Module 2

Trial and Execution

R. De Los Reyes

The Life and Works of Jose Rizal

Trial and Execution

This briefly presents the preliminary investigation of the complaint filed

against Rizal, the formal charges, the verdict and sentence imposed against him
and the day of his execution. Included here are those people who visited him
including his parents, sister, wife, defense counsel, priests and others.
Trial and Execution

Based on documentary and testimonial evidence, the formal charges endorsed

by Judge Advocate General Nicolas de la Pena to Governor Blanco against Jose
Rizal is Complex crime of rebellion and formation of illegal organization on December
9, 1896 and recommended the following:
1. That accused Rizal be kept under custody of the law
2. That Rizal be brought to trial
3. That attachment order issued against Rizal’s property
4. That an army office be assigned as Rizal’s lawyer
Gregorio F Zaide and Sonia Zaide: Jose Rizal: Life, Works and Writings of a Genius, Writer, Scientist and National Hero. All -
Nations Publishing Co. Inc, 2007
Trial and Execution

On December 11, 1896 during arraignment, Rizal pleaded no guilty on the

charges via his lawyer Luis Taviel de Andrade.
The Special Judge Advocate Rafael Dominguez submitted the transcript of
arraignment proceeding to Malacanang Palace at the time General Camilo de
Polavieja replaced General Blanco as Governor General on December 13,1896.
It is the belief of Archbishop Nozaleda and the Dominicans that Rizal will be
acquitted from the crime if General Blanco will remain in the gubernatorial post.
With Polavieva in the gubernatorial office, Rizal’s chance for acquittal from charges
is impossible.
Rizal’s court martial trial started on December 19, 1896 with the reading of
charges and eventual presentation of evidence by the prosecutor Enrique de
Alcocer with a prayer of death sentenced against the accused.
Trial and Execution

Thereafter, Luis Taviel de Andrade presented the argument for Rizal . Rizal
personally presented his own argument upon the advice of the judge advocate. Rizal
alleged, among others that:
a. He advised Dr Pio Valenzuela not to rise in revolution,
b. The revolutionists used his name without his knowledge
c. He could have escaped in Dapitan if he were a member of the Katipunan
d. He was not a founder of La Solidaridad and the association Hispano-Filipiino
e. He had nothing to do with introduction of masonry in the Philippines
f. The La Liga Filipina did not last long
Gregorio F Zaide and Sonia Zaide: Jose Rizal: Life, Works and Writings of a Genius, Writer, Scientist and National Hero. All -
Nations Publishing Co. Inc, 2007
Trial and Execution

The verdict of conviction beyond reasonable doubt with penalty of firing squad
of the military court was rendered on that day and endorsed to Governor
Polavieja on December 28, 1896 Polavieja promulgated a decree approving the
court decision sentencing Rizal a penalty firing squad on December 30, 1896 at
Bagumbayan at seven o’clock in the morning.
This verdict was read to Rizal a day before his execution, December 29, 1896.
Gregorio F Zaide and Sonia Zaide: Jose Rizal: Life, Works and Writings of a Genius, Writer, Scientist and National Hero. All -
Nations Publishing Co. Inc, 2007
Trial and Death of Rizal (5)

Members of the family, Jose Taviel de Andrade, journalist, visited Rizal including
Jesuits and other friars who were strongly convincing Rizal to return back to the fold
of Catholicism on December 29, 1896..Nevertheless, Rizal was able to write letters to
friends and relatives and the poem, My Last Farewell.
On December 30, 1896, Rizal took his breakfast 5:30 in the morning and came
out with additional two letters for his family and brother Paciano.
Rizal death march commenced at 6:30 in the morning. He wore a black suit and
vest with a black hat. Luis Taviel de Andrade, Father March and Father Villaclara
were behind him during the march,
Upon reaching the Bagumbayan field, Rizal bid final goodbye to Luis Taviel,
the priests and to Josephine.
The shout of the commander “Fuego” signaled the firing of guns. Right after
Rizal fell to the ground, the military band played the Spain’s national hymm.