Rizal's Reasons for Returning Home PDF

TOPIC 5: RIZAL’S REASONS FOR RETURNING HOME Rizal’s Reasons for Returning Home 1. To confer with Governor Despujol regarding Borneo project 2. To establish the La Liga Filipina in Manila 3. To prove that Eduardo de Lete was wrong in his accusation (printed in La Solidaridad on April 15, 1892...

TOPIC 5: RIZAL’S REASONS FOR RETURNING HOME Rizal’s Reasons for Returning Home 1. To confer with Governor Despujol regarding Borneo project 2. To establish the La Liga Filipina in Manila 3. To prove that Eduardo de Lete was wrong in his accusation (printed in La Solidaridad on April 15, 1892) Spanish Trap Rizal wrote Despujol a letter about his plan to visit Manila. He placed himself under the protection of the Spanish Government. On June 21, they travelled for Manila with a special passport or “safe conduct” issued by the Spanish consul general in Hong Kong. Rizal Falls into Spanish Trap  After Rizal’s departure, the Spanish consul- general sent a cablegram to Despujol that the “victim is in the trap.”  A secret case was filed on June 21, 1892 against Rizal and his followers “for anti- religious and anti-patriotic agitation”  The deceitful Despujol ordered his secretary, Luis de la Torre, to find out if Rizal was a naturalized German citizen, “who had the protection of a strong nation” for proper action.  Meanwhile, Rizal and his sister were peacefully crossing the China Sea. They were fully unaware of the Spanish duplicity. Arrival in Manila With his widowed sister Lucia, they arrived at noon of June 26, 1892 in Manila. They were met by many government officials who inspected his luggage and the two were allowed to land. Lucia stayed with her sisters while Rizal checked in at Hotel de Oriente. In the afternoon at 4:00, he went to Malacañang Palace to seek audience with the Spanish governor general but was asked to go back at 7:00 P.M. He had discussion with Despujol, who allowed to pardon his father and can return to the Philippines but not all his family member. After which, he visited his friends and sisters. The homes he visited were raided by the Guardia Civil which seized some copies of the Noli and Fili and some subversive pamphlets. Rizal had other interviews with Despujol in which he strongly opposed Rizal’s proposal on Borneo Project. He was not also able to succeed to get a lift on the exile of his entire family. Chapter 6 | Page 8 of 13  TOPIC 6: FOUNDING OF THE LA LIGA FILIPINA Rizal presided a meeting of the patriots at the home of Doroteo Ongjunco in Tondo, Manila on July 3, 1892. Rizal explained the objectives of the La Liga Filipina, a civic league of Filipinos concern on the socio- economic life of the people. He also presented the Constitution he wrote in Hong Kong which was gladly approved. New set of officers were elected also on the same day.  La Liga Filipina-The Philippine League. Rizal drafted its constitution while he was in Hong Kong with the help of Jose Maria Basa.  Motto: “One like all” (Unus Instar Omnium)  Membership is based on endorsements and passing certain tests. Three levels of organizational councils: (Popular/Provincial/Supreme) The constitution contained the aims of the La Liga which were the following: 1. Unite the whole archipelago into one compact, vigorous and homogeneous body; 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 and application of reforms During the meeting, Rizal met Andres Bonifacio, who was one of the founders of the Liga. It was a meeting of two men with different family backgrounds, different personalities and different views in life, yet they shared the same burning desire to see a reformed and democratic Philippines. Cover page of the constitution of La Apolinario A. Mabini was also present in this meeting. Liga Filipina Chapter 6 | Page 9 of 13  TOPIC 7: THE ARREST OF RIZAL On July 6, 1892, three days after La Liga Filipina was organized, Rizal was secretly arrested by Spanish authorities while he was having a meeting with Despujol in his office. The later showed him a pamphlets which was allegedly discovered in Lucia’s pillow cases in the Hotel. Rizal denied having those leaflets in their baggage which were thoroughly searched upon their arrival from Hong Kong by the custom authorities who found nothing. Rizal was jailed to Fort Santiago and was kept incommunicado. Gaceta de Manila was a daily newspaper in Manila. It published Rizal’s arrest the next day (July 7) and the reasons of the arrest. It also contained Despujol’s decree on Rizal’s deportation to Dapitan. Reasons for Rizal’s Arrest 1. A few hours after his arrival in Manila, a copy of the pamphlet “Pobres Frailes” (Poor Friars) by Fr. Jacinto was found in his belonging. It was printed by Imprenta de los Amigos del Pais, Manila. The content is a satire against the rich Dominican friars who amassed fabulous riches contrary to their monastic vow of property. 2. Rizal had published books and articles abroad which showed disloyalty Spain and which were frankly “anti -Cathotholic” and “imprudently anti friar.” 3. His novel El Filibusterismo was dedicated to the memory of the three traitors GOMBURZA and on the title page he wrote that in view of the vices and errors of the Spanish administration, “the only salvation for the Philippines was separation from the mother country.” 4. The end which he pursues in his efforts and writings is to tear from the Filipinos their loyalty to the holy Catholic faith. Chapter 6 | Page 10 of 13