CORRESPONDENCE between Dr. Jose P. Rizal and Marcelo H. del Pilar, prime movers of the Filipino struggle to secure freedom for the Philippines from Spain, reveal that the two agreed to establish an organization that would unite the libertarian efforts of their countrymen. This organization had two branches – La Liga Filipina and the Katipunan. The failure of one would mean the success of the other – this was the strategy of the two great Filipinos.
La Liga Filipina was to spread the Filipino’s libertarian efforts through legal means and would be composed of the ilustrado members of Philippine society. The Katipunan would be composed of the masses and would be the secret weapon of the Filipinos in the event that La Liga Filipina failed.
History showed that this brilliant strategy of Rizal and Plaridel worked. La Liga Filipina attracted the colonial authorities and diverted their attention from the Katipunan. Thus, when the revolution broke out in August 1896, the colonial authorities were shocked to discover the widespread existence of the Katipunan.
La Liga Filipina was Dr. Rizal’s stairway to martyrdom. The colonial authorities used it as their primary evidence in condemning Rizal to death. Although short-lived, this organization could have prepared the way for a more successful Philippine revolution.
The unity of the Philippines and its inhabitants; mutual help and defense against all forms of violence, promotion of education, agriculture, trade and commerce were the primary aims of La Liga Filipina. These aims struck at the very foundations of Spanish rule in the country.
Unifying the Filipinos contradicted colonial policy of "divide and conquer.’’ Educating the Filipinos would liberate them from ignorance and open their minds to liberal ideas detrimental to colonial dominance in the country. Promoting agriculture, trade, and commerce would lead to growth of wealth, thus providing the Filipinos the means to finance their aspirations. In short, La Liga Filipina was a potent weapon for the Filipino people.
La Liga Filipina continues to be relevant to us today. The healing of wounds consequent to the events following the recent national elections dictates that we have to work together and submerge our personal interests in favor of the interests and well-being of our country and people.
