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Rizal's Retraction
For many years, historians, academics, and Filipinos have been

debating the controversy surrounding the Rizal Retraction. The main focus
of this dispute is the purported withdrawal of national hero Jose Rizal from
his ideas and writings prior to his 1896 execution. It has been
controversial to determine whether Rizal retracted his writings or not;
some contend that he did so under pressure from Spanish authorities,
while others think the retraction was a fabrication. This controversy has
raised serious concerns about the veracity of historical accounts of Rizal's
life and works as well as fervent discussions and debates regarding his
actual goals and beliefs. One can learn more about the Rizal Retraction
controversy by looking at a variety of sources, viewpoints, and supporting
data. This essay will explore the various viewpoints and arguments on this
matter, illuminating the subtleties and complexity of Rizal's life and
legacy. The Rizal Retraction is still a controversial and unsolved issue that
fascinates and intrigues both Filipinos and scholars as we make our way
through the tangle of divergent stories and points of view.
A marriage certificate, a secret document, and the fact that Rizal wed
Josephine Bracken after signing the retraction document serve as the
foundation for his retraction claims. No witnesses had ever seen the
document, and the original copy had been lost. After 29 years, Ricardo
Pascual, PhD, came to the conclusion that the document was a fake.
Rizal's contributions to Philippine colonial society during the Spanish era,
which resulted in Philippine independence, are contradicted by the friars'
admission that he withdrew his writings. Jose Victor Torres, a professor at
De La Salle University, contended that Rizal's writings sparked the
transformation of Philippine colonial society and ultimately resulted in his
demise. He maintained that Rizal's works, especially Noli Me Tangere and
El Filibusterismo, revealed the abuses in the Catholic Church and the
brutality of priests. Since Rizal's retraction only demonstrates his
opposition to the government and church during his time, it is therefore
regarded as meaningless in schools.
Supporters of Rizal's retraction argue that it represented a significant
step towards national unity and reconciliation during a tumultuous period
in Philippine history, as he sought to foster peace between Spanish
authorities and Filipinos by renouncing his anti-clerical and revolutionary
sentiments. This act can also be seen as a reflection of his humanity,
illustrating his capacity for change and the complexity of his character,
reminding us that even great leaders experience moments of doubt and
reconsideration. Additionally, some view the retraction as a strategic
decision aimed at protecting his family and fellow reformists from
persecution, suggesting that Rizal prioritized the safety and well-being of
his loved ones over his personal beliefs in the critical moments leading up
to his execution.
The retraction attributed to José Rizal has sparked significant

controversy, with critics arguing that it undermines his legacy as a
national hero and martyr, casting doubt on his commitment to reform and
freedom. Concerns arise that this retraction may have been coerced or
fabricated by Spanish authorities to discredit Rizal's revolutionary ideas
and weaken the movement he inspired, thus questioning the authenticity
of his earlier works. Furthermore, the controversy has led to a divided
sentiment among Filipinos regarding Rizal's true beliefs, potentially
hindering a unified movement for independence, as varying
interpretations of his actions influence perceptions of national identity.
A significant and divisive event in Philippine history, José Rizal's

retraction captures the intricate relationship between colonialism,
nationalism, and faith. Shortly before his execution in 1896, Rizal, who is
hailed as a national hero for his revolutionary beliefs and support of
reform, is said to have recanted his previous criticisms of the Catholic
Church. Historians and academics have fiercely debated this act's
implications for Rizal's legacy, regardless of whether it was real or forced.
While some contend that the retraction damages his reputation as a
staunch supporter of independence, others view it as a humanizing event
that captures the intense pressures of the colonial setting. In the end,
Rizal's retraction challenges us to consider the complex realities of
compromise and resistance in the struggle for freedom and national
identity, serving as a reminder that even the most resilient individuals can
be vulnerable to the weaknesses of their situations.
Fibboys. (2012, April 8). Did Jose Rizal retract? The Wanderland.
https://puchikamalucho.wordpress.com/2012/04/08/did-jose-rizal-retract/
Jose Rizal [The Retraction]. (n.d.). http://www.joserizal.ph/rt03.html
StudyMoose. (2020, June 15). Jose Rizal Personality and his Retraction
Free essay example. https://studymoose.com/jose-rizal-personality-and-
his-retraction-essay
StudyMoose. (2023, November 13). The Rizal Retraction Controversy:

Examining the Debate Free essay example. https://studymoose.com/jose-
rizals-retraction-controversy-essay
Santos, T. U. (2011, October 4). Rizal’s retraction: Truth vs Myth. The

Varsitarian.
https://varsitarian.net/news/20111004/rizals_retraction_truth_vs_myth
Alas, P. (2020, May 18). Rizal’s retraction (full original text). EL
FILIPINISMO. https://pepealas.wordpress.com/2019/12/30/rizals-retraction-
full-original-text/comment-page-1/

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Rizal's Retraction

For many years, historians, academics, and Filipinos have been

The retraction attributed to José Rizal has sparked significant

A significant and divisive event in Philippine history, José Rizal's

Jose Rizal [The Retraction]. (n.d.). http://www.joserizal.ph/rt03.html

StudyMoose. (2023, November 13). The Rizal Retraction Controversy:

Santos, T. U. (2011, October 4). Rizal’s retraction: Truth vs Myth. The

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