El Filibusterismo was the second novel written by Filipino writer and nationalist José Rizal. He published the book in 1891 as the sequel to his first novel, Noli Me Tangere or The Social Cancer. El Filibusterismo, known in English as The Reign of Greed, takes a critical look at Spanish colonialism and its effect on Filipino society.
Rizal wrote both novels at a time when there was growing discontent among Filipinos over the corruption, injustice, and greed of their Spanish oppressors. Rizal’s ten years in Europe exposed him to a wider perspective and strengthened his resolve to help the motherland he loved so much. Both Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo provide searing critiques of the church and state. El Filibusterismo exposes the hypocrisy of Spanish leaders and the elite and, in particular, the backward state of an education system run by Spanish priests trying to maintain a submissive populace. In comparison to his first novel, El Filibusterismo reflects a harder, more militant tone, reflecting the setbacks Rizal himself faced advocating for reform.
Rizal dedicated El Filibusterismo to three Filipino priests: Gomez, Burgos, and Zamora, who were friends of Rizal’s older brother Paciano. These priests advocated for equal rights between Spanish and Filipino priests within the Catholic Church. They were later accused of being subversive and executed in 1872 in connection with the Cavite Mutiny. In his dedication, Rizal signals that both the church and government unfairly accused and executed the priests, who he considers to be patriots and martyrs. Rizal then writes, “I have the right to dedicate my work to you as victims of the evil which I undertake to combat.”
Unsurprisingly, El Filibusterismo was met with outrage by the church, state, and elite in the Philippines. Rizal faced persecution and earned a reputation as a subversive and inciter of rebellion. His dedication at the beginning of El Filibusterismo was one of the grounds for Rizal’s prosecution and execution. However, Rizal accomplished his goal of raising Filipino consciousness and advocating for liberty through his work. Many Filipinos were inspired by his writing, contributing to the Filipino revolution that began in 1896.
Today, Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo are considered among the greatest novels in Filipino literature. They are mandatory teaching in all schools across the country.
