### Position Paper: Did José Rizal Retract?

#### Introduction

The question of whether José Rizal, the Philippines' national hero, retracted his anti-colonial and anti-
clerical views before his execution on December 30, 1896, remains one of the most contentious issues in
Philippine history. Some argue that Rizal, under pressure from the Spanish authorities and the Catholic
Church, signed a document renouncing his previous works and ideologies. Others believe that the
retraction was a fabrication aimed at discrediting Rizal and weakening the growing Filipino nationalist
movement. This paper takes the position that Rizal did not retract his beliefs and that the purported
retraction was likely a manipulation by colonial forces to undermine his legacy and the revolution that he
inspired.

#### The Alleged Retraction Document

According to proponents of the retraction theory, Rizal signed a document the night before his
execution, declaring his renewed allegiance to the Catholic Church and retracting his previous writings,
particularly those critical of the Spanish friars, such as *Noli Me Tangere* and *El Filibusterismo*. This
document was supposedly witnessed by Jesuit priests and has been cited by some historians, particularly
those affiliated with the Catholic Church, as evidence that Rizal returned to the faith before his death.

However, the original copy of this retraction document has never been produced, only reproductions or
alleged versions of it. Furthermore, there are multiple versions of the retraction, raising doubts about its
authenticity. The lack of a clear, consistent document has led many to believe that the retraction was
fabricated or coerced.

#### Rizal’s Ideals and Writings

Rizal spent most of his life fighting for Filipino rights, using his writing to expose the abuses of the
Spanish colonial government and the Catholic friars. His novels, *Noli Me Tangere* and *El
Filibusterismo*, were direct critiques of the oppressive Spanish regime and the corruption within the
Church. Through his works, Rizal sought reforms in the colonial system, including greater rights for
Filipinos, freedom of speech, and equality under the law. While he was not in favor of an armed
revolution, he was a staunch advocate for reform and Filipino dignity.
To believe that Rizal, a man of such firm principles and dedication to the Filipino cause, would renounce
his life's work and retract his beliefs on the eve of his execution is difficult. His actions leading up to his
death, including his refusal to accept assistance from priests and his composed demeanor, further
suggest that he remained steadfast in his beliefs.

#### The Historical Context: Why the Retraction May Have Been Falsified

The alleged retraction serves the interests of both the Spanish colonial government and the Catholic
Church. By portraying Rizal as having returned to the faith and renouncing his revolutionary ideas, the
Spanish authorities hoped to demoralize the revolutionary movement and discredit Rizal as a symbol of
resistance. If Rizal, the most prominent figure of the nationalist movement, was shown to have rejected
the cause, it could have undermined the morale of the revolutionaries and the broader movement for
independence.

Additionally, the Catholic Church had much to gain from a retraction. Rizal was highly critical of the
Church’s role in the Philippines, particularly the friars' abuse of power and the Church’s collusion with
the colonial government. A retraction would allow the Church to claim a victory and redeem its image in
the eyes of the Filipino people.

#### Testimonies Against the Retraction

Several pieces of evidence cast doubt on the authenticity of Rizal’s retraction. First, his family,
particularly his brother Paciano Rizal, firmly believed that José would never have retracted his views.
Paciano was a close confidant of Rizal and played a significant role in the nationalist movement. His
rejection of the retraction lends credibility to the idea that the document was fabricated.

Second, members of the Katipunan and the revolutionary movement, who saw Rizal as a martyr, did not
accept the idea of a retraction. If Rizal had indeed retracted, it would have severely affected the morale
of the movement. However, the revolution continued to grow in strength, suggesting that the
revolutionary leaders did not believe in the retraction story.

Finally, in a letter to Ferdinand Blumentritt, a close friend and ally, Rizal wrote that he was willing to die
for his country and for the principles he had advocated throughout his life. His firm commitment to these
ideals until his death contradicts the idea that he would have retracted at the last minute.
#### Position: Rizal Did Not Retract

Based on the inconsistencies in the alleged retraction document, the absence of the original, and the
testimonies of those who knew Rizal best, I take the position that José Rizal did not retract his beliefs.
The retraction was likely a colonial fabrication intended to weaken the revolutionary movement and
preserve the power of the Catholic Church in the Philippines. Rizal's writings and actions throughout his
life demonstrate his unwavering commitment to the Filipino cause and his deep conviction that reform,
not subjugation, was the path to a better future for the Filipino people.

#### Conclusion

The debate over whether Rizal retracted remains a crucial issue in understanding the full scope of his
legacy. While the retraction theory benefits those who sought to undermine his role as a revolutionary
symbol, the overwhelming evidence suggests that Rizal remained true to his beliefs until the very end.
His life and death continue to inspire Filipinos, reminding us of the power of conviction, even in the face
of death. Whether or not Rizal retracted, his legacy as a fighter for Filipino rights and dignity endures,
and the impact of his works continues to shape the nation's history and identity.

 National Historical Commission of the Philippines. (n.d.). José Rizal’s Retraction Controversy.
Retrieved from https://nhcp.gov.ph

 Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines. (n.d.). Did Rizal Retract? Retrieved from
https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph

 José Rizal University. (n.d.). The Retraction Controversy. Retrieved from http://www.joserizal.ph

 Philippine Studies - Ateneo de Manila University. (n.d.). Scholarly Analysis on José Rizal's Retraction.
Retrieved from https://www.philippinestudies.net