Cabesang Tales

Telesforo Juan de Dios or known as Cabesang Tales was born as the son of Selo de Dios and
raised as a member of the de Dios Family with his many brothers. Tales eventually became a cabeza
de barangay and married, had three children: Lucia, Tano, and Juli. Cabesang Tales was a
hardworking and patient man at first. After saving enough money as a sharecropper, he considered
tilling land in the forest with the support of his entire family. Cabesang Tales became increasingly
enraged as he struggled to secure ownership of said land, eventually swearing vengeance and
becoming a bandit. He also seemed sympathetic to Simoun's purpose, as he joined him in his planned
revolution. In the modern world, Cabesang Tales represents the indigenous peoples and farmers
whose lands were taken over by the rich people. His story explains the origins of the revolution.
In "El Filibusterismo," Kabesang Tales battles concerns of land ownership and exploitation
by the ruling class; similarly, many modern Filipino farmers face property ownership challenges,
unequal distribution of land, and conflicts against land conversion and agribusiness expansions.
Kabesang Tales' economic exploitation depicts the economic challenges suffered by modern Filipino
farmers. Farmers are frequently confronted with poor crop prices, a lack of credit, and unequal
power dynamics in the agricultural supply chain. Kabesang Tales has been elevated to the status of a
symbol of resistance and rebellion against the harsh Spanish colonial regime. Farmers in the
Philippines today participate in many forms of resistance and activism to fight for their rights, such
as protesting, joining advocacy groups, and advocating for governmental changes.
Oppression is intrinsically unjust and contributes to the perpetuation of inequality. Resistance
is a strategy for confronting and correcting unfair systems while pushing for a more equitable
allocation of resources, opportunities, and rights. Rizal's representation of Kabesang Tales mirrors
the social and political reality of his period of time, stressing the Filipino people's abuses and injustices
under Spanish colonial control. Rizal does not necessarily condone the character's use of violence, but
it functions as a literary technique to underline the urgent need for social and political
transformation. Overall, "El Filibusterismo" is a critique of the oppressive colonial system and a
demand for change.