Manifiesto A Algunos Filipinos (excerpts)

José Rizal
Real Fuerza de Santiago
15 December 1896
“Upon my return from Spain I learned that my name was being used as a
rallying cry by some who had taken up arms…if so, wishing to put a stop to
this abuse.”
“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.”
“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.”
“this ridiculous and barbarous uprising.”
“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.”
Advocate Judge Nicolas Dela Peña’s
recommendation to suppress the
publication of the Manifesto:

“The manifesto can be summarized in these

words: Faced with a clear prospect of
defeat, my fellow countrymen, lay down
your arms; later on, I will lead you to the
promised land.”
J. Rizal to F. Blumentritt
26 January 1887

“A peaceful struggle shall always be a dream, for

Spain will never learn the lesson of her South
American colonies. Spain cannot learn what
England and the United States have learned. But,
under the present circumstances, we do not want
separation from Spain. All that we ask is greater
attention, better education, better government
[officials], one or two representatives [in
parliament], and greater security for persons and
our properties. Spain could always win the
appreciation of Filipinos if she were only
reasonable.”
J. Rizal to F. Blumentritt
21 February 1887

“The Filipinos had long wished for Hispanization and

they were wrong in aspiring for it. It is Spain and not
the Philippines who ought to wish for the assimilation
of the country.”
J. Rizal to F. Blumentritt
19 June 1887

“I assure you that I have no desire to take part in

conspiracies which seem to me very premature and
risky. But if the government drives us to the brink,
that is to say, when no other hope remains but seek
our destruction in war, when the Filipinos would
prefer to die rather than endure their misery any
longer, then I will also become a partisan of violent
means. The choice of peace or destruction is in the
hands of Spain, because it is a clear fact, known to
all that we are patient, excessively patient and
peaceful, mild, unfeeling, etc. But everything ends
in this life, there is nothing eternal in the world and
that refers also to our patience.”
Fragments of J. Rizal’s Letters in Europe (Sgd.
as Laong Laan)
October 1891(?)
• “If our countrymen are counting on us here in
Europe, they are very much mistaken…The
battlefield is the Philippines: There is where we
should meet…there we will help one another,
there together we will suffer or triumph
perhaps. The majority of our compatriots in
Europe are afraid, they flee from the fire, and they
are brave only so long as they are in a peaceful
country! The Philippines should not count on
them; she should depend on her own strength.”