Written report

Dela Cruz, Claire Anne B

Samonte, Virnamae E.

Flow of the report

1.Introduction about the topic

2.Rizal’s background
3.Rizal’s work
4.Opening for retraction
5.Discuss the retraction’s meaning
6.Discuss the retraction of Rizal’s meaning
7.Discuss the myths about the retraction of Rizal
8.Discuss the scholarly opinion about the topic
9.Make a both side comparison (Agree & Disagree side)
10.Let them watch a video
11.Come up with a conclusion

Who is Dr. Jose Rizal?

José Rizal, in full José Protasio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda, (born June 19, 1861, Calamba,
Philippines—died December 30, 1896, Manila), patriot, physician, and man of letters who was an
inspiration to the Philippine nationalist movement.

José Rizal
Biography
Description José Protasio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda was a Filipino nationalist and polymath
during the tail end of the Spanish colonial period of the Philippines.
Born: 19 June 1861, Calamba
Died: 30 December 1896, Manila
Spouse: Josephine Bracken (m. 1896–1896)
Other names: Pepe, Jose (nicknames)
Education: Ateneo de Manila University, MORE
Children: Francisco Rizal

Some of Dr. Jose Rizal’s Literary Works:

To the Filipino Youth

Goodbye to Leonor
To the Young Women of Malolos
Kundiman
Junto Al Pasig
Noli Me Tángere
El Filibusterismo
Mi último adiós
What is “The Retraction of Rizal”?

One of the most intriguing of all was the issues of Jose Rizal was his alleged retraction which was all
about his reversion to the Catholic Faith and all other issues linked to it such as his marriage to
Josephine. That issue was claimed to be true by the Roman Catholic defenders but asserted to be
deceptive by anti-retractionists. They claim that the retraction document is a forgery, but handwriting
experts concluded a long time ago that it is genuine.
Since Rizal’s retraction letter was discovered by Father Manuel Garcia, C.M. in 1935, its content has
become a favorite subject of dispute among academicians and Catholics. The letter, dated December 29,
1896, was said to have been signed by the National Hero himself.
The controversy whether the National Hero actually wrote a retraction document only lies in the
judgment of its reader, as no amount of proof can probably make the two opposing groups—the
Masonic Rizalists (who firmly believe that Rizal did not withdraw) and the Catholic Rizalists (who were
convinced Rizal retracted)—agree with each other.

The facts and the testimonies that can prove that Rizal retracts his own literary works.

According to a testimony by Father Vicente Balaguer, a Jesuit missionary who befriended the hero
during his exile in Dapitan, Rizal accepted a shorter retraction document prepared by the superior of the
Jesuit Society in the Philippines, Father Pio Pi.
Rizal then wrote his retraction after making some modifications in the document. In his retraction, he
disavowed Masonry and religious thoughts that opposed Catholic belief.

More proofs, documents, opinions, and facts that can prove Rizal’s retraction

Fr. Pi’s copy of Rizal’s retraction has the same text as that of Fr. Balaguer’s "exact" copy but follows the
paragraphing of the texts of Rizal’s retraction in the Manila newspapers.

Regarding the "original" text, no one claimed to have seen it, except the publishers of La Voz Espanola.
That newspaper reported: "Still more; we have seen and read his (Rizal’s) own hand-written retraction
which he sent to our dear and venerable Archbishop…"

On the other hand, Manila pharmacist F. Stahl wrote in a letter: "besides, nobody has seen this written
declaration, in spite of the fact that quite a number of people would want to see it. "

Anti - Retraction Arguments

 The priest have MOTIVES in making Rizal retract his own literary works.
 Some of the facts DO NOT fits well with the retraction story.
 The retraction document is a fraud and a forgery.