Academic Report: The Final Phase of Dr.
Jose Rizal (1896)
Subject: Life and Works of Rizal
Focus: Last Trip Abroad, Last Homecoming, and Martyrdom
I. The Last Trip Abroad: The Diplomatic and Political Context (MARK & DENMARK)
Rizal’s final journey outside the Philippines was an attempt to navigate the rising tension between his
reformist ideals and the burgeoning radicalism of the Katipunan.
Strategic Departure (July 31, 1896): Rizal departed Dapitan on the steamer España. His objective
was to serve as a military doctor in Cuba to escape the political "stagnation" of his exile and
prove his non-involvement in any immediate uprising.
The Period of Detention (August 6 – Sept 3, 1896): Upon arriving in Manila, he missed the mail
boat Isla de Luzon. He was transferred to the cruiser Castilla under the jurisdiction of Captain
Enrique Santalo. During this month-long "quarantine," the Philippine Revolution broke out (the
Discovery of the Katipunan on August 19).
En Route to Barcelona: He eventually boarded the Isla de Panay. While at port in Singapore,
Rizal maintained his "word of honor" to the Spanish government, refusing to stay and seek
protection under British law.
The Arrest and Betrayal: Unbeknownst to Rizal, Governor-General Ramon Blanco had issued
confidential orders for his arrest. On September 30, while in the Mediterranean, he was placed
under cabin arrest. Upon reaching Barcelona on October 3, he was briefly held in Montjuïc
Castle before being deported back to Manila on the S.S. Colon.
II. The Last Homecoming: Legal Proceedings and the Trial (ARVIE & HARVEY)
Rizal’s return on November 3, 1896, marked the beginning of a military tribunal characterized by
significant legal irregularities.
The Preliminary Investigation: Conducted by Colonel Francisco Olive, the state gathered two
types of evidence:
1. Documentary Evidence: 15 exhibits, including letters from fellow propagandists and
Rizal’s own poetry (notably "A Talisay"), were used to suggest a link between the La Liga
Filipina and the Katipunan.
2. Testimonial Evidence: Coerced statements from figures such as Pio Valenzuela, Aguedo
del Rosario, and Moises Salvador.
The Court-Martial (December 26, 1896): Held at the Cuartel de España, the trial was presided
over by a seven-member military commission.
o Defense Counsel: Rizal was defended by Lt. Luis Taviel de Andrade.
o Charges: He was indicted for Rebellion, Sedition, and Illegal Association.
o Rizal’s Manifestos: While in Fort Santiago, Rizal wrote a manifesto to the Filipino people
condemning the violent uprising, arguing that independence must be preceded by
education. The Spanish authorities suppressed this document, fearing it would only
further incite the masses.
III. Martyrdom: The Finality of the Reformist Movement (NIELSEN)
The execution of Rizal on December 30, 1896, served as the catalyst for the total unification of the
Filipino revolutionary forces.
The Final Hours (Dec 29 – 30): Rizal was moved to the prison chapel in Fort Santiago. During this
time, he wrote his final untitled poem, later known as "Mi Último Adiós," and concealed it in an
alcohol cooking stove.
The Execution Details: At 7:03 AM, at Bagumbayan Field, Rizal was executed by a firing squad of
Filipino soldiers, with Spanish soldiers positioned behind them. Despite the order to be shot in
the back as a traitor, Rizal twisted his body to face the sky as he fell, symbolizing his innocence
and his sacrifice for the "Rising Sun" of the nation.
The "Retraction" Controversy: Academic debate continues regarding whether Rizal signed a
document returning to the Catholic fold. While pro-retractionists cite a signed document, many
scholars argue the document was a forgery or signed under duress to protect his family and his
common-law wife, Josephine Bracken.
IV. Annotated Bibliography and Sources
For academic verification, the following sources represent the standard literature for this topic:
Primary Sources
Rizal, J. (1896). Mi Último Adiós. (The original manuscript is held in the National Library of the
Philippines).
De la Costa, H. (1961). The Trial of Rizal. Manila: Ateneo de Manila University Press. (The
primary English translation of the Spanish court records).
Retana, W. E. (1907). Vida y Escritos del Dr. José Rizal. Madrid: Victoriano Suárez. (A
contemporary Spanish biography containing primary documents).
Secondary Sources
Zaide, G. F., & Zaide, S. M. (2011). Jose Rizal: Life, Works, and Writings of a Genius, Writer,
Scientist, and National Hero. Quezon City: All-Nations Publishing.
Guerrero, L. M. (1963). The First Filipino. Manila: National Historical Commission.
Ocampo, A. R. (1990). Rizal Without the Overcoat. Pasig City: Anvil Publishing. (Critical for
understanding the nuanced details of his final 24 hours).