustrated your plans one by one… first by the death of Maria Clara, then by a lack
of preparation, then in some mysterious way. Let us bow to His will and render Him thanks!”
The story ends with the priest throwing Simoun’s treasures into the sea so that they would not
be used by the greedy. The priest hopes that when the right time comes, they would be recovered and
used only for the good.
RIZAL AFTER EL FILI
Rizal gave up on the idea that peaceful liberation is possible for the Philippines. In his letter to
Blumentritt in 1887, he wrote, '”peaceful struggle will just remain a dream, considering that Spain
had not learned the lesson of her former colonies in South America” (Guerrero, 1998).
Rizal then became a separatist upon realizing that reforms will no longer be granted by Spain.
Unlike other separatists, Rizal is exceptional as he learned to leave the attainment of independence to
God. Subsequently, Rizal was bitterly attacked by his fellow reformers in Madrid. This can be
accounted for by the very radical and revolutionary tone of the novel, which renounced the propaganda
campaign for peaceful reforms and assimilation. As a result, Rizal decided to end his connection with
the propagandists in Madrid and opted to return to the Philippines to share the misfortunes of his family.
After the publication of the “El Fili”, Rizal appeared to have a change of heart. In his October 13,
1891 letter to Marcelo Del Pilar, he said: “I appreciate what you say about my work and I value your
opinion highly that considered my “Filibusterismo” inferior to the “Noli”. I, too frankly, without irony or
words with a double meaning, share your opinion. For me, the “Filibusterismo” as a novel is inferior to
the “Noli”… You are the first one to tell me the truth and I agree with you. This flatters me as it proves
that I still know how to judge myself.

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Indeed, the “El Fili” is a novel about a failed revolution as organized by Simoun. His return to
the Philippines was to encourage corruption in the government using his wealth and influence in order
to provoke the people take a stand against the Spanish regime. Rizal, through Simoun, realized that it
is only through independence that the Filipinos will be eased of their miseries under the colonizers. This
was manifested in his conversation with Basilio that said: “Instead of aspiring to be a mere province,
aspire to be a nation, develop an independent, not colonial mentality. There are no tyrants where
there are no slaves.” Basilio’s reply was: “Science can redeem man from social and other reforms
of persecution.” Simoun’s dispute was: “Patriotism will always be a virtue in oppressed people.”
During Simoun’s dying moment, he uttered the words, “Why has God forsaken me? Is not
God justice? Is it God’s will that the Philippines remain under its present condition?” Through
Fr. Florentino, Rizal spoke of how independence should be won. Fr. Florentino responded, “If our
country is someday to be free, it will not be through vice, it will not be through the corruption
of its sons... Redemption presupposes virtue; virtue, sacrifice; and sacrifice, love!” Hence,
Rizal’s message was very clear: Filipinos should be courageous enough to protest and proclaim their
rights. They have to be willing to sacrifice in the face of oppression and tyranny — only then can
they be deserving of the independence that they desperately want to attain.
According to Guerrero (1998), Rizal was a reluctant revolutionary. He believed in
independence as a solution to the sufferings of the many Filipinos under the Spanish rule but he
hesitated and backed down. One explanation seemed logical: To Rizal, the Filipinos during his time
were not yet ready for a revolution. Similarly, they were not ready for independence. They were
still unworthy of independence because they have not yet learned to prioritize the common good over
their personal gain. The Filipinos were not yet ready to become a nation. Fo rRizal, God will provide
the means —be it a revolution or a peaceful separation from Spain —but they need education,
exemplary lives and the willingness to sacrifice for other people.

Coates, Austin. 1992. Rizal: Filipino nationalist and patriot. Manila: Solidaridad
publishing House.
De Viana, Augusto V. 2011. Jose Rizal in our times: A guide for the better understanding
of the Philippines’ Foremost national hero. Mandaluyong City: Books Atbp. Publishing
Corp.
Guerrero, Leon Ma. 2010. The first Filipino: A biography of Jose Rizal. Manila: Guerrero
Publishing, Inc.

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