RIZAL AND THE PROPAGANDISTS: UNITY, RIVALRY, AND THE FIGHT FOR REFORM
INTRODUCTION
José Rizal, the Philippines' national hero, was not alone in fighting against Spanish rule.
He worked with Marcelo H. del Pilar, Graciano López Jaena, and Mariano Ponce in the
Propaganda Movement, which aimed to bring reforms through writing and ideas. Their
teamwork helped the movement grow, but they also had disagreements on strategy and
leadership. This paper looks at their relationships and how their unity and conflicts shaped the
movement and Filipino nationalism.
BODY
Marcelo H. del Pilar: The Rivalry That Divided a Movement
Marcelo H. del Pilar, also known as Plaridel, was both Rizal’s ally and rival. At first, they
respected each other, with del Pilar using La Solidaridad to spread Rizal’s ideas. But they
disagreed on how to push for change. Del Pilar wanted strong and direct attacks against the
Spanish, while Rizal believed in slow reforms through education (Cerva, 2021). Their biggest
conflict happened in 1891 during the Madrid elections for the movement’s leader. Rizal won but
refused the role to avoid division, letting del Pilar take over (Kingfisher, 2020). Even though del
Pilar later apologized, Rizal left La Solidaridad, focusing on his novel El Filibusterismo and
distancing himself from the group. Their rivalry showed how different ideas on reform could
weaken a movement. Despite their differences, both leaders remained dedicated to the cause of
Philippine independence. Their debates reflected the larger struggle between peaceful reform
and active resistance in colonial movements. Although their relationship was strained, their
contributions left a lasting impact on Filipino nationalism.
Graciano López Jaena: The Orator Who Bridged Radicalism and Diplomacy
Graciano López Jaena, co-founder of La Solidaridad, was a passionate speaker who
balanced Rizal’s calm approach. He boldly exposed Spanish abuses, gaining respect from Rizal
and others. He often defended Rizal in arguments with del Pilar, showing his loyalty (Mañebog,
2013). However, as he faced financial problems and health issues, his involvement weakened.
He died in 1896, leaving the movement without one of its strongest voices. His death showed
how personal struggles affected the movement and its ability to fight for reforms. His absence
created a leadership gap that was difficult to fill, weakening the momentum of their advocacy.
Many of his contemporaries mourned his passing, recognizing his significant contributions to the
movement. Despite his early death, his speeches and writings continued to inspire future
revolutionaries.
Mariano Ponce: The Mediator Who Held the Movement Together
Mariano Ponce played a key role in keeping peace between Rizal and del Pilar. He
introduced them in 1888 and tried to ease tensions as their disagreements grew (Kingfisher,
2020). Ponce admired Rizal’s novels and worked hard to spread them across Europe. He also
convinced del Pilar’s supporters to support Rizal in the 1891 elections, helping to momentarily
unite the group (Mañebog, 2013). Even though he could not prevent all conflicts, Ponce’s
diplomacy kept the movement going. His work showed the importance of communication in
keeping groups together. His efforts demonstrated how vital mediators are in maintaining the
stability of political organizations. Without his influence, the rift between Rizal and del Pilar could
have been much worse. His dedication ensured that the movement remained active despite
internal disagreements.
The Propaganda Movement’s Legacy: Triumph and Tragedy
The relationships between Rizal, del Pilar, López Jaena, and Ponce reflected both the
strength and weakness of the Propaganda Movement. Through La Solidaridad, they exposed
Spanish wrongdoings, pushed for secularization, and inspired revolutionaries like Andrés
Bonifacio (Magistrate, 2021). However, their internal conflicts made the movement weak, and
Rizal later expressed frustration over the lack of unity. As López Jaena died and del Pilar left for
Barcelona, the movement faded. Still, their efforts laid the foundation for the Philippine
Revolution in 1896. Their failures showed the dangers of disunity, but their focus on education
and national identity helped shape the future of the Philippines. The movement’s decline proved
how important long-term unity is for achieving lasting change. Even though the Propaganda
Movement ended, its ideals carried on through other revolutionary groups. The sacrifices of
these leaders inspired future generations to continue fighting for independence.
CONCLUSION
José Rizal’s relationships with Marcelo H. del Pilar, Graciano López Jaena, and Mariano
Ponce showed both the power and weakness of teamwork. Their cooperation proved that
working together could create change, while their disagreements showed how different ideas
could cause problems. Even though the movement eventually fell apart, its impact lived on in
Rizal’s writings, López Jaena’s speeches, and Ponce’s efforts to keep things together. They may
have struggled to stay united, but their work helped light the fire of Filipino nationalism. Their
experiences highlight the challenges of leading a movement with diverse perspectives. Despite
their conflicts, their contributions played a crucial role in shaping Philippine history. Their legacy
reminds us of the importance of perseverance and collaboration in the fight for justice and
freedom.
REFERENCES
Cerva, J. (2021). Rizal and Marcelo del Pilar had had a number of differences.
https://brainly.ph/question/10658822
Kingfisher. (2020). He met Rizal through a letter of Mariano Ponce.
https://www.coursehero.com/file/po3060l
Magistrate, T. (2021). Graciano Lopez-Jaena and Jose Rizal's La Solidaridad.
https://www.coursehero.com/file/p2ul823
Mañebog, J. (2013). The 'Love-and-Hate' Relationship of Jose Rizal and Marcelo Del Pilar.
https://ourhappyschool.com/history/love-and-hate-relationship-jose-rizal-and-marcelo-del-pilar
