What are the controversies of Jose Rizal?

Answer 1

One of the major controversies regarding Rizal is about the Retraction Document. This document is one of the proofs regarding the friars' claim that Rizal retracted a few days before his execution. Retraction means that he is taking back what he said against the catholic church in the Philippines and the friars. If this were true, it would mean that Rizal went back to become a Catholic again after being a mason in Europe. Some say he did this in order to marry his Irish partner, Josephine Bracken, Another controversy with Rizal is whether or not he actually married Josephine Bracken after being a Catholic again. Scholars say that there were no written accounts of the marriage between Rizal and Josephine, but Josephine claims that Rizal actually married him a day before his execution. Another controversy that questions the authenticity of being a national hero of Rizal is whether Rizal was actually in favor of the revolution during that time. Was he a Revolutionist or a Reformist. Did he really wish to free the Philippines from the colonization of Spain, or did he just want to make Philippines a province of Spain?

Answer 2

Some of the controversies surrounding Jose Rizal include his alleged involvement in the Katipunan revolution against Spanish rule, his romantic relationships with various women, and his critical views on certain aspects of Philippine society, which were deemed controversial by some during his time.