The Americans (through the American Governor William Howard Taft)

recommended to the Philippine Commission, which was sponsored by the US,

to declare Jose Rizal as a national hero for the Filipinos. The Americans
recommended Rizal because of the fact that he was executed by the Spaniards
and of his peaceful way to achieve liberty. Unlike Andres Bonifacio whose
desire to achieve independence for his native land required armed approach. The
Americans deemed this approach to independence of Andres Bonifacio to be
unacceptable and may inspire other Filipinos to rebel against American rule.
This is why Jose Rizal was chosen over him as the national hero. Jose Rizal was
declared as the greatest Filipino hero during the American colonization after the
Aguinaldo led armed forces were subdued during the Philippine-American war.

December 30th as National Day of Mourning

General Emilio Aguinaldo was the first one to declare December 30th as a
national day of mourning in honor of Rizal and others who have died fighting
the Spanish tyranny.

The Pen Is Mightier Than the Sword

The Philippine revolution led by Andres Bonifacio was fueled by the writings of
Jose Rizal, Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, which made a more lasting
impression. This is one of the best arguments of those who believe that Rizal is
rightfully the national hero. Rizal was truly an inspiration to many Filipinos
during the Spanish period. According to the historian Rafael Palma, Rizal was
more deserving of the national hero title. Rizal was even thought to have
suggested that Antonio Luna lead the revolutionary forces since Luna has
studied military science which was a brilliant idea to lessen casualties against
the powerhouse Spanish militia. Rizal believed that only an army that was well
prepared and had enough arms would ensure victory .
The Americans (through the American Governor William Howard Taft)
recommended to the Philippine Commission, which was sponsored by the US,
to declare Jose Rizal as a national hero for the Filipinos. The Americans
recommended Rizal because of the fact that he was executed by the Spaniards
and of his peaceful way to achieve liberty. Unlike Andres Bonifacio whose
desire to achieve independence for his native land required armed approach. The
Americans deemed this approach to independence of Andres Bonifacio to be
unacceptable and may inspire other Filipinos to rebel against American rule.
This is why Jose Rizal was chosen over him as the national hero. Jose Rizal was
declared as the greatest Filipino hero during the American colonization after the
Aguinaldo led armed forces were subdued during the Philippine-American war.

December 30th as National Day of Mourning

General Emilio Aguinaldo was the first one to declare December 30th as a
national day of mourning in honor of Rizal and others who have died fighting
the Spanish tyranny.

The Pen Is Mightier Than the Sword

The Philippine revolution led by Andres Bonifacio was fueled by the writings of
Jose Rizal, Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, which made a more lasting
impression. This is one of the best arguments of those who believe that Rizal is
rightfully the national hero. Rizal was truly an inspiration to many Filipinos
during the Spanish period. According to the historian Rafael Palma, Rizal was
more deserving of the national hero title. Rizal was even thought to have
suggested that Antonio Luna lead the revolutionary forces since Luna has
studied military science which was a brilliant idea to lessen casualties against
the powerhouse Spanish militia. Rizal believed that only an army that was well
prepared and had enough arms would ensure victory .