The Retraction Controversy: Mystery Unsolved

photo from esquire.ph

One document from the past can increase the legibility of the narrative being passed from generation to generation. These documents have a say to the records of a notable event that happened in the past. But what if that information is a hoax?  A document forged by others that feeds off something from the past to defame and invalidate someone such as Jose Rizal?

The Philippines is composed mostly of Catholics, and the Filipinos expect so much from Rizal being a Catholic himself. We wanted him to be in line with us because we're Catholics. This controversy created a debate among the church and the freethinkers since Rizal is a prominent man, and there's a need to talk about the status of Jose Rizal. A lot of historians are studying the life of Jose Rizal because of his influential contribution to the Independence of the Philippines. Rizal's life gives an essence of a must read background story to understand his sentiments and actions. There have been reports about his retraction issues that are yet to be solved since there are not enough documents to verify. There are many testimonies about the alleged retraction of Jose Rizal that has occurred before the shooting.

According to some books, the first draft happened before his execution in Dapitan; however, Rizal rejected it because it is lengthy. The papers were from Archbishop Bernardino Nozaleda to be signed by Rizal. Another testimony provided by a Jesuit missionary who happened to be a friend of Rizal said that Rizal accepted the prepared document for the retraction from the Jesuit Society of the Philippines. There's also an issue concerning his marriage with Josephine Bracken, whether their marriage was legally bound with Catholic or not. In addition, his burial was in Paco Cemetery, the catholic cemetery that made it somehow in touch with the alleged concerns about Rizal on whether he retracted or not. Some historians brought out the possibility of someone forging the documents, and the prime mover might be the Friar archbishop. There are several reports of his retraction but with inconsistent side stories that made it suspicious on whether he signed some papers or not.

The alleged document that was signed by Jose Rizal

Some people who read his works questioned the validity of the document. They noticed the resemblance of the event whenever someone would be shot by the Spaniards. Also, his burial in Paco Cemetery, a sacred ground, seems like a front to lessen his impact, and the influence of his works by pretending he's good with the Spanish friars. I doubt the pieces of evidence stating that he signed some papers concerning the retraction. Someone might pretend to be him to disrupt his capabilities. The perception of Rizal being a hero for the Philippines will never change whether he retracted or not. Rizal, being a part of the masonry or the catholic won't change all his writings that led the Philippines to Independence. As stated by De Viana, it is already enough that Rizal awakened our knowledge about nationalism, and the issue won't invalidate his works in any way. It's just an aspect of his life, and it won't change his influence on the Philippines. Making his controversy a big deal is downright disrespecting his bravery and sacrifices for the country. It is so offensive that his selfless death would be supplanted by falsehood and controversies. For me, we must not invalidate any person's credibility just to fit them in our perspectives. Instead, we must learn to direct on the important aspects rather than his few insignificant imperfections. The controversies about his retraction were irrelevant compared to the education in schools adding Rizal's life and works in the curriculum.  With this, the mystery of whether he retracted or not is unsolved after years of finding legal documents to support the accusation. It is our judgment who will dictate the documents provided whether we would accept it or find for more.

References:

Macabenta, Y. (2018). Rizal Remains Living and Burning Issue Among Us. Retrieved October 10, 2019, from https://www.manilatimes.net/2018/01/02/opinion/columnists/topanalysis/rizal-remains-living-burning-issue-among-us/371727/
Santos, T. (2011). Rizal's Retraction: Truth vs. Myth. Retrieved Oct 10, 2019, from https://varsitarian.net/news/20111004/rizals_retraction_truth_vs_myth
Uckung, P.J. (2012). The Rizal's Retraction and other cases. Retrieved October 10, 2019, from http://nhcp.gov.ph/the-rizal-retraction-and-other-cases/?fbclid=IwAR3LE5I0dBKGXVIShBPyVROtszIY6kKRS4oiQF_HcZdjM0FR5ic6Ybb7IUc