Rizal and the Katipunan

Whether or not Dr. Jose Rizal was voluntarily involved in the Philippine revolution has been a topic of debate for decades. This is due to the confusing actions and words of Rizal himself with regard to the revolution.

For example, his essay, "The Philippines a Century Hence" states that Filipinos were not yet ready for self-governance because of our lack of love for country (why do I get the feeling it's still true today?). This, as well as Rizal’s membership in the La Solidaridad, the Filipino reformist movement established and held in Spain, would have demonstrated that the national hero wanted assimilation and not separation.

But his personal letters to his friend and mentor, Ferdinand Blumentritt, somewhat hint to the hero’s changing perspectives over time. Meaning, he may have advocated for reforms at first, but seeing Spain’s indifference, he may have realized it was time for a revolution.

Here are excerpts from the letters (credit to Floro Quibuyen, “Rizal and the Revolution”):

January 26, 1887

“A peaceful struggle shall always be a dream, for Spain will never learn the lesson of her South American colonies. Spain cannot learn what England and the United States have learned. But, under the present circumstances, we do not want separation from Spain. All that we ask is greater attention, better education, better government [officials], one or two representatives [in parliament], and greater security for persons and our properties. Spain could always win the appreciation of Filipinos if she were only reasonable. But, quos vult perdere Jupiter, prius dementat!”

February 21, 1887

“The Filipinos had long wished for Hispanization and they were wrong in aspiring for it. It is Spain and not the Philippines who ought to wish for the assimilation of the country.”

December 30, 1891

“Life in the Philippines has become impossible: without courtesy, without virtue, without justice! That is why I think that La Solidaridad is no longer the place to give battle; this is a new fight. I should like to follow your wishes, but I believe that it will all be in vain; the fight is no longer in Madrid. It is all a waste of time.” (Guerrero's translation)

By examining these letters we can easily see Rizal’s increasing frustration in dealing with Spain. His statement “La Solidaridad is no longer the place to give battle” seems to indicate that he had given up on the reformist movement.

More subtle clues of Rizal’s separatist leaning and thus, involvement in the revolution, includes the recruitment method for members of the Katipunan, which mimics Masonry’s triangular recruitment. Bonifacio was not a Mason, but Rizal was.

Also, Mr. Quibuyen states it better, but Rizal’s “Mi Ultimo Adios” showed he was willing to die a martyr for his country. And people, especially those as intelligent and idealistic as Rizal, do not just lay their lives for mere reforms. They are usually only willing to die for nothing less than freedom. That he wrote the “Mi Ultimo Adios” before proudly facing his death, and asked his wife Josephine Bracken to bring it to Bonifacio, indicates that he wanted his death to inspire Filipinos to fight for their freedom.

(I do not want to be repetitive and plagiaristic, so I’m not going to restate Mr. Quibuyen’s arguments regarding “Mi Ultimo Adios”, but his essay "Rizal and the Revolution" is definitely worth reading.)