Meringuez, Alec Jandrylle M.

August 31,2020
D11A
The Philippines During the Time of Rizal

During the time of Rizal, the sinister shadows of Spain’s decadence darkened the
Philippine skies. It all started during the time of King Ferdinand VIII (1808-1833) and the
instability of colonial Administration. There is a frequent shifting of policies owing to struggle
between Liberalism and Despotism. The Liberalism which stood for the freedom of every
individuals and equality. Despotism was defined as a situation in which a ruler has absolute
power. There were so many corrupt colonial officials, including Gen. Rafael de Isquerdo who
executed GOMBURZA in 1872. Admiral Jose Malcampo a good Moro fighter but was an
incompetent and weak administrator. There is also no Human Rights for the Filipinos. The
freedom of speech, freedom of press, freedom of association, and other human rights are being
denied to the Filipinos in Asia. There is no equality before the law. Filipinos were abused,
brutalized, persecuted, and slandered. Justice was costly, partial and slow. Poor Filipinos has no
access to the courts. Racial Discrimination, Spaniards called Filipinos with black-skinned and flat
nosed “Indios”. Filipinos during this time, don’t have enough knowledge to rise their own
country. Filipino males from 16 to 60 years old were obliged to render forced labor for 40 days
a year. These people are forced to work in the construction of churches, schools, hospitals,
buildings, roads, bridges, ships etc.

10 Conditions why people during this time easily be considered as hero:

• They died fighting for their country.

• Contributed to the quality life and destiny of the nation.
• Contributing in the community through discovering new for science.
Ex: Jayme Navarro, a Filipino inventor from Bacolod discovered a surprising way
to convert plastic bags into usable fuel, namely gasoline, diesel, and kerosene
• Contributed to the system of life of freedom and order for a nation.
• Thinks of the future, especially the future generations.
• Influenced other people on his age and/or the succeeding age to do right and
good.
• Aspire and struggle for the nation’s freedom.
• Service the Filipino people or the country more than him/herself.
• Showing bravery by whistle blowing the truth such as violence, corruption, and
slavery.
• Showing nationalism and patriotism to their country.