Who Really Was Our National Hero - Andres Bonifacio or Jose Rizal?

There has been a debate regarding who truly is the Philippine National Hero between Jose Rizal and Andres Bonifacio. There had been rumors that during the American Occupation of the Philippines, Americans purposedly recognized Jose Rizal as Philippines National Hero for the very reason that Filipinos would not do what Andres Bonifacio had resorted into.

Well let’s take a look between these two patriotic people.

Jose Rizal is an ilustrado who hails from Calamba, Laguna who at an early age had a remarkable intellectual ability courtesy of the guidance he had receive from his mother. He studied in the remarkable schools here in the Philippines at that time and also not only in Philippines but also in the prestigious schools in Spain. He famously authored the two well-known books namely the “Noli Me Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo”. He was executed for the accusations he had received because of his authorship of those two books.

Andres Bonifacio is the founder of Katipunan, otherwise known as Kataas-taasan, Kagalang-galangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan, which is the KKK movement that is established with an anti-Spanish sentiment at that time. The KKK was expanding at that time, and it has been known that there are two ruling factions the Magdalo and Magdiwang. With just a little experience, he was able to lead the group with high regard to our country’s liberation. He lead the famous Cry at Pugad Lawin. Even without a military experience, he was able to direct his fellow revolutionary compatriots into numerous battle of which they are all integrated. With his actions, other provinces had been inspired with his actions, thereby expanding the revolution to other places.

Between the two, I’d go with Andres Bonifacio, I recognized him as Philippines’ First President, the Supremo, he was able to establish a group of patriotic people even with a lack of experience. He had been subdued because of the greediness of the traitorous Magdalo leader, Emilio Aguinaldo. If it didn’t happen, Bonifacio may have done great things for our country as a leader.

Well, what are your thoughts on this one? Please leave comment if you find this interesting.

Much love and respect.

Joseph Ace Tigas

Image Source:

Jose Rizal
Andres Bonifacio