Nablo, Vincent C.

BSBA – MANAGEMENT GECRPH-18 1FM-2

The concepts of reform and revolution bring about the idea of social change and innovation. The
key difference between the two processes lies in the way in which goals are achieved.
Reforms usually imply that changes are made to the existing structure – mainly the government
structure – while revolution often entails the complete disruption and the radical change of the status
quo. Reform and revolution aim at changing (generally improving) political and social conditions of
groups of individuals.
During the 19th century, however, an educated Filipino middle class emerged and with it a
desire for Philippine independence. Opposition before 1872 was primarily confined to the Filipino clergy,
who resented the Spanish monopoly of power within the Roman Catholic Church in the islands. In that
year the abortive Cavite Mutiny, a brief uprising against the Spanish, served as an excuse for renewed
Spanish repression.
Reform-minded Filipinos took refuge in Europe, where they carried on a literary campaign
known as the Propaganda Movement. Dr. José Rizal quickly emerged as the leading Propagandist. His
novel Noli me tangere, exposed the corruption of Manila Spanish society and stimulated the movement
for independence.
By 1892 it became obvious that Spain was unwilling to reform its colonial government. Andres
Bonifacio, a self-educated warehouse clerk, organized a secret revolutionary society, the Katipunan, in
Manila. Membership grew to an estimated 100,000 by August 1896, when the Spaniards discovered its
existence. Bonifacio immediately issued a call for armed rebellion. The Spanish then arrested Rizal, who
had advocated reform but never condoned the revolution. Rizal’s public execution, on December 30,
1896, so enraged and united Filipinos as to make permanent retention of power by Spain clearly
impossible.
In March 1897 leadership of the revolution passed to a young general, Emilio Aguinaldo, who
had Bonifacio shot for alleged sedition. Aguinaldo proved incapable of militarily defeating the Spanish
troops, who were augmented by Filipino mercenaries. In the later months of 1897, Aguinaldo’s
revolutionary army was pushed into the mountains southeast of Manila.

On December 15, 1897, the pact of Biak-na-Bato was proclaimed. Though its precise terms have
been a matter of impassioned debate ever since, the pact brought a temporary end to the Philippine
Revolution. Aguinaldo and other revolutionary leaders accepted exile in Hong Kong and 400,000 pesos,
plus Spanish promises of substantial governmental reforms, in return for laying down their arms. Neither
side executed the terms of the pact in good faith. Aguinaldo used the money to purchase arms in Hong
Kong, and the Spanish reneged on the promised reforms.

Reflection:
As a Filipino, I will choose Reform over Revolution because it brings innovative and improved
changes. It also follows with peaceful approach to establish change. I always think of good ways rather
than violent approach when it comes in choosing the best way to communicate whenever there’s a
misunderstanding. Like at home. Home is my first school and my parents are teaching me to have good
manners to have a peaceful life without enemies.