RIZAL AND THE MARTYRDOM

LESSON 7.1 TRIAL OF RIZAL

OBJECTIVES

To discuss how Rizals death became the crowning glory of his leadership. To expound how Rizal awakened national consciousness among Filipinos.

NAMES AND TERMS TO REMEMBER

Captain Francisco de Olive - The one who informed Rizal about the charges against him. Colonel Rafael Dominguez - The Judge advocate assigned with the task of deciding what corresponding actions could be done on the case of Rizal. Gen. Nicolas dela Pena - The Judge advocate General who gave Rizal four recommendations on what He could do against the evidences on Him. Gov. Gen. Camilo de Polavieja - The Governor who had the authority to command that the case of Rizal, be courtmartialed. Lt. Enrique de Alcocer - The prosecuting attorney. Luis Taviel de Andrade - Brother of Lt. Jose Taviel de Andrade, who was chosen by Rizal as an Army Officer to defend him in regards with the recommendation of dela Pena. La Liga Filipina - An organization which is civic association and not a revolutionary society. La Solidaridad -Was an Organization created in Spain on December 13, 1888. Composed of Filipino Liberals exiled in 1872 and students attending Europes University. Pio Valenzuela - The Katipunan Emissary informed the former of the secret organizations attempt to rescue Rizal and to sneak him on a ship destined to Japan.

RESCUE ATTEMPTS BY THE KATIPUNAN

WHAT WAS RIZALS CRIME?

He was executed for trying to lift the yoke of oppression by the Spanish Colonial Government and the Friars from his Filipino Countrymen.

He did not encourage sedition against Spain, but wanted more humane treatment of his countrymen mainly by the Friars and to a lesser extent, by the Spanish colonial administratiors.
He advocated clerical, and land acquisition reforms

In essence, he wanted an end to the discrimination, exploitation, and persecution of his Filipino countryman.

November 20, 1896, the preliminary investigation on Rizal began. He was put under interrogation without the benefit of knowing who testified against him. Presented before him by Colonel Francisco Olive were two kinds of evidences. Documentary Testimonial

Charges against Rizal

On the 11th of December 1896, in the presence of his Spanish counsel, charges against Rizal were read.

When asked regarding his sentiments or reaction on the charges, Rizal replied that:
He does not question the jurisdiction of the court

He has nothing to amend except that during his exile in Dapitan in 1892, he had not dealt in political matters; He has nothing to admit on the charges against him
He had nothing to admit on the declarations of the witnesses, he had not met nor knew, against him.

Accustomed to share the merry season with family, friends and relatives, the 1896 Christmas was indeed, the saddest. Confined in dark, gloomy cell, Rizal was in despair and had no idea of what his fate may be.

Upon hearing the court's decision, Rizal already knew that there's no way that his destiny would be changed Rizal knew it was his end, and had accepted his fate. Captain Rafael Dominguez, at 6 o'clock in the morning of December 29, 1896, read before him the official notice of his execution, scheduled the next day. Rizal was immediately transferred to the prison chapel where he spent his last hours on earth.