Arvin C.

Magno

Life and works of Rizal

PACEM Missionaries

Dra. Ma. Bella T. Tolentino

A Heros Patriotic Deed.

El Filibusterismo was written in dedication to the three martyred priests Mariano Gomez,
Jose Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora, whose deaths left an indelible mark in his mind. Like Noli Me
Tangere, Fili aims at enlightening the society, at bringing the Filipinos closer to the truth. But
whereas in the first novel, we are encouraged to ask and aspire for change and liberation, in this
novel, the society is urged to open its eyes to reality and rebel against the Spanish government
for its oppression and abuse.
Rizal El Filibusterismo message is very clear, that the system of government during the
Spanish colonial period in the Philippines is run by corrupt officials led by the friars which can
lead to downfall of Spain. This point was stressed by Simoun in the novel when he said Whats
a guy to do when he was denied justice? Take the law into his own hands or wait for Spain to
give him the right. The nature and operation of government is pictured as intelligent, generous,
hardworking, courageous and honest citizens were driven into opposition, crime and destruction.
The Spanish colonial government for Rizal was arbitrary, cruel and lacking the sense of justice
and responsibility, there is no interest in people under care. Rizal described the government in a
very negative way, his picture of the friars in El Filibusterismo. Rizal painted it as abused their
power for the following reasons, to satisfy their tastes for evil, to maintain their control of
education, to rob men of their land, and to seek their own interests. Rizal did not devote her
fellow Filipinos from his criticism of the regime. He condemned them for their greed, corruption,
hypocrisy and cowardice, which contributed so much abuse of the civil officials and friars which
was another message communicated by Rizal. The course of action is for the Filipinos to initiate
action if Spain does not listen to his warnings. As a people we will be united and dont surrender
that we Filipino people may eventually choose to die rather than endure the misery any longer
because violent means to effect change in order to achieve their goals. Rizals counter attack
against the Spanish colonial government was through writing novels. From there, he freely
expressed his angst and resentfulness to the Spanish government. It was indeed a patriotic deed
which showed how much he loved his own country. By so doing, he earned a distinction of being
one of the greatest Philippines national heroes.