As a
lot of you know, until know, historians are still arguing on who was correct,
Bonifacio or Rizal. Some people side on Bonifacio, some people side on Rizal. In
my opinion, Bonifacio should be the National Hero. Why? Both died for their
country, that's true. Do not think it's because Rizal fought with a pen and
Bonifacio fought with a sword. No, it is not that. For me, to be a National
Hero, yes, you have to look at what they did, but more importantly, you have
to look at their goal.
Rizal only wanted
reform. He established La Liga Filipina to ask for reforms.
They wanted to make the Filipinos and Spanish equal in the eyes of the law, to
make the Philippines a province of Spain and make Filipinos citizens of Spain,
and for the Spanish friars to be sent back to Spain and make the Filipino friars
the parish priests of the churches. Rizal's goal was not to liberate the
Filipinos from Spain, but to make a better life for Filipinos. I am not
saying that I despise Rizal or anything. Everybody has to admit the fact
that he is a doctor, painter, sculptor, linguist, and a lot more. I very much
admire Rizal, I totally do. Even Bonifacio extremely admired him,
but I think Rizal should have gotten the National Model title.
Andres Bonifacio's goal was total separation from the Spaniards. He
believed that we should have total independence and our own government. A
government run by Filipinos.