JOSE RIZAL’S POLITICAL LEGACY: ITS RELEVANCE IN CONTEMPORARY PHILIPPINE
POLITICS
PERFORMANCE TASK IN HIS 007: LIFE AND WORKS OF RIZAL AND GEN 002:
UNDERSTANDING THE SELF
GROUP 1
FLORES, HYGIAN ANGELICA
TAYAWA, GLINZANE
ESCOTO, BRENT DARYL JAMES
BALBALOSA, JOANNA MAE
CAYETANO, TARA LEIGH
MABALON, ARIANE
OCTAVIANO, MITCH
OCFEMIA, ANDRIA MEA
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN PSYCHOLOGY 1-3
Jose Rizal's Political Legacy:
Its Relevance in Contemporary Philippine Politics
Dr. Jose Rizal, a beloved national hero of the Philippines is widely recognized for his immense
contributions to the country's quest for independence from Spanish colonial rule. His writings, his
devoted advocacy, and his progressive vision for a free and democratic country are all responsible for his
enormous social impact. Through Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, Rizal revealed the
government's wrongdoings and pushed for reforms that would empower and fortify Filipinos' sense of
national identity. Rizal's ideas and ideals are still relevant today because they inspire current efforts to
fight social injustice and corruption, advance equality and nationalism, and address violations of human
rights with an emphasis on civic engagement and education as catalysts for constructive change. This will
ensure that future generations are united in their pursuit of justice and fairness under moral leadership,
leading to a society that is more compassionate.
Rizal's life and accomplishments serve as a symbol of the Filipino people's fight for independence
and patriotism throughout that time. Efforts for freedom and national dignity were influenced by his
advocacy for changes to the state and a strong Filipino culture. The philosophies that eventually
influenced the nation's political landscape were influenced by Rizal's commitment to change. Through
his literary masterpieces, Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, Rizal expressed a vision for national
awakening founded on reason, dialogue, and intellectual discourse.
Instead of supporting violence, Rizal encouraged a rational argument and education as transformative
means of bringing about social change. His concept of "Hispanization" aimed to secure equal rights for
Filipinos within the Spanish colonial system by addressing systemic inequalities and fostering mutual
respect. Rizal actively engaged with the propaganda movement through organizations like La Solidaridad
and La Liga Filipina, which sought to unify Filipinos and advocate for political reforms. These groups
championed secular education, freedom of the press and religion, and Filipino representation in the
Spanish Cortes. Rizal’s unwavering dedication to exposing the abuses of colonial power reinforced his
call for justice and equality.
Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo serve as groundbreaking critiques of Spanish colonial rule.
In Noli Me Tangere, Rizal portrayed the plight of ordinary Filipinos through characters like Sisa and
Elias, who symbolized the struggles of the oppressed masses. In contrast, El Filibusterismo presented a
darker, more politically charged critique, urging caution, vigilance, and self-determination. The evolution
of Crisostomo Ibarra into Simoun demonstrated Rizal’s growing understanding of the complexities of
inciting collective action and fostering political awareness. By vividly depicting the abuses of colonial
rule, these novels sparked political movements and inspired resistance against oppression.
For instance, El Filibusterismo drew inspiration from the martyrdom of GomBurZa (Mariano
Gomez, Jose Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora), further amplifying anti-colonial sentiments. These novels
functioned not only as literary achievements but also as instruments for political education, influencing
the nationalist policies of future leaders. Rizal’s preference for intellectual empowerment and calculated
reform set him apart from figures like Andres Bonifacio, who advocated armed rebellion. Rizal cautioned
against the risks of unplanned revolution, emphasizing that such actions could lead to unnecessary
suffering. This perspective led him to withhold support for the Katipunan’s premature uprising.
Through his writings and actions, Rizal outlined a path to freedom grounded in moral integrity and
intellectual development. His emphasis on education as a means of societal progress remains integral to
Filipino values, as demonstrated by the Rizal Law (Republic Act 1425), which mandates the study of his
works in schools. His enduring legacy continues to inspire efforts to combat corruption, inequality, and
colonial mindsets. In today’s interconnected and globalized world, Rizal’s writings challenge Filipinos to
preserve their cultural identity and uphold national dignity.
Ultimately, Rizal envisioned a united and dignified Philippines, driven by a sense of collective purpose
and national pride. His legacy reminds us that the pursuit of freedom, justice, and equality is not merely a
historical chapter but an enduring mission that requires commitment from every generation. By
embracing Rizal’s ideals, we honor his memory and take meaningful steps toward creating a society
rooted in humanity, morality, and hope—a society where the aspirations of every Filipino can flourish.
Rizal’s principles of justice, equity, and reform provide a valuable framework for addressing these
challenges. His call for transparency, fairness, and ethical governance highlights the importance of moral
leadership in achieving societal progress. Rizal’s critiques of abuse and injustice, particularly in Noli Me
Tangere and El Filibusterismo, emphasize the necessity of structural reforms to uplift marginalized sectors
of society. His advocacy for nonviolent change and rational dialogue remains relevant in contemporary
efforts to uphold free speech and accountability in politics.
Rizal’s political philosophy, rooted in democracy, equality, and freedom, underscores the transformative
power of education and civic participation. He believed in the capacity of informed and empowered
citizens to create a just society. These ideals resonate strongly with democratic principles, which prioritize
individual rights, equality before the law, and collective engagement in governance.
Rizal’s vision aligns with modern movements advocating transparency, human rights, and participatory
governance. His preference for peaceful transformation over violent revolution mirrors contemporary
approaches to systemic change, such as community organizing, policy advocacy, and grassroots
mobilization.
Youth engagement in politics plays a crucial role in advancing Rizal’s vision. Young people bring fresh
perspectives and innovative solutions to the nation’s challenges, particularly in areas like governance,
education, and social reform. Rizal’s timeless assertion, “Ang kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan,” highlights
the importance of empowering the youth through education and critical thinking. By equipping
themselves with knowledge and skills, the younger generation can hold leaders accountable, challenge
injustices, and contribute to the nation’s development.
Today's youth must harness their intellectual resources and moral courage to promote fairness and
justice, as Rizal once did. The participation of young Filipinos in political discourse reflects Rizal’s belief
that education and intellectual empowerment are indispensable tools for achieving societal progress. As
agents of change, they carry the responsibility of shaping a future grounded in justice, equality, and
freedom.
To sum it up, José Rizal’s life and contributions demonstrate the enduring power of reason, education,
and nonviolent reform in addressing societal injustices and fostering national identity. His advocacy for
systemic change through moral leadership, civic engagement, and intellectual discourse provides a
timeless model for navigating the Philippines’ ongoing struggles with corruption, inequality, and threats
to democracy.
Through Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, Rizal illuminated the injustices of colonial rule
while inspiring Filipinos to recognize their potential and assert their rights. His emphasis on education as
the foundation of societal progress resonates deeply with today’s youth, reaffirming their critical role in
shaping the nation’s destiny.
In Rizal's ideal towards the Philippines, everyone would stand united with pride and a common goal. He
demonstrated to us that the pursuit of freedom, justice, and equality is a mission that every generation
should embrace and is not just something we read about in history books. By adhering to Rizal's
principles, we preserve his legacy and strive to create a society that values compassion, decency, and
optimism—where all Filipinos' aspirations can truly be realized.
References used:
Evasco, M. E. J., & Valila Jr, J. (2024). Rizal’s Life in Philippine History: Awakening Filipino Nationalism
for the 21st Century.
Valila, M. J. J. R. (2023). A Critical Essay on the Question of Rizal's Heroism and Significance to
Philippine History and Nationalism.
PADILLA, C. (2022). The Life and Works of Rizal. ourSOUL Teaching-Learning Resources.
