READINGS IN PHILIPPINE HISTORY

DISCUSSION LEADERSHIP - GROUP 4

SCRIPT

I. INTRODUCTION AND ICEBREAKER

Lucy: A pleasant morning to everyone, we are the discussion leaders for today! First, we would
like to formally introduce ourselves.

All: *nag introduce

Lucy: Today, we will be discussing about Historical Interpretation approach, focusing on 2

historical events: The Battle of Mactan, using the primary source: The First Voyage Around
the World by Antonio Pigafetta and Rizal’s Retraction using several sources, such as Rizal
Beyond the Grave, The Great Debate, Rizal’s Unfading Glory Attested, and an Analysis
on Retraction by Rene Escalante.

Lucy: But before we proceed to the discussion, let us first have an icebreaker.

Lucy: *inexplain yung mechanics

II. DISCUSSION OF TOPICS

Lucy: To start, before we delve into the 2 historical events, let us first discuss the general
approach of this report: Historical Interpretation, its general implication, as well as its
advantages and disadvantages.

Lucy: Historical interpretation is a study of past events through the process by which we
describe, analyze, and evaluate things to further understand the happenings in the past.
Historical interpretation is a complicated process as it requires us to carefully evaluate things to
make sure that we consume only factual information.

Lucy: *discuss about the advantages and disadvantages of Historical Interpretation

Lucy: Now, let’s talk about the first historical event: The Battle of Mactan

Lucy: *Intro to Battle of Mactan

El: The Background of the Author: The first voyage around the world by Magellan is written by
Antonio Pigafetta who was a Venetian scholar and explorer, born in Vicenza, Italy, around 1940.
Pigafetta’s account is considered as one of the earliest historical accounts. Joining the
expedition of Magellan as his assistant recording their exploration and experiences and
completing his work, Pigafetta recorded the chronicles and as an eye-witness of Magellan's
circumnavigation with him out of 5 ships only one (Victoria) remained and solely 18 men out of
not more than 265 men survived.

Nicole: Moving on to the Historical Events that happened in the said account.

Nicole: Entry #50: At dawn, on March 16, 1521, Saturday. Spaniards arrived at Samar, and the
following day, the Captain-General desired to land on another island.

Entry #51: On Monday afternoon, March 18, 1521, Spaniards saw a boat with nine Filipino men,
and when Filipinos reached the shore, their chief went immediately to the captain-general,
Magellan, giving signs of joy because of the arrival of the Spaniards.

- According to this entry, it is established that the Pre-Colonial Philippines already had a
government or leader, with a Chief or also called as Datu, Rajah, and King leading the natives.

- From this entry, we can also establish that the Pre-Colonial Philippines already have a trading
system, for they saw Spaniards as potential traders, hence, why they were happy on the arrival
of the Spaniards.

- From this entry, it was also established that Filipinos are hospitable. They presented fish, a jar
of palm wine, and two coconuts to the Spaniards and promised that they would bring umay or
rice, coconuts, and other articles of foods within 4 days.

Leslie: Let us discuss the cultural aspects that were established in this account.

Leslie: Cultural:

Foods: Fish, Jar of Palm Wine orUraca, Coconuts, Rice or Umay, Milk, Oil, Oranges

Materials:
- Bamboo mat with pillows made of leaves and Pieces of gold of the size of walnuts and eggs
- Dogs, cats, swine, fowls, goats, rice, ginger, coconuts, figs, oranges, lemons, millet, panicum,
sorghum, wax (Entry #68)

Music/Instrument:
- Entry #78, revealed that 4 young girls were playing instruments (1) drum, but resting on the
ground, (2) striking 2 suspended metal disc alternately with a stick made thick at the end of
palm cloth wrapped around it (3) one large metal disc,in the same manner (4) two metal discs
held in the girl’s hand, by striking one against the other which gave a sweet sound. (Pigafetta
said that it appeared that they had great knowledge of Music.

Play
- Entry #80, youth play on pipes made out of what they call Subin

Houses
- Entry #80, houses are constructed of wood, built of planks and bamboo, raised above the
ground on large logs,and one must enter the house by the means of a ladder. Under the house,
they keep their swine, goats, and fowls.

Aswang
- Entry #95, According to Pigafetta, Every night about midnight in that city, a jet black bird as
large as a crow was wont to come, and no sooner had it reached the houses than it began to
screech, so that all the dogs began to howl; and that screeching and howling would last for four
or five hours. Filipino people would never tell the Spaniards the reason for it.

- From entry #51, it was established that Filipinos are resourceful as they use coconut trees, its
shell to derive a powder which is useful to them. To make oil, they also use the coconut by
allowing the marrowy substance and the water to putrefy, then they boil it and it becomes oil
butter. Another example is when they make vinegar, they allow the water to purify then place it
in the sub. Milk can also be made from it.
- Two coconut trees can support a family of ten persons, they utilize one tree for 8 days and the
other tree for the wine for another 8 days.
- From this entry, it was also established that Filipinos are friendly and kind, they became easily
familiar with the Spaniards. The natives told the Spaniards their names, islands, and they were
very pleasant and conservable, according to Pigafetta.
- Filipinos are Mananabong

- Boloto - Small Boat

- Balanghai - Large Boat

El: Now, let us discuss the political aspects that were established in this account.

El: Datu/Chief/Rajah/King as their Lord or Leader

- Old Man
- Tattooed
- Many gold armlets on their arms
- Naked, only with cloth woven from the bark of a tree, about their private parts and other Datus
wear cotton cloth and embroider with silk
- Olive skinned
- Fat
- Anoint themselves with coconut and beneseef oil as protection against sun and wind
- Have long black hair
- Use daggers, knives, spears ornamented with gold, large shields, focine, javelins, fishing nets.
- Kings know more languages to accommodate potential traders
- King own pieces of gold of the size of walnuts and eggs
- All the dishes of the king are of gold and also some portion of his house
- He is the most handsome man
- Two large golden earrings fastened in his ears
- At his side, hung a dagger. (Handle is also gold)
- Had three spots of gold on every tooth.
- Perfumed with Storax and Benzoin
- Rajah Colambu and Rajah Siaju (first king island is callled Butuan and Caraga)
- ESTABLISHED THAT 3GS ARE IMPORTANT FOR A DATU, GOOD, GOLD, GUN (Pigafetta
was amused on how the just randomly give golds)
- The Datu’s men carry swords, daggers, spears, and bucklers

Nicole: Now, let us discuss the unique practices of Pre-Colonial Filipinos.

Nicole: Unique Practices/Gestures:

- Before the king took the cup to drink, he raised his hands towards the sky and then forward the
people, and when he was about to drink he extended his left fist towards Pigafetta
- The make gestures to each other when they drink.
- They eat with same gestures and ceremonies.
- King kissed the hands of his guests before leaving.
- If Magellan wished to become the friend of the Datu, he should send him a drop of blood from
his right arm, and he himself would do the same, as a sign of most sincere friendship (Entry
#72)

Leslie: Now, let us discuss the economic aspect that was established on this account.

Leslie: ECONOMIC:

- On entry #65, The ports were revealed. There were three, namely, Ceylon, Cebu, and Caraga.
Cebu being the largest and the one with the most trade. (Can imply that Cebu was the strongest
among the three, which also means that the Rajah of Cebu is the strongest, which is Lapulapu.)

- Entry #81, Filipinos brought merchandise from the Spaniards. For metals, iron, and other large
merchandise they gave or paid thru Gold. For the smaller items, they gave or paid thru rice,
swine, goats, and other food. They gave 10 pieces of gold for 14 pounds of iron (1 piece is
worth About 1 and 1/2 ducats)
Lucy: Now, let us discuss the most important aspect: Religion aspect that was established on
this account.

Lucy: On entry #62, During the last of March, 1521, Easter Sunday, Magellan sent the priest
with many men to prepare for a mass, and the interpreter said to the Datu that they were
preparing for a mass and not to dine with him.
- The 2 Rajas: Colambu and Siaju got sprinkled with musk water by the captain of Spain.
- At the time of the offering, the Rajas kissed the cross but did not make any offering. When the
body of the Lord was elevated, they. Remained on their knees and worshiped God with clasped
hands.

- On entry #64, Magellan asked whether they were Moors or Heathen or what was their belief,
and they replied that they worshiped NOTHING, but they raised their clasped hands and their
face to the sky, and they called their god ABBA.
- To gain the Datu’s trust, Magellan asked whether he had any enemies, so that he would go
with his ships and destroy them and to make the enemies render obedient to the Datu. In return,
Datu thanked him. (Which can imply that the Datu already trust Magellan)

- On entry #65, The cross was placed in position and each of the Spaniards repeated a Pater
Noster and Ave Maria and adored the cross, the Rajas did the same. (Can imply that they
already starting to embrace Christianity)

- On entry #74, When Magellan was praying to God, the datu was amazed and pleasured,
Magellan saw that Filipinos took pleasure in hearing his prayers. Hence, Magellan began to
advance arguments to induce the Filipinos to accept the faith.

- On entry #74 also, the Introduction to Christianity was made. Magellan told the Filipinos how
God made heaven, earth, sea, and everything else. How God commanded us to honor our
fathers and mothers, whoever did otherwise was condemned to eternal fire, how we are all
descended from Adam and Eve, our first parents, how we possess an immortal soul, and many
other things pertaining to faith.

- On entry #75, Magellan said that if Filipinos wished to become Christians,their priest would
baptize them, and that he would next time bring priests and friars who would instruct them in our
faith. Magellan told them that they should not become Christians for fear or to please us, but of
their own free wills; and that nothing would be done against those who wished to live according
to their own law, but that the Christians would be better regarded and treated than the others.
Filipinos declared out with one voice that they were not becoming Christians through fear or to
please the Spaniards, but of their own free will.

- On entry #82, On Saturday, as Magellan had promised the Datu to make him a Christian on
Sunday, a platform was built in the consecrated square, which was adorned with hangings and
palm branches for his baptism.
- On entry #83, On Sunday morning, 14 April, the Datu said that he wished to become a
Christian, but that some of his chiefs did not wish to obey, because they said that they were as
good men as he. Then Magellan had all the chiefs of the datu called, and told them that, unless
they obeyed the king as their king, he would have them killed and would give their possessions
to the king. They replied that they would obey him. Magellan told the datu that he was going to
Spain, but that he would return again with so many forces that he would make him the greatest
king of those regions, as he had been the first to desire to become a Christian

- On entry #84, A large cross was set up in the middle of the square; Magellan told the Filipinos
that if they wished to become Christians as they had declared on the previous days, they must
burn all their idols and set up a cross in their place, they were to adore that cross daily with
clasped hands, and every morning they were to make the sign of the cross, and they ought to
come hourly, at least in the morning, to that cross, and adore it kneeling; the intention that they
had already declared, they were to confirm with good works. The datu and all the others wished
to confirm all this. Magellan baptized the Datu also 500 men were baptized before the mass.
After dinner, the baptized 800 souls, containing men, women, and children.

- On entry #89, Magellan asked the datu and the other people why they did not burn their idols
as they had promised when they became Christians, and why they sacrificed so much flesh to
them. They replied that they were not doing it for themselves, but for a sick man who had not
spoken for four days, so that the idols might give him health. He was the prince’s brother, and
the bravest and wisest man on the island. Magellan told them to burn their idols and to believe
in Christ, and that if the sick man were baptized, he would immediately recover; and if that did
not happen, they could behead him. Thereupon, the datu replied that he would do it, for he truly
believed in Christ. We baptized him and his two wives, and ten maidens.Then the captain had
him asked how he felt. He spoke immediately and said that by the grace of our Lord he felt very
well.

- Entry #89, Within five days, the sick man began to walk. He had an idol that certain old women
had concealed in his house burned in the presence of the king and all the people, and he had
many shrines along the seashore destroyed, in which the consecrated meat was eaten. The
people themselves cried out ‘Castile! Castile!’ and destroyed those shrines. Those idols are
made of wood, and are hollow, and lack the back parts; their arms are open and their feet
turned up under them with the legs open; they have a large face with four huge tusks like those
of the wild boar, and are painted all over.

Nicole: Now, let us discuss the Battle of Mactan

Nicole: Start of Battle:

- The interpreter told the Datu that Magellan was the captain of a great king and he did not pay
tribute to any lord in the world. If the Datu wished peace, he would have peace, but if war, he
would have war. The Moor merchant even said “Look well, sire, these me are the same who
have conquered Calicut, Malacca, and all India Major.” If they are treated well, they will give
good treatment, but if they are treated badly, they will deliver bad treatment, and worse, they will
do also conquer Philippines like what they did to Calicut, Mallaca, and all India Major (Magellan
used threats)

- Entry #96, On Friday, 26 April, Zula, a chief of the island of Mactan, sent one of his sons to
present two goats to Magellan, and to say that he would send him all that he had promised, but
that he had not been able to send it to him because of the other chief, Cilapulapu, who refused
to obey the king of Spain. Magellan requested the captain to send him only one boatload of men
the next night, so that they might help him to fight against the other chief. Magellan decided to
go there with three boatloads. At midnight, 60 men set out armed with corselets and helmets,
together with the Christian king, the prince, some of the chief men, and 20 or 30 balanghai; 3
hours before dawn, they reached Mactan. Magellan did not wish to fight then,if they would obey
the king of Spain, recognize the Christian king as their sovereign, and pay us our tribute, he
would be their friend; but that if they wished otherwise, they should expect to see how our
lances wounded

- Entry #97, When morning came, April 27, 1521, 49 Spaniards leaped into the water. The other
eleven men remained behind to guard the boats. When Spaniards reached the land, those men
had formed in 3 divisions to the number of more than fifteen hundred persons. As soon as they
became aware of us, they charged down upon us with exceedingly loud cries, two divisions on
our flanks and the other on our front. When Magellan saw that, he formed us into 2 divisions,
and thus did we begin to fight. The musketeers and crossbow men shot from a distance for
about a half-hour, but uselessly; for they merely pierced their shields, which were made of thin
wood, and their arms. The natives would never stand still, but leaped here and there, covering
themselves with their shields. They shot very many arrows, bamboo spears (some of them
tipped with iron); at Magellan, they launched pointed stakes hardened with fire, stones, and
mud. Spaniards scarcely defend themselves. Seeing that, Magellan sent some men to burn
their houses in order to terrify them. When Filipinos saw their houses burning, they were roused
to greater fury. Two of the Spaniards were killed near the houses, and we managed to burn 20
or 30 houses.

- So many of them charged down upon us that they shot the captain through the right leg with a
poisoned arrow. So many were the spears and stones that they hurled at us, that we could offer
no resistance. The mortars in the boats could not aid us since they were too far away, so we
continued to retreat for more than a good crossbow flight from the shore, still fighting in water up
to our knees The natives continued to pursue us, and picking up the same spear four or six
times, hurled it at us again and again

- Entry #98, Recognizing Magellan, so many turned upon him that they knocked his helmet off
his head twice, but he always stood firm. We fought thus for more than one hour, refusing to
retreat farther; an Indian hurled a bamboo spear into the captain’s face trying to lay hand on a
sword, he could draw it out only halfway, because he had been wounded in the arm with a
bamboo spear. When the natives saw that, they all hurled themselves upon him. One of them
wounded him on the left leg with a large terciado, which resembles a scimitar, only being larger;
that caused Magellan to fall face downward. Immediately they rushed upon him with iron and
bamboo spears and with their cutlasses, until they killed Magellan. The mirror, light, comfort,
and true guide of Pigafetta. When they wounded him, he turned back many times to see
whether we were all in the boats Thereupon, beholding him dead, we, wounded, retreated as
best we could to the boats, which were already pulling off.

El: Now let us move to the evaluation of this material.

El:
Alexis: We will now proceed to the second segment of our presentation, which will focus on
analyzing Jose Rizal's Retraction Letter. However, before delving into this topic, it is pertinent to
discuss how Rizal found himself in such a predicament.

I. Introduction

Alexis: In August 1896, Andres Bonifacio led the Katipunan in launching a revolution aimed at
liberating the Philippines from Spanish colonization. Unfortunately for Rizal, he was implicated
in this uprising and subsequently imprisoned first in Barcelona and later in Fort Santiago.

At the time of his arrest, Governor-General Ramon Blanco had permitted him to serve as a
military surgeon in Cuba where there was also a rebellion against Spain. Despite being allowed
to leave the country by someone who sympathized with him, Rizal still ended up facing charges
of rebellion and sedition upon returning home.

Before leaving his exile in Dapitan for Manila and eventually Spain, Rizal issued a manifesto
disavowing any involvement with the revolution while declaring that education and national
identity were prerequisites for freedom. Nevertheless, he was charged with treason by Spanish
authorities who considered him an enemy of their state due to his earlier publications - Noli Me
Tangere and El Filibusterismo.

Despite pleading innocent during trial proceedings that followed his return from Spain via
imprisonment in Barcelona and then back again to Manila; he was convicted on all three counts
of conspiracy-related charges: rebellion; sedition; conspiracy - ultimately leading up to a death
sentence execution carried out on December 30th 1896 at Bagumbayan (now known as
Luneta), renamed today after its illustrious victim: "Rizal Park".

II. About the Retraction

Rechelle: In the colorful tapestry of Philippines history, one intriguing chapter revolved around
the renowned national hero—Jose Rizal. Rizal was known for his fierce advocacy of reforms
and his critical views on the catholic church. Rizal’s legacy took an unexpected turn with the
controversial act of retraction. Despite his vocal opposition to certain practices and abuses
within the church, Rizal found himself at a crossroads in the face of impending execution, he
penned a document known as the retraction letter. This unexpected move raised eyebrows and
generated intense debate among historians. The retraction letter, Allegedly written on the eve of
his execution, expressed remorse for his previous writings and sought reconciliation with the
catholic church. However, scholars remain divided over the authenticity and circumstances
surrounding this act.
Some argue that it was a genuine change of heart, while others speculate that it may have been
coerced or motivated by external pressures.

-Now, before we proceed to our main topic, allow me first to define the word “RETRACTION”
So, what is RETRACTION? “Retraction: A statement that something you said or wrote at
an earlier time is not true or correct.” Could also mean an act of taking back a statement or
admitting that the statement was false.

ALLEGEDLY, Rizal had performed a reconciliation with the Catholic Church, and his
objurgation was of masonry known as retraction during his last hours.
-In the case of Dr. Jose Rial, his retraction involved his alleged reconciliation with the Catholic
Church and that the few hours before his execution, he had signed a document claiming that he
was the son of the Catholic Church and that he was retracting from everything he had said
against them. And that said document was known as the Retraction. However, this matter
remains controversial and unanswered if it is authentic or not.

III. INTERNAL CRITICISM

Shamie: THE GREAT DEBATE
Ricardo P. Garcia
The first witness was Fr. Vicente Balaguer Llacer. According to him,
Morning December 29,1896
Rizal said the rather to be visited by the fathers of the society of Jesus by whom he was
educated. He was then visited by Fr. Saderre rector of Ateneo and Fr. Luiz Viza.
- in the analysis of Pascual, Rizal was interested in discussing further the pros and cons of his
retraction. It was because he wished to be visited by the priest who from his Dapitan Days was
already interested in persuading him to retract.
10:00 am
Fr. Valiclara and fr. Balaguer went to fort santiago
Before going to the fort, Fr. Balaguer went to the Palace. The Archbishop gave him the
formula of retraction composed by Rev. Fr. Pio Pi.
They meet Rizal in the chapel and discussed about faith and the church. Fr. Balaguer
told Rizal that if did not yield his mind and reason for the sake of fate, he will be damned. Upon
hearing the threat, Rizal with tears in his eyes said “ no, I will not damn myself”. Fr. Balaguer
said that “Out said the church, there is no salvation. You will go to hell”. Rizal reason that if he
said yes and sign everything without meaning it he would be a hypocrite and would offend God.
Fr. Balaaguer replied, “ Offer to God the sacrifice of your self-love. After that Rizal promised that
he will spend his remaining time asking God for the grace of faith.
Fr. Balaguer and Fr. Viza returned to the palace and requested the Prelate for the formula of the
retraction, which is still not finished by that time.
10:00 pm
Fr. Balaguer arrived at the fort, Rizal asked for the formula of the retraction. Fr. Balaguer
read the formula and upon hearing the first paragraph Rizal said he could not sign it because it
was not his style and it should be understood that he was writing it himself.
 Rizal assented and admitted everything expressed in the formula except in the
masonary part. “ He said that he had know Masons who are very bad people but those he had
acquainted in London are businessmen and seemed to be good persons. He himse;f proposed
to write and to sign, I abominate Masonary as the enemy of the church and reprobated by the
same church.
11:30 pm
When Rizal finished writing thus it was dated December 29, 1896. it was signed together
with Jose Rizal by Senor Fresno chief of Picket and Senor Moure, adjutant of the plaza. After
that Fr. Balaguer declare and affirms it and left with accompany of Josephine Bracken and
Rizal’s sister. Before Rizal reached Bagumbayan, he went to the Ateneo and delivered the
document to Fr. Pio who in that day brought it to the palace and hand it to Archbishop
Nozaleda.
2nd witness.
Lieutenant Mariano Martinez Gallegos Y Lasala
Who sworn that he saw and heard what happened on the last 24 hours of Rizal
1-Dr. José Rizal wrote and signed a document of retraction and profession of Catholic faith,
which officers Fresno and Moure also signed as witnesses.
2-Rizal read aloud on his knees his abjuration and profession of Catholic faith, as well as the
acts of faith, hope and charity contained in a prayer book.
3-Rizal confessed several times, heard two Masses and received holy communion with edifying
piety.
4-Rizal was canonically married to Josefina Bracken.
5-Rizal received the scapular of the Immaculate Conception, prayed the rosary, repeated the
ejaculations that he suggested, kissed the image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, before leaving
La Fuerza de Santiago. and the crucifix before dying; so that he left no room for doubt about the
sincerity of his conversion.
The best evidence
FR. MANUEL GARCIA
• Archdiocesan activist
• In 1935, he was sorting through folders of documents that he would later transfer to a newly
acquired fireproof vault when he found the “original” retraction document of Rizal.
• Gave the document to the following for the examination of its authenticity.
1.Teodoro M. Kalaw – a Mason “authentic, definite and final”
2.Carlos P. Romulo – editor of a Philippine newspaper agreed with Kalaw’s findings
3. H. Otley Beyer – anthropology professor at UP Diliman “there is not the slightest doubt that
every word on that sheet of paper was written by Jose Rizal”
IV. EXTERNAL CRITICISM
Alexis: RIZAL BEYOND GRAVE

Ricardo R. Pascual.
He was a former professor of Philosophy at Bradley University. He also became a
professor and administrator at the University of the Philippines for 34 years. A founder of the
Filipino-American of Illinois.

In Chapter II The Document, the condition of the paper was tackled. The Retraction was
written on folded double sheet Catalan paper. It was tinted, has a watermark which is exactly
the same watermark in “Defensa”, trademark, and small damages for being kept for so long
which shows the authenticity as to the age of the paper. A lot of components were pointed out
while examining the document and comparing it to other documents and letters of Jose Rizal.

Firstly, the margin, the document is written closer to the right than to the left, while 'Defensa'
and 'Ultimo Adios' have narrower margins on the left. Although in the case of "Ultimo Adios" the
size of the margin is probably because it's a poem. It is necessary to have a certain number of
words in a line. But "Defensa" and the retraction are both letters. The only possible explanation
for the retraction is: The wide margin is necessary for neatness.

Second, there are inconsistencies found in the variation in form or font of some
letters/words. Based on the observation of Pascual, the letter “C” of Creo is different from that
of Catolica. It can be seen in capital and small letters. Writing is done in a habitual, almost
automatic, manner. In all of the genuine writings of Jose Rizal, almost a fixed habit manifested
in all of them, which is different from the writing habits of those who wrote the retraction paper.
Evidences of this can be seen in the strokes in letters P’s, I’s, A’s, S’s, D’s and many more that
was not consistently maintained in all the words that had similar strokes and this characteristics
is different from that found in the genuine writings of Rizal.

Third, the comparison of slants of the Retraction with the genuine writings of Rizal. The
average slant of “Defensa” is 63.25 degrees, the letter to Andrade, done in ink is 55.66 degrees,
the dedication to Josephine Bracken has 57.6 degrees and the Farewell to his mother has 56.4
degrees. In total, all this standard writings has an average slant of not lower that 55.66 degrees,
while the retraction has an average slant of 52.14 degrees. Even though a writer can have a
variation of standard writing it wouldn’t have much difference. Considering the distance in time
between the genuine writings and the retraction is very near. The nearer the standard is the
more reliable it is, and the farther it goes the less reliable it is.

Fourth, Rizal’s signature analysis. In the retraction, the author has pointed out strange
features in Jose Rizal's signature. The (1) perception of unnatural stops in the retraction that
were absent in the genuine signatures, (2) the presence of elaborate attempts in the writing of
letters in the retraction and also the elaborate writing out fully of the "z" unlike in the five
standard signatures at the same time, (3) the wandering movement in the retraction as
evidenced by the connection between "a" and "I," and (4) the overemphasized shading of the
"I" of there traction signatures that was very unnatural. (5) the foreign habit of making the "I"
intersection in "Rizal" of the retraction not found in the genuine signatures, (6) the greater
extension of the signature of the retraction in proportion to the uniform length of the standard
signatures, (7) the absence of the characteristic shading of the down-stroke of the "R" in the
retraction but consistently present in the genuine signatures are all traits of simulated forgery
as regards this production of the signature of the document in question.

One can argue that this are only minor things and can’t prove anything but I want to present this
following cases that are similar with this situation. (1)Unnatural stops - this was one among the
noted points in the case of two Helen Huellen dispute signatures that received a verdict from the
jury that the two signatures were not genuine. (2) Elaborate attempt that shows a skillful
penmanship in the questioned document much more than in any of the standards is a point too
important. This is also the case in the United States Supreme Court in Sharon vs. Hill, 26 Fed.
337 (1885). 3) Wandering movement and and misplaced intersection are very paralleled
reversely in Gordon Will Case, involving some 7 to 10 million dollars. Difference in the writing
habits in the compared signatures. 4) This Retraction case is also similar to Rice-Partrick Will
case, involving 6 million dollar estate. One of the bases of the case was the position of the pen
that was determined by the lateral shading in the disputed will. 5) Greater Extension-again in
the case of Helen Huellen , which receive the verdict of their being forged, the too large size of
signature was one of the major points. With this claims, it says that the retraction was not made
by Jose Rizal, and was only a forgery.

And lastly, the signature of the witnesses. In the Retraction there are three signatures.
Rizal’s, and the two witnesses, Juan del Fresmo, the chief of the Picket and Eloy Maure, the
Adjutant of the Plaza. The signatures and corresponding titles above their names were
supposed to be written by themselves. By closely observing closely, we can see that the
witnesses has almost identical economy of strokes, althought Maure’s signature is
extravagance in strokes. Now comparing such economy of strokes to the body of the retraction
it can be observed that it also has strong similarities in having angular connections.

V. INTERNAL CRITICISM: Witness/ evidences/claims

Wilmart: *ARCHBISHOP BERNARDINO NOZELADA: The former archbishop of Manila, an anti-
Filipino, instructed the Jesuit priest who accompanied Rizal until his last breath to convince
Rizal to articulate his retraction from freemasonry and return to the Catholic faith.
-ARCHIBISHOP B N was a significant figure during the final years of Spanish colonial rule in
the Philippines. While there is no direct evidence that he initiated the retraction of Dr. Jose Rial.
His role in the event, surrounding Rizal's execution in a subsequent discussion under retraction
history.

Here is a list of his involvement in the retraction issue;

1. Opposition to Rizal and the propaganda movement.
2. Rizal’s execution
3. Allege retraction
4. Controversy and doubts
5. Archival records

-While Archbishop B N was a prominent figure during the period when Jose Rial was executed.
He was known for his opposition to Rial’s ideas. The exact extent of his involvement in Rial’s
retraction, if any, remains a subject of historical debate and ongoing research. Further
examination of historical documents and records is necessary to gain a more detailed
understanding of this complex historical event.

Shamie: FR. VICENTE BALAGUER: Fr. Balaguer claimed that Rizal had signed and agreed on
the retraction. However, it has caused much tension among the people who questioned the
authenticity and reliability of the retraction document.

-Was a Spanish priest who was repeatedly involved in the events surrounding the alleged
retraction of Jose Rial. The issue of Jose Rizal’s retraction is a controversial and debated topic
in Ph. History and it is very important to note that different historical sources provide accounts of
what transpired.

The debate surrounding the retraction of Jose Rizal remains a sensitive and continuous issue in
the Philippine History. The lack of concrete evidence and the conflict accounts make it difficult to
determine whether Rizal did retract his anti-Catholic views-Basically, it was full of uncertainty.
And if so, what did Fr. Vicente Balaguer played in the process. Further historical research
analysis is needed to shed more light on these complex to and debated aspects of Philippine
History.

As we have already presented the witnesses and evidence of both accounts, we can now
establish the similarities between the two. This means that such things/ or events happened
during the last hours of Dr. Jose Rizal and now the following evidence or statements from the
accounts contradict the claims of each other and give doubt if such things ever happened

ARGUMENTS ABOUT THE RETRACTION:

PRO-CATHOLIC CHURCH; Believed that Rizal retracted and died as a Catholic

-The Roman Catholic Church is of course the greatest exponent of the view that Rizal died as a
catholic and retracted in masonic views. Evidence used by the church proved its claims.

ANTI-RETRACTION: Claims that retraction did not happen and Rizal died as a mason.
The pro-catholic church believes that Rizal retracted and died as a catholic, while anti-retraction
supported the claims that retraction did not happen and Rizal died as a mason. The pro-catholic
church, therefore, provided pieces of evidence that would support their claims.
1. The retraction letter, the chief eyewitness of the retraction itself, was founded in 1935 by Fr.
Manuel Garcia. (the retraction document is considered a chief witness to the reality of the
retraction itself because of its discovery in 1935.
-The church successfully fought against the publication of Rafael Palma’s biographia De’ Rizal.

2. Rizal recited and signed the prayer book entitled Acts of Faith, Hope, and Charity.
-This book was offered to Rizal after signing the retraction documents according to fr. Vicente
Balaguer.

3. The testimony of the priest who is with Rizal during the signing of the retraction
document.

The testimony of Chief Inspector Federico Moreno on the 29th and 30th day of December
1896 which documents the event’s witness and claims to (beat, bead) the retraction of Rizal.
The main idea of this testimony centers on how Rizal acted as a catholic. According to this
testimony, on the 29th of December, he was first visited by senior Andrade and 2 priests named
Jose Villaclara, who was with senior Andrade when they came and fr. Estanislao March brought
the prayer book that Rizal wanted. Moments later, senior Andrade left the room, leaving Rizal,
and the 2 priests for approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes to persuade them until Rizal asked
for both the priest to leave him alone (His reason was to write)

It was 3 in the afternoon on that day that Rizal allegedly handed him what he had
written which was believed to be his retraction letter. For the next 2 hours and 30 minutes
approximately, Rizal read the prayer book several times (The Acts of Faith, Hope, and Charity)
and the prayers for the departing soul in the company of the priest, earlier, Fr. Villaclara and Fr.
March. On the 30th of December, Rial attended mass and communion. In the document
presented by Chief Inspector Moreno, There was an alleged letter of retraction which should
have been shown to Rizal’s family members after the mass, yet they failed to receive the letter.

1. Rizal performed the acts of piety during his last 24 hours

-This claim is backed up by the letter presented before on the 29th of December 3:00 pm
to 5:30 in the afternoon, approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes when Rizal performed
the setup in the company of the 2 priests.

2. The church solemnized Rizal’s marriage with Josephine Bracken

-This alleged marriage happened during his point of death yet no sponsors or witnesses
were present.
-Another point that would be Moreno’s testimony does not mention a signing of the marriage
contract. This document is still unaccounted for today.

RETRACTION’S JUSTIFICATION THAT THE CHURCH PRESENTED WHICH WE

BELIEVE SUPPORTED THE RETRACTION OF RIZAL.

RETRACTIONS JUSTIFICATION: there are 4 claims that we believe supported the

retraction of Rizal.
1. TO SAVE HIS TOWN AND FAMILY FROM PERSECUTION: Churches believes that
Rial retracted because he wanted to protect his family, As we all know, Rial is one of
those personalities who publicly shows his disagreement among all practices of the
church, like abuse(pang-aabuso). It is not new for us that Rizal might be one of those
mortal enemies of the church, and to protect his family, even after his death, he probably
signed the retraction document that was against him among the Catholics. (para hindi
pag-initan ‘yung family nya sa simbahan.) By all means, we all know how influential the
church was during those times, and even they can create a surrounding issue about you
and might lead you to be persecuted, or worse (Patayin ka).
-That is one of the justifications that the churches believe is one of the reasons why Rial
might signed the retraction document.

2. TO FORMALLY RECOGNIZE JOSEPHINE AS HIS WIFE

-So, as one of the justifications, going back on the previous slide, fr. Balaguer offered a
condition that for their marriage to be solemnized, Rizal should first sign the said
document which is the retraction. So, the church right now believes that as per the
decision of Rizal to reciprocate his love towards his other half Josephine Brucken. Rizal
might have thought during his last hours that he wanted to give Bracken legal standing in
the eye of the church, aside from that, he also thought that it would somehow secure her
future. In that, churches believe that might be one of the reasons why Rizal retracted.

3. Persuade the Spanish government to enact forms

 -By signing the retraction, thought that Rizal believed that the government might be
persuaded to enact some forms and the government might hear his thoughts and
suggestions on what’s best for his fellow men, That is why the church believes right now,
or the church presented an evidence like this justification, that rial that that he could
persuade the government by signing the retraction.

4. TO AID IN ERADICATING CANCER WHICH DESTROYS BOTH CHURCH AND

STATE. -This justification of why Rizal retracted might be believed as one of the
profound reasons for the signing of the document since Rizal advocated a lot of reforms
for the betterment of his fellow men like; Freedom of thought and conscience, and it also
includes all those like cancer behavior among the society (to be eradicated guide). He
observes that it is indeed one of those factors that might destroy the church and state.

VI. The Last Days of Rizal

Willmart: For all the sources we analyzed, we have established a timeline.

 Dec. 29, 1896 at 7 o’clock in the morning, Rizal was placed in the chapel after being
notified of his death sentence.
 Father Viza, Vilaclara, Balaguer and Faura visited Rizal and he also visited by the
Civil Governor and other persons of rank.
 At 1 o’clock he dined, Rizal asked the Fathers of Jesuits that he want to get married
and he promises to make his confession.
 At 4 o’clock his aged mother and his sister Narcisa visited him. Rizal’s father did not
like to come in (he is blind).
 At 8 o’clock they take supper, the conversation was about the religion. He manifests
noble sentiments.
 At about twelve o’clock Rizal makes his confession to Fr. Vilaclara. After that, Rizal
read and signed the retraction.
 As for the Garcia’s statement on the other part of Notarial Act, he cannot remember
the date of that periodical, he remembers that it was on an anniversary of the death
of Rizal and was written by the partymen and admirers of Rizal. Also, he believes
that Rizal indeed wrote them (The Retraction) but not in the chapel.
2. LIEUTENANT MARIANO MARTINEZ GALLEGOS, on military duty at Fort Santiago, on
Dec. 29-30, 1896.
[NOTARIAL ACT on July 29, 1952]

 Rizal read his death sentence on Dec. 29, 1896, the Chaplain of Artillery and
Commander Fresno and Moure were present with their two adjutants: Martin,
Lieutenant of Artillery and the deponent, Gallegos, who was a Lieutenant of Infantry.
 All the time Rizal was guarded in the chapel by Martin and Gallegos.
 Rizal’s corpse was delivered to be brought to the Paco Cemetery.
  On Gallegos statement at the last part of his Notary, he says that Rizal wrote and
signed the retraction and profession of Catholic faith, in which is witnessed by Officers
Fresno and Moure and signed as the witness.
3. REVEREND LUIZ VIZA Y MARTI (May 22, 1917)

 Since 1891 to Dec. 1896, Fr. Marti was in Manila. On the 29th of Dec. of the year 1896
at about 6 o’clock in the morning, Fr. Marti. Saderra y Mata, and Rector at that time of
the Ateneo Municipal to the Royal Fort Santiago to visited Rizal.
 Rizal asked Reverend Marti of his made sacred statue when he was small. After that
Fr. Marti takes the Sacred heart of Jesus from his pocket and gave it to him.
 Rizal told him that he was a Mason and that, he did not consider Masonry as bad (Rizal
said this because he had not gone beyond the high degree, he only got in the first
degree).
 Rizal asked to be admitted to Sacrament of Marriage.
At night of Dec. 29, 1896, he wrote and signed in his own handwriting in the presence of the
retraction that Fr. Balaguer dictated to him. Also, Rizal added some phrases which clarified the
ideas more. This retraction stated in substance that he declared himself a catholic
5. Very Reverend PIO PI Y VIDAL
 On the eve of Dec. 28, Rizal was put in the chapel.
 Rizal wrote the retraction entirely with his own hand and signed it with a steady hand.

6. Lieutenant JUAN DEL FRESNO DEL AMO

 His name was appeared from the beginning as witness to the handwritten retraction of
Rizal.
7. Lieutenant ELOY MOURE Y GOMEZ
 His name was appeared from the beginning as witness to the handwritten retraction of
Rizal.
8. Most Reverend BERNARDINO NOZALEDA Y VILLA
 Dec. 29 1896, Fr. Pio Pi visited the testifying party also Fr. Pio Pi submitted a formula to
Rizal.
 The retraction was entrusted to Fr. Tomas Gonzalez Feijoo a secretary at that time.
9. Very Reverend SILVINO LOPEZ TUÑON

 In the afternoon of Dec. 29 1896, a little before dusk, he went to Fort Santiago to visit
Rizal.
 Rizal and him discussed about the book that published by Rizal, because Fr. Nozaleda
and the Professors in the UST did not agree with such procedure.
 Rizal attended/celebrated the holy mass in the Cathedral of Plaza del Palacio at the
middle of the mass Rizal heard the shooting of riffles which were executing the sentence
of human justice. (Dec. 30,1896)
 On the same day Dec. 30 1896, about 10 o’clock in the morning, Rizal having written
beforehand and signed a religious profession and declared himself as a Son of the
Catholic Church.

30 December, 7:00 AM
 Rizal, after arriving on the execution site at the Luneta de Bagumbayan, was checked
with his pulse by Dr. Felipe Ruiz Castillo. It was perfectly normal. Rizal once wrote, “I wish to
show those who deny us patriotism that we know how to die for our duty and our convictions.”

7:03 AM

With the captain shouting “Fuego!” Shouts rang out from the guns of eight indio soldiers.
Rizal, being a convicted criminal was not facing the firing squad. As he was hit, he resists and
turns himself to face his executors. He falls down, and dies.

30 December 1896, afternoon:

Narcisa, after a long search, discovered where her brother’s body was secretly buried, at
the old unused Paco Cemetery. She asked the guards to place a marble plaque designed by
Doroteo Ongjungco containing Rizal’s initials in reverse—“RPJ.”facing the sky.

Rechelle: RELEVANCE:
-the retraction of Rizal is crucial to determine the consistency, coherence, and integrity of Rizal’s
writings and his reputation as being national hero. Rial’s writings are weighted to the document
(retraction), but it should not be the case since the ultimate purpose of Rizal’s writings is to shed
some light on the darkness of unfreedom and the enmancipation of individual consciousness to
national or civic patriotism.

In the end, the retraction proved how rial is complex and superb at the same time because of
the number of interconnections of values and importance in dealing with the integrity of words
and reputation as nation-building.

In the modern state of society, this study is very relevant, especially in recent years, we have
observed that there is still a growing concern over the decrease of Filipinos who failed to adopt
Filipino values and is lack of character development among the youth.

Rizal retraction is a a way of providing an opportunity to be firm in standing for one’s principles
and establish a sense of nationalism just like what he did when he went against the Spaniard's
rule, even if it cost him his life in order to bring peace to his nation and fellow Filipinos.

In conclusion, the retraction of jose rial represents a critical moment in Philippine history. From
the influence of the church and politics, it is like a reminder that we, Filipinos, should not be
afraid to speak up against injustice and oppression. Furthermore, this event presents an
opportunity to learn valuable lessons about character development and national pride.

This topic cannot be denied, it neither adds to nor diminishes Rizal’s greatness as a Filipino,
and retraction still, is an issue up to this day and has been debated for a very long time. So, did
Rizal retract and died catholic, or he didn’t, but instead, died as a mason (question mark) That’s
for you to decide.