JOSE RIZAL

LIFE, WORKS AND WRITINGS

Module 8: Exile Trial and Death
II. The Trial of Rizal

“I have always love my poor country, and I am sure I shall love her to the last moment,
even though men are perhaps unjust to me, my future, my life, my joys-all these I have
sacrifice for my love for her”
- Jose Rizal
Prepared by: Madonna Z. Salas
Introduction:
In 1886, Rizal published in Berlin a Tagalog novel in the Spanish language with the
title Noli Me Tangere, a book that overflows with hatred against the mother country. In
it, he lashes at the Spaniards with the most infamous insults, defiles the Catholic
religion and attempts to prove that the Philippine nation can never be civilized as long as
it is ruled by those whom he calls decadent and contemptible Castilians. It goes without
saying that after the authorities received knowledge of it, the distribution of this work
in the islands was forthwith prohibited.
The sequel to Rizal’s Noli came off the press by the middle of September 1891,
entitled El Filibusterismo. In veneration of the three priests, he dedicated the book to
them. However, Rizal succeeded in eluding the government order and in distributing the
book throughout the archipelago - with the foreseeable deleterious effects.

The Trial of Rizal

● September 2, 1896 – Rizal left Manila bay for Spain; his destination was cuba
● He was jailed in Barcelona and later shipped back to Manila and imprisoned at Port
Santiago.
● December 26, 1896 – his trial by court martial.
● The verdict was death by firing squad approved by Governor Camilo G. de Polavieja
who ordered his execution on December 30th
Rescue attempts by the Katipunan
● The Katipunan a secret revolutionary society founded by Bonifacio was deeply
concerned about his life.
● Dr. Pio Valenzuela – secret emissary of the Katipunan to Dapitan.
● Persons who plotted to rescue Rizal from the cruiser, Castilla which was then
anchored at Manila Bay:
1. Andres Bonifacio
2. Emilio Jacinto
 3. Other brave katipunan
The Preliminary Investigation
● Colonel Francisco Olive, the Judge Advocate of the Spanish military tribunal,
summoned Rizal to appear before him on November 20, 1896.
● Two kinds of evidences brought up against Rizal
✔ Documentary
✔ Testimonial
● The Investigation took 5 days
● After 6 days, Rafael Dominquez evaluated the case and a prima facie case was
against Rizal, for the crime of rebellion and formation of illegal organization.
● The judge Nicolas dela Pena, gave Rizal some recommendations to Governor Blanco
✔ Accused be kept under the custody of law
✔ Accused be brought to trial
✔ Order of attachment be issued against his property
✔ Accused be defended in court by an army officer
The Trial of Rizal
● Trial commenced on December 19, 1896 for prosecution.
● Taviel de Andrade defended Rizal by saying that the alleged accusations were
biased.
● Rizal was found guilty beyond reasonable doubt and to be condemned to death by a
firing squad.
Rizal’s Trial and His Alleged Guilt
✔ Rizal was a civilian but was tried by a military tribunal
✔ Rizal was already condemned guilty even before the trial
✔ All allegations against Rizal were accepted by the court but not the
arguments and evidence in his favor
✔ Rizal was not allowed to confront witness against him nor his counsel to
cross-examine them
✔ Evidence to convict Rizal didn’t have any bearing on his alleged commission of
the complex crime of rebellion
● After being court-martialed, Rizal returned to his cell in Fort Santiago to prepare
his rendezvous with destiny.
● During his last 24 hours on earth – from 6:00 A.M. of Dec. 29 to 6:00 A.M. of Dec.
30, 1896 – he was busy meeting visitors which includes his family and friends.
 ● He was also able to write his last poem – his final contribution for the
emancipation of the Filipino people.

For more information visit the links below:

1. http://www.rizalslideshare/net

References:
● De viana, Agusto, etl. Jose Rizal: Social Reformer & Patriot, Revise Edition , Rex
Book Store, 2018, pp 34-36
● Anacoreta P. Purino, Rizal the Greatest Filipino Hero, Rex Book Store, pp.96-
109