Dear Mrs. Sommer,
Thank you for your email providing the background and clarification of the “First Filipino“ policy. In your position as secretary, I assume you wrote on behalf of the Bonn Chapter of the Ladies of Rizal.
I regret that we never met personally, but your points are respectfully taken. I agree with you entirely that there is, in fact, an urgent need to clarify actions we did not mean to happen, but they did.
Again, I respectfully take the points you raised in your open letter from the “Philippine” point of view. It is understandable that a former Philippine president would adapt a policy in order for its citizens to feel nationalistic pride, but is this policy necessary in a fraternity whose members are citizens of the world? I am sure your points will be open for discussion and debates. Anyway, we can only adopt opinions based on our own experience and we must all strive for objectivity, like Rizal did once, like many Rizalists now do and did on both halves of the globe. Through objectivity can we then be closer to the truths that are universal, valid for all times, and valid for all people.
Today I only speak for myself and my family. I had the chance to stay in the Philippines several times, and we tried to adapt by understanding the Philippine mentality. Since I entered Philippine soil I sincerely adjusted to and showed respect to local customs, rituals, ways of life and thinking. Like Rizal I studied the language of the country, which I visited as an interested guest. Knowing its language is a door to the soul of a country. However, what I received back from me and my family’s goodwill were insults and betrayal. This was justified in the name of “utang na loob, and pakikisama.” I was even accused of lacking in understanding and respect towards Filipino culture. I still have close Philippine and Philippine-American friends who know about my personal experience. Each of them can assure you that I do not tell stories. Because of this very personal experience, do you really think I still need to put any more effort to understand and to show respect towards Philippine culture than I had already done? I have reasons to demand that nobody should lecture me on that anymore -- not from anyone in the Philippines and especially not from anyone in my own country!
There is a limit to impertinence one must cross. Unfortunately, It is true, it is true that in all those past official and semi-official letters concerning matters of the Knights of Rizal courteousness to those addressed has somewhat lessened of late. Personally, I never insulted any Filipino by referring to “Filipino Muna”, and I expect you to refrain from claiming that I or others did. On the contrary, I had witnessed often how Filipinos use their very own sentiments as weapons to accuse non-Filipinos of being racist. Nothing is easier done. To accuse others of racism is to play with fire and that which leads to disaster. One question should be asked: How can anyone demand more respect and understanding if he himself does not at all understand or respect those from whom he demands understanding? Each nation wants to be understood and respected. And if I go abroad I am required to adapt to that environment without abusing the hospitality. As member of the German society and as a child of the big European family I simply expect the same from the millions of foreigners who come to us as guests, especially from those who stay with us forever. Three hundred fifty million Europeans have the legitimate right to say: “Those who come to us, and to our house must pay respect to our custom and law here without having to remind them to do so.” Nobody can expect trust if he does not give it in turn. Respect can only be earned, not ordered. And if both is broken, there are no more bonds, in which we can put hope.
Dear Mrs. Sommer, your email focused mostly on the "Filipino Muna" term. You find that it is misused. President Garcia's doctrine was intended to instill national pride, and to mobilize Filipinos to create a great nation. From the nation-building perspective, Garcia's doctrine is no different than what other countries had done andare doing. Unfortunately, this thinking could also lead to "ethnic cleansing" as what was happening in some parts of the world. If a Filipino could be confident of his/her identity like Rizal, then that Filipino would carry his pride of who he/she is without disrespecting or disregarding other peoples' identity. True greatness is not based on degrading others. In this way, "Filipino Muna" policy has no place in any international organization made up of individuals from different cultures. And their advocates have no future. My generation put its trust in the Filipino youth, “the fair hope of the fatherland”.
You refer to a very popular German idiom by saying: “Patience is also another key word. Good works/deeds need time”. If you read the lines above, you may sense that my patience is gone, and I have reasons for that. Does your meaning of “patience” imply that I should say “thank you” to each insult directed at me? You can be sure that I am well aware of the fact that the Philippines is still a developing country, though this status is changing. But do you really want me to believe that it takes months for Manila to respond to requests from Europe? Or that a simple email is too difficult to click and send? About which islands do we speak? It does not take much for me, or for anyone else to realize that no Manila Knights of Rizal decision-maker had any intentions to talk to me or to respond to me as a member. It is that simple. This is not a matter of technical infrastructures or communication network, but of what Manila regards as important and what member is to be taken seriously.
I tried to do my best to be objective and to be straight with the facts. But too much has been kept in the dark or has been tried to keep hidden from the members in Europe as well as in the Philippines, perhaps because what is being hidden is the undesirability of “cronyism.” As I go about my daily business, my daily duty, and my professional ethos, I am ruled by logic and I cannot find any reason for justifying such lack of transparency in decision-making, in professionalism and communication network as I observed in this Order that bears Rizal’s name. If you can give me any reason I can understand as to why I should accept these practices, not as a German, not as a European, but as a human being, I am eager to learn. This fraternity that was founded in honour of José Rizal has become insignificant in my eyes. If those who bear responsibility in its ranks will not stop propagating Philippine nationalism (no matter how it is defined), as opposed to Rizalian cosmopolitanism, the Order of the Knights of Rizal will disappear definitely, wherever it still may exist.
You asked why some of us Knights of Rizal did resign. Have you read carefully the resignation letters? Why did all these lifetime members, out-and-out admirable Knights of Rizal decided to resign? Do you really believe it is because “there are differences in race due to our different way of thinking, our upbringing, the way we tackle problems, our concept of time”? Do you think it is appropriate to call to make a stand, e.g. in case of the Hack-Ulmer family, who were the recipient of an official decoration of the Republic of the Philippines? Dou you truly believe such a
recipient “has given up on the people for whom Dr. José Rizal died for”? And do you believe the system will change? Those who resigned have worded their reasons well, though it is not necessary to explain such free decisions. Each of us also joined this fraternity with our own reasons. Although we are citizens of different nations, believers of different religions and supporters of different political and philosophical opinions, we accepted and embraced the Code of Ethics that unites us as Rizalists. Our acceptance of this Code of Ethics does not contradict with the principles, laws and circumstances that oblige us elsewhere. As Rizalists we remain part of an international community that holds a common responsibility in its endeavour for common aims, regardless of the professions we practise.
Rizal's strongest ideals encompassed democracy and equality: did the Order that bears his name, as an international organization, practise these ideals? If important position appointments were made, and were suspect, and the process of appointments did not include consultation with other members (and was against the Constitution), then this Order is not a democratic institution. Appeals were made to the Manila headquarters, but were ignored. If members joined because of their expectation of a democratic institution, then those expectations were not met and therefore wrong, then that by itself is grounds for resignation. However, if after this discovery, the knights tolerate this action, then assume that it could happen again and again, which leads to the second argument: equality.
When members joined the organization, there was an unspoken assumption that at the minimum, each one would be treated equally and with respect. Again, the position "Filipino Muna, Filipino Lang" does not fit the ideals of Rizal and cannot be a policy used by an organization in honour of him. You are so right in pointing out that this term was misused, but not by Europeans. It was misused to popularise a sophisticated concept that is close to fascism and racism. Are you aware of experiences such concepts caused in European history? Rizal himself called for Filipino unification, but he did not say uphold your culture, nation and race above others. Quite the opposite: Rizal learned the cultures and languages of the people he interacted with first before interacting with them. Doing so proved that Rizal understood human nature, that by studying their language and culture, he not only complimented them but also showed respect towards cultural differences.
Those who adopt all these so pathetic titles within the Order of the Knights of Rizal should have practised this and learned from the man, whose authority they claim for. KOR representatives themselves have set examples how this concept was transgressed and failed to be exercised.
While our hopes were burning, we tolerated the insults. Nobody among us needs to be lectured about our promised responsibility. We had taken this responsibility seriously, while we observe those who gave it just lip service. We internalized what the virtues truly mean on which the Order of the Knights of Rizal has been founded upon. In becoming members, we were fully aware of the mandate given to us by a sovereign decision of the Philippine Congress in 1951.
This corporation that was chartered under Republic Act 646 of the Philippines does need Rizal, but Rizal does not need this corporation that bears his name. It has failed, because it turned away from pursuing its objectives of promoting the ideals of Rizal and gave way to party politics. Because of this, its titles, ranks and decorations, which are purely fraternal, have become absurd. Since they do not rank with any sovereign accolade in any nation of the world, their merit has lost meaning in this current situation. Deprived of their genuine sense, misused for an entirely different purpose, they are now to used mainly to satisfy individual’s vanity; to award imagined merits; and to compensate gaps of ability and achievements. Undoubtedly, the Order of the Knights of Rizal operates outside its own laws and good customs. Acting against its own Charter, the latter’s reputation, as juridical personality, is at stake as never before.
You know of course that the Kababaihang Rizalista Inc. (Ladies for Rizal) is regarded as an affiliate organization of the Knights of Rizal according to the latter’s By-Laws. Therefore you are involved, directly or indirectly, in matters that affect the Order, and I guess that is why you have written your position out of your concerns. However, be assured that there are many ways to learn from and to teach Rizal’s life and legacy without being a member of the public institution in the Philippines that was named after him. Yes, you can be Rizalist without serving in the ranks of the Knights of Rizal. The more Rizalists all over the world will collaborate on making Rizal public beyond his status as Philippine national hero, the more he will be noticed as he should be: a great historical personality like Gandhi or Martin Luther King. I am sure this can be achieved in the end, if we who work for that also take in mind what I stated on the occasion of the commemoration of Rizal Day 2006, and let me quote myself:
“…Dare to cross boundaries in your minds and hearts! In your strength and courage! In the space inside and around you! Dare to be different! Dare what you never dared before! The highest thing that obliges you is your conscience. Act whatever good forces dictate! Then you are closer to Rizal’s ideals than any policy or philosophy could ever be. What he can teach you, you will not understand without Kant’s lessons…”
Sincerely,
Christoph S. Eberle
Thank you for your email providing the background and clarification of the “First Filipino“ policy. In your position as secretary, I assume you wrote on behalf of the Bonn Chapter of the Ladies of Rizal.
I regret that we never met personally, but your points are respectfully taken. I agree with you entirely that there is, in fact, an urgent need to clarify actions we did not mean to happen, but they did.
Again, I respectfully take the points you raised in your open letter from the “Philippine” point of view. It is understandable that a former Philippine president would adapt a policy in order for its citizens to feel nationalistic pride, but is this policy necessary in a fraternity whose members are citizens of the world? I am sure your points will be open for discussion and debates. Anyway, we can only adopt opinions based on our own experience and we must all strive for objectivity, like Rizal did once, like many Rizalists now do and did on both halves of the globe. Through objectivity can we then be closer to the truths that are universal, valid for all times, and valid for all people.
Today I only speak for myself and my family. I had the chance to stay in the Philippines several times, and we tried to adapt by understanding the Philippine mentality. Since I entered Philippine soil I sincerely adjusted to and showed respect to local customs, rituals, ways of life and thinking. Like Rizal I studied the language of the country, which I visited as an interested guest. Knowing its language is a door to the soul of a country. However, what I received back from me and my family’s goodwill were insults and betrayal. This was justified in the name of “utang na loob, and pakikisama.” I was even accused of lacking in understanding and respect towards Filipino culture. I still have close Philippine and Philippine-American friends who know about my personal experience. Each of them can assure you that I do not tell stories. Because of this very personal experience, do you really think I still need to put any more effort to understand and to show respect towards Philippine culture than I had already done? I have reasons to demand that nobody should lecture me on that anymore -- not from anyone in the Philippines and especially not from anyone in my own country!
There is a limit to impertinence one must cross. Unfortunately, It is true, it is true that in all those past official and semi-official letters concerning matters of the Knights of Rizal courteousness to those addressed has somewhat lessened of late. Personally, I never insulted any Filipino by referring to “Filipino Muna”, and I expect you to refrain from claiming that I or others did. On the contrary, I had witnessed often how Filipinos use their very own sentiments as weapons to accuse non-Filipinos of being racist. Nothing is easier done. To accuse others of racism is to play with fire and that which leads to disaster. One question should be asked: How can anyone demand more respect and understanding if he himself does not at all understand or respect those from whom he demands understanding? Each nation wants to be understood and respected. And if I go abroad I am required to adapt to that environment without abusing the hospitality. As member of the German society and as a child of the big European family I simply expect the same from the millions of foreigners who come to us as guests, especially from those who stay with us forever. Three hundred fifty million Europeans have the legitimate right to say: “Those who come to us, and to our house must pay respect to our custom and law here without having to remind them to do so.” Nobody can expect trust if he does not give it in turn. Respect can only be earned, not ordered. And if both is broken, there are no more bonds, in which we can put hope.
Dear Mrs. Sommer, your email focused mostly on the "Filipino Muna" term. You find that it is misused. President Garcia's doctrine was intended to instill national pride, and to mobilize Filipinos to create a great nation. From the nation-building perspective, Garcia's doctrine is no different than what other countries had done andare doing. Unfortunately, this thinking could also lead to "ethnic cleansing" as what was happening in some parts of the world. If a Filipino could be confident of his/her identity like Rizal, then that Filipino would carry his pride of who he/she is without disrespecting or disregarding other peoples' identity. True greatness is not based on degrading others. In this way, "Filipino Muna" policy has no place in any international organization made up of individuals from different cultures. And their advocates have no future. My generation put its trust in the Filipino youth, “the fair hope of the fatherland”.
You refer to a very popular German idiom by saying: “Patience is also another key word. Good works/deeds need time”. If you read the lines above, you may sense that my patience is gone, and I have reasons for that. Does your meaning of “patience” imply that I should say “thank you” to each insult directed at me? You can be sure that I am well aware of the fact that the Philippines is still a developing country, though this status is changing. But do you really want me to believe that it takes months for Manila to respond to requests from Europe? Or that a simple email is too difficult to click and send? About which islands do we speak? It does not take much for me, or for anyone else to realize that no Manila Knights of Rizal decision-maker had any intentions to talk to me or to respond to me as a member. It is that simple. This is not a matter of technical infrastructures or communication network, but of what Manila regards as important and what member is to be taken seriously.
I tried to do my best to be objective and to be straight with the facts. But too much has been kept in the dark or has been tried to keep hidden from the members in Europe as well as in the Philippines, perhaps because what is being hidden is the undesirability of “cronyism.” As I go about my daily business, my daily duty, and my professional ethos, I am ruled by logic and I cannot find any reason for justifying such lack of transparency in decision-making, in professionalism and communication network as I observed in this Order that bears Rizal’s name. If you can give me any reason I can understand as to why I should accept these practices, not as a German, not as a European, but as a human being, I am eager to learn. This fraternity that was founded in honour of José Rizal has become insignificant in my eyes. If those who bear responsibility in its ranks will not stop propagating Philippine nationalism (no matter how it is defined), as opposed to Rizalian cosmopolitanism, the Order of the Knights of Rizal will disappear definitely, wherever it still may exist.
You asked why some of us Knights of Rizal did resign. Have you read carefully the resignation letters? Why did all these lifetime members, out-and-out admirable Knights of Rizal decided to resign? Do you really believe it is because “there are differences in race due to our different way of thinking, our upbringing, the way we tackle problems, our concept of time”? Do you think it is appropriate to call to make a stand, e.g. in case of the Hack-Ulmer family, who were the recipient of an official decoration of the Republic of the Philippines? Dou you truly believe such a
recipient “has given up on the people for whom Dr. José Rizal died for”? And do you believe the system will change? Those who resigned have worded their reasons well, though it is not necessary to explain such free decisions. Each of us also joined this fraternity with our own reasons. Although we are citizens of different nations, believers of different religions and supporters of different political and philosophical opinions, we accepted and embraced the Code of Ethics that unites us as Rizalists. Our acceptance of this Code of Ethics does not contradict with the principles, laws and circumstances that oblige us elsewhere. As Rizalists we remain part of an international community that holds a common responsibility in its endeavour for common aims, regardless of the professions we practise.
Rizal's strongest ideals encompassed democracy and equality: did the Order that bears his name, as an international organization, practise these ideals? If important position appointments were made, and were suspect, and the process of appointments did not include consultation with other members (and was against the Constitution), then this Order is not a democratic institution. Appeals were made to the Manila headquarters, but were ignored. If members joined because of their expectation of a democratic institution, then those expectations were not met and therefore wrong, then that by itself is grounds for resignation. However, if after this discovery, the knights tolerate this action, then assume that it could happen again and again, which leads to the second argument: equality.
When members joined the organization, there was an unspoken assumption that at the minimum, each one would be treated equally and with respect. Again, the position "Filipino Muna, Filipino Lang" does not fit the ideals of Rizal and cannot be a policy used by an organization in honour of him. You are so right in pointing out that this term was misused, but not by Europeans. It was misused to popularise a sophisticated concept that is close to fascism and racism. Are you aware of experiences such concepts caused in European history? Rizal himself called for Filipino unification, but he did not say uphold your culture, nation and race above others. Quite the opposite: Rizal learned the cultures and languages of the people he interacted with first before interacting with them. Doing so proved that Rizal understood human nature, that by studying their language and culture, he not only complimented them but also showed respect towards cultural differences.
Those who adopt all these so pathetic titles within the Order of the Knights of Rizal should have practised this and learned from the man, whose authority they claim for. KOR representatives themselves have set examples how this concept was transgressed and failed to be exercised.
While our hopes were burning, we tolerated the insults. Nobody among us needs to be lectured about our promised responsibility. We had taken this responsibility seriously, while we observe those who gave it just lip service. We internalized what the virtues truly mean on which the Order of the Knights of Rizal has been founded upon. In becoming members, we were fully aware of the mandate given to us by a sovereign decision of the Philippine Congress in 1951.
This corporation that was chartered under Republic Act 646 of the Philippines does need Rizal, but Rizal does not need this corporation that bears his name. It has failed, because it turned away from pursuing its objectives of promoting the ideals of Rizal and gave way to party politics. Because of this, its titles, ranks and decorations, which are purely fraternal, have become absurd. Since they do not rank with any sovereign accolade in any nation of the world, their merit has lost meaning in this current situation. Deprived of their genuine sense, misused for an entirely different purpose, they are now to used mainly to satisfy individual’s vanity; to award imagined merits; and to compensate gaps of ability and achievements. Undoubtedly, the Order of the Knights of Rizal operates outside its own laws and good customs. Acting against its own Charter, the latter’s reputation, as juridical personality, is at stake as never before.
You know of course that the Kababaihang Rizalista Inc. (Ladies for Rizal) is regarded as an affiliate organization of the Knights of Rizal according to the latter’s By-Laws. Therefore you are involved, directly or indirectly, in matters that affect the Order, and I guess that is why you have written your position out of your concerns. However, be assured that there are many ways to learn from and to teach Rizal’s life and legacy without being a member of the public institution in the Philippines that was named after him. Yes, you can be Rizalist without serving in the ranks of the Knights of Rizal. The more Rizalists all over the world will collaborate on making Rizal public beyond his status as Philippine national hero, the more he will be noticed as he should be: a great historical personality like Gandhi or Martin Luther King. I am sure this can be achieved in the end, if we who work for that also take in mind what I stated on the occasion of the commemoration of Rizal Day 2006, and let me quote myself:
“…Dare to cross boundaries in your minds and hearts! In your strength and courage! In the space inside and around you! Dare to be different! Dare what you never dared before! The highest thing that obliges you is your conscience. Act whatever good forces dictate! Then you are closer to Rizal’s ideals than any policy or philosophy could ever be. What he can teach you, you will not understand without Kant’s lessons…”
Sincerely,
Christoph S. Eberle
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