Manifesto To Certain Filipinos
by Jose Rizal
Manifesto To Certain Filipinos
by Jose Rizal
FELLOW COUNTRYMEN:
Upon my return from Spain I learned that my name was being used as a rallying cry by some who had taken up arms. This information surprised and grieved me but thinking that the whole affair was finished, I refrained from commenting on something that could no longer be remedied. Now, rumors reach me that the disturbances have not ceased. It may be that persons continue to use my name in good or in bad faith; if so, wishing to put a stop to this abuse and to undeceive the gullible, I hasten to address these lines to you that the truth may be known.
From the very beginning, when I first received information of what was being planned, I opposed it, I fought against it, and I made clear that it was absolutely impossible. This is the truth, and they are still alive who can bear witness to my words. I was convinced that the very idea was wholly absurd worse than absurd it was disastrous. I did more than this. When later on, in spite of my urgings, the uprising broke out, I came forward voluntarily to offer not only my services but my life and even my good name in order that they may use me in any manner they may think opportune to smother the rebellion.
For I was convinced of the evils which that rebellion would bring in its train, and so I considered I have given many proofs that I desire as much as the next man liberties for our country; I continue to desire them. But I laid down as a prerequisite the education of the people in order that by means of such instruction, and by hard work, they may acquire a personality of their own and so become worthy of such liberties.
In my writings I have recommended study and the civic virtues, without which no redemption is possible. I have also written (and my words have been repeated by others) that reforms, if they are to bear fruit, must come from above, for reforms that come from below are upheavals both violent and transitory. Thoroughly imbued with these ideas, I cannot do less than condemn, as I do condemn, this ridiculous and barbarous uprising, plotted behind my back, which both dishonors us Filipinos and discredits those who might have taken our part. I abominate the crimes for which it is responsible and I will have no part in it.
With all my heart I am sorry for those who have rashly allowed themselves to be deceived. Let them, then, return to their homes, and may God pardon those who have acted in bad faith.
Rizal published a manifesto in which he voiced his opposition to the violent uprising against Spain. In order to clear up any misunderstandings. He did this to defend himself against the accusations from the Spaniards. He disavowed the exploitation of his name by some revolutionaries to advance particular ideologies. But he made clear that he wanted our nation to be free, just like any other Filipino. He wanted to achieve freedom for himself and for the people of the Philippines He published a manifesto to clear his name of all accusations, and he seeks justice not only for himself but for all Filipino citizens. He wanted freedom without causing a catastrophe.
The purpose of Rizal's manifesto was to defend himself and to explain his views to the authorities. He declared his innocence and listed all of his operations from Europe and the Philippines in it. He also stated a wish to go back to the Philippines and establish a peaceful life there. Rizal was merely trying to defend himself with his manifesto from the accusations that the Spaniard officials had been pressing on. Despite his wanting independence for the Filipino people and their country, he preferred bloodless or peaceful methods to achieve his goals.
Jose Rizal wrote a manifesto to prove his innocence. In his manifesto, Jose Rizal aimed to persuade the Filipino people to put an end to the uprising. By claiming that he was only used to recruit Filipinos to the revolution, he cleared of all charges himself of any involvement.
He was consulted regarding the proposed revolution, but he suggested that it be abandoned. By offering his services to the populace, he hoped to put an end to the rebellion. He deemed the revolution to be absurd and barbaric. Uprising was not an option at that time because the government should be the one to initiate reforms, not the people. Rizal emphasized the importance of education in bringing about social change.
Jose Rizal was debunked by himself after being charged with three offenses including rebellion, sedition, and illegal association. Jose Rizal was accused of sedition and rebellion, but he was found not guilty, and he explained all the possible causes, circumstances, and scenarios. He also claimed that his own association, which he founded, is not illegal and that this is just a misconception.
To simplify, Jose Rizal's defenses in 12 are all reasonable and informative, and he himself demonstrates that all of the accusations against him were false.
Rizal authored his manifesto both as a method of self-defense and as a way to make his thoughts and beliefs known to the appropriate authorities. In his statement, he denied any wrongdoing and provided specifics about the various commercial transactions he had been involved in throughout Europe and the Philippines. He also said that he wanted to return to the Philippines in order to begin a new life there that was less chaotic.