Why is Jose Rizal not Andres Bonifacio chosen as the national hero of the Philippines?

Question

My Rizal studies professor told us that Rizal was chosen at that time because it was politically expedient and won't antagonize the Americans who were technically the 'Colonial rulers' of the Philippines. Rizal did not advocate armed insurgency against Spain and simply wanted equal rights for the Insulares or Philippine-born spaniards, mestizos, and the middle class... he did not really want to drive out Spain, but he antagonized the Church and the Friars had him executed because of his books. Whereas Bonifacio actually fought the Spaniards, shed blood and wanted Filipinos to govern the country ... this was not politically acceptable to the Americans at that time because this could ignite nationalistic fervor and encourage insurrection or at the very least movement towards independence!

Answer 1

Very touchy topic. One section will say its because of the 'elitist' in the government back then and another section will say it should have been Bonifacio because he was the one who literally took to the streets. But then again, who triggered it, right? I'm all for Bonifacio but then again, if the government said its Rizal, so be it. We all know who did his dirty job for him anyway.

Answer 2

Rizal was chosen because was the  politically correct choice at that time.  He was the easy pickin so as not to offend the uneducated, the elite and of course the new colonial master. If I have a chioce i would choose Lapu Lapu just to remind the world that it was that Pinoy who stood up and stand toe to toe with the Euro Conquestadores!  

Answer 3

I have no problem with that.   Make Andres Bonifacio the national hero.   And let's elevate Jose Rizal  to the World History's Hall of Fame, next to Jesus Christ.

Answer 4

Because at that time, the way Bonifacio led his Katipuneros created fears and chaos in the minds of the Spaniards and Americans.  But then, Bonifacio MUST be the real National Hero.

Answer 5

That professor was right then.. I think that Andres Bonifacio or Emilio Aguinaldo should have been chosen.. Emilio Aguinaldo did order the murder of Andres Bonifacio and he died when he was 95 years old in 1965 so he doesn't fit the bill..

Answer 6

No law, executive order or proclamation has been enacted or issued officially proclaiming any Filipino historical figure as a national hero. However, because of their significant roles in the process of nation building and contributions to history, there were laws enacted and proclamations issued honoring these heroes.

    Even Jose Rizal, considered as the greatest among the Filipino heroes, was not explicitly proclaimed as a national hero. The position he now holds in Philippine history is a tribute to the continued veneration or acclamation of the people in recognition of his contribution to the significant social transformations that took place in our country.

    Aside from Rizal, the only other hero given an implied recognition as a national hero is Andres Bonifacio whose day of birth on November 30 has been made a national holiday.

    Despite the lack of any official declaration explicitly proclaiming them as national heroes, they remain admired and revered for their roles in Philippine history. Heroes, according to historians, should not be legislated. Their appreciation should be better left to academics. Acclamation for heroes, they felt, would be recognition enough.

Answer 7

i think rizal chosen to be as our national hero beacause he's idea and approach to the country is very hollistic in the sense that he's not just fighting for freedom but a freedom that the filipinos can really take on to handle its own nation by partial education, and a system to implement.

Answer 8

it's exactly what you said. rizal was the choice of the americans. its not like the people were asked to vote but it's okay. rizal was a good choice.

Answer 9

Yes, that's true. However, in defense of rizal, he was indeed an exceptional filipino. While the americans did make the choice, he was nevertheless very much worthy of being chosen.

A brilliant doctor, propagandist, novelist, painter and fencer. He speaks five languages including filipino, english, french, german, and japanese. He is well-educated and a true gentleman. He is a true patriot, for while he did not advocate rebellion, he did aspire for equality and the betterment of his country. He endured a lot, including exile, excommunication, the degredation of his famly and imprisonment for his ideals. He exemplifies the power of the pen and how through non-violent ways, one can change history.

He is no less of a choice compared to Bonifacio, Aguinaldo or any other Philippine hero.

Answer 10

because bonifacio was poor and don't have the resources to bribe the committee in charge of picking our national hero.

Answer 11

Simple. Bonifacio  is not educated, compared to Rizal.  It's  highly  probable that he  can't even  write his name. Have he been  the Philippine  national hero, would you think school  children would proudly look up to him as a good example? I'm not undermining  Bonifacio's  efforts in   fighting and defending  the country but  then, his resume is not impressive.

Answer 12

hahahaha!! u are so funny, u asked a question and yet you answered it yourself...what's the use? :P

anyways, yeah, that's what i read too. that Rizal was an american-supported hero, he didnt go against the americans, wahahahaha!!!

but would it matter whether he was american-sponsored or not? i think it wont coz it's us filipinos who chose him as our hero. he's cool ^__^

Answer 13

Rizal chosen to become a national hero because he fought the rights of the Filipino openly and Bonifacio fought by hiding like a rebel.  And Rizal was executed by the spaniards before the american involvement. If you hear about the Treaty of Paris thats the time american involvement in the Philipines. The American made an agreement to the spaniards to release the Philippines.

Answer 14

Andres Bonifacio does not get that honor because the Philippine government at the time is the one who murdered him