OPINION | The Betrayal of Bonifacio: A Lesson Not Over
By Hanz Entatano | UP Vista Opinion
Layout by Cyril Mahinay
Every November 30th, we honor the life and legacy of Andrés Bonifacio, the 'Father of the Philippine Revolution,' yet his vision of a free, just, and sovereign Philippines remains unmet. Over a century after his tragic execution, the same forces of betrayal and injustice that haunted Bonifacio continue to torment our nation. His legacy challenges us to ask: Have we truly achieved the independence for which Bonifacio and countless heroes gave their lives, or do we still live under the shadow of suppressed voices and unfulfilled promises? As Ninoy Aquino once posed, 'The Filipino is worth dying for,' but are we truly free when injustice prevails and leadership stifles the will of the people?"
Bonifacio’s legacy is one of revolutionary courage.
Andrés Bonifacio y de Castro, born in 1863 in Tondo, Manila, was an orphan raised during Spanish colonial rule. Despite lacking formal education and working as a warehouse clerk, he drew inspiration for envisioning liberty from reading books on revolution from authors like José Rizal, Victor Hugo, Alexandre Dumas, and the French Revolution. This fueled his mission to fight against oppressors and lead the battle for a sovereign, independent Philippines during the “Himagsikan ng Espanya sa Pilipinas.”
In 1892, Bonifacio established Kataas-taasan, Kagalang-galangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan (KKK), popularly known as Katipunan, as a revolutionary group missioned for the Philippines' independence from Spanish colonial control. Despite economic status, his leadership motivated Filipinos from all walks of life to fight for the same goal—independence.
However, Bonifacio's life was marred by betrayal. Political rivalry caused Emilio Aguinaldo's group to oust Bonifacio as the revolution's leader at the Tejeros Convention in 1897. Aguinaldo's camp accused Bonifacio of sedition and treason in spite of his protests. Tragic act of internal betrayal, Bonifacio and his brother Procopio were arrested, falsely tried, and executed in Maragondon, Cavite. One of the most tragic events in our history is his death at the hands of fellow Filipinos, showing how damaging internal betrayal can be just as much as external betrayal.
Today's political conflicts hinder national progress.
Early this week, Vice President Sara Duterte and President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. got into violent, death-threatening arguments over confidential funds that left many Filipinos in disappointment. The rivalry between Duterte and Marcos grew more intense following an investigation into the ₱125 million in confidential funds that Duterte's office received in 2022, which raised concerns about the necessity and transparency of these allocations. Both leaders were implicated in this investigation, which caused a rift that resulted in accusations and finger-pointing between them. Sara Duterte called Marcos' decision to reallocate ₱650 million to organizations like the Armed Forces and Coast Guard in response to national security concerns "political hypocrisy." Her criticism worsened the rift and turned it into a public dispute that included blame-shifting and rival posturing, creating VP's perception that Marcos' reluctance to defend her was driven more by political dispute than by genuine support.
This dirty political display of disputes exposes the usual and worsening government flaws that Bonifacio attempted to solve. Much like Bonifacio's experience with Emilio Aguinaldo, in which political rivalry overtook the revolution's goal—this division for power blocked the community's vision for true independence and progress. Today's political rivalries perpetuate the same cycle of self-serving governance. Instead of addressing national problems, this rift shifts priorities, bolstering the long-standing tendency of political dynasties to put their own power over public welfare.
Bonifacio pictured a society free of colonial and domestic oppression, but today's "revolutions" appear suppressed by self-serving leaders such as Sara and BBM. And this is still evident in their feud, where leaders manipulate political surfaces and alliances for personal gain rather than national development. The CIF controversy only exacerbated the lack of accountability and transparency in governance that Bonifacio's revolutionary ideals aimed to eradicate.
This "udlot" only mirrors Bonifacio's struggles against internal betrayal on issues of corruption, lack of accountability, and abuse of power making it clear that independence is not only freedom from foreign rule but also freedom from the corrupt and abusive systems in our country.
Modern activism reflects Bonifacio’s dreadful fight.
On the other hand, the bloody and saddening condition of modern activists today parallels Bonifacio's revolutionary ideals and dreadful downfall. Tacloban 5 activists such as Frenchie Mae Cumpio, Marielle “Maye” Domequil, and Chakoy Abinguina cases are examples of individuals fighting for justice and democratic rights but face severe repression. Despite nationwide protests, Cumpio, Domequil, and Abinguina remain in jail after being accused with false charges. It proves how societal power structures still employ the unjust detention and coercion of numerous speaking individuals to suppress dissent. This tactic is reminiscent of Bonifacio's experience with betrayal and the suppression of revolutionary voices by purported allies.
Today, many more unnamed Filipino journalists, activists, labor unions, legal, and religious advocates — resisting systematic oppression and erosion of democratic rights — are subjected to harassment, surveillance, and threats. These people who advocate for the benefit of the community at the expense of fighting over a dire junk government system continue to be silenced and even completely lost in the silence of darkness.
Like Bonifacio, modern activists who oppose systemic injustices, support labor rights, seize land, and expose government corruption are silenced by powerful individuals who place their own interests ahead of the general welfare. This suppression of dissent echoes Bonifacio’s struggle against colonial forces and betrayal by fellow Filipinos, proving that the revolution is far from over. Just as Bonifacio’s leadership was damaged by Aguinaldo’s faction, modern leaders who should champion national progress instead suppress voices that challenge their authority.
What Does True Independence Really Mean?
On this day, we honor Bonifacio. If we truly honor him and his promise of the country's independence and progress, compel to ask: “Ano nga ba ang tunay na kahulugan ng kalayaan? Sapat na nga ba ang simpleng pag-alis ng mga dayuhang mananakop upang masabing tayo ay malaya na? O ang tunay na kalayaan nga ba ay nangangahulugang na ang isang bansa ay malaya mula sa korapsyon, diskriminasyon, at ang pagkakaroon ng pagkakapantay-pantay na karapatan at walang sinumang inaapi?
As long as political conflicts and social inequalities continue to exist, Bonifacio's legacy sets as a nudge that independence is not just a privilege; it is a right that must be earned through a pure heart and soul, one that is ready to fight for justice and selflessly serve the Filipino people.
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