Liwanag at Dilim: Journal Article by Johaina K. Crisostomo

Johaina K. Crisostomo Philippine history / Political thought Journal article

Summary

Johaina K. Crisostomo’s article explores Emilio Jacinto’s Liwanag at Dilim (Light and Darkness) by tracing its political ideas on freedom and legitimate authority to the Spanish Counter-Reformation Scholastic tradition, especially the works of theologians like Francisco de Vitoria and Francisco Suárez. The study argues that Jacinto’s vernacular political theology is rooted in Catholic Scholasticism rather than French Enlightenment or folk millenarianism, situating the Filipino revolutionary thought within a broader Hispanic intellectual context. This analysis offers a new perspective on the intellectual foundations of the Philippine Revolution, highlighting its connection to Spanish Catholic political philosophy of the 16th century.

Contexts & frameworks

The analysis of Emilio Jacinto’s "Liwanag at Dilim" (Light and Darkness) cannot be separated from the significant events and cultural shifts of its time. Understanding the historical backdrop and literary influences helps to appreciate the depth of Jacinto's work and its role in the Philippine Revolution.

Historical Background

The Philippine Revolution of 1896 to 1898 was a pivotal event in the country's fight for independence from Spain. It began with the discovery of the secret society Katipunan by the Spanish, leading to a widespread uprising. Key figures like José Rizal, though not directly involved in Katipunan, influenced the era with his writings and advocacy for reform.

Cultural Significance

The Philippine Revolution was a testament to the Filipinos' desire for self-governance and freedom from colonial rule. It was marked by literature that reflected the nation's aspirations for unity and independence. Writers like Rizal played a crucial role in shaping public opinion against Spanish rule, even if his methods were more about reform than revolution. The era spawned literary works that both reflected and shaped the national identity.

Literary Influences

The period around 1896 was crucial for the development of Philippine literature, as it was deeply influenced by the political climate. Emilio Jacinto's "Liwanag at Dilim" (Light and Darkness) reflects themes of light symbolizing hope and enlightenment, which were common during struggles for independence. Such works often symbolized the battle between light and darkness, freedom and oppression, reflecting the broader social and political context of the time.

Themes and questions

In Liwanag at Dilim, Emilio Jacinto explores deep themes that resonate with the struggles for freedom and justice in the Philippines. His work reflects not only a fight against colonial oppression but also a rich engagement with Scholastic thought, creating a dialogue between historical context and contemporary ideals.

Key themes

Freedom (kalayaan) as a central political and moral concept rooted in Scholastic thought.
Legitimate political authority derived from natural law and moral principles.
Filipino revolutionary ideals framed within Hispanic Scholastic tradition, not just European liberalism.
The tension between enlightenment (light) and oppression (darkness) symbolizing knowledge versus ignorance.
Emphasis on civic virtue, social justice, and legitimate sovereignty.

Symbols & ambiguities

Jacinto’s Liwanag at Dilim uses light and darkness as enduring symbols representing knowledge, freedom, and moral clarity contrasted with ignorance, slavery, and oppression. This imagery not only illustrates the Filipino struggle under colonial rule but also reflects the complex decision-making in political authority—where true sovereignty is grounded in righteous law explored through Scholastic theology. Interpretive challenges arise in reconciling Jacinto’s vernacular revolutionary voice with the sophisticated, often abstract, theological-political concepts inherited from Spanish Counter-Reformation thinkers.

Study questions

What does Jacinto mean by kalayaan or freedom in Liwanag at Dilim?
How does Scholastic theology influence Jacinto’s ideas about political authority?
In what ways does the symbolism of light and darkness deepen the essay’s message about colonial oppression?
How does Jacinto’s work diverge from Protestant or European Enlightenment revolutionary thoughts?
What role do justice and civic virtue play in Jacinto’s vision of nation-building?
How can Liwanag at Dilim be read as part of a larger Hispanic intellectual tradition?
What are the implications of Jacinto’s use of vernacular language in conveying complex political theology?
How might Jacinto’s ideals confront contemporary understandings of sovereignty and liberty?

Interpretation, close reading & resources

In Liwanag at Dilim, Emilio Jacinto offers rich themes that invite various interpretations. Understanding these critical perspectives helps to uncover the depth of Jacinto's work and its implications for Filipino identity and governance.

Critical approaches & debates

Scholars of Emilio Jacinto’s Liwanag at Dilim often engage with postcolonial, political-philosophical, and formalist readings. Postcolonial approaches highlight its critique of Spanish colonial power and its articulation of Filipino freedom (kalayaan) and equality. Political-philosophical debates focus on Jacinto’s conception of legitimate authority, tracing Scholastic influences and Renaissance scholasticism in his political theology, contrasting with nationalist or revolutionary romanticism. Formalist critics examine Jacinto’s rhetorical strategies and metaphorical use of light and darkness to represent knowledge versus ignorance. Some disagreement arises over interpreting Jacinto’s vision as idealistic versus pragmatic, especially regarding governance and social order.

Key passages

In Liwanag at Dilim, Jacinto uses the metaphor of light to symbolize truth and freedom opposing the darkness of oppression and ignorance. A key passage delineates political authority as legitimate only if it leads to the "kalayaan" of the people, rejecting tyranny masked as divine right. This argument turn emphasizes equal dignity for the citizenry and distrust of corrupt leadership, framing Jacinto’s democratic, anti-feudal ideals.

Bibliography

Jacinto, Emilio. Liwanag at Dilim, annotated edition, Philippine Revolutionary Texts Series, 2020.
Crisostomo, Johaina K. "The Scholastic Foundations of Emilio Jacinto’s Liwanag at Dilim (Light and Darkness)," Philippine Studies, 2020.
Agpalo, Remigio, The Political Philosophy of Emilio Jacinto, 2018 PDF.
Foundational for understanding Jacinto’s political ideas with contemporary scholarly analysis.