NAME: DE LA CRUZ, LIENELLE RPHIST1

SECTION: BAD INSTRUCTOR: ALEXANDER KILLIP JR.

1. What are the reasons of the prominent historians in affirming the authenticity
of Rizal's retraction?
- Renowned Philippine historians including Nick Joaquin, Nicolas Zafra of UP,
Leon Maria Guerrero III, Gregorio Zaide, Guillermo Gomez Rivera, Ambeth
Ocampo, John Schumacher, Antonio Molina, Paul Dumol, and Austin Craig
supported the retraction of the Rizal's claims. They accept the retraction
paper as authentic since Teodoro Kalaw, a leading authority on Rizal's
writings, and the handwriting specialists Otley Beyer and Dr. Jose Del
Rosario have determined it to be such. The throng who witnessed Rizal kiss
the crucifix prior to his execution, as well as the 11 eyewitnesses who were
present when he wrote his retraction, signed a Catholic prayer book, and
repeated Catholic prayers, are also mentioned by historians. Fr. Rizal is a
great grandnephew of Rizal. According to Marciano Guzman, 12 historians
and writers, including Aglipayan bishops, Masons, and anti-clericals, as well
as 5 eyewitnesses, 10 credible witnesses, 7 newspapers, and Rizal himself,
all endorsed his four confessions. One of the witnesses, who was held in
great regard by Rizal for his integrity, was the president of the Spanish
Supreme Court at the time of his notarized declaration. Professor emeritus
of history at UP Nicolas Zafra believes that this direct evidence is stronger
than purely circumstantial evidence when seen in the context of the
historical process called retraction.

2. What are the proofs used to defend the authenticity of Rizal’s retraction?
- Father Manuel Garcia, C.M., made the discovery of the arguments that were
used to support the veracity of Rizal's retractions. This wasn't available for
public viewing until May 13, 1935. Fr. discovered it. At the Manila archive of
the Catholic hierarchy was Manuel A. Gracia. The following witnesses, who I
mentioned in my first response, were physically present in the area where
Rizal was detained. Their narrative is lucid and contains details that call
into question the validity and dependability of earlier primary sources on
which earlier narratives were based. The source of information appears to be
a credible eyewitness.

3. What possible reasons could have pushed Jose Rizal to write his retraction
document according to those who believe that he really retracted?
- According to those who thought Rizal did recant, one motivation could be to
spare his family from the oppression and persecution of Spanish friars. Rizal
may have experienced difficulties when signing the retraction or revocation,
having his family members subjected to more injustices. The letter may have
seemed to him to be the only means of achieving his goal because he
believed that his death would bring an end to the persecution of his country.
Second, so that Rizal and Josephine might be granted legal status as a
married pair by the Spanish friars. Even though he would still be put to
death, he wanted to experience this marriage with Josephine. Finally, to
assist the church in regaining the respect they had lost when Rizal had
insulted them
4. What are the major arguments/issues on Rizal’s retraction?

a). The evidence of the press at the time of the incident, eyewitnesses, and other
qualified witnesses, as well as individuals who were personally involved in the
events, such as the archbishop and head of the Jesuit order

b). The primary evidence for the validity of the retraction is thought to be the
Retraction Document, which was found in 1935.

c). Witnesses have reportedly seen Dr. Rizal recite and sign Acts of Faith, Hope,
and Charity. Father Garcia also found a signed prayer book among the documents
he found with the Retraction.
▪ If this were case, Rizal would not only accept the overall teachings of the
Roman Catholic Church but also a number of ideas that he had initially denied.
▪ According to Father Balaguer's testimony, a prayer book was presented to
Rizal following the signing of the Retraction. He took the prayer book, read the acts
slowly, accepted them, and then took the pen and cried.

d). Acts of Piety performed by Rizal during his last hours as testified to by
witnesses.