RIZAL RETRACTED

The Claimant > the claimants of Rizal’s retraction argue that Rizal had indeed signed a retraction
document before his execution, which renounced his previous anti-Catholic writings and professed his
belief in the Roman Catholic Church. They point to the existence of the retraction document, which
was allegedly signed by Rizal, as evidence of his traction.

Argument 1 > 1. Existence of the retraction document Supporter of Rizal’s retraction point to the
existence of the document, which was allegedly sign by Rizal as evidence that he retracted his belief.
2. Testimony of witnesses: Some historians have cited the testimony of witnesses who
have claimed that they saw Rizal the retraction document.

3. The influence of Rizal’s family: Some have argued that Rizal’s Family, particularly his
mother, played a role in convincing him to retract his anti-Catholic belief.

Evidence/Proofs > 1. The retraction document was published in various newspapers in the Philippines
and Spain after Rizal execution, which suggests that it was widely known and accepted at the time.
2. Some contemporary Filipino intellectuals and writers, such as Apolinario Mabini
and Marcelo H. Del Pilar, accepted the authenticity of the retraction document and regarded it as proof
of Rizal’s respect for the Catholic Church.

Your Observations: They point out to Rizal that inconsistencies in the document’s language and
handwriting, the secrecy under which it was supposedly signed, and the lack of mention of any
retraction by Rizal and his friends special to his family.

The Claimant > They also argue that Rizal’s refusal to seek the aid of the catholic church during his
final moments, as well as his request to face the firing squad instead being beheaded, suggest that
he did not retract his belief.
Argument 2 > 1. Rizal’s character and belief: Scholars have argued that Rizal’s previous writings and
actions are inconsistent with the beliefs expressed in the retraction document. They also point to
Rizal refusal to seek the aid of the Catholic Church.
2. They also note that the Spanish authorities did not announce the existence of the
retraction until after Rizal execution, raising suspicions about the authenticity of the document.
Evidence/Proofs > 1. The retraction document was allegedly signed in secrecy, without any witnesses
presents, and there are inconsistencies in the language and handwriting used in the document.
2. Some of Rizal contemporaries such as Graciano Lopez Jaena and Antonio
Luna, did not accept the authenticity of the retraction document and continued to regard Rizal as a
hero and a martyr for Philippine Independence.

Your Observations: To my experience the truth about Rizal retraction may never be fully know.
However, what is undeniable is the impact that Rizal made on in the Philippines History and his
continuing legacy as a national hero and symbol of Philippine Independence.
 RIZAL DID NOT RETRACT
The Claimant >
Argument 1 > 1. Rizal was known for his unwavering conviction in his beliefs and principles. It
is unlikely that he would retract them, especially in the face of his impending execution
2. There is no clear and irrefutable evidence that Rizal retracted his beliefs.
While some eyewitnesses and historians claimed that he did, there is no official document or
transcript to support this claim.
3. Lack of Official Records: The only evidence that some historians use to
support the claim that Rizal retracted is a document call the “Retraction paper”

Evidence/Proofs > 1. Rizal trial transcript did not include any statement of his retraction or
recantation.

2. Rizal Writings and Letters, particularly the “Mi Ultimo Adios” and his
letter to Bluementritt, did not contain any retraction or denial of his beliefs and principles.
Your Observations:

The Claimant >

Argument 2 > 1. Rizal farewell letter, “MI Ultimo Adios” this suggest that he remained true of
his word and to his conviction until his final day.
2. There are also accounts that Rizal had a personal meeting with Jesuit priest
and expressed his intention to retract his beliefs.

3. Church Record: these records were written by Church officials who had a
vested interest in portraying Rizal as having recanted his beliefs.

Evidence/Proofs > 1. Rizal behaviour and demeanour during his imprisonment and execution
showed that he remained steadfast in his convictions and principles.
2. According to the accounts of some eyewitnesses and historians, Rizal
signed a retraction document on the eve of his execution.
Your Observation:

The Claimant >

Argument 3 > 1. Some eyewitnesses and historians claimed that Rizal signed a retraction
document on the eve of his execution. This suggest that he had a change of heart and
renounced his previous beliefs and ideas.
2. Rizal farewell letter,” Mi Ultimo Adios,” was not a statement of his belief
but rather a farewell message to his countrymen. This suggest that he may have retracted
his beliefs before his execution.
3. Political Pressure: Some argue that Rizal may have retracted his belief under
political pressure from the Spanish authorities, who may have promised him clemency if he
did so. However, there is no direct to claim this statement.
Evidence/Proofs > 1. Some witnesses also claimed that Rizal had a change of heart and
expressed remorse for his actions and beliefs.
 2. Some argue that Rizal his final message “Mi Ultimo Adios” was not
intended to be final statement of his belief, but his farewell message to his countrymen.