Comparing the Kartilya and the Decalogue

Readings in Philippine History W12

By Hanifa P. Abdulhalem

Andres Bonifacio had written the Dekalogo ng Katipunan, otherwise referred to as the
"Duties of the Sons of the People." It was claimed that the decalogue was supposed to be the
official lessons of the Kataas-taasan, Kagalanggalangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan
(KKK), also known as Katipunan, in the battle for the Philippines' independence from Spain.
Bonifacio nevertheless felt that his composition was lesser to the one of the fourteen lessons of
Katipunero's guidelines to live with the moral and the principles of Kartilya ng Katipunan.
Rather than his own, Bonifacio picked the work of Jacinto.

In addressing this issue, I am highly convinced that in the times of revolution, the
Kartilya ng Katipunan better matches the interests of the Philippine society. In our present times,
however, the "Decalogue of the Duties of the Sons of the People" is more appropriate. Compared to the
decalogue, the Kartiliya ng Katipunan was more civilized, rational and extensive. The idea of
virtuous life has been demonstrated as teachings for self-reflection rather than as straight
prescriptions. It emphasized that it was internal attributes, not exterior ones, which make human
grandeur. The Kartilya ng Katipunan has fourteen teachings detailing not just the worldview of
Katipunan, but also the ideal of a Philippine nation which is both democratic and morally
upright. The Decalogue of the Duties of the Sons of the People, on the other hand, contained only
10 points and was concerned, principally, with one's tasks towards God, country, family, and
neighbour.

To further elaborate, Kartilya ng Katipunan is a set of principles that underline how

everyone of us ought to live by and make the most of excellent ideas. I think the Kartilya ng
Katipunan has changed the concept that all Filipino folks are behaving completely unacceptably.
Katipunan was not merely a freedom organization for the Philippines. They developed on an
ideological and political basis formed by men and women who, due to their love of the country
and people, dedicated themselves. The same as the great Jose Rizal, who insisted on Filipinos to
think rationally, this array of rules was established to let people understand everything they
deserve to be aware of to improve their standard of living.

The road back to the past is a long and difficult trek to liberation. The price is steep for
courage and integrity. At that time, people thought the day of true independence would remain a
myth for eternity. Thus, Filipinos were galvanized to combat for their own, through Kartilya ng
Katipunan. It has become a pledge that almost every Katipunero must fulfill to make a
commitment to a change for the nation.