Chapter 5 Rizal's Life: Exile, Trial, and Death

Actual Photo of the execution by firing squad of Dr. Jose Rizal at Bagumbayan

“I die without seeing the dawn's light shining on my country... You, who will
see it, welcome it for me...don't forget those who fell during the
nighttime." - Jose Rizal
Learning Outcomes:
At the end of this chapter, the student is expected to:
1. Analyze the factors that led to Rizal's execution;
2. Analyze the effects of Rizal's execution on Spanish colonial rule and the Philippine
Revolution. Dr
Chapter Outline:
1. Timeline: Rizal's Exile, Trial, and Death
2. La Liga Filipina
3. Constitution of La Liga Filipina (1892)
4. Mi Retiro (My Retreat), 1895
5. Rizal's Address on the Uprising

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6. Comment of The Spanish Judge-Advocate-General upon Rizal's Address
7. Additions to My Defense
8. Respecting the Rebellion
9, Petition for the Pardon of Rizal
10. Mi Último Adiós

Timeline: Rizal's Exile, Trial, and Death

July 6, 1892 -Ordered deported to Dapitan, but the decree and charges were kept secret from
him.
Taught school and conducted a hospital during his exile, patients coming
From China ports for treatment. Fees thus earned were used to
beautify the town. Arranged a water system and had the plaza lighted.
August 1, 1896 - Rizal (aged 35) left Dapitan en route to Spain as a volunteer surgeon for
the Cuban yellow fever hospitals. Carried letters of recommendation from
Governor-General Blanco.
August 7 to September 3, 1896 -On Spanish cruiser Castilla in Manila Bay.
Sailed for Spain on a Spanish mail steamer and just after leaving Port Said was
confined to his cabin as a prisoner on cabled order from Manila. (Rizal's enemies to
secure the appointment of a governor-general subservient to them, the servile
Polavieja had purchased Governor General Blanco's promotion.)
October 6, 1896 - Placed in Montjuich Castle dungeon on his arrival in Barcelona and the same
day re-embarked for Manila. Friends and countrymen in London by cable made an
unsuccessful effort for a Habeas Corpus writ at Singapore. On arrival in Manila was
placed in the Fort Santiago dungeon.
December 3, 1896 - Charged with treason, sedition and forming illegal societies,
The prosecution argued that he was responsible for the deeds of those who read his
writings.
During his imprisonment Rizal began to formulate in his mind his greatest poem
which others later entitled, "My Last Farewell." (later concealed in an alcohol
cooking lamp)
December 12, 1896 – Rizal appears in a courtroom where the judges made no effort to check
those who cry out for his death.
December 15, 1896 - Wrote an address to insurgent Filipinos to lay down their arms

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 because their insurrection was at that time hopeless. Address not made
public but added to the charges against him.
December 26, 1896 - A Spanish court martial found Jose Rizal guilty for sedition and
sentenced him to death.
Pi y Margall, who had been president of the Spanish Republic, pleaded with the
Prime Minister for Rizal's life, but the Queen Regent could not forgive his having
referred in one of his writings to the murder by, and suicide of, her relative, Crown
Prince Rudolph of Austria.
December 28. 1896 - It was decided that Rizal will be executed by musketry, Governor
General Camillo Polavieja confirmed the sentence. December 28. 1896 - Teodora
Alonzo wrote to the Governor-General asking for clemency for her son.
December 28, 1896 - At Malacañan Palace, Rizal's sisters pleaded to Governor-General
Polavieja: stay at Rizal's execution.
December 29, 1896 - Rizal was read his death sentence. December 29, 1896 - Rizal was
visited by several priests including Fr. Faura, S.J.
December 29, 1896 - Rizal wrote his last letter to Ferdinand Blumentritt which read:
My dear Brother,
When you receive this letter, I shall be dead by then. Tomorrow at seven,
I shall be shot; but I am innocent of the crime of rebellion. I am going to die with
a tranquil conscience. Adieu, my best, my dearest friend, and never think ill of
me! Fort Santiago, 29 December 1896 José Rizal Regards to the whole family,
to Sra. Rosa, Loleng, Conradito, and Federico. I leave a book for you as my
remembrance.
December 29, 1896 - Teodora Alonzo paid her final visit to Rizal. She was accompanied
by her daughter, Trinidad Mercado.
December 29, 1896 - Rizal's sisters were allowed to pay him visits. He gave them his
worldly possessions:
Narcisa - Wicker Chair
Angelica, niece - Handkerchief
Mauricio, nephew - Belt, watch, and chain
Trinidad - Alcohol Burner with Mi Ultimo Adios
December 30, 1896, 6:30am - Rizal was brought to the execution site from Fort Santiago.
December 30, 1896, 7:03 a.m. - Rizal was executed by musketry.

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Rizal's Last Hours
Dec. 29, 1896.
6:00 – 7:00 a.m. – Sr. S. Mataix asks Rizal's permission to interview him. Capt. Dominguez
reads. death sentence to Rizal. Source of information: cablegram of Mataix to
EL Heraldo. De Madrid, "Notes" of Capt. Dominguez and Testimony of Lt.
Gallegos.
7:00 - 8:00 a.m. – Rizal is transferred to his death cell. Fr. Saderra talks briefly with Rizal. Fr.
Viza presents a statue of the Sacred heart of Jesus and medal of Mary. Rizal
rejects the letter, saying, "I'm little of a Marian, Father." Source: Fr. Viza.
8:00 - 9:00 a.m. – Rizal shares his milk and coffee with Fr. Rosell. Lt. Andrade and chief Artillery
came to visit Rizal who thanked each of them. Rizal scribbles a note inviting
his family to visit him. Sources: Fr. Rosell and letter of Invitation.
9:00 - 10:00 a.m. - Sr. Mataix, defying stringent regulation, enters death cell and interviews
Rizal in the presence of Fr. Rosell. Later, Gov. Luengo drops in to join the
conversation. Sources: Letter of Mataix to Retana Testimony of Fr. Rosell.
10:00 - 11:00a.m. - Fr. Faura persuades Rizaltanut down his rancours and orders many of
Josephine canonically. A heated discussion on religion occurs at the hearing
of Fr. Rosell. Sources: El Imparcial and Fr. Rosell.
11:00 - 12:00 noon. - Rizal talks on " various topics' ' in a long conversation who will later
conclude (with Fr. Balaguer, who is not allowed to enter the death cell) that
Rizal is either to Prostestant or rationalist who in a very cold and calculated
manner" with a mixture of a "Strange piety." No debate or discussion on
religion is recorded to have taken place between the Fathers mentioned and
Rizal. Sources: El Imarcial and Rizal y su Obra.
12:00 - 1:00 p.m. - Rizal reads Bible and Imitation of Christ by Kempis, then meditates. Fr.
Balaguer reports to the Archbishop that only a little hope remains that Rizal is
going to retract for Rizal was heard saying that he is going to appear tranquil
before God. Sources: Rizal's habits and Rizal y su Obra.
1:00 - 2:00 p.m. - Rizal denies (probably, he is allowed to attend to his personal necessities).
Source: "Notes" of Capt. Dominguez.
2:00 – 3:00 p.m. – Rizal confers with Fr. March and Fr. Vilaclara. Sources: “Notes" of Capt.
Dominguez in conjunction with the testimonies of Fr. Pi and Fr. Balaguer.
3:00 – 4:00 p.m. – Rizal reads verses which he had underlined in Eggers german Reader, a
book which he is going to hand over to his sisters to be sent to Dr. Blumentritt
through F. Stahl. He "writes several letters ...,with his last dedications," then he
"rest for a short." Sources: F. Stahl and F. Blumentritt, Cavana (1956) -
Appendix 13, and the "Notes" of Capt. Dominguez.
4:00 – 5:30 p.m. – Capt. Dominguez is moved with compassion at the sight of Rizal's kneeling

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 before his mother and asking pardon. Fr. Rosell hears Rizal's farewell to his
sister and his address to those presents eulogizing the cleverness of his
nephew. The other sisters come in one by one after the other and to each
Rizal's promises to give a book, an alcohol burner, his pair of shoes, an
instruction, something to remember. Sources ``notes" of Capt. Dominguez and
Fr. Rosell, Diaro de Manila.
5:30 - 6:00 p.m. - The Dean of the Cathedral, admitted on account of his dignity, comes to
exchange views with Rizal. Fr. Rosell hears an order given to certain
"gentlemen" and "two friars" to leave the chapel at once. Fr. Balaguer leaves
Fort Santiago. Sources: Rev. Silvino Lopez-Tuñon, Fr. Rosell, Fr. Serapio
Tamayo, and Sworn Statement of Fr. Balaguer.
6:00 – 7:00 p.m. - Fr. Rosell leaves Fort Santiago and sees Josephine Bracken. Rizal calls for
Josephine and then they speak to each for the last time. Sources: Er Rosell, El
Imparcial, and Testimony of Josephine to R. Wildman in 1899.
7:00 - 8:00 p.m. - Fr. Faura returns to console Rizal and persuades him once more to trust him
and the other professors at the Ateneo. Rizal is emotion-filled and remaining
some moments in silence, confesses to Fr. Faura. Sources: El Imparcial.
8:00 - 9:00 p.m. - Rizal rakes supper (and, most probably, attends to his personal needs). Then,
he receives Bro. Titllot with whom he had a very "tender” (Fr. Balaguer) or
"useful" (Fr. Pi) interview. Sources: Separate testimonies of Fr. Balaguer and
Fr. Pi on the report of Bro. Titllot; Fisal Castaño.
9:00 - 10:00 p.m. - Fiscal Castaño exchanges views with Rizal regarding their respective
professors. Sources: Fiscal Castaño.
10:00 - 11:00 p.m. - Rizal manifests a strange reaction, asks guards for paper and pen. From
rough drafts and copies of his poem recovered in his shoes, the Spaniards
come to know that Rizal is writing a poem. Sources: El Imparcial and Ultimo
Adios; probably, Fiscal Castaño.
11:00 - 12:00 midnight. – Rizal takes time to hide his poem inside the alcohol burner. It has to
be done during night rather than during daytime because he is watched very
carefully. He then writes his last letter to brother Paciano. Sources:
Testimonies and circumstantial evidence.
12:00 – 4:00 a.m. - Rizal sleeps restfully because his confidence in the goodness of God and
the justness of his cause gives him astounding serenity and unusual
calmness.
Dec. 30, 1986.
4:00 - 5:00 a.m. – Rizal picks up Imitation of Christ, reads, meditates, and then writes in
Kempis' book a dedication to his wife Josephine and by this very act in itself
he gives to her their only certificate of marriage.
5:00 - 6:15 a.m. – Rizal washes up, takes breakfast, and attends to his personal needs. Writes

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 a letter to his parents. Read the Bible and meditate. Josephine is prohibited by
the Spanish officers from seeing Rizal, according to Josephine's testimony to
R. Wildman in 1899.
6:15 - 7:00 a.m. – Rizal walks to the place of execution between Fr. March and Fr. Vilaclara with
whom he converses. Keeps looking around as if seeking or expecting to see
someone. His last word, said in a loud voice: “It is finished”
7:00 - 7:03 a.m. - Sounds of guns. Rizal vacillates, turns halfway around, falls down backwards
and lies on the ground facing the sun. Silence. Shouts of vivas for Spain.
Rizal was 35 years, 6 months, 11 days old.
He died at 7:03 a.m. at Bagumbayan and buried in a secret grave in Paco
Cemetery. Entry of his death was made in the Paco Church Register among
suicides.

After Rizal's Death

December 30, 1896 - After the execution, Rizal's body was brought to San Juan de Dios
Hospital.
December 30, 1896 - Rizal's remains were buried in the Paco Cemetery in an unmarked
grave.
Rizal's sister, Narcisa, searched suburban graveyards for where Jose Rizal
was buried. She eventually discovered that he was buried in Paco Park. She
marked the plot with the letters R.P.J. (Rizal's initials in reverse)
January 1897 – Commemorated by Spanish Free-masons who dedicated a tablet to his
memory, in their Grand Lodge hall in Madrid, as a martyr to Liberty.
August 1898 – Filipinos who placed over it in Paco cemetery, a cross inscribed simply
“December 30, 1896," sought his grave, immediately after the American
capture of Manila. Since his death his countrymen had never spoken his
name, but all references had been to "The Dead."

The former site of Dr. Rizal's burial is well-marked, and well worth a visit.

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August 17. 1898 – Rizal's remains were exhumed and brought to the Rizal family house in
Binondo.
The remains of Rizal, after exhumation on August 17, 1898, were kept in the
Rizal family house in Binondo until they were brought to their final resting
place in Luneta. On December 30, 1912, a solemn ceremony was held to
finally bury the remains in the base of the monument dedicated in memory of
Rizal.
December 20, 1898 – President Aguinaldo of the Philippine Revolutionary Government
proclaimed December 30 as a day of national mourning.
December 30, 1898 - Filipinos held Memorial services at which time American soldiers on
duty carried their arms reversed.
June 19, 1911 - Birth semi-centennial observed in all public schools by an act of the
Philippine Legislature.
December 30, 1912 – Rizal's ashes transferred to the Rizal Mausoleum on the Luneta with
impressive public ceremonies.

The transfer of the urn of the remains of Jose Rizal on Dec. 30, 1912. The urn was
accompanied by the Knights of Rizal who kept vigil the previous night.

La Liga Filipina
La Liga Filipina (The Philippine League) was a progressive organization created by Dr.
José Rizal in the Philippines in the house of Doroteo Ongjunco at Ilaya Street, Tondo, Manila in
1892
The organization derived from La Solidaridad and the Propaganda movement. The
purpose of La Liga Filipina is to build a new group that seeks to involve the people directly in the
reform movement.
The league was to be a sort of mutual aid and self-help society dispensing scholarship

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funds and legal aid, loaning capital and setting up cooperatives, the league became a threat to
Spanish authorities that they arrested Rizal on July 6, 1892 on Dapitan.
During the exile of Rizal, the organization became inactive, through the efforts of
Domingo Franco and Andres Bonifacio, it was reorganized. The organization decided to declare
its support for La Solidaridad and the reforms it advocated, raise funds for the paper, and defray
the expenses of deputies advocating reforms for the country before the Spanish Cortes.
Eventually after some disarray in the leadership of the group, the Supreme Council of the
League dissolved the society.
The Liga membership split into two groups when it is about to b ervatives formed the
Cuerpo de Compromisarios which pledged into two groups when it is about to be revealed: the
porting the La Solidaridad while the radicals led misarios which pledged to continue aurada
while the radicals led by Bonifacio devoted themselves to a new and secret society, the
Katipunan.

Aims
1. To unite the whole archipelago into one vigorous and homogenous organiza
2. Mutual protection in every want and necessity;
3. Defense against all violence and injustice
4. Encouragement of instruction, agriculture, and commerce; and 5. Study the application of
reforms
Members of La Liga Filipina Directors
1. José Rizal, Founder
2. Ambrosio Salvador, President of the League
3. Agustin de la Rosa, Fiscal
4. Bonifacio Arevalo, Treasurer
5. Deodato Arellano, Secretary and first Supreme leader of Katipunan
During the Exile of Rizal, the following persons took over
1. Domingo Franco, President and Supreme leader
2. Deodato Arellano, Secretary-Treasurer
3. Isidro Francisco, Fiscal
4. Apolinario Mabini, Secretary
5. Marcelo H. del Pilar, editor-in-chief
6. Graciano Lopez Jaena, former editor-in-chief
Other members

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 1. Andrés Bonifacio, Supreme leader of Katipunan and led the Cry of Pugad Lawin.
2. Mamerto Natividad, One of the leaders of the revolution in Nueva Ecija.
3. Moises Salvador, Master of lodge of the mason in Balagtas.
4. Numeriano Adriano, Chief guard of lodge of the mason in Balagtas.
5. José A. Dizon, Master of lodge of the mason in Taliba.
6. Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista, War adviser during First Philippine Republic, Author of
Philippine Declaration of Independence.
7. Timoteo Lanuza, Stated the depose to dispel the Spanish frail in the Philippine in 1889.
8. Marcelino de Santos, Bidder and assistant of La Solidaridad.
9. Paulino Zamora, Master of lodge of the mason in Lusong.
10. Procopio Bonifacio
11. Juan Zulueta, Member of lodge of the mason in Lusong, Member of Supreme Council.
12. Doroteo Ongjunco, Member of lodge of the mason in Lusong
13. Arcadio del Rosario, Publicist of lodge of the mason in Balagtas.
14. Timoteo Paez, Member of Supreme Council

Constitution of La Liga Filipina (1892)

(Estatuto de La Liga Filipina, Adoptado para la pronta consecución de los fines propuestos)
Statutes of Philippine League, adopted for the early attainment of its purposes
Article I: Name of Organization - Liga Filipina
The name Liga Filipina was adopted for the early attainment of its purposes.
Article II: Purpose
A. To promote unity among Filipino students and those interested in Filipino culture.
B. To represent Filipino students in the school and the community through service.
C. To provide members various social activities pertaining to Filipino culture and/or
other interests of the members.
D. To promote and encourage interaction and mutual understanding amongst the
club's members.
E. To provide forums for contemporary issues faced by Filipinos and Filipino

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 Americans.
F. To educate and influence the outside community on Filipino culture.
Article III: Membership
A. Any student is eligible for membership including non-Filipinos. The majority of
Liga Filipina members will be State University at Albany undergraduate students.
B. Before the first meeting of the academic year, dues for Liga Filipina will be decided
by the Executive Board.
Article IV: Organization
A. General Assembly:
1. The General Assembly shall be made up of the members of Liga Filipina.
2. The General Assembly will meet at least twice a semester.
Quorum shall consist of four-sixths of the E-board and two-fifths of the General
Assembly.
B. Executive Board:
1. The Executive Board consists of six offices: President, Vice President,
Secretary, Treasurer, Personal Relations and Head Cultural (cultural chair).
2. The Executive Board will meet at least twice a month.
3. Executive Officers are authorized to speak and act to further benefit the
interests of Liga Filipina.
4. Executive Officers are responsible for all communications and actions issued under
their title during their tenure.
5. Executive Officers are responsible for teaching younger members the internal
structure of Liga Filipina, significantly the Board of Directors.

C. Board of Directors:
1. The Board of Directors shall be revised every year to reflect the needs and
wants of Liga Filipina.
a. The revision shall be decided by the newly elected Executive Board to reflect the
needs and wants of the members of Liga Filipina.
2. Here are the possible board of directors positions: Commummy
Director, FIND Director, Sports Chair. Social Chair and Political Chair.
3. The Executive Board shall appoint the Board of Directors
4 The Board of Directors should be present at each Executive Board meeting and

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 General Assembly.
5 The Board of directors is authorized to speak and act to further Der
interests of Liga Filipina and the members.
6. The Board of Directors is responsible for establishing committees.

Article V: Official Duties of Executive Board Members

A. The Duties and Powers of the President:
The Presidency is the office specifically catering to the organization's external affairs.
1. The President is hereby empowered to carry out this Constitution. a. The President
will have the authority to take any action necessary in
according to this constitution to develop Liga Filipina further.
2. The President shall have the power to set all meetings and agenda for said
meetings.
3. The President will be responsible for the operation of Liga Filipina as a whole.
4. The President will also be responsible to the Student Association, and thereby:
a. The President is required to take the annual Controller's Treasurer's Exam
in the fall of their term. - Should the President fail to take or pass the Controller's
Exam, Liga Filipina's allocated budget shall be frozen. - As a result of passing the
controller's Treasurer's Exam, The President shall receive signatory powers toward
the Student Association Budget of
Liga Filipina, Account No. 70,069.
b. Is required to represent Liga Filipina at any Multicultural Affairs Task
Force meeting. - In the event that the President cannot attend, will appoint
a person to
c. Is required to attend one Affirmative Action workshop each semester. - In
the event that the President cannot attend, will appoint a person to do so
in their absence.
5. The President shall be the liaison to all external associations that can help further the
goals of Liga Filipina.
6. The President must attend meetings of the Asian Organization Council. a. In the
event that the President cannot attend, will appoint a person to do
so in their absence.
7. The President must attend meetings of the Multicultural Student Advisory Council.

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 a. In the event that the President cannot attend, will appoint a person in their
absence.
8. The President should remember that as the Chief Executive at organization, he/she
must act in good faith and at all times good faith and at all times, conduct him/herself
accordingly.
9. The President shall have the power to act for Liga Filipina in an emergency with the
approval of the Vice President.

B. The Duties and Powers of the Vice President:

The Vice Presidency is the office specifically catered towards internal affairs. These
powers shall also entail the following
1. The Vice President will assume the role of the President and receive all of his/her
rights and responsibilities in the President's absence.
2. The Vice President will also be responsible for the running of elections under the
rules provided herein. a. In the event of an absence of the Secretary at General
Assembly or Executive Board meetings, the Vice President is responsible for taking
minutes.
3. In consultation with the President, shall act in emergency situations.
4. The Vice President shall be the liaison to all external associations that can help
further the goals of Liga Filipina.
5. The Vice President must attend meetings of the Asian Organization Council. a. In the
event that he/she cannot attend, he/she shall appoint an appropriate attendee.
6. The Vice President must attend meetings of the Multicultural Student Advisory
Council. a . In the event that he/she cannot attend, he/she shall appoint an appropriate
attendee.
7. Is required to represent Liga Filipina at any Multicultural Affairs Task Force meeting.
a. In the event that he/she cannot attend, he/she shall appoint an appropriate attendee.
8. The Vice President is required to attend one Affirmative Action workshop each
semester. a. In the event that he/she cannot attend, he/she shall appoint an appropriate
attendee.
9. The Vice President shall receive signatory powers to Copies Plus.

C. The Duties and Powers of the Secretary:

The office of the Secretary specifically oversees all media production and official
documentation.
1. The Secretary will be responsible for the taking of minutes on each meeting, the

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 official documentation of these minutes and the approval of these minutes at the
beginning of each meeting.
2. The Secretary shall also edit all documentation.
a. This includes the revision of the Liga Filipina Constitution, annually.
3. The Secretary will also be responsible for the counting of votes when elections are
held.
4. The Secretary shall develop and create Liga Filipina's Newsletter, La Solaridad
5. Advertising and/or promotion of Liga Filipina's events are directed toward the
Secretary in conjunction with the Public Relations Officer.
6. The Secretary shall receive signatory powers to Copies Plus,

D. The Duties and Powers of the Treasurer:

The office of the Treasurer controls all financial and budgetary aspects and budgetary
aspects of the organization
1. The Treasurer will be responsible for all funds of the organization.
2. The Treasurer is the chief director of all fundraising events
a. They will develop and create ideas for fundraisers, as well as oversee them.
b. These events include, but are not limited to:
- Fiesta Filipiniana
- Simbang Gabi
c. The collection of membership dues will also be the responsibility of the Treasurer
d. The Treasurer is required to take the annual Controller's Treasurer's Exam in the fall
of their term. - Should the Treasurer fail to either take or pass the Controller's Exam,
Liga Filipina's allocated budget shall be frozen - As a result of passing the Controller's
Treasurer's Exam, the Treasurer shall receive signatory powers toward the Student
Association Budget of Liga Filipina, Account No. 70,069.

E. The Duties and Powers of the Public Relations Officer:

The Public Relations Officer (PR) is responsible for the social and advertising aspect of
Liga.
1. The PR is responsible for the social and advertising aspect of Liga Filipina. A
a. This includes the designing of all flyers.
b. The PR. is responsible for posting flyers.

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 F. The Duties and Powers of the Cultural Chair:
The cultural chair is responsible for guiding all events including cultural shows,
workshops, seminars and programs.
1. The significant events that deal with the cultural officer include Asian Occasion in the
fall and Fiesta Filipiniana in the spring.
2. They should be educated about every aspect of Filipino culture including the national
anthem, cultural dances, the language and its culture/history.

Article VI. Official Duties of the Board of Directors

A. The Duties and Powers of the Community Service Director:
- The Community Service Director is responsible for establishing a community service
event.
- There should be at least one per semester.

B. The Duties and Powers of the FIND Director:

The FIND Director is responsible for establishing FIND in the school commun if at all
possible.
The FIND Director is responsible for all information concerning the FIND National.
- This includes attending district meetings an and if at all possible, hosting district
meetings in the school community
- This also includes relaying information to the organization about FIND.

C. The Duties and Powers of the Sports Chair Director:

The Sports Chair Director is responsible for creating sporting activities that the
organization desires to participate in.
- This includes all the logistics that is involved in establishing a sports activity including
providing the facility, contacting necessary establishments, etc.)

D. Workshop Director:
The Workshop Director works in conjunction with the Cultural Officer in establishing
workshops that will educate the community on Filipino Culture.
- Two workshops should be conducted every semester.

E. The Duties and Powers of the Social Chair:

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 The Social Chair works in conjunction with the Personal Relations Officer in contacting
and informing the school community about the organization's upcoming events.
- This includes attending other organization's upcoming events.

F. Political Chair:
The Political Chair is responsible for receiving information on the Student Association and
other organizations on campus.
- This includes all Greek organizations and multicultural organizations.
Article VII. Vacancy of Office
A. If any vacancy in office occurs, the executive board will be responsible in
appointing an individual that is qualified for the position.
B. If a qualified individual cannot fill the position, the duties of that position would
be divided amongst the rest of the Executive Board.
Article VIII. Impeachment of Officers, Removal of Directors and rules of Succession
A. Impeachment applies to any member of the Executive Board. Removal is applied to
directorships. In order to impeach or remove these offices, the following steps must be
taken:
1. A motion for impeachment must be made and seconded twice at a general
assembly meeting.
2. A written grievance against the officer must be submitted to the Executive Board.
3. The Executive Board and the committee heads will form a Central Committee to
review the grievance excluding all officers being impeached.
4. A hearing will be chaired by the President in which the Central Committee will hear
arguments from both sides starting with the accuser. If the President is being
impeached, then the Vice-President will chair the hearing.
5. The Central Committee will have a closed session after all sides have been heard.
They will render their decision through discussion and a vote.
6. A simple majority of the Central Committee is necessary to ask the officer to step
down or to allow the officer to remain.
7. The Central Committee must issue a statement on their decision for the entire
membership to examine.
B. Vacancies produced by resignation or impeachment shall be filled by the members of
Liga Filipina by the Executive Board on an interim basis.

Article IX: General Elections

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 A. General Elections shall be held during the next general meeting of the spring term.
B. Any member of Liga Filipina is eligible to vote and to be nominated.
C. Candidates must be nominated by a card-carrying member and seconded by two
others.
D. The Executive Board shall be elected by a majority of the voting members present,
E. The Vice President shall run the elections. F. Nominations shall take place one general
meeting before elections.

Article X: Amendment of this Constitution

A. All prospective amendments must be written and submitted to an officer at a general
meeting.
B. The Executive Board will be responsible for looking over and voting on the
Constitution.
C. The Executive Board will be responsible for the rewording of the amendment for the
Constitution.
D. If the Executive Board fails the amendment, the membership then votes. Three
quarters of the quorum passes the amendment.
E. The Secretary will be in charge of the addition of the amendment to the Constitution
and that submission of the amended Constitution to the Student Association.

↭
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 Rizal's Address on the Uprising
translated by Charles Derbyshire

Countrymen:
On my return from Spain I learned that my name had been in use, among some who
were in arms, as a war-cry. The news came as a painful surprise, but, believing it already
closed, I kept silent over an incident which I considered irremediable. Now I notice indications of
the disturbances continuing, and if any still, in good or bad faith, are availing themselves of my
name, to stop this abuse and undeceive the unwary I hasten to address you these lines that the
truth may be known.
From the very beginning, when I first had notice of what was being planned, I opposed it,
and demonstrated its absolute impossibility. This is the fact, and witnesses to my words are now
living. I was convinced that the scheme was utterly absurd, and, what was worse, would bring
great suffering.
I did even more. When later, against my advice, the movement materialized, of my own
accord I offered not alone my good offices, but my very life, and even my name, to be used in
whatever way might seem best, toward stifling the rebellion; for, convinced of the ills which it
would bring, I considered myself fortunate, if, at any sacrifice, I could prevent such useless
misfortunes. This equally is of record. My countrymen, I have given proof that I am one most
anxious for liberties for our country, and I am still desirous of them. But I place as a prior
condition the education of the people, that by means of instruction and industry our country may
have an individuality of its own and make itself worthy of these liberties. I have recommended in
my writings the study of civic virtues, without which there is no redemption. I have written
likewise (and repeat my words) that reforms, to be beneficial, must come from above, that those
which come from below are irregularly gained and uncertain.
Holding these ideas, I cannot do less than condemn, and I do condemn, this uprising,
-as absurd, savage, and plotted behind my back, - which dishonors us Filipinos and discredits
those who could plead our cause. I abhor its criminal methods and disclaim all part in it, pitying
from the bottom of my heart the unwary who have been deceived.
Return, then, to your homes, and may God pardon those who have worked in bad
faith.
JOSÉ RIZAL.
Fort Santiago,
December 15th,
1896.

17
 Comment of The Spanish Judge-Advocate-General upon
Rizal's Address translated by Charles Derbyshire

The preceding address to his countrymen which Dr. Rizal proposes to direct to them, is
not in substance the patriotic protest against separatist manifestations and tendencies which
ought to come from those who claim to be loyal sons of Spain. According to his declarations,
Don José Rizal limits himself to condemning the present insurrectionary movement as
premature and because he considers now its triumph impossible, but leaves it to be inferred that
the wished-for independence can be gained by procedures less dishonorable than those now
being followed by the rebels, when the culture of the people shall be a most valuable asset for
the combat and guarantee its successful issue.
For Rizal the question is of opportuneness, not of principles nor of aims. His manifesto
might be summarized in these words: 'Because of my proof of the rebellion's certainty to fail, lay
down your arms, my countrymen. Later I shall lead you to the Promised Land.'
So far from being conducive to peace, it could advance in the future the spirit of
rebellion. For this reason, the publication of the proposed address seems impolitic, and I would
recommend to Your Excellency to forbid its being made public, but to order that all these papers
be forwarded to the Judge Advocate therein and added to the case against Rizal."

Manila, December 19th,

1896

18
 Additions to My Defence
by Jose Rizal translated by Charles Derbyshire

Remarks: These "Additions" were really Doctor Rizal's defense before the court martial which
condemned him and pretended to have tried him, on the charge of having organized
revolutionary societies and so being responsible for the rebellion. The only counsel permitted
him, a young lieutenant selected from the junior Spanish army officers, risked the displeasure
of his superiors in the few words he did say, but his argument was pitiably weak. The court
scene, where Rizal sat for hours with his elbows corded back of him while the crowd,
unrebuked by the court, clamored for his death, recalls the stories of the bloody assizes of
Judge Jeffreys and of the bloodthirsty tribunals of the Reign of Terror. He was compelled to
testify himself, was not permitted to hear the testimony given for the prosecution, no witness
dared favor him, much less appear in his behalf, and his own brother had been tortured, with
the thumbscrews as well as in other mediaeval and modern ways, in a vain endeavor to extort
a confession implicating the Doctor.

Don José Rizal y Alonso respectfully requests the Court Martial to consider well the following
circumstances:
First, – Re the rebellion. From July 6th, 1892, I had absolutely no connection with politics
until July 1st of this year when, advised by Don Pio Valenzuela that an uprising was proposed, I
counseled against it, trying to convince him with arguments. Don Pio Valenzuela left me
convinced apparently; so much so that instead of later taking part in rebellion, he presented
himself to the authorities for pardon.
Secondly, – A proof that I maintained no political relation with any one, and of the falsity
of the statement that I was in the habit of sending letters by my family, is the fact that it was
necessary to send Don Pio Valenzuela under an assumed name, at considerable cost, when in
the same steamer were traveling five members of my family besides two servants. If what has
been charged were true, what occasion was there for Don Pio to attract the attention of any one
and incur large expenses? Besides, the mere fact of Sr. Valenzuela's coming to inform me of the
rebellion proves that I was not in correspondence with its promoters for if I had been then I
should have known of it, for making an uprising is a sufficiently serious matter not to hide it from
me. When they took the step of sending Sr. Valenzuela, it proves that they were aware that I
knew nothing, that is to say, that I was not maintaining correspondence with them. Another
negative proof is that not a single letter of mine can be shown.
Thirdly, – They cruelly abused my name and at the last hour wanted to surprise me. Why
did they not communicate with me before? They might say likewise that I was, if not content, at
least resigned to my fate, for I had refused various propositions which a number of people made
to rescue me from that place. Only in these last months, in consequence of certain domestic
affairs, having had differences with a missionary padre, had sought to go as a volunteer to
19
Cuba. Don Pio Valenzuela came to warn me that I might put myself in security, because,
according to him, it was possible that they might compromise me. As I considered myself wholly
innocent and was not posted on the details of the movement (besides that I had convinced Sr.
Valenzuela) I took no precautions, but when His Excellency, the Governor General, wrote me
announcing my departure for Cuba,

I embarked at once, leaving all my affairs unattended to. And yet I could have gone to another
part or simply have stayed in Dapitan for His Excellency's letter was conditional. It said - "If you
persist in your idea of going to Cuba, etc." When the uprising occurred, it found me on board the
warship "Castilla," and I offered myself unconditionally to His Excellency. Twelve or fourteen
days later I set out for Europe, and had I had an uneasy conscience I should have tried to
escape in some port en route, especially Singapore, where I went ashore and when other
passengers who had passports for Spain stayed over. I had an easy conscience and hoped to
go to Cuba.
Fourthly, - In Dapitan I had boats and I was permitted to make excursions along the
coast and to the settlements, absences which lasted as long as I wished, at times a week. If I
had still had intentions of political activity, I might have gotten away even in the vintas of the
Moros whom I knew in the settlements. Neither would I have built my small hospital nor bought
land nor invited my family to live with me.
Fifthly. – Someone has said that I was the chief. What kind of a chief is he who is
ignored in the plotting and who is notified only that he may escape? How is he chief when he
says no, they say yes?
- As to the “Liga":
Sixthly. - It is true that I drafted its By-Laws whose aims were to promote commerce,
industry, the arts, etc., by means of united action, as have testified witnesses not at all
prejudiced in my favor, rather the reverse.
Seventhly. - The "Liga" never came into real existence nor ever got to work, since after
the first meeting no one paid any attention to it, because I was exiled a few days later.
Eighthly. - If it was reorganized nine months afterwards by other persons, as now is said,
I was ignorant of the fact.
Ninthly. - The “Liga" was not a society with harmful tendencies and the proof is the fact
that the radicals had to leave it, organizing the Katipunan which was what answered their
purposes. Had the "Liga" lacked only a little of being adapted for rebellion, the radicals would
not have left it but simply would have modified it; besides, if, as some allege, I am the chief, out
of consideration for me and for the prestige of my name, they would have retained the name of
"Liga". Their having abandoned it, name and all, proves clearly that they neither counted on me
nor did the "Liga" serve their purposes, otherwise they would not have made another society
when they had one already organized.
Tenthly. - As to my letters, I beg of the court that, if there are any bitter criticisms in them,

20
it will consider the circumstances under which they were written. Then we had been deprived of
our two dwellings, warehouses, lands, and besides all my brothers-inlaw and my brother were
deported, in consequence of a suit arising from an inquiry of the Administracion de Hacienda
(tax-collecting branch of the government), a case in which, according to our attorney (in Madrid),
Sr. Linares Rivas, we had the right on our side.
Eleventhly. - That I have endured exile without complaint, not because of the charge
alleged, for that was not true, but for what I had been able to write. And ask the politico-military
commanders of the district where I resided of my conduct during these four years of exile, of the
town, even of the very missionary parish priests despite my personal differences with one of
them.
Twelfth. - All these facts and considerations destroy the little-founded accusation of
those who have testified against me, with whom I have asked the Judge to be confronted. Is it
possible that in a single night I was able to line up all the filibusterism, at a gathering which
discussed commerce, etc., a gathering which went no further for it died immediately afterwards?
If the few who were present had been influenced by my words they would not have let the "Liga"
die. Is it that those who formed part of the "Liga" that night founded the Katipunan? I think not.
Who went to Dapitan to interview me? Persons entirely unknown to me. Why was not an
acquaintance sent, in whom I would have had more confidence? Because those acquainted
with me knew very well that I had forsaken politics or that, realizing my views on rebellion, they
must have refused to undertake a mission useless and unpromising.
I trust that by these considerations I have demonstrated that neither did I found a society
for revolutionary purposes, nor have I taken part since in others, nor have I been concerned in
the rebellion, but that on the contrary I have been opposed to it, as the making public of a
private conversation has proven.
JOSE RIZAL
Fort Santiago, Dec. 26,
1896.

21
 Respecting the Rebellion
translated by Charles Derbyshire

Remarks: These are the remarks of Rizal about the rebellion and are from a photographic cop
the pencil notes used by Rizal for his brief speech. The manuscript is now in the possession
of Sr. Eduardo Lete, of Saragossa, Spain.

I had no notice at all of what was being planned until the first or second or juryn 1996,
when Pio Valenzuela came to see me, saying that an uprising was being arranged. told him that
it was absurd, etc., etc. and he told me that they could bear no more. advised him that they
should have patience, etc., etc. He added then that he had been sent because they had
compassion for my life and that probably it would compromise me. I replied that they should
have patience and that if anything happened to me I would then prove my innocence. "Besides,
said I, don't consider me but our country which is the one that will suffer." I went on to show how
absurd the movement was. - This later Flo Valenzuela testified. - He did not tell me that my
name was being used, nor did he suggest that I was its chief, nor anything of that sort.
Those who testify that I am the chief (which I do not know nor do I know of having ever
treated them), what proof do they present of my having accepted this chiefship or that I was in
relations with them or with their society? Either they have made use of my name for their own
purposes or they have been deceived by others who have. Where is the chief who dictates no
order nor makes any arrangement, who is not consulted in any way about such an important
enterprise until the last moment, and then, when he decides against it, is disobeyed? Since the
seventh of July of 1892 I have entirely ceased political activity. It seems some have wished to
avail themselves of my name for their own ends.

22
 Petition for the Pardon of Rizal
by Teodora Alonzo de Rizal

Remarks: This is the content of the petition letter of Teodora Alonzo de Rizal to Camilo Polavieja, the
Spanish Governor General of the Philippines. This Rizal document was presented by the Spanish
government to the Philippine government in 1953. The document is now under the care of The National
Historical Institute of the Philippines.
Manila, 28 December 1896
MOST EXCELLENT SIR:
Teodora Alonzo de Rizal, resident of Calamba and native of Sta. Cruz, Manila, to Your
Excellency, with due respect and reverence, has the honor to state:
That her son Jose Rizal y Mercado having been sentenced to death by the Council of
War for the crime attributed to him of rebellion against the Mother Country, a crime, which in
conscience and at most in justice has not been proven in a conclusive manner; whereas the
absolute innocence of her unfortunate son is evident to the one who has the honor to resort to
Your Excellency; therefore, she is constrained to entreat your kind heart and upright justice to
deign to turn your glance on and consider the tribulations of an unhappy mother, who in the last
years of her life and at the advanced age of seventy-one, is going to have the greatest and the
most poignant of sorrows, which is that of witnessing the death of her unfortunate son, a victim
only of fatality and unfortunate circumstances which have surrounded him.
Most Excellent Sir, my unfortunate son Jose Rizal, suffering with humility and resignation
his banishment by order of the Superior Authority of this Archipelago, appears to me in an
evident manner as innocent of the grave crime imputed to him and for which he has been
sentenced to death.
It is not my intention, Most Excellent Sir, either to censure or question in any way the
legality of the decision of a fair Court, but on account of unfortunate and fatal circumstances, it
has apparently made my unhappy son responsible for the most infamous of crimes, when in fact
he is innocent.
In view of the above, Most Excellent Sir, I beseech Your Excellency to deign to
commiserate with a poor mother, who in the supreme moment of seeing her beloved son die,
addresses herself to Your Excellency in the name of our God, entreating you with tears of
sorrow in her eyes and a broken heart to deign to grant her unfortunate son pardon from the
death penalty imposed upon him.
This is a grace that she hopes to obtain from the acknowledged kindness of the
magnanimous heart of Your Excellency, which will be eternally recognized by the undersigned
and her entire family, who will elevate prayers to heaven that it may preserve your precious life
for the welfare and honor of our Mother Spain and the consolation of mothers.
(Signed) TEODORA ALONZO DE RIZAL

23
 Mi Retiro
(My Retreat), 1895
by José Rizal translated by Nick Joaquin

Remarks: Written as a reply to his mother's request to describe his life in exile in Dapitan."
Rizal expressed his lonely life in his exile, becoming appreciative and sentimental about his
life, nature, and surroundings. Mi Retiro served as Rizal's autobiography in Dapitan. He
described his hut near the shore where the sand is finer. He also described the sound of the
animals and calm skies. Though full of gloom because of being alone. Rizal managed to live,
making his loved ones and the past memories as his inspirations.

Beside a spacious beach of fine and delicate sand and at the foot
of a mountain greener than a leaf, I planted my humble hut
beneath a pleasant orchard, seeking in the still serenity of the
woods repose to my intellect and silence to my grief.

Its roof is fragile nipa; its floor is brittle bamboo; its beams and
posts are rough as rough-hewn wood can be; of no worth, it is
certain, is my rustic cabin; but on the lap of the eternal mount it
slumbers and night and day is lulled by the crooning of the sea.

The overflowing brook, that from the shadowy jungle descends

between huge bowlders, washes it with its spray, donating a
current of water through makeshift bamboo pipes that in the silent
night is melody and music and crystalline nectar in the noon heat
of the day.

If the sky is serene, meekly flows the spring, strumming on its

invisible zither unceasingly; but come the time of the rains, and an
impetuous torrent spills over rocks and chasms-hoarse, foaming
and a boil — to hurl itself with a frenzied roaring toward the sea.
The barking of the dog, the twittering of the birds, the hoarse voice
of the kalaw are all that I hear; there is no boastful man, no
nuisance of a neighbor to impose himself on my mind or to disturb
my passage; only the forests and the sea do I have near.

24
 The sea, the sea is everything! Its sovereign mass brings to me
atoms of a myriad faraway lands;
Its bright smile animates me in the limpid mornings; and when at
the end of day my faith has proven futile, my heart echoes the
sound of its sorrow on the sands.

At night it is a mystery! ... Its diaphanous element is carpeted with

thousands and thousands of lights that climb; the wandering
breeze is cool, the firmament is brilliant, the waves narrate with
many a sigh to the mild wind of histories that were lost in the dark
night of time.

'Tis said they tell of the first morning on the earth, of the first kiss
with which the sun inflamed her breast, when multitudes of beings
materialized from nothing to populate the abyss and the
overhanging summits and all the places where that quickening
kiss was pressed.

But when the winds rage in the darkness of the night and the
unquiet waves commence their agony, across the air move cries
that terrify the spirit, a chorus of voices praying, a lamentation that
seems to come from those who, long ago, drowned in the sea.

Then do the mountain ranges on high reverberate; the trees stir

far and wide, by a fit of trembling seized; the cattle moan; the dark
depths of the forest resound; their spirits say that they are on their
way to the plain, summoned by the dead to a mortuary feast.

The wild night hisses, hisses, confused and terrifying; one sees
the sea afire with flames of green and blue; but calm is
re-established with the approach of dawning and forthwith an
intrepid little fishing vessel begins to navigate the weary waves
anew.

So pass the days of my life in my obscure retreat; cast out of the

world where once I dwelt: such is my rare good fortune; and
Providence be praised for my condition: a disregarded pebble that

25
 craves nothing but moss to hide from all the treasure that in myself
I bear.

I live with the remembrance of those that I have loved and hear
their names still spoken, who haunt my memory; some already are
dead, others have long forgotten - but what does it matter? I live
remembering the past and no one can ever take the past away
from me.

It is my faithful friend that never turns against me, that cheers my

spirit when my spirit's a lonesome wraith, that in my sleepless
nights keeps watch with me and prays with me, and shares with
me my exile and my cabin, and, when all doubt, alone infuses me
with faith.

Faith do I have, and I believe the day will shine when the Idea
shall defeat brute force as well; and after the struggle and the
lingering agony a voice more eloquent and happier than my own
will then know how to utter victory's canticle.

I see the heavens shining, as flawless and refulgent as in the days

that saw my first illusions start; I feel the same breeze kissing my
autumnal brow, the same that once enkindled my fervent
enthusiasm and turned the blood ebullient within my youthful
heart.

Across the fields and rivers of my native town perhaps has

travelled the breeze that now I breathe by chance; perhaps it will
give back to me what once I gave it: the sighs and kisses of a
person idolized and the sweet secrets of a virginal romance.

On seeing the same moon, as silvery as before, I feel within me

the ancient melancholy revive; a thousand memories of love and
vows awaken: a patio, an azotea, a beach, a leafy bower; silences
and sighs, and blushes of delight …

A butterfly, a thirst for radiances and colors, dreaming of other

skies and of a larger strife, I left, scarcely a youth, my land and my

26
 affections, and vagrant everywhere, with no qualms, with no
terrors, squandered in foreign lands the April of my life.

And afterwards, when I desired, a weary swallow, to go back to

the nest of those for whom I care, suddenly a violent hurricane
and I found my wings broken, my dwelling place demolished, faith
now sold to others, and ruins everywhere.

Hurled upon a rock of the country I adore;

the future ruined; no home, no health to bring me cheer; you come

to me anew, dreams of rose and gold, of my entire existence the
solitary treasure, convictions of a youth that was healthy and
sincere.

No more are you, like once, full of fire and life, offering a thousand
crowns to immortality; somewhat serious I find you; and yet your
face beloved, if now no longer as merry, if now no longer as vivid,
now bears the superscription of fidelity.

You offer me, O illusions, the cup of consolation; you come to

reawaken the years of youthful mirth; hurricane, I thank you; winds
of heaven, I thank you that in good hour suspended by uncertain
flight to bring me down to the bosom of my native earth.

Beside a spacious beach of fine and delicate sand and at the foot
of a mountain greener than a leaf, I found in my land a refuge
under a pleasant orchard, and in its shadowy forests, serene
tranquility, repose to my intellect and silence to my grief.

⇿
27