The Kartilya ng Katipunan which has been originally authored by Emilio Jacinto and later on

revised by Antonio Bonifacio as a Decalogue is a guidebook of rules and principles given to the new
members of the KKK.The Kartilya was made not only for the benefit of fighting for the independency of
the country against Spain. They were also made for the Katipuneros to be good members of the society
as they were written based on ethical codes and moral values. Mainly, the whole ‘Kartilya’ is composed
of morally incorporated values that pledges peace to the Katipuneros and the society they are in. They
are purposed to shape the mind of the Filipinos, for the greater good.

The pamphlet encourages self-reflection forging the people to walk the straight path. This also
shows that the members are disciplined and moral when fighting for what is just and rightful. Because of
this, the ‘Kartilya’ became one of the tools to unite the country aiming for one goal. One specific
example of this was stated in 8th statement where it said “Defend the oppressed and fight the oppressor
before the law or in the field.”. The statement never stated a subject, but it enforces the ability of the
Katipuneros to think who is oppressed in the situation they are in.

Independency against Spain was clear to the Katipuneros because they have relied heavily on
the ideology shown by the ‘Kartilya’. The Katipunan have not fought just for the sake of freedom. But
believed that fighting is for the sake of the greater good. The revolution was willed not with anger or
remorse, because of ‘Kartilya’, they are united by a moral, ethical and based on God perception for what
is considered right.