Pepe. | The Life, Works and Writings of Jose Rizal [ENGLISH]

Rizal or Bonifacio?

It has always been a heated argument on who deserves to be called Philippine's national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal or Andres Bonifacio?

Why is Jose Rizal the national hero? It is interesting to note that Jose Rizal's heroism was recognized first by the colonizing Americans and later on by General Emilio Aguinaldo.

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. He was a very amazing person at his time. He was humble, fighting for reforms through his writings instead of through a revolution. He used his intelligence, talents and skills in a more peaceful way rather than the aggressive way.

Rizal is an American-sponsored hero: he opted for a non-violence reform in the government. Instead, he used his writings to open the eyes of the Filipinos. He dedicated his life for his countrymen without hesitation.

He was known for his meekness and coolness, but he never fought on a war. Most of the world Heroes was elevated as such because of their war exploits. Rizal never did it. He was using his pen for criticism about the handling of the Spanish government in the Philippines. He fought to have the Philippines a permanent representation in the Spanish Cortes. That's why when the US accepted the Philippines as a vassal country, Gen. Taft who was the Governor General here, appointed Jose Rizal as the National Hero for the Philippines, to douse the fighting fervor of the Filipinos who are fighting for freedom at that time.

The Americans decided for him being a national hero at their time in the country. It is said that the Americans, Civil Governor William Howard Taft, chose Jose Rizal to be the national hero as a strategy. Rizal didn't want bloody revolution in his time. So, they wanted him to be a "good example" to the Filipinos so that the people will not revolt against the Americans. Rizal became a National Hero because he passed the criteria by being a National Hero during the American period.

BUT WHY NOT ANDRES BONIFACIO?

The answer to that question are as follows:

1. Recommended by the US Governor Taft.

The Americans through the American Governor William Howard Taft recommended to the Philippine Commission, which was sponsored by the US, to declare Jose Rizal as a National Hero for the Filipinos. The Americans recommended Rizal because of the fact that he was executed by the Spaniards and of his peaceful way to achieve liberty. Unlike Andres Bonifacio whose desire to achieve independence for his native land required armed approach. The Americans deemed this approach to independence of Andres Bonifacio to be unacceptable and may inspire other Filipinos to rebel against American rule. This is why Jose Rizal was chosen over him as the national hero. Jose Rizal was declared as the greatest Filipino hero during the American colonization after Aguinaldo led armed forces were subdued during the Philippine-American war.

2. December 30 as National Day of Mourning.

General Emilio Aguinaldo was the first one to declare December 30 as a National Day of Mourning in honor of Rizal and others who have died fighting the Spanish tyranny.

3. Pen as mightier than the sword.

The Philippine revolution led by Andres Bonifacio was fueled by the writings of Jose Rizal, the Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, which made a more lasting impression. This is one of the best arguments of those who believe that Rizal is rightfully the national hero. Rizal was truly an inspiration to many Filipinos during the Spanish period. According to the historian Rafael Palma, Rizal was more deserving of the national hero title. Rizal was even thought to have suggested that Antonio Luna leads the revolutionary forces since Luna has studied military science which was a brilliant idea to lessen casualties against the powerhouse Spanish militia. Rizal believed that only an army that was well prepared and had enough arms would ensure victory.

4. Founder of La Liga Filipina

Jose Rizal founded the La Liga Filipina, a civic organization that led to the creation of the Katipunan headed by Andres Bonifacio. This fact may already substantiate that Rizal's title was deserving since without the La Liga Filipina, Andres Bonifacio and his army would have been non-existent.

Everything started with Rizal. Philippine Revolution against Spain started what was known as the First Republic led by Emilio Aguinaldo.

For Rizal, violence or armed resistance only as a last resort and considered the restoration of the people's dignity as a justification means of achieving national liberation and self-rule. On the other hand, Filipinos are also grateful to Andres Bonifacio's legacy, his advocacy to an armed revolution. We credit both Rizal and Bonifacio to have awakened the Filipino's patriotic spirit.