Jose Rizal: The Philippine National Revolution

History tells us that Dr. Jose Rizal became the Philippine national hero as he fought for freedom using a pen as a sword. Rizal is well-known for his two novels, Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. Unlike other national heroes who fought aggressively and through violent means, Rizal believed that independence could be achieved peacefully. All Filipinos and even non-Filipinos who study the history of the Philippines know Rizal’s heroism primarily because of his martyrdom. Through many years and generations, historians, scholars, professors and students scrutinize and study almost every aspect of Rizal’s short but meaningful life and his vital part in history. Although, even up to today, it is still unclear or unknown whether Rizal had a

The 1896 revolution went on until 1901, and just like every other national revolution in different nations, it is regarded as a peak of achievement and a period in history wherein unity, involvement and active participation in the fight for freedom are most evident among the people (Constantino, 1972). Technically, national revolution and national hero go hand in hand as the national hero of the country is usually the leader of the national revolution. In the case of the Philippines, it is the exact opposite since Rizal even opposed and contradicted it. According in the manifesto of December 15, 1896, Rizal stated that from the very beginning when he first learned about the revolution that was being planned, he opposed it pertaining to its absolute impossibility. Moreover, he said that he is most willing to offer anything that could suppress it. Another proof of Rizal’s contradiction is when Dr. Pio Valenzuela, on Bonifacio’s order, visited Rizal during his exile in Dapitan on June 21, 1896. Dr. Pio informed him of the plan of the Katipunan to launch a revolution. Rizal stated that this was a suicidal plan and emphasized that the leaders of the Katipunan should do everything in order for the revolution to not