The secret society of La Liga Filipina

AKIN to a modern day non-government organization is the La Liga Filipina (The Philippine League), which was established on July 3rd in 1892 by national hero Dr. Jose Rizal.

The civil organization had the aim to unify the whole archipelago. The educated, businessmen, and patriots would gather and seek support with the then Spanish government for those in need. 

And just like an NGO, the La Liga Filipina is open to dialogues for the improvement of social and economic conditions.

Now 132 years after its inauguration, here’s some facts on the history-ridden group:

The Spaniards saw it as a threat

Revolution and independence were not the key goals of La Liga Filipina but the Spanish authorities deemed it as a threat. And just four days after its inception, Rizal was arrested and exiled to Dapitan. However, members of the Liga continued to support the organization.

Other national heroes joined it too

The form of La Liga Filipinas has attracted a number of Filipinos, with some being national heroes. Andres Bonifacio joined the group and, following Rizal’s deportation, formed one of its two factions after the organization’s disbandment – the Katipunan. Alongside the “Utak ng Katipunan” was the “Utak ng Himagsikan,” Apolinario Mabini who served as the Liga’s secretary.

La Liga and La Solidaridad

As La Liga was formed in Manila it financially supported the Barcelona-based and Filipino-authored newspaper, La Solidaridad. The other faction upon the Liga’s dissolvement was the Cuerpo de Compromisarios, who continued to aid the paper. 

Contrary to the group’s goals, La Soli sought reform of the Spanish colonization in the Philippines. Before establishing the Liga, Rizal was an active contributor to the newspaper and once it caught attention, fled to the Philippines. 

Member rights and benefits

Alongside the Popular Council, Provincial Council, and Supreme Council (each with its chief, fiscal, treasurer, and secretary), are its members that are provided with rights and benefits. 

Primarily, all members have the right to the moral, material, and monetary aid from the Liga. Members can also request capital for an industry or for agriculture if funds are available in the treasury. Those suffering from loss will be aided and the poor are defended their rights against any powerful person.

Plaza Liga Filipina

Placed in the La Liga Filipinas’ birthplace of Ilaya Street in Tondo is the obelisk of Rizal’s bust. The Liga was founded in a house owned by Doroteo Ongjunco who eventually became a member himself. While the house now nonexistent, its site was turned into a small plaza named the Plaza Liga Filipina. 

An earlier monument was laid in 1903 by Liga member Timoteo Paez to secure the land. The original historic marker was said to be bulldozed during the destruction of the Battle of Manila.

With reports by Regine Dayao