Lesson 5 - Rizal's Life: Exile, Trial and Death Flashcards
What is the suggested activity related to Doña Teodora Alonso and Governor General Polavieja?
The suggested activity is to read Doña Teodora Alonso’s letter to Governor General Polavieja and then write a similar letter persuading him to spare Rizal’s life.
Why did Rizal return to the Philippines for the second time in June 1892?
Rizal’s second homecoming in June 1892 was due to his firm belief that the battleground was in the Philippines
What did Rizal tell his European compatriots regarding his return?
Rizal told his European compatriots that when he returned home, they should meet there
When did Rizal and his sister Lucia arrive in Manila, and what did Rizal do shortly after his arrival
Rizal and his sister Lucia arrived in Manila on June 26, 1892, at 12:00 nn. At 4 pm on the same day, he went to Malacañang Palace to seek advice from the Spanish Governor General, General Eulogio Despujol
How were Rizal’s discussions with Governor General Despujol described?
The discussions between Rizal and Governor General Despujol had been quite informal at their previous meetings
What did Rizal do on June 27 and 28, 1892, after arriving in Manila
Rizal boarded a train in Tutuban Station at 6 pm on June 27, 1892, to visit his friends in Malolos, San Fernando, Tarlac, and Bacolor. He returned to Manila by train the following day, June 28, at 5 pm.
What did Rizal’s founding of the La Liga Filipina represent?
Rizal’s founding of the La Liga Filipina upon his return to the Philippines in July 1892 represented a step forward in the reformist ideas of the time, as the new group sought to involve the people directly in the reform movement.
What was the “Liga Filipina”?
The “Liga Filipina” was a league or association that sought to unite all Filipinos of good character for concerted action toward economic advancement of their country, for a higher standard of manhood, and to ensure opportunities for education and development for talented Filipino youth.
What means of resistance did the Liga Filipina encourage
The Liga Filipina encouraged resistance to oppression through legal means, believing that no one could fairly complain about bad government until he had exhausted all of the legal resources available to him
What teaching of Rizal did the Liga Filipina express?
The founding of the Liga Filipina was another expression of Rizal’s constant teaching that slaves, those who toadied to power, and men without self-respect made possible and fostered tyranny, abuses, and disregard of the rights of others.
Who were some of the members drawn to the Liga Filipina?
Many members of society seeking change were drawn to the Liga, including Andres Bonifacio, who became one of the organization’s founders.
What were the stated goals of the Liga Filipina according to its constitution drafted by Rizal?
The Liga’s goals were: to consolidate the inter archipelago into a single compact, vigorous, and homogeneous body; mutual protection in all times of need; defense against all forms of violence and injustice; and encouragement of education, agriculture and commerce and research and implementation of reforms.
How did Rizal envision the Liga Filipina functioning?
Rizal envisioned the league as a sort of mutual aid and self-help society, dispensing scholarship funds and legal aid, lending capital, and establishing cooperatives.
What was the reaction of the Spanish authorities to the formation of the Liga Filipina?
The Spanish authorities were so alarmed by the Liga Filipina that they arrested Rizal on July 6, 1892, just four days after the Liga was formed.
Where did Rizal explain the goals of the Liga Filipina to patriots?
On July 3, 1892, following his morning interview with Governor General Despujol, Rizal attended a meeting with patriots at the home of the Chinese-Filipino mestizo, Doroteo Ongjunco, on Ylaya street, Tondo, Manila, on the evening of Sunday, where he explained the goals of the Liga Filipina.
Who were the elected officers of the Liga Filipina?
The elected officers of the new league were: President Ambrosio Salvador, Deodato Arellano (Secretary), Agustin de la Rosa (Treasurer), and Bonifacio Arevalo (Fiscal).
What is the motto of the Liga Filipina?
The Liga Filipina’s motto is Unus Instar Omnium (One Like All)
What was the governing body of the Liga Filipina, and what was its structure?
The Supreme Council was the league’s governing body, with jurisdiction over the entire country. It was made up of a president, a secretary, a treasurer, and a fiscal. There was also a Provincial Council in each province and a popular council in each town.
What were some of the responsibilities of the legal members of the Liga Filipina?
The legal members’ responsibilities included: to obey the Supreme Council’s orders; to assist in recruiting new members; to keep the legal authorities the session strictly confidential; to have a symbolic name that he cannot change until he becomes president of his council; to report to the fiscal anything he hears that affects the Liga; to behave well as befits a good Filipino; and to help fellow members in any way.
What question did the governor general ask Rizal during their last meeting regarding British North Borneo?
During Rizal’s last meeting with the governor general, he was asked if he still supported his plan for a Filipino colony in British North Borneo.
What did Rizal previously communicate to Despujol about this plan?
Rizal wrote Despujol when he was in Hongkong that he should be allowed to build a Filipino Colony in British North Borneo
What was Despujol’s previous stance on Rizal’s plan for a colony in British North Borneo?
Despujol had previously stated that with so much Philippine land lying idle due to lack of cultivation, it did not seem patriotic to divert labor needed at home to the development of a foreign land.
How did Rizal respond to the governor general’s question during their last meeting about the Borneo plan?
Rizal responded by stating that he found no reason to change his original viewpoints this time, alluding to his previous arguments about the government’s difficulty with land problems and the bitterness between tenants and former renters
What did the Governor General claim to have discovered in Rizal’s luggage?
The General took five small sheets of the “Poor Friars” handbill from his desk, claiming they had been discovered in the roll of bedding sent with Rizal’s baggage to the custom house.
How did Rizal respond to the claim about the “Poor Friars” handbill?
Rizal responded that the bedding belonged to his sister Lucia and that she was not foolish enough to hide five small papers in a place where they were certain to be discovered.
When was Rizal arrested and exiled to Dapitan, and what overshadowed the Liga Filipina shortly after?
Rizal was arrested and exiled to Dapitan three days after the Liga Filipina was founded, which would be around July 9, 1892 (Liga founded on July 6th). The Liga would soon be overshadowed by The Kataas-taasang Kagalang-galang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan, which was formally established a day after Rizal’s arrest, July 7, 1892, by people who were members of the Liga, led by Andres Bonifacio. This society had been planned since January 1892
Where and when was Rizal exiled?
Rizal was exiled in Dapitan, Zamboanga Del Norte, a remote town in Mindanao, from 1892 to 1896.
What kind of life did Rizal lead in Dapitan?
Jose led a very peaceful, happy, and enjoyable life in Dapitan, and the way he lived it was admirable and worthy of imitation
What were some of Rizal’s activities and accomplishments during his exile in Dapitan?
- Continued his artistic and literary works.
- Established a boy’s school.
- Invented a wooden machine for making bricks
- Improved the town plaza by incorporating a large relief map of Mindanao “Liwasan ng Dapitan”
- Developed a water system for Dapitan
- Drained the marshes to reduce the occurrences of Malaria
- Established the Cooperative Association of the Dapitan farmers to break the Chinese monopoly, aiming to improve farm products, obtain better outlets, collect funds, and assist producers by establishing a store
- Invented the “sulpukan,” a wooden cigarette lighter that worked on the principle of compressed air, which he gave to Blumentritt as a gift
How did Rizal feel despite his achievements in Dapitan?
Despite his achievements in Dapitan, Jose felt empty and longed to be with his family, relatives, and friends, feeling that he needed someone to re-energize him
Who was Josephine Bracken, and what was her relationship with Rizal?
Josephine Bracken was a sweet 18-year-old Irish girl who arrived in Dapitan and cheered Rizal up. Jose and Josephine fell in love and decided to marry, though no priest was willing to marry them. They joyfully shared each other’s lives in Dapitan even without the blessing of the church.
Did Rizal and Josephine Bracken have a child?
Yes, Josephine was expecting a child, but the baby only lived for 3 hours. Rizal named his son “Francisco” in honor of his father.
When was the Katipunan established, and what was its nature?
On July 7, 1892, Andres Bonifacio established the Kataastaasang Kagalang-galang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan, which was a revolutionary society, and they staged an armed revolt in 1896
Who was tasked to inform Rizal of the Katipunan’s plans, and what was the cover for their visit?
Dr. Pio Valenzuela was given the task of informing Jose Rizal of their plans. To keep his assignment a secret, Dr. Pio was accompanied by Raymundo Mata, a blind man, to seek Jose’s medical advice.
What was Rizal’s opinion on the Katipunan’s plans for revolution?
José was opposed to the courageous and shocking appraising of the Katipuneros. He was convinced they were unprepared for a revolution, lacking the necessary weapons and funds, and that it would only result in the deaths of many of his countrymen. He also declined Katipunero’s offer to save him.
What did Blumentritt inform Rizal about, and what did he encourage Rizal to do?
Several months before the Katipuneros contacted Jose, Blumentritt informed him of the dire health situation in war-torn Cuba, specifically the yellow fever epidemic, and encouraged him to volunteer as an army doctor there to end his exile.
What action did Rizal take based on Blumentritt’s advice?
On the advice of a friend, Jose sent a letter to Governor General Ramon Blanco on December 17, 1895, offering his medical services in Cuba. He was about to give up hope when he didn’t hear back for months
What was the Spanish Governor’s response to Rizal’s offer?
On July 30, 1896, Rizal received a letter from the Spanish Governor informing him of his proposal, which surprised him. According to the letter, he would be allowed to travel to Manila, where he would be given safe passage to Spain and then to Cuba.
When did Rizal leave Dapitan, and what was the sentiment of the townspeople?
Jose Rizal emotionally left a town he had grown to love on July 31, 1896. Many teary-eyed Dapitan residents gathered on the beach to say their final goodbyes to him
What event occurred in August 1896, and how did Rizal react to it?
On August 26, 1896, Andres Bonifacio and his Katipuneros cried out in the hills of Balintawak. Rizal feared that the raging insurgency would result in a great deal of suffering and heinous destruction. He was also concerned about the possibility of Spanish retaliation against all Filipino patriots. During this time, Rizal received two letters from Governor General Blanco exonerating him from the insurgency
When did Rizal leave for Spain, and under what circumstances was he apprehended?
Jose’s last trip abroad was on September 3, 1896, when he left for Spain, troubled by the Katipuneros’ violent attempt to overthrow the Spanish government. Before reaching Barcelona, he was unexpectedly apprehended and unlawfully detained as a prisoner on a Spanish steamer.
When did Rizal arrive back in Manila as a prisoner, and where was he transferred?
The ship Colon arrived in Manila on November 3, 1896, and Rizal was transferred to Fort Santiago from the ship.
When did the preliminary investigation against Rizal begin?
The preliminary investigation began on November 20
What happened on December 13th regarding the governance of the Philippines?
General Camilo G. de Polavieja was appointed Governor General of the Philippines on December 13th.
When were the charges read to Rizal, and what were the main accusations against him?
On December 1, 1896, charges were read to Jose in his prison cell with his lawyer by his side. He was accused of being the principal organizer and the living soul of the Filipino insurgency, the founder of societies, periodicals and books dedicated to fomenting and propagating ideas of rebellion.
What were some of the recommendations made by Pena after studying Rizal’s case papers?
Pena made the following recommendations: the accused be brought to trial immediately; he be kept in prison; an order of attachment be issued against his property in the amount of 1 million pesos as indemnity; and he be represented in court by an army officer rather than a civilian lawyer.
What was Rizal’s defense against these accusations?
Rizal did not object to the court’s jurisdiction but claimed that he was not a revolutionary. He acknowledged that he drafted the Liga Filipina’s constitution, emphasizing that it was merely a civic alliance. He also reiterated that he was not involved in politics during his exile to Dapitan.
When did the trial of Rizal take place?
The trial of Rizal took place on December 26, 1896.
How was Rizal’s trial characterized?
Rizal’s trial was a powerful example of Spanish injustice and misrule. It was clearly a mistrial, as he was tried by a military court made up of alien military officers despite being a civilian. His case was prejudged, and he was deemed guilty before the trial even began. The military court convened to accuse and condemn him, not to provide him with justice, accepting all charges and testimonies against him while ignoring arguments and proofs in his favor
What efforts were made by Rizal’s defense?
Lieutenant Luis Taviel de Andrade, Rizal’s counsel, worked tirelessly to persuade the members of the military court not to sentence the accused to death. Jose’s defense council also worked hard to present a convincing defense, concluding by reminding the judges to be fair and avoid vindictiveness
What were some of the key points Rizal raised in his defense supplement?
Rizal’s defense included points such as:
* As testified by Pio Valenzuela, Rizal was against rebellion.
* He had not written a letter addressed to the Katipunan comprising revolutionary elements.
* Without his knowledge, his name was used by the Katipunan.
* If he was guilty, he could have escaped while in Singapore or during his exile.
* If he was the leader of the revolution, the revolutionists should have consulted him.
* He did not deny writing the by-laws of the La Liga Filipina, but it was a civic association, not revolutionary.
* The Liga Filipina was banished because of his exile and did not last long.
* If the Liga was reorganized, he had no idea about it.
* If the Liga had a revolutionary purpose, then Katipunan should not have been organized.
* Any bitter atmosphere in his letters was due to the persecution of his family.
* He lived an exemplary life in Dapitan, attested by politico-military commanders and missionary priests.
* If his speech at Doroteo Ongjunco’s house inspired the revolution, he wanted to confront those witnesses, and the Katipunan sent an unfamiliar emissary because his friends knew he never advocated violence
What was the outcome of Rizal’s trial?q
Jose’s appeal was dismissed by the bias military court. The members agreed to convict Jose and sentence him to death after a brief deliberation. On December 26, 1896, the unjust military court decision was handed down to Governor General Camilo de Polavieja, who sought the opinion of Judge Advocate General Nicolas de la Pena, who confirmed the death sentence. On December 28, 1896, Governor General Camilo de Polavieja signed the decision of the court martial to execute Jose Rizal.
What was the date and time of Rizal’s execution?
Rizal was to be executed by shooting him at 7:00 a.m. on the 30th of December, 1896, in the Bagumbayan field (now Luneta)
How did Rizal spend his last hours after learning of the death sentence?
After learning of the court martial’s unjust decision, Jose spent the next 24 hours seeing and speaking with friends, family, and Josephine Bracken.
What did Teodora Alonso do on December 28, 1896?
On December 28, 1896, Teodora Alonso wrote the Governor-General asking for clemency for her son.
What did Rizal do in the prison chapel and in his cell after the death penalty was read?
Jose chose to spend quiet moments in the prison chapel. When left alone in his cell, he turned to writing, composing letters to his brother Paciano and his best friend Dr. Ferdinand Blumentritt
What did Rizal give to Josephine Bracken before his execution?
Rizal gave a small book to Josephine Bracken
What was the content of Rizal’s last letter to Blumentritt?
Rizal’s last letter to Blumentritt, written from Fort Santiago on December 29, 1896, stated: “My dear Brother, When you receive this letter, I shall be dead. Tomorrow at seven, I shall be shot; but I am innocent of the crime of rebellion. I die with a tranquil conscience. Farewell, my best, my dearest friend, and never think ill of me! Jose Rizal Regards to the whole family, to Sra. Rosa, Loleng, Conradito, and Frederico.” On the margin, Rizal also wrote: “I leave a book for you as a souvenir.”
Describe Rizal’s final march to his execution.
By 6:30 of the morning of Dec. 30, Rizal, dressed in a black suit with a white vest, began his march to the field of his execution in Bagumbayan, from his prison cell in Fort Santiago. He was accompanied by his military-appointed counsel Lt. Taviel de Andrade, and Fathers Estanislao March and Jose Villaclara. Holding a rosary in his right hand, Rizal was tied at the elbows as his group walked behind four advance guards armed with bayonets
Who composed the firing squad, and what is a historical account regarding the bullets used?
Historical accounts showed that six to eight Filipino volunteer troops composed the firing squad designated by Spanish authorities to execute Rizal. A descendant of one of the executioners related that only one of the rifles was loaded with a live bullet while the rest were blanks, supposedly to ease the guilt of Rizal’s executioners who knew he was innocent. Another group of peninsular troops also stood behind them as an additional measure
What were Rizal’s requests regarding his execution, and were they granted?
Rizal refused to be blindfolded and insisted on facing his executioners, but this was denied. He wanted to show he was no traitor and was willing to die for his country
What was Dr. Felipe Ruiz Castillo’s observation of Rizal before his execution?
Dr. Felipe Ruiz Castillo, who took Rizal’s vital signs before the execution, was amazed to find that the national hero was calm and unafraid.
What were Rizal’s final moments and words?
Upon hearing the squad commander’s shout of “Fuego (Fire),” Rizal turned to face the firing squad. Rizal fell face up and was able to see the dawn breaking before he uttered in his final breath: “Consummatum est (It is finished).” The Cadiz March played, and at 7:03 am he was declared dead.
Where was Rizal initially buried?
Rizal was initially brought to San Juan de Dios Hospital and then buried in Paco Cemetery.
What restrictions were placed on his burial in Paco Cemetery?
No visitors were allowed in the cemetery, and the exact location of the interment was kept secret. A marble slab, bearing the initials of Rizal in reversed order (“R.P.J.”), was placed on his grave
Is there a record of Rizal’s burial?
Yes, there is a Burial Record of Rizal in the Paco register.
