“Freedom is the right to do only good, not evil” is one of the famous sayings of Apolinario Mabini. Among our Founding Fathers, Mabini would likely be analogous to such international luminaries as Thomas Jefferson. They were men upon whom the intellectual and political framework of a new nation was to be built. In the case of Jefferson, it came to fruition. In the case of Mabini, it almost occurred. Today though, they remain worthy of consideration.
Freedom as an outlet to do good is self-explanatory; especially for those who choose to be in a leadership position. Those who fancy themselves as the leaders of a country need to hold their personal actions to a high moral and ethical standard. Any decision they make that places personal satisfaction above national good is felt on a broad level. The repercussions of their choices have widespread consequences. Selfishness and shortsightedness among leadership has a remarkable ability to undermine government institutions, social order, peace and order and so forth. There is a concept called social contract. Decisions must be made within the context of social good. Those who looked to establish a Philippine Republic understood this.
Part of the vision that Jose Rizal had of a new Philippine Republic was: “Very probably the Philippines will defend with indescribably ardor the liberty she has bought at the cost of so much blood and sacrifice. With the new men that will spring from her bosom and the remembrance of the past, she will perhaps enter openly the wide road of progress and all will work jointly to strengthen the mother country at home as well as abroad…” Knowing how Rizal and his compatriots fought in Spain for the idea of the Philippines, his inclusion of Filipinos across the globe is well-understood. With regards to the 10% of our population now abiding internationally, it is prescient. Rizal believed that Filipinos at home and abroad had to work together to make that most glorious of ideas, the Philippines, a reality.
The Katipunan had ten commandments (duties of the nation’s children). One says: “Aspire for each one’s happiness, become an example to one’s fellowman of good obedience and performance of one’s duties.” Emilio Jacinto’s Kartilya says: “Real work is hard work and love for fellowmen, and measuring each action, labor and speech by true reason.” Apolinario Mabini’s Decalogue includes this: “Secure the happiness of thy country before thy own, making of her the kingdom of reason, of justice and of work; for if she is happy, happy shall thou and thy family be.”
Nation-building has many components. It starts with education, improving the economic situation of all, peace and order, the rule of law and developing the human capital of a nation. The Philippines multiple times (re)built the nation: the 19th century, post-World War II and after Martial Law. In many ways, we are still trying to rebuild after Martial Law. Our great heroes, Rizal, Aguinaldo, Mabini, Jacinto and Bonifacio (among others) understood that nation-building derives from the people. They believed though that leaders must be the examples for all. The high standard they held themselves to, and others who would be leaders, is apparent.
Our heroes and their fight are still alive today; their words still appropriate. Much like in other countries, our Founding Fathers need to be seen as they are: Touchstones for the moral, ethical and philosophical rebuilding of the Philippines.
Why do we keep bringing up nation-building, morals, ethics, culture and history and the Founding Fathers? Consider this, since the arrival of Legazpi and Urdaneta in 1565, each century has begun with us a part of an Empire: until the dawn of the 21st century. For the first time in a new century, we are our own nation. And this then is a country that is supposed to be of Filipinos, by Filipinos and for Filipinos.