REACTION PAPER ON THE PHILIPPINES IN THE ADVENT OF RIZAL

I. Introduction
The Filipinos were unfortunate victims during the Spanish Colonization in the
Philippines of the evils of an unjust, biased and deteriorating power controlled by an aggressive
state. Spaniards are not only in controls of politics and the church, but the education as whole.
They also made a significant transformation in the economic, political and social structures in the
country emerged.

II. Conflict / Argument

Based on chapter two, The Philippines in the Advent of Rizal. The economic condition of
the Philippines in 1815 in the termination of galleon trade was taken to action. Foreign trade
flourished and eventually led to an increase in the country’s non Spanish European Residents.
The effect of the makeovers on the country’s economic landscape benefited not only foreign
merchants but also a large number of indigenous workers and the government as a whole. This
also attracted international attention and elicited positive impressions from European traders.
Agriculture boomed extensively through financial support from foreign business firms. Lending
houses were opened giving famers the opportunity to obtain adequate funds for production. The
commercial also boom when the Chinese merchants profited as the European businessmen. The
Chinese were typically the middlemen in the provinces and engaged in the retail of imported
goods. The country’s agricultural production has expanded economic growth, providing the
opportunity for entrepreneurial natives and Chinese mestizos who owned large land holdings in
the provinces to increase their cultivation.

The defeat of Napoleon in the French – Spanish war paved the way in political conditions
for the birth of a group of political enthusiasts called liberals. They were responsible in making
rules and regulations, which produced a sounding political transformation in the Philippines. The
state was greatly affected by its affairs in the colonies. During the 19th century, the problem
faced by the Catholic Church was not altogether external and some liberal minds in the
organizations began to sprout. The anticlerical attitude of the liberals was generally direct against
the Spanish clergy. Generally, native priests were assigned as assistants and the clamor of some
native priests for equality gradually emerged. While the social conditions, economic
development brought a massive change in the social atmosphere in the Philippines. The ensuing
developments elevated both the social and economic status of middle class who gradually
formed into a new breed of Filipino elite. They are the first one that stands against the Spanish
government; during that time Filipinos were easily manipulated and threatened by them; and
there were no equal rights between them.

III. Conclusion / Reaction

The Spanish colonization taught us that no matter how you are maltreated by others stand
and fight for what is right to achieve the real freedom as long as you are not stepping others
shoes. We are what we are, because of the past the memories that shaped and taught us about our
past experiences. They were what they were for their own experiences.

Ma. Janelle S. Go BSAR – 5B

 REACTION PAPER ON THE MAKING OF RIZAL LAW

I. Introduction
Jose Rizal’s life and work is a mandated subject in both public and private schools in all
colleges and universities. Particularly his novels the Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo are
inspiring sources of nationalism and patriotism in which Filipino youths should also recognize
and put into practice. But it has been a debate in the senate before the law has been approved and
implemented. It is one of the most controversial events that happened in the history of Philippine
Legislation. Because there are people who defended the bill and there are also people who are
against of the approval and implementation of Rizal Law.

II. Conflict / Argument

The conflict / argument based on making the Rizal Law or the Senate Bill No. 438, it has
been a passionate debate among the members of the senate. For about a month, the nation was in
a state of division and heated argumentation between the supporters and contradictors of the said
legislative act. When Senator Jose P. Laurel who was the Committee On Education took the
sponsorship of the Rizal Bill, he and Claro M. Recto defended the bill in the deliberation. Their
reason in pushing for the enactment of the Rizal Law is to appreciate the works of Rizal and to
be able to see us, honoring not only Rizal but also our heroes who died for the sake of our
freedom against the invader. The main antagonist was the Catholic Bishops and supporters who
had uncompromising adherence to their religious faith. They also prepared pastoral letter calling
the members of the Catholic Churches to reject the bill.

Fr. Horacio De La Costa wrote the pastoral letter for the bishops in 1952, articulating
their standpoint on Rizal. There are five drafts containing many passages of his originals, but
with significant differences at times. The name of the different drafts is A, B, C, D and E
(Schumacher, 2011). The Bishops are against it because the virtues on Rizal contradict the
statement made them during the height of Rizal controversy.

III. Conclusion / Reaction

In conclusion on the Senate Bill No. 438, as Senator Recto stated on his stand against the
claim of the detractors that the novel were inimical to the Catholic Faith. The bill did not intend
to destroy the Catholic Church image but only to remind the ideals of freedom and nationalism
for which our heroes lived and died. Appreciating is one of the things that we must have because
it is a way of a thanksgiving. Also appreciating the works and sacrifices of our heroes by
applying them in our daily lives, and fighting for what is right and what we believe as long as we
are not stepping others shoes.

Ma. Janelle S. Go BSAR – 5B